Meet Your New Panther Principal
“She always has a smile and warm greeting. She makes everyone feel heard, appreciated, and important. She has her students’ and staff’s best interests at heart. I am forever impressed with her relationship and interaction with the students”-Terryl Speer, Paraprofessional at Freedom Crossing Academy.
Nease will start fresh for the 2024-2025 school year with a new principal, Ms. Gina Fonseca. Ms. Fonseca has been working with the St. Johns County School District for a decade, is an avid lover of her grandkids, her dog Lucy, and Italian family/traditions. Fonseca’s career began in Tampa where she was a 7th grade science teacher. Fonseca states, “I never thought I would leave the classroom, but my journey has taken me through many facets of education.” One of her most rewarding positions was as a Human Relations Specialist working with at-risk students. She later served as an Assistant Principal at H. B. Plant High School in Tampa and Ponte Vedra High School in St. Johns. Fonseca then was asked to serve as the Director for Secondary Curriculum for St. Johns County. When asked about her current role at Freedom Crossing Academy, she said “I stayed on as the school principal for the last three years and have grown exponentially, learning quite a bit about the elementary and middle school population. The little ones have kept me quite busy!”
Mrs. Fonseca shared that she is most looking forward to getting to know the Nease students, working with incredible teachers and wonderful staff. She says she is “…honored to serve at a school that has such pride and tradition and am so proud I get to be a part of it!” While Ms. Fonseca does not begin her new role until the end of this school year, you may see her around campus learning about Nease. “Nease students should look forward to being heard by Mrs. Fonseca. She invites student involvement and loves to gain their insight. Also, if you are lucky, you may get to meet her dog Lucy…you are getting a gem!” says Staci Boyer, the Secretary of Freedom Crossing Academy.
Matt James, an Assistant Principal at Freedom Crossing, says “Mrs. Fonseca has a huge heart & a great sense of humor. She is an incredible school leader who is passionate about building positive and trusting relationships with the entire school community. She also strives to cultivate a positive school culture where students and staff share good news and celebrate success.”
When asked what she enjoys most about being principal, Mrs. Fonseca said “I find genuine fulfillment in supporting others, problem-solving and providing support to students, teachers, and staff. I firmly believe that everyone possesses unique strengths and perspectives that contribute to the good of all, and my role is to empower and help others discover the gifts and strengths within themselves. From academics, to sports, to the arts, to the academies and to military achievements, as an educator, I have much pride in seeing the growth of students as they progress from Freshman to Seniors. It is incredibly rewarding to witness this evolution.”
Mrs. Lime, the new principal at Freedom Crossing Academy shared “I am going to miss her laughter the most. Mrs. Fonseca has a great sense of humor and truly cares about her students and staff. She also has some amazing dance moves.” Lime goes on to say that “Mrs. Fonseca genuinely cares about her students’ well-being and academic success. She is very approachable and values student voice and perspective. Mrs. Fonseca will be there at every football game, performing arts performance, and academy night cheering on her students and staff. She is very excited to serve the students and staff at Nease High! The Nease community will love her positive energy and enthusiasm!”
By: Sydney Valdivia
