Polk State alum named Polk County Public Schools Principal of the Year

Suzie Nelson’s journey to being named 2024-25 Polk County Public Schools Principal of the Year is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and the powerful impact of education. Playing a key role was Polk State College.

Nelson, the youngest of seven children to Haitian immigrants, and the only one born in the U.S., grew up in Lakeland. In 2006, Nelson received her first of three college degrees when she graduated with an Associate in Arts at what was then Polk Community College.

“What made Polk State stand out was programs like TRiO where I was able to feel like I was part of a small community,” the Chain of Lakes Elementary School principal said. “The tutors in the TLCC were great and always there to help. The professors were excellent and the small classroom sizes helped you get more individualized attention. It was a very supportive environment.”

Though born in the U.S., Nelson was fluent only in Creole at first. Navigating schools as an English as a Second Language (ESL) student, English proved challenging. Her life began to change in fourth grade at Inwood Elementary School, thanks to a teacher named Patricia Karash.

“Ms. Karash spent so much time with me,” Nelson shared. “She invested in me. Fourth grade was a turning point.”

Nelson’s journey continued with another transformative experience: joining Girls, Inc. of Winter Haven, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

“Girls, Inc. exposed me to a new world,” she reflected. “At home, I was steeped in Haitian culture, but Girls, Inc. gave me an ‘American experience’ – field trips, community, exposure.”

Through Girls, Inc., Nelson earned a full scholarship to Polk State College. A 2004 graduate of Winter Haven High School, programs like TRiO, small class sizes, and supportive tutors in the Teaching Learning Computing Center (TLCC) provided a foundation that helped Nelson flourish.

“Polk State made me feel like part of a community,” she said. “The individualized attention I received made a big difference.”

Graduating with her Polk State Associate in Arts degree in 2006, Nelson went on to the University of South Florida, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Driven by her own academic struggles to create different outcomes for her students, Nelson began teaching at Horizons Elementary School in Davenport.

With time, Nelson advanced, becoming a Math Coach. In 2011, she achieved her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida. Her drive and passion led her to administration. For more than a decade, she’s been helping shape the lives of students and educators alike at Chain of Lakes Elementary School in Winter Haven. She’s currently in her fifth year as principal.

“To be named Principal of the Year is an honor,” Nelson said. “I came from humble beginnings, and I understand the power of persistence and adaptability. My goal is to collaborate with teachers, use data to drive instruction, and meet the needs of every student. You can’t be afraid of change.”

Nelson credits much of her leadership growth to her predecessor, Victor Duncan, a revered figure in Polk County Public Schools. Nelson served six years as an assistant principal to Duncan.

“He embodied excellence,” Nelson shares. “He believed in me and prepared me to step into this role. That belief has been a humbling experience.

“Victor is a legend here at Polk County Public Schools,” Nelson added. “He’s gone through all the ranks. He’s a man of quality and excellence and embodied customer service. His believing in me and having the opportunity to be his successor has been incredibly humbling. He made sure we were in positions to succeed.”

Reflecting on her journey, Nelson offered advice for those facing difficult times.

“Your current circumstances are not your legacy,” she insisted. “You have to believe in yourself and keep moving forward.”

For Nelson, the work is far from over. Her vision is to transform Chain of Lakes Elementary into what she calls “the most private public school around,” offering students opportunities typically found in private, academy, or charter schools.

“I’m OK with being unconventional,” she concluded. “It’s what the students deserve.”