district news

Sarasota County, FL, June 18, 2024 – Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce the following new Principals:

  • Mrs. Marya Annicelli – the current Assistant Principal of Gocio Elementary – has been appointed as the new Principal of Emma E. Booker Elementary, effective Monday, July 1, 2024.

  • Mrs. Michelle Giddens – the current Assistant Principal at Lakeview Elementary – has been appointed as the new Principal of Lakeview Elementary, effective Monday, June 24, 2024.

  • Ms. Jessica Fuesy – currently an Assistant Principal at Riverview High – has been appointed as the new Principal of Laurel Nokomis School, effective Monday, July 1, 2024.

Mrs. Annicelli earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science Education from the University of South Florida and a Master’s Degree in Social Science Education from Nova Southeastern University. She holds certifications in Educational Leadership, School Principal, Elementary Education (K-6), and Social Science (6-12) and has an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement. Before assuming her current role as the Assistant Principal of Gocio Elementary in July 2015, Mrs. Annicelli served as the Assistant Principal of Emma E. Booker Elementary from August 2007 to June 2015 – during which she also served as Acting Principal (March to August 2014). She has additionally served as an Assistant Principal Intern at Sarasota Middle and a Behavior Specialist at Booker Middle, among other previous experience.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Emma E. Booker,” said Annicelli. “The students, teachers, and staff members comprise such a special school community. I look forward to working collaboratively with stakeholders and deepening our connections with the community at-large.”

Mrs. Giddens earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, both from the University of South Florida. She holds certifications in Educational Leadership, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Elementary Education (K-6), and School Principal. Before assuming her current role as the Assistant Principal of Lakeview Elementary in 2022, Mrs. Giddens served as the Assistant Principal of Toledo Blade Elementary from 2012 to 2022. She also served as an Assistant Principal Intern at Taylor Ranch Elementary and an Exceptional Student Education Inclusion Teacher at Taylor Ranch Elementary, among other prior roles.

“It is an honor to serve as Lakeview’s new Principal,” commented Giddens. “I am committed to upholding our legacy of high-quality education. Working together, we will help our students charge on to new heights of success in the year ahead.”

Ms. Fuesy earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Grades Mathematics Education from Florida State University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University. She holds certifications in Mathematics (6-12), Educational Leadership, and School Principal. Before assuming her current role as an Assistant Principal at Riverview High in 2023, Ms. Fuesy served as an Assistant Principal at Brookside Middle from 2017 to 2023. She has also served as an Assistant Principal at Raa Middle School (Tallahassee, FL) and a Teacher at Montford Middle School (Tallahassee, FL), among other experience in education.

“I am excited to join the Laurel Nokomis family,” noted Fuesy. “Maintaining a positive, safe, and innovative learning & teaching environment is a top priority for our school community. I look forward to getting to know everyone and supporting the needs of our students, families, teachers, and staff members.”