"I am beyond excited and truly honored to be joining the Buccaneer family at Branford High School. As someone who is deeply family-oriented and loves being involved in the community, this opportunity feels like the perfect fit. What drew me to Branford High School is its commitment to education, the importance it places on family, and the way it values the voices of its students, staff, parents, and community stakeholders. Those are values that truly resonate with me, and I'm grateful to become part of a school that prioritizes people as much as achievement. I can't wait to meet everyone, build relationships, support our students and staff, and cheer on the Buccaneers. Here's to an amazing school year—Fire those cannons!"
During high school, Coach McCallister participated in both football and baseball. If he had chosen a different career path, he says he would have loved to be a fishing and hunting guide in Alaska. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family, coaching his sons' sports teams, fishing, hunting, and exploring Florida's rivers. Coach McCallister's family also includes three dogs and "a whole bunch of cats!"
We are thankful to have Coach Mac as part of the Buccaneer family. His dedication to our students, passion for athletics, and commitment to building relationships make him a valued member of the BHS community.
During her time as a student at BHS, Mrs. Byrd was active in cheerleading, BETA Club, and Student Council, and was honored to be named Miss BHS in 1997. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have pursued sports management. Outside of school, she enjoys cheering on the Florida Gators year-round, and any long weekend spent hiking in the mountains of North Carolina or Tennessee is time well spent.
Mrs. Byrd has been married to her husband for 21 years, and together they have one son. Family is at the heart of everything she does.
We are thankful to have Mrs. Byrd as part of the Buccaneer family. Her dedication to her students, her love for Branford High School, and her commitment to continuing her family's legacy at BHS make her an invaluable part of our school community.
During her time as a student at BHS, Mrs. Cannon was involved in Dance Team and Future Educators of America. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have become a nurse. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time at the beach, making memories with her family, and volunteering with Vacation Bible School, which she says is the best part of summer break!
Mrs. Cannon has been married to her husband, Billy, for 17 years. Together they have four children—Hannah, Bri, Aiden, and Ella—and she is also "Gigi" to sweet baby Taytum. Their family also includes Scarlett, an eight-year-old orange cat. Branford High School holds a special place in the Cannon family's heart. Mrs. Cannon, her husband Billy, and their two oldest daughters, Hannah and Bri, are all proud BHS graduates, making it especially meaningful for her to teach at the school that has been such an important part of her family's story.
We are thankful to have Mrs. Cannon as part of the Buccaneer family. Her love for BHS shines through in everything she does, and we are grateful for the positive impact she makes on our students each day.
As a student, Mrs. Braun was actively involved in volleyball, basketball, tennis, track, softball, and FCA. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have become a physical therapist. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking and camping, taking every opportunity she can to enjoy the outdoors and explore new places.
Mrs. Braun and her husband, Mike, are proud parents of three grown sons who, as she likes to point out, make her look tiny! Family is an important part of her life, and she enjoys spending time with them whenever possible.
We are thankful to have Mrs. Braun as part of the Buccaneer family. Her dedication to students, positive attitude, and commitment to education make her a valued member of the BHS community.
As a student, Mrs. Harrelson was involved in nearly every aspect of school life, including National Honor Society, Beta Club, FFA, basketball, track, cross country, yearbook, student council, and even served as Homecoming Princess and Homecoming Queen. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have pursued construction management. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially anywhere that involves water and being on a boat.
Mrs. Harrelson and her husband, Dylan, have been married since 2017 and are the proud parents of three daughters: Braylin, Addy, and Briar. Their family also includes Bree Rapunzel, a tri-color pit bull who will celebrate her 10th birthday this year.
We are thankful to have Mrs. Harrelson as part of the Buccaneer family and for the positive impact she continues to make on our students and athletes.
Mrs. Kelly Bradow has been a valued member of the Branford High School family for eight years, serving as a lunch monitor and helping create a positive environment for our students each day. A graduate of Columbia High School, Mrs. Bradow's favorite subject in school was science. During her high school years, she was involved as a majorette, creating memories and experiences that helped shape who she is today.
If she had chosen a different career path, Mrs. Bradow says she would have enjoyed working as a daycare teacher. Outside of school, she loves spending her time watching her daughters compete in sports and supporting them in all they do. Family is at the center of her life, and she treasures the time spent together making memories. Mrs. Bradow describes her family as close-knit, hardworking, and supportive. Whether they are cheering one another on at sporting events, spending a day on the water, or working around the farm, they enjoy every opportunity to be together.
We are thankful to have Mrs. Bradow as part of the Buccaneer family. Her dedication to our students and her positive presence on campus help make BHS the special place that it is.
Mrs. Brianna Mays-Zimmermann teaches Environmental Science and Chemistry at Branford High School and is entering her second year in education. A graduate of Suwannee High School, she earned her Associate of Arts degree from North Florida College while still in high school, followed by a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Science from the University of North Florida and a Master of Science degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida. Her passion for science, especially chemistry, has guided her educational journey and continues to inspire her work in the classroom.
While in high school, Mrs. Mays-Zimmermann was involved in just about everything she could be! She participated in Rotary Club, Beta Club (serving as president), Key Club (vice president), Environmental Club, Student Government (secretary), and HOSA. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have loved to become a professor at the University of Florida. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her baby boy.
Family is incredibly important to Mrs. Mays-Zimmermann. Most of her family lives in the Live Oak area, with relatives also located in Alabama and Cincinnati, Ohio. Her husband is a Florida State Trooper, and together they enjoy family dinners, pool parties, and adventures with loved ones. Their most recent family outing was a trip to SeaWorld, and these days much of the family's attention is focused on spoiling their newest addition, their son, Dannitte, who was named in honor of Mrs. Mays-Zimmermann's late father.
The Mays-Zimmermann family are also devoted animal lovers. Their household includes Charlie, a 24-year-old water turtle who is the same age as Mrs. Mays-Zimmermann; Kal-Ella, a 13-year-old Shih Tzu named after Superman's Kryptonian family name; and Thackery Binx, a 6-year-old cat. Each pet has been a cherished part of the family for years and helps keep life interesting.
We are thankful to have Mrs. Mays-Zimmermann as part of the Buccaneer family and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make on our students and school community.
Mrs. Julie Dees has been a valued member of the Branford High School family for 21 years and will begin her 29th year in education this fall. As our Culinary Arts Teacher, she shares her passion for cooking while helping students develop valuable life and career skills. Mrs. Dees is a graduate of Suwannee High School and continued her education through Santa Fe Community College, the University of Florida, Johnson & Wales University, and ProStart Culinary Teacher Institutes. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science Education. While in school, science was always her favorite subject.
During high school, Mrs. Dees was involved in both National Honor Society and FFA. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have become a Surgical Tech. Outside of school, she enjoys cooking and collecting cookbooks, hobbies that perfectly complement her work in the culinary classroom. Mrs. Dees has been married to her husband, Mark, for 34 years. Together they have two children, Courtney and Cody, and two grandchildren, Eli and Maddie, who bring great joy to their family.
We are thankful to have Mrs. Dees as part of the Buccaneer family. Her dedication to her students, passion for culinary education, and years of service have made a lasting impact on countless BHS students
Mrs. Kelly Hunter serves as High School Guidance Counselor and is entering her second year at BHS. With 14 years of experience in education, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for helping students achieve their goals. Mrs. Hunter is a graduate of Columbia High School and earned her Associate of Arts degree from Florida Gateway College, a Bachelor of Science in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida, and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Valdosta State University. Her favorite subject in school was Social Studies.
During high school, Mrs. Hunter was involved in soccer, National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Dual Enrollment. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have become a Speech Language Pathologist. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on the Florida Gators, exercising, and relaxing at the beach.
Mrs. Hunter and her husband, Josh, are the proud parents of two young boys. Their oldest son is two and a half years old, and their youngest son was born at the end of May on a very special day—BHS graduation day! Their family also includes two dogs, Dan, a hound mix, and Millie, a Boykin/Brittany mix.
We are thankful to have Mrs. Hunter as part of the Buccaneer family. Her dedication to supporting students, encouraging their success, and helping them plan for their futures makes a lasting impact on our school community.
Mrs. Mendy Sikes is entering her 15th year at Branford High School and her 20th year in education. As BHS's Dean of Discipline, she is dedicated to helping students grow, learn, and succeed both inside and outside the classroom. A proud Branford High School graduate, Mrs. Sikes earned her bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Florida State University. During her time as a student, her favorite classes were both Mr. Murfee's English class and PE.
While attending BHS, Mrs. Sikes stayed busy participating in volleyball, basketball, softball, track, cheerleading, dance team, and FCA. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have enjoyed working in entertainment and event planning. Outside of school, her favorite thing to do is spend time with her family.
Mrs. Sikes has been married to her husband, Slade, for 25 years, and together they have four children: Lachelle (24), Jessie (22), Thomas (18), and Lalyn (14).
We are thankful to have Mrs. Sikes as part of the Buccaneer family. Her dedication to our students, commitment to building relationships, and genuine care for the Branford community make her an invaluable part of BHS.
Ms. Jennifer Winnett is entering her third year at Branford High School teaching 7th Grade Comprehensive Science and will begin her 22nd year in education this fall. A proud Branford High School graduate, Ms. Winnett earned her bachelor's degree from Florida State University and her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. While science is her passion today, her favorite subject in school was English.
As a student at BHS, Ms. Winnett was involved in many activities, including serving as a Branford High Majorette on two National Championship teams, Dance Team, Beta Club, FHA, and Student Council. She also served as class vice president multiple times. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have been a full-time dog mom and professional makeup artist! Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, crafting, spending time with family, playing with her dogs, drinking coffee while reading a good book, and cheering on her beloved Seminoles.
Ms. Winnett and her fiancé, Ronald White, have raised three accomplished children together. Their daughter, Tiffanie Meyer, is a BHS and Flagler College graduate and now serves as an educator in Jacksonville. Their son, Trevon White, is a BHS graduate, lineman school graduate, and accomplished musician. Their youngest son, Wyatt Winnett, graduated from BHS in 2025, completed his AA degree from North Florida College, and will begin at Florida Polytechnic University this fall. Their home is also home to four dogs—Hank, a four-year-old Yorkie who runs the household, Labrador Retrievers Gracie and Luna, a Bull Mastiff/Great Dane mix named Bella, and a granddog named Livie.
We are thankful to have Ms. Winnett as part of the Buccaneer family. Her dedication to education, strong ties to the Branford community, and commitment to her students make her a valued member of our BHS team.
During high school, Coach Dettor was actively involved in football, lacrosse, and basketball. If he had chosen a different career path, he says he would have gone into real estate. Outside of school, he enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time with family.
Coach Dettor and his wife, Mary, have three daughters—Hannah, Rachel, and Natalie—and are proud grandparents to their granddaughter, Briar. Their family also includes a dog named Rip. When asked what stands out most about Branford High School, Coach Dettor shared, "Branford High School is made up of wonderful people who care about the kids and want to do their part to help them be successful in life."
We are thankful to have Coach Dettor as part of the Buccaneer family and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our students both in the classroom and on the field.
During high school, Mrs. Longstreet was involved in Show Choir, Spanish Club, Academic Team, Spell Bowl, Soccer, and Sunshine Society. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have loved to be a writer or stand-up comedian! Outside of school, she enjoys reading (and recently completed her first Book Crawl), listening to history podcasts, watching movies, and hunting for shells at the beach.
Mrs. Longstreet is the proud mother of her son, Wrigley, who is beginning his career as a firefighter with Alachua County Fire Rescue. She is also a caregiver for her mother, a retired nurse. One of her favorite fun facts is about her dog, Dee, who loves fortune cookies and even waits patiently to hear her fortune read aloud before enjoying her treat. When asked what she likes most about Branford High School, Mrs. Longstreet shared that BHS reminds her of the school she attended growing up—a place where it's small enough that people know each other and feel connected.
We are thankful to have Mrs. Longstreet as part of the Buccaneer family!
Ms. Disken brings years of educational experience, strong leadership, and deep ties to the Branford community. Having previously served our students and staff, she is already a familiar face on campus, and we are excited for the future under her leadership.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Carl Manna for his dedication and service to Branford High School. While we will miss his daily presence on campus, we wish him the very best as he begins his new role at the Suwannee County School District Office.
Please join us in congratulating both Mr. Manna and Ms. Disken on their new positions. We look forward to an exciting year ahead and are thrilled to have Ms. Disken back at BHS!
