As a student, Mrs. Ward served as Sports Editor for her school newspaper and a Yearbook Section Editor while also participating in volleyball, swimming, and track & field. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have loved to be a meteorologist because of her fascination with weather. Outside of school, she enjoys working out with friends, teaching spin classes, and coaching strength and fitness classes.
Mrs. Ward and her husband, Erin, have been married for 24 years and have two daughters. Madison, a 2025 Branford High School graduate, is currently attending Santa Fe College in the Radiography program. Their younger daughter, Liberty, will be a senior this year and is attending Florida Gateway College full-time through dual enrollment while balancing two part-time jobs. Their home is also filled with plenty of four-legged family members, including three dogs—Ava, Moose, and Chi Chi—and three cats: Johnny Scratch, Meine Katze, and Mary Jane.
We are thankful to have Mrs. Ward as part of the Buccaneer family. Her passion for education, dedication to students, and enthusiasm both inside and outside the classroom make her a valued member of the BHS community. 💙🧡
During high school, Coach Wiles participated in football and weightlifting. If he had chosen a different career path, he says he would have enjoyed consulting in the coaching field, advising athletes and parents of young athletes, or working in sports media. Outside of school, his philosophy is simple—he enjoys living life to the fullest.
Coach Wiles has been married to his wife, Melissa, for 38 years, and together they have a 21-year-old son, Patt. Their family also includes Frank, their dog.
We are thankful to have Coach Wiles as part of the Buccaneer family. His leadership, dedication to our student-athletes, and commitment to Branford High School have helped shape the success of countless students over the years.
Mrs. Robertson joins our team as an 8th Grade ELA teacher, bringing with her more than 30 years of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for inspiring young minds. Her dedication to education was recognized when she was named Teacher of the Year at Summers Elementary for the 2006–2007 school year.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Robertson enjoys swimming, Jeep riding, relaxing at the beach, decorating, and spending time with her husband and three beloved Cocker Spaniels—Brooks, Dunn, and Cocoa. She is excited to begin this new chapter, and we couldn't be happier to have her as part of the Buccaneer family.
During high school, Mrs. Howell was involved in BETA Club, Student Government, served as class vice president, and participated in softball, cheerleading, band, Home Economics, and the Business Academy. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have pursued sports medicine or pediatrics. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Mrs. Howell is the proud mother of two children. Her daughter, Mallory, is a Branford High School graduate who will be attending Grambling State University, where she will pursue degrees in Engineering and Computer Science while playing softball on scholarship. During her time at BHS, Mallory served as the reigning Miss BHS and was active in BETA, National Honor Society, softball, volleyball, and track. Her son, Patrick, will be entering fourth grade at Branford Elementary School and enjoys drawing, playing baseball and soccer, and spending time with family and friends.
We are thankful to have Mrs. Howell as part of the Buccaneer family. Her passion for teaching and dedication to helping students succeed make her a valued member of our BHS community.
"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
