Yosa Whitney – LRHS News

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – New LRHS Science teacher Hollis Morantes loves to serve…whether it’s her country, her school or her students.

Morantes replaced long-time physics teacher Janet Kunka, who retired earlier this year. Morantes is a native Floridian, born in Tampa. Both of her parents were born in the sunshine state. Not surprisingly, one of her favorite activities is going to the beach.

Morantes has diverse experiences regarding college and career choices. She is now teaching Physics, but wasn’t always so intent on guiding students. Instead, she was looking to serve the community on a different, larger scale by going to college at the US Naval Academy.

Her career took a turn when she decided that the Naval Academy wasn’t for her and transferred to the University of South Florida and later graduated from the University of New Mexico.

Morantes previously worked at Manzano High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She said she prefers working at LRHS.

“Students are more driven at this school,” she said. “I am very pleased with LRHS.  It’s a nice atmosphere to work in with caring people.”

Morantes likes to vary her teaching techniques to engage students by using more hands on interaction.

Teaching is not Morantes’s only affiliation with LRHS. Her four year old son and only child, Killian, is enrolled in the Mini Mustangs.

Morantes has been happily married for two years

Her experience so far has been great.

“I love it”, she exclaimed. “I really like watching student apply their knowledge; it’s my favorite part of teaching.”