Blountstown High School is going for the gold, and our History Department is aiding us in the journey. This department is comprised of Mrs. Teresa Brantley-Curl, Mr. Joe Leonard, and Mrs. Nancy Mears. They are just as excited about this school year as everyone else.
Mrs. Curl teaches World History and U.S. History and serves as Senior Lead Sponsor. She began her teaching career with Blountstown High School in 1989 and continues to cherish all of her memories as she continues to teach at BHS. Before becoming a teacher, she attended Chipola College, the University of West Florida, Florida State University, FAMU, and Troy. Since she loves learning, she thoroughly enjoyed her time at these institutions.
Mrs. Curl attained a Masters in Educational Leadership and a Bachelors Degree in History Education. When asked about children, Mrs. Curl jokingly replied, “I have two ‘adopted’ children.” She feels extremely accomplished in life except for one thing: she wants to travel more. She believes that studying history allows students to become productive American citizens.
Mr. Leonard teaches Economics and American Government to the seniors at BHS. Before teaching at Blountstown High School, he taught seventh through twelfth grade Social Studies at Altha School. Mr. Leonard attended Chipola College and the University of Florida, where he received a B.A. in Social Studies Education. He has two sons, Daniel and David, who accompany him on frequent fishing trips. One of Mr. Leonard’s personal goals is inspired by his love to fish. He hopes to catch a redfish heavier than ten pounds on light tackle. He helps his students understand the importance of Economics and American Government by connecting them to everyday life. One phrase that he has used throughout the years to begin his class is, “What is happening in the world today?” He feels that teaching only seniors allows him to spend time helping to prepare them for life beyond high school.
Mrs. Mears is teaching Economics this year at BHS. She is also the sponsor of FCCLA and supports all the programs and competitions for BHS. During her first year with Blountstown, she was split between the high school and Altha School. At Altha, she was a Pre-K aide. She attended Chipola College and Florida State University where she attained a Bachelors Degree. She enjoyed her time at these colleges; she believes that it is like high school: it is what you make of it. Mrs. Mears has three children—Collin, 13, and twins, Allyson and Brooks Ann, 10. She is a teacher, mentor, co-worker, and friend here at BHS.
Throughout the 2012-2013 school year at BHS, we have been filled with Tiger Pride, and our History Teachers continue to show their pride. Mrs. Curl feels that having gold for our goal is important because it reminds us to always strive for excellence. Mrs. Mears feels the same as we all need to strive to be our best. Mr. Leonard feels that the goal of gold is a great one because it is “never enough to be satisfied with mediocrity. Anybody can do enough to just ‘get by.’ At BHS we want to be better than average; we want to be the best.”
