Students can receive a **free ticket** with each paid adult admission to the Coke Zero Sugar 400! Scan the QR code or visit the link to claim this offer before **Friday, August 21, 2026**! https://www.gofevo.com/event/DIS26Back2SchoolLakeCountySchools
Seniors and Families,
My name is Brian Katz, and I am the Senior Class Sponsor at LMHS.
One of my roles is to keep both students and parents informed about all key milestones and expectations throughout senior year.
To ensure everyone stays up to date:
• For Students: Weekly announcements will be posted in Google Classroom.
• For Parents: Identical updates will be shared on both LMHS Senior Parent Facebook groups and the official LMHS Facebook page.
• Year-at-a-Glance Guide: I am currently finalizing a comprehensive document detailing key dates and events for senior year. I hope to share this with you shortly.
Graduation Date Notice: Please note that the official date and time for graduation are not yet confirmed. Official dates are typically announced by mid-September. To avoid miscommunication, please rely solely on updates sent directly from Principal Roberts or myself.
Contact Information: The best way to reach me is by email at katzb@lake.k12.fl.us. Because I teach a full schedule of AP courses, please allow a brief grace period for a response.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to a fantastic year celebrating the Class of 2027!
Best regards,
Brian Katz, M.Ed
My name is Brian Katz, and I am the Senior Class Sponsor at LMHS.
One of my roles is to keep both students and parents informed about all key milestones and expectations throughout senior year.
To ensure everyone stays up to date:
• For Students: Weekly announcements will be posted in Google Classroom.
• For Parents: Identical updates will be shared on both LMHS Senior Parent Facebook groups and the official LMHS Facebook page.
• Year-at-a-Glance Guide: I am currently finalizing a comprehensive document detailing key dates and events for senior year. I hope to share this with you shortly.
Graduation Date Notice: Please note that the official date and time for graduation are not yet confirmed. Official dates are typically announced by mid-September. To avoid miscommunication, please rely solely on updates sent directly from Principal Roberts or myself.
Contact Information: The best way to reach me is by email at katzb@lake.k12.fl.us. Because I teach a full schedule of AP courses, please allow a brief grace period for a response.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to a fantastic year celebrating the Class of 2027!
Best regards,
Brian Katz, M.Ed
Lake Minneola High School Welcomes Eric Stalnaker as Boys’ Soccer Coach!
Lake Minneola High School is pleased to welcome Eric Stalnaker as the new head coach of the Hawks Boys’ Soccer Program.
Raised in a family shaped by education, military service, and athletics, Coach Stalnaker brings a coaching philosophy centered on structure, accountability, compassion, and student development. His mother was an educator, while his father served in the military and coached soccer, providing early examples of leadership and service that continue to influence his approach today.
After playing soccer at the collegiate level, Stalnaker began his coaching career alongside his father at Loyalsock Township High School in Central Pennsylvania.
Following his move to Florida, he continued coaching at the high school level. He spent three seasons working with the junior varsity and varsity programs at Eustis High School before serving eight seasons as the boys’ varsity coach at South Lake High School. During his tenure at South Lake, his teams recorded only one losing season.
While competitive success has always been important, Coach Stalnaker believes the culture developed within a program matters even more. His players are expected to meet academic and behavioral standards that reflect the responsibilities of representing their school, team, and community.
“I have always wanted my teams to understand that being a student-athlete means the student part is not optional,” Stalnaker said.
His more than 22 years of experience as an elementary school teacher have also strengthened the communication, organization, and classroom-management skills that shape his coaching style. He emphasizes clearly established expectations, consistent accountability, and an environment in which players understand both the standards they must meet and the support available to help them succeed.
“I can be demanding because standards matter, but I also care deeply about the players I coach,” Stalnaker said.
Coach Stalnaker holds an NSCAA National License and NSCAA Youth II License through the organization now known as United Soccer Coaches, as well as a U.S. Soccer F License. These credentials have further developed his knowledge of player development, age-appropriate instruction, and structured training environments.
“I welcome the opportunity to bring that experience, along with my commitment to accountability and mentorship, to the Boys’ Soccer Program here at Lake Minneola High School,” Stalnaker said.
Lake Minneola High School looks forward to the leadership, experience, and education-centered approach Coach Stalnaker will bring to the Hawks Boys’ Soccer Program.
1
Lake Minneola High School is pleased to welcome Eric Stalnaker as the new head coach of the Hawks Boys’ Soccer Program.
Raised in a family shaped by education, military service, and athletics, Coach Stalnaker brings a coaching philosophy centered on structure, accountability, compassion, and student development. His mother was an educator, while his father served in the military and coached soccer, providing early examples of leadership and service that continue to influence his approach today.
After playing soccer at the collegiate level, Stalnaker began his coaching career alongside his father at Loyalsock Township High School in Central Pennsylvania.
Following his move to Florida, he continued coaching at the high school level. He spent three seasons working with the junior varsity and varsity programs at Eustis High School before serving eight seasons as the boys’ varsity coach at South Lake High School. During his tenure at South Lake, his teams recorded only one losing season.
While competitive success has always been important, Coach Stalnaker believes the culture developed within a program matters even more. His players are expected to meet academic and behavioral standards that reflect the responsibilities of representing their school, team, and community.
“I have always wanted my teams to understand that being a student-athlete means the student part is not optional,” Stalnaker said.
His more than 22 years of experience as an elementary school teacher have also strengthened the communication, organization, and classroom-management skills that shape his coaching style. He emphasizes clearly established expectations, consistent accountability, and an environment in which players understand both the standards they must meet and the support available to help them succeed.
“I can be demanding because standards matter, but I also care deeply about the players I coach,” Stalnaker said.
Coach Stalnaker holds an NSCAA National License and NSCAA Youth II License through the organization now known as United Soccer Coaches, as well as a U.S. Soccer F License. These credentials have further developed his knowledge of player development, age-appropriate instruction, and structured training environments.
“I welcome the opportunity to bring that experience, along with my commitment to accountability and mentorship, to the Boys’ Soccer Program here at Lake Minneola High School,” Stalnaker said.
Lake Minneola High School looks forward to the leadership, experience, and education-centered approach Coach Stalnaker will bring to the Hawks Boys’ Soccer Program.
1
Help shape the future of our school! 🏫✨ All parents and guardians are welcome to join our School Advisory Committee (SAC) meetings this year. Mark your calendars with the dates below—we can't wait to collaborate with you!
Interested in student parking? Please click the link here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16Don7gj1X6xDd-zLmD0xooG_4Vw41Xxbjqs6gV7Voo0/edit?usp=sharing
Jeff’s Bagel Run Clermont is collecting back-to-school supplies for Lake Minneola High School through August 2.
Drop-off location:
Jeff’s Bagel Run
16528 SR 50
Clermont, FL 34711
For each donation, guests will receive a free Bagel & Spread Card to use on their next visit!
Drop-off location:
Jeff’s Bagel Run
16528 SR 50
Clermont, FL 34711
For each donation, guests will receive a free Bagel & Spread Card to use on their next visit!
A new chapter for Lake Minneola Hawks Boys Golf starts this season—and if you've ever thought about representing your school on the golf course, this is where it begins.
Whether you've played tournament golf for years or you're just getting serious about improving your game, we'd love to meet you.
Whether you've played tournament golf for years or you're just getting serious about improving your game, we'd love to meet you.
Dear Hawk Families,
We hope you are having a wonderful and restful summer! As we prepare to welcome our students back for another incredible school year, we have important updates regarding Chromebook Distribution, Schedules, and FLVS courses.
Please review the details below so your student is fully prepared for day one.
💻 1. Chromebook Distribution
We are excited to get devices into our students' hands before classes begin!
📅 Pickup Schedule
Date Student Group Pickup Time
Monday, July 27th Seniors (12th Grade) 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Juniors (11th Grade) 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sophomores (10th Grade) 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Thursday, August 6th Freshmen (9th) & New to LMHS 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Right after First Flight tours)
⚠️ Missed your date? If you miss these summer distribution times, you must wait until the first week of school (August 10th–14th) to receive your Chromebook and charger in the Media Center.
🔄 The Pickup Process (What to Expect)
To keep lines moving quickly, students will enter through the North Wing Hallway and proceed to the Rotunda for a three-step process:
1. Username & Password Reset: Students will log in at Station 1 to reset their school passwords for the year (staff will be on-site to help).
2. ID Check: A staff member will verify student identity. Please bring a student ID if you have one (don't worry, we have a separate line if you don't have one).
3. Device Checkout: Students will receive their scanned Chromebook and charger, then exit back through the North Wing.
💻 2. Attention 9th Grade Families (FLVS Summer Courses)
If your incoming freshman successfully completed an FLVS (Florida Virtual School) Course this summer, please note:
• You will need to log into your FLVS account and change your student's physical school to Lake Minneola High School.
• If you need assistance making this change, please reach out directly to FLVS support at 1-800-374-1430.
🗓️ 3. Schedule Release & Change Process
Student schedules are set to be officially released on Tuesday, July 28th. Please review how schedule corrections will be handled this year:
📝 Step 1: Online Schedule Change Form
If you notice an error on your schedule once it is released on July 28th, you can submit a request online.
• Deadline to submit online: Thursday, August 6th
🏫 Step 2: First Week of School (In-Person Corrections)
If your schedule still needs a critical correction during the first week of school (Monday, August 10th – Friday, August 14th), our Counseling Team will be available in the Cafeteria to assist.
Students should only visit the cafeteria during the school day for the following approved reasons:
• Missing a period: Come down during the specific period you are missing a class.
• Missing a core class: Come down during one of your elective periods.
• Duplicate classes: Come down during the duplicate class period.
⚠️ Note: Counselors will not be available in the cafeteria during 5th Period so that students can focus on eating their lunch.
🚫 What CANNOT Be Changed
To ensure a smooth start to the year, please note that our team cannot honor requests for:
• A different teacher
• Rearranging the order of classes
• A different lunch period
• Being in a class with friends
Thank you for your support, cooperation, and patience as we prepare for a fantastic school year.
Go Hawks!
We hope you are having a wonderful and restful summer! As we prepare to welcome our students back for another incredible school year, we have important updates regarding Chromebook Distribution, Schedules, and FLVS courses.
Please review the details below so your student is fully prepared for day one.
💻 1. Chromebook Distribution
We are excited to get devices into our students' hands before classes begin!
📅 Pickup Schedule
Date Student Group Pickup Time
Monday, July 27th Seniors (12th Grade) 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Juniors (11th Grade) 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sophomores (10th Grade) 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Thursday, August 6th Freshmen (9th) & New to LMHS 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Right after First Flight tours)
⚠️ Missed your date? If you miss these summer distribution times, you must wait until the first week of school (August 10th–14th) to receive your Chromebook and charger in the Media Center.
🔄 The Pickup Process (What to Expect)
To keep lines moving quickly, students will enter through the North Wing Hallway and proceed to the Rotunda for a three-step process:
1. Username & Password Reset: Students will log in at Station 1 to reset their school passwords for the year (staff will be on-site to help).
2. ID Check: A staff member will verify student identity. Please bring a student ID if you have one (don't worry, we have a separate line if you don't have one).
3. Device Checkout: Students will receive their scanned Chromebook and charger, then exit back through the North Wing.
💻 2. Attention 9th Grade Families (FLVS Summer Courses)
If your incoming freshman successfully completed an FLVS (Florida Virtual School) Course this summer, please note:
• You will need to log into your FLVS account and change your student's physical school to Lake Minneola High School.
• If you need assistance making this change, please reach out directly to FLVS support at 1-800-374-1430.
🗓️ 3. Schedule Release & Change Process
Student schedules are set to be officially released on Tuesday, July 28th. Please review how schedule corrections will be handled this year:
📝 Step 1: Online Schedule Change Form
If you notice an error on your schedule once it is released on July 28th, you can submit a request online.
• Deadline to submit online: Thursday, August 6th
🏫 Step 2: First Week of School (In-Person Corrections)
If your schedule still needs a critical correction during the first week of school (Monday, August 10th – Friday, August 14th), our Counseling Team will be available in the Cafeteria to assist.
Students should only visit the cafeteria during the school day for the following approved reasons:
• Missing a period: Come down during the specific period you are missing a class.
• Missing a core class: Come down during one of your elective periods.
• Duplicate classes: Come down during the duplicate class period.
⚠️ Note: Counselors will not be available in the cafeteria during 5th Period so that students can focus on eating their lunch.
🚫 What CANNOT Be Changed
To ensure a smooth start to the year, please note that our team cannot honor requests for:
• A different teacher
• Rearranging the order of classes
• A different lunch period
• Being in a class with friends
Thank you for your support, cooperation, and patience as we prepare for a fantastic school year.
Go Hawks!
Join Lake County Schools as a School Safety Guardian. Make a difference and help keep our students safe! Apply at https://www.lake.k12.fl.us/page/employment . Click "current job openings" and then type "Guardian" in the "Search Jobs" box.
Attention Hawks! If you are interested in obtaining a parking permit for the upcoming school year, please review the Student Parking Information and Requirements using the link below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16Don7gj1X6xDd-zLmD0xooG_4Vw41Xxbjqs6gV7Voo0/edit?usp=sharing
Be sure to read all requirements and deadlines carefully. Contact the school if you have any questions.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16Don7gj1X6xDd-zLmD0xooG_4Vw41Xxbjqs6gV7Voo0/edit?usp=sharing
Be sure to read all requirements and deadlines carefully. Contact the school if you have any questions.
Have you registered for the Lake County Schools Trades & Transportation Hiring Event? It's not too late! We are looking for plumbers, electricians, bus drivers, mechanics, grounds workers, and technicians. Join us from 9 a.m. to 12 noon on Wednesday, June 17, at East Ridge Middle School, 13201 Excalibur Road, in Clermont. We will help you learn about the many job opportunities that are available in our schools. Bring your resume and come prepared because our hiring managers will conduct interviews on-site! Register today at https://app.brazenconnect.com/a/lcs/e/62bgYCr
Come and join us! Be a part of the Lake County Schools Vendor Networking Fair at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 11, and learn how to do business with LCS. Local businesses are welcome. We look forward to seeing you at Tavares High School for this engaging event! Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfogRhXS4qZeKZQjUT7aU7LZSxkmaNFnMzQ1s9TxQmdCcPjpQ/viewform
Come and join us! Be a part of the Lake County Schools Vendor Networking Fair at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 11, and learn how to do business with LCS. Local businesses are welcome. We look forward to seeing you at Tavares High School for this engaging event! Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfogRhXS4qZeKZQjUT7aU7LZSxkmaNFnMzQ1s9TxQmdCcPjpQ/viewform
At Lake Minneola High School, we are committed to meeting the diverse interests and academic needs of our students by continuing to expand our curriculum offerings. We are excited to announce the addition of THREE new courses for the 2026–2027 school year: Sign Language III, AP Physics, and AP Chemistry.
Students interested in enrolling in one of these courses should visit the Lake Minneola High School webpage and complete the Google Form. The deadline to submit the form is June 8.
https://forms.gle/3mTUoJbPMab5zmqG7
Students interested in enrolling in one of these courses should visit the Lake Minneola High School webpage and complete the Google Form. The deadline to submit the form is June 8.
https://forms.gle/3mTUoJbPMab5zmqG7
⚾️🦅 Hawks Baseball Summer Workouts are here!
Get ready to put in the work, improve your game, and compete with the best this summer. 💪🔥
📍 Lake Minneola Hawks Baseball
🕟 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📅 Starting June 9
Bring your energy, effort, and hustle — let’s get better together! #HawksBaseball #LakeMinneola #WorkHardGetBetter #SummerWorkouts
Get ready to put in the work, improve your game, and compete with the best this summer. 💪🔥
📍 Lake Minneola Hawks Baseball
🕟 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
📅 Starting June 9
Bring your energy, effort, and hustle — let’s get better together! #HawksBaseball #LakeMinneola #WorkHardGetBetter #SummerWorkouts
Class of 27 Parents and Students,
Linked below is the presentation that was shared with the juniors last week. While I am happy to answer most questions about senior year, please reach out to Mrs. McMillan for yearbook or photo questions, and Mrs. Cavinder for any parking questions.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FyGqiTfysxU1zXVZM7XOEXgSdXvOltNj5UG_bVhNA3c/edit?usp=sharing
Thank You,
Katz
Linked below is the presentation that was shared with the juniors last week. While I am happy to answer most questions about senior year, please reach out to Mrs. McMillan for yearbook or photo questions, and Mrs. Cavinder for any parking questions.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FyGqiTfysxU1zXVZM7XOEXgSdXvOltNj5UG_bVhNA3c/edit?usp=sharing
Thank You,
Katz
Please remember our early dismissal schedule this week. All Lake County schools will follow a Wednesday dismissal schedule on Wednesday, May 27; Thursday, May 28; and Friday, May 29, which is the last day of school. Mark your calendars, plan accordingly, and prepare for a great summer break!
Hawks — it’s the last week of school!
Here’s a look at our week at a glance, along with important end-of-the-year information and updates for the 2026–2027 school year.
Thank you for an incredible year filled with hard work, school spirit, and unforgettable memories. We are proud of all that our Hawks have accomplished this year!
Have a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved summer, Hawks! ☀️🦅
#OneHawk
Here’s a look at our week at a glance, along with important end-of-the-year information and updates for the 2026–2027 school year.
Thank you for an incredible year filled with hard work, school spirit, and unforgettable memories. We are proud of all that our Hawks have accomplished this year!
Have a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved summer, Hawks! ☀️🦅
#OneHawk
Lake Minneola High School is proud to announce Coach Martell as our new Varsity Baseball Coach.
Born and raised in South Florida, Coach Martell grew up in a family deeply rooted in education and athletics as the son of two educators, including a coach and athletic director. He graduated from Coral Springs High School in 1995 before continuing his baseball career at Dana College from 1996–1999. During his collegiate career, he earned 1st Team All-NIAC Conference honors in both 1998 and 1999.
After graduating, Coach Martell returned to South Florida and began his coaching career in 2001 at J.P. Taravella High School as an assistant coach under Florida coaching legend Mike Moss. From 2003–2014, he coached at Deerfield Beach High School, Monarch High School, and later returned to Taravella, continuing to develop players and help build successful programs.
In 2015, Coach Martell and his family relocated to Central Florida, where he continued coaching at the youth level. In 2018, he joined Team Orlando, where he continues coaching today. In 2023, he returned to high school baseball as an assistant coach at Lake Minneola High School under Dr. Kerry Whetro.
In 2024, Coach Martell became a hitting instructor at Turn2 Sports & Performance before returning to Lake Minneola High School in 2025 as an assistant coach.
Coach Martell currently resides in Minneola, Florida, with his wife, Celeste, and their two children, RJ and Morgan.
Please join us in welcoming Coach Martell to Hawks Baseball!
We also want to thank Dr. Whetro for all he has done for the Hawk family and wish him the very best in his retirement.
Born and raised in South Florida, Coach Martell grew up in a family deeply rooted in education and athletics as the son of two educators, including a coach and athletic director. He graduated from Coral Springs High School in 1995 before continuing his baseball career at Dana College from 1996–1999. During his collegiate career, he earned 1st Team All-NIAC Conference honors in both 1998 and 1999.
After graduating, Coach Martell returned to South Florida and began his coaching career in 2001 at J.P. Taravella High School as an assistant coach under Florida coaching legend Mike Moss. From 2003–2014, he coached at Deerfield Beach High School, Monarch High School, and later returned to Taravella, continuing to develop players and help build successful programs.
In 2015, Coach Martell and his family relocated to Central Florida, where he continued coaching at the youth level. In 2018, he joined Team Orlando, where he continues coaching today. In 2023, he returned to high school baseball as an assistant coach at Lake Minneola High School under Dr. Kerry Whetro.
In 2024, Coach Martell became a hitting instructor at Turn2 Sports & Performance before returning to Lake Minneola High School in 2025 as an assistant coach.
Coach Martell currently resides in Minneola, Florida, with his wife, Celeste, and their two children, RJ and Morgan.
Please join us in welcoming Coach Martell to Hawks Baseball!
We also want to thank Dr. Whetro for all he has done for the Hawk family and wish him the very best in his retirement.
The latest edition of "The Current" has been published! Catch up on the Lake County Schools news you might have missed, and subscribe to have it emailed to you every quarter! See the May 2026 edition here: https://tinyurl.com/4xahf462
