This Friday is the end of an era at Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC). The Academy of Health Science Head Instructor, Glenda Algaze, is retiring after 38 years of teaching in the classroom. Ms. Algaze has taught at MLEC for 23 years, since the doors opened for the high school. She is responsible for implementing the National Academy Foundation (NAF) program at MLEC and is significant to the daily operations of MLEC.
“MLEC has been the best teaching experience anyone can imagine! From the administration to the students and support we have from the district in getting equipment, I could not have asked for a better school to teach for than MLEC,” Ms. Algaze revealed.
During her 23-year tenure at MLEC, Ms. Algaze has spent most of her hours in the classroom with students.
“Ms. Algaze was a really good teacher. She always made every class interesting and was a great person to talk to,” said senior Aaron Suescum, who has had her as a teacher for two years.
“She has been a very good role model and you can tell that she cares about her students,” said junior Alek Lehnhaeuser. In the 2021-2022 school year, Ms. Algaze served as the sponsor of MLEC’s cheer team, The Jagettes.
Sophomore and member of the Jagettes, Lorraine Starks revealed, “Ms. Algaze would really fight for us because we would’ve never been in so many events last year without her help. I honestly give her most of the credit for all the accomplishments we’ve achieved.”
Although Ms. Algaze is known for her loveable personality, she is also very well equipped for her job.
“I have studied at Miami-Dade Community College, Broward College, Florida International University, Barry University, and also received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami.”
According to Mr. Ariosa, “she is a very knowledgeable person who is willing to help anybody, whether it is a student or co-worker.”
MLEC’s assistant principal, Bertine Trish-Eugene also expressed much appreciation for Ms. Algaze, stating that, “she is a very patient and kind person. She is a team player and is proactive in activity around the school. Ms. Algaze has a contagious attitude, serves as a great co-worker, and is a valuable gem that would be almost impossible to replace.”
Even though this year was the final year Ms. Algaze is teaching, she went out with a bang. Her health academy students took part in a national competition by National Academy Foundation (NAF) in which two groups of students placed 2nd place and one group won 3rd place.
With her retirement fast approaching, Ms. Algaze had this to say, “I’m excited but I am also melancholic because I’m going to miss the students, co-workers, school, and environment.”
“I will miss it all, but I’m excited to start the next chapter in my life,” she added.
When asked about her favorite moments at MLEC she replied, “I have plenty of favorite moments, but by far my favorite moments are when students come back to visit me.”
Ms. Algaze has had a pivotal role at MLEC and the achieving atmosphere of the school. Her peers wish her nothing but the best and thank her for her contribution in making their high school experience something to remember.
