Embedded Files
Teacher Feature is a segment that interviews and shares tidbits about a WYWLA staff member every month.
This month we are featuring Mr. Reed and celebrating his retirement!
Mr. Reed
Mr. Reed
CTE Teacher & Career Development Coordinator
Mr. Frank Reed has been at WYWLA for over 10 years and he is retiring after over 22 years in education! It is only appropriate that Mr. Reed is WYWLA's Teacher Feature for the month of December. Thank you for many great years! Best wishes as you explore new adventures!
How many years have you been in education?
I have been in education for 22 years.
What brought you to WYWLA?
I was running a camp called Science in the Summer and met the principal. We talked about the school, and I loved the concept and mission of the school. She said she had a CTE position available, so I did an interview for it, and the rest is history.
During your time at WYWLA, what aspects stood out to you? What are your favorite memories?
I love that it is a single gender, Early College program that is rigorous and explodes with Leadership opportunities. I have so many favorite memories, I love planning and seeing the Day of the Girl activities, being a teacher before being CDC, I love attending the many field trips with our students, and being FBLA Advisor and advising and traveling with our students as they compete and win on the regional, state, and national level.
What is one piece of advice you want to leave with our students?
Always do your best, pick and choose your battles, and make good choices.
What was your middle school/ high school experience like? What is one way a teacher has influenced you?
I grew up in a very rural area of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, in a very small town called Onancock. There were no more than 50 students per grade level, everyone knew each other, and for the most part, we all got along. I was an honor roll student who was very loud and outgoing.
I love the fact that my teachers encouraged me to go to college because it was not very common for African American males to go to college in that town. They all encouraged me that i had the potential to be successful. I was a first generation college student, my parents did not have the opportunity to go to college, even though they were very smart.
What is one fun fact about you?
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a preacher. Cooking is my passion.
Where did you graduate from college? Major?
Virginia State University - Business Information Systems
What music do you listen to on the way to work? On the ride home? What type of music do you listen to/prefer? Favorite artists/ bands? Favorite songs?
On the way to work-Foxy 104/107 Rickey Smiley Morning show
On the ride home - K97.5 R&B/Hip hop/rap
Listen and prefer - R&B/Soul and Gospel
In the mornings getting ready for work, Sunday mornings and when I need a spiritual uplift, I listen to Gospel.
Favorite artists - Donny Hathaway, Ledisi, Maxwell, Anthony Hamilton, and October London. For Gospel - Mississippi Mass Choir, Mervin Mayo, and Yolanda Adams.
What are your post-retirement plans?
Develop a consistent workout routine, read more, continue to develop new recipes, and spend as much time as I can in Texas with my children and grandsons.
Any parting words to staff? To students?
Staff: It has been a pleasure working with the WYWLA staff. It was an incredible journey filled with a lot of fond memories. Continue to educate and put the WYWLA students first in all you do.
Students: I will miss you dearly and thank you for making my work experience the best. I leave you with this quote: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better” Maya Angelou
Remember, growth isn’t about perfection; It’s about progress.
Students and staff have shared little tributes to Mr. Reed:
A Tribute to My Friend and Brother, Mr. Frank Reed
Today, I want to honor a man who has been more than a coworker—he has been my friend, my brother, and my confidant. Mr. Frank Reed, working alongside you all these years has been one of the greatest blessings of my journey. You’ve encouraged me when the road felt heavy, supported me when I doubted myself, and stood beside me with a strength that only true friends carry.
Your wisdom, kindness, and integrity have never gone unnoticed. You’ve poured so much into others, and I am grateful to be one of the people who has experienced your genuine heart.
As you step into this next chapter of your life, I pray it overflows with joy, peace, and fulfillment. Enjoy every minute. Embrace every new opportunity. And continue to allow God to carry you, guide you, and bless you—just as He always has.
I love you, and I am so proud of you. Thank you for being the steady, uplifting presence you’ve always been in my life.
— With love and gratitude, Sharmaine Barnes
Mr. Frank Reed served WYWLA for over a decade. He always exuded a zeal for life that manifested itself everyday. He loves being with students and seeing them grow. Mr. Reed has been a tireless champion of students and has been a pillar of the CTE Department at WYWLA for years. He believes in our students and supports the WYWLA staff now as he did when he first started. Thank you for your warmth over the years, for the kindness shown to our staff and students, and for being "real" as a teacher, colleague, and friend. Congratulations on your retirement! May God bless you and yours as you enter a new phase of your life!
-Mr. di Carlo
Thank you for giving us so much opportunity at WYWLA! You always are able to make sure we have fun on field trips and bring up our energy when it's low in the morning. We'll miss you. Happy retirement!
-Lillian Moon
Every time he stepped into the room his voice carried excitement, confidence, and respect. Whether announcing a field trip or just passing through, his energy made an impression that won’t be forgotten.
-Jade Mack
Reed! Thank you for being a champion of our students and empowering them with all of the amazing opportunities you have organized. You will be missed but I know that you will have the best time enjoying family and great food!
-Ms. Laiosa
What can I say about Frank Reed? Everything! He has been a joy to work with,, and I've learned so much from him! Under his guidance and being a co-advisor for FBLA (my 1st year) taught me a lot - especially when I took on the role of advisor the following year. Thanks for the knowledge and the numerous laughs, Mr. Reed!! You will be missed! Happy Retirement!
-Mrs. Newkirk
Mr. Reed is a really great guy. I am grateful for the things I got to know about him. He's the type of man with a loud sense of humor, with laughter that echoes down the halls, and a smile that always speaks of trouble. He had a way of bringing laughter to every interaction. And I'm very thankful for everything he has done to help set up field trips and opportunities for me and my fellow OWLS to spread our wings. He has been so kind in my time here and I'm sad that we won't have more time together. Still, I know he will do wonderful things wherever he goes and I hope he had a lovely time during retirement.
-Ari Clemente-Andoney
Mr. Reed, during WLAEC’s 2022 Hispanic Celebration, while learning the bottle dance, you proudly stated, “I got many talents!” — and we all know that’s the truth. I am truly grateful for the many gifts you’ve shared with our students, faculty, and staff members. The leadership and service opportunities you created have touched every single student over the years. Because of your hard work, dedication, and love for what you do, WYWLA THRIVED. It has been an absolute pleasure and honor working with you, and you will be sincerely missed. THANK YOU, and HAPPY HAPPY RETIREMENT!
-Andrea Greene Flowers
Students are really excited and empowered by access to strong women leaders through Athena and JA--thank you for inspiring our girls, Mr. Reed!
-Jennifer Townsend
Thank you so much for all you've done throughout the years Mr. Reed! The opportunities you've provided for us, and the new experiences that came with them were memorable. You will be missed, have a happy retirement.
-Harini Senthurkumaran
Frank Reed, or just plain REED!!! as I like to call him, has been such a welcoming and encouraging force in my short time here at WYWLA. Reed has offered me laughs, sage advice, and a great big hug in almost every encounter I have had with him. He has truly become a friend in the short time I have known him. I have never met someone with such infectious positivity and energy! I am going to miss him and our field trip adventures so much!! I am, however, so happy that he will get to spend his energy doing his favorite thing -- hanging with his grand kids. Reed has made an impact on every person he has come into contact with. I hope that I will cultivate relationships half as well as he has and can only wish to garner the respect he has earned. He represents all the positive things education should be and has truly helped to give our girls opportunities to open their minds and expand their horizons. You will be missed bro! Much love!
-Kelly Bradshaw
It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with Mr. Reed! Mr. Reed is one of our OWLS' most enthusiastic and genuine supporters, and he has been instrumental in forging meaningful and long-lasting connections between WYWLA and our community partners. Students and staff alike gravitate to Mr. Reed's generous spirit and humor. Mr. Reed can always be counted on to lend a helping hand, whether it is stepping in to teach an extra class for our early college students to chaperoning the prom! His organization of countless field trips and schoolwide events have given our OWLS amazing exposure to career exploration opportunities and community connections. We will miss you, Mr. Reed, and we wish you the very best in your new adventures!
-Mrs. di Carlo
Thank you so much, Mr. Reed, for all that you have done for WYWLA and what you have done for me. Without your dedication to students, I would never have secured my first internship. I would have never become the person I am today. Again, thank you for all that you have done for me. Without you, I would have never had the opportunity to experience things or grow into my purpose. I am very sad to see you leave; however, I am excited that you get to experience a new and beautiful part of life. Have fun and stay gucci.
-Kinnadi Dennis
Mr.Reed has been a beautiful addition to the WYWLA family, and with that he has made an awesome impact on our students. I remember in sports marketing where we had an infographic project right after senior sunrise and Mrs.Greene-flowers and Mr.Reed had the funniest company called Da-Reed-Flowers tennis team. it was the perfect way to start the morning and to have that memory is a blessing for more than just one student; Thank you Mr.Reed.
-Brooklyn Stokes
Mr. Reed,
You have been a joy to work with! It doesn't matter what you're going through or the day you've had, you still find a way to be joyful. You will be extremely missed here at WYWLA. Although we've only worked together for a few months, your impact is still the same! Wishing you an amazing, loving, well-deserved retirement.
-Bree Buckner
Mr. Reed's passion and enthusiasm for working with ATHENA to give all of the girls here that opportunity is astonishing. He clearly puts in lots of work to plan and organize each field trip. These opportunities give each student the opportunity to network and hear from women who have been successful in STEM careers. His loud personality and spirit will be greatly missed at WYWLA.
-Nicole Soloff
I am honored to celebrate an extraordinary leader, colleague, and friend, Mr. Frank Reed, as he embarks on a well-earned retirement. Mr. Reed’s dedication to our students and to the mission of WYWLA has shaped our school in lasting ways. His work in building and sustaining our partnership with Athena has elevated opportunities for our girls and helped set WYWLA apart as a place where young women truly thrive. Beyond his professional dedication, Frank’s deep commitment to his family shines even brighter, especially in his most cherished role of “Grandpa,” a title he carries with such joy and pride. While we will miss his wisdom, warmth, and steady presence on our campus, we could not be happier for him as he steps into this next chapter. Congratulations, Mr. Reed. Thank you for your legacy, your heart, and your immeasurable impact on our nest. I'm so honored to have been a part of your legacy here at WYWLA!
-Mariah Walker
For over 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Mr. Frank Reed whose dedication, diligence, positivity, and heart have elevated our school community in countless ways. As both a CTE Teacher and Career Development Coordinator, he has been a constant source of encouragement—always willing to help, always ready with a solution, and always approaching each day with an unwaveringly positive spirit.
His commitment to WYWLA's students has been nothing short of inspiring. He consistently goes out of his way to ensure that every student has access to meaningful experiences that help them grow—whether through career exploration, hands-on learning, or simply a conversation that helps them see new possibilities in themselves. His work has opened doors, built confidence, and changed futures.
And of course, we could never forget the trademarks that made every day a little brighter: his warm smile, competitive nature, contagious laughter, die hard love for the Carolina Panthers (regardless of their record), and delicious recipes. Mr. Reed's commitment to kindness, hard work, and connection added joy to our days and reminded us of the community we share.
As he steps into retirement, I want to celebrate not just the career he’s built, but the impact he’s made—on students, on colleagues, and on the culture of our school. Thank you, Mr. Reed, for 14 years of partnership, friendship, and service. You will be deeply missed, but your legacy will continue in every student you’ve helped guide toward their future.
Wishing you a joyful, fulfilling, and well-deserved retirement.
-Mrs. Watkins
Page updated
Report abuse