Branford High School

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.