Western High School is proud to announce their Teacher and Employee of the Year!

Teacher of the Year - Karl Linhart

Mr. Linhart has taught at WHS for 15 years. A graduate of FAU with a degree in History,  he currently teaches AP US History, is the Social Studies Department Chairperson and sponsors SADD. When asked about his philosophy, Mr. Linhart is certain that all students can learnin the right environment.

 

Our Teacher of the Year has been married 24 years and is proud to have his daughter as a freshman at Western High. His future plans is to be the best teacher ever and says that he is a history geek and proud of it!

Employee of the Year - Denise Rakestraw

Mrs. Rakestraw is in her 4th year at Western High as the Guidance Data Specialist. She was born in New York and has a passion for computers (good thing - she is on one all day). She is the Textbook Coordinatorand organizes all of the testing plans for FCAT, PSAT, BAT, EOC and Advanced Placement.

 

Her family is very important to her. She has "the world's greatest husband (Jerry)", son's Derek and Nick (both Western grads and attended the University of Florida) and her 3 baby dogs. Her future plans are to travel to all 50 states (has already traveled to many) and every continent except Antarctica (too cold).  Her philosophy? Work hard, play harder!