No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
As school bells ring next week, we turn our spotlight to Tracy McDaniel, a third-grade teacher at Stanley Switlik Elementary School. With 25 years of teaching experience, McDaniel’s journey in education has been nothing short of remarkable. Her enthusiasm for education is infectious, and her impact on her students’ lives is immeasurable.”I love teaching because a good education can change anyone, but a good teacher can change everything,” she said.
TRACY MCDANIEL
Teacher, Stanley Switlik Elementary School
How did you end up in the Keys? I was born in Key West and raised in Big Pine. I attended elementary school all the way up to high school in the Keys.
What can people find you doing when you aren’t working? Doing travel baseball with my son.
What is your favorite event or tradition at Stanley Switlik? Definitely the Santa pancake breakfast. We get there around 5 a.m., dressed in little Christmas attire and make pancakes. It’s probably the most fun event for us.
What is the best and worst part of the Keys? The best part would be the tight-knit community atmosphere. The worst part is having to drive more than two hours to a Target or Chick-fil-A.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be? “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper.
If you could shop for free at any store, which would it be? Publix. My food bill is outrageous.
Do you have any weird food combinations? I don’t really have any weird food combinations but my teacher friends notice I will have like five open drinks at one time located throughout the class.
What’s the most creative excuse you’ve heard from a student about why they didn’t finish their homework? The horse ate it.
