The picture collage captures the Class of 2024 graduation ceremony and the

Evans High School Alma Mater.

Maynard Evans High School Community Brief

Monday, June 17, 2024

Dear Mark,


Everyone within the Evans High School community is incredibly proud of our students' accomplishments and success as we look back on the previous year. Our school community has demonstrated incredible dedication and hard effort, resulting in a year that we can all look back on with great pride. We wish the class of 2024 the best in their future prospects. Even while we will miss having them on campus, we know they are ready for the next phase of their lives. Evans High School will always be a place you can call home.


We are happy to report that two of our respected Trojan Administrators will be assuming new positions within the Orange County Public Schools system as of July 1st. Mr. Truitt will be the new Principal of Lockhart Middle School. He has a lot of experience and a strong desire to help young minds grow. His leadership and love of learning will surely have a lasting effect on the Lockhart community. 

Ms. Diaz will be taking her extensive educational experience to Jones High School to support the Tigers in the upcoming school year. She possesses unbreakable perseverance and commitment. We would like to thank Mr. Truitt and Ms. Diaz from the bottom of our hearts for their tremendous contributions to Evans High School and wish them luck in all of their future endeavors. 


As we anticipate Evans High School's bright future, let's unite to honor the resiliency and strength of our school community. We have been truly proud of the innumerable learning milestones and outstanding achievements that we have witnessed this year. We are ecstatic about how far our students have gone in their educational journeys and are extremely inspired by their dedication and passion. 


Mrs. Nelson-Warren

Principal

Visit Evans Website

Special Events

Summer BreakSpot

Summer Hours:

June 22: FREE Sports Physical

* Must Pre-Register *


** FREE PHYSICAL AND ECG **


*** MUST BRING FHSAA EL2 AND OCPS ECG FORM WITH YOU TO EVENT ***


Link to register: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/411NfML7/2024-orange-county-partnership-schools-free-sports-physicals-5a5k3t1ZKzY/overview


OCPS ECG Form: OCPS ECG Form


FHSAA EL2 Form: FHSAA EL2 Form

July 10: SAC/PTSA Retreat

Come out on July 10th, 2024, at 9:00am!!


The PTSA/SAC gathering in July will give everyone involved a chance to think about and focus on important issues that will be worked on in the 2024-2025 school year. Stakeholders will be able to take part in this collaborative effort which will benefit the whole school community. The retreat will provide a space for open conversation, working together to come up with new ideas, and methodical planning to ensure Evans High School continues to grow and succeed.


* School Advisory Council (SAC); Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA)


2024-2025 Calendar:

Superintendent's Message

2024 State of the Schools Address

Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez applauds teachers while delivering the 2024 State of the Schools address, with OCPS board chair Teresa Jacobs, at Edgewater High School, Monday, June 3, 2024. Schools and community leadership along with Central Florida elected officials gathered to hear the remarks addressing the performance and goals of the eighth largest school district in the nation. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) Read the full article

Get Connected with Us

The 2024 Evans High School Graduation: An Evening to Remember (Thursday, May 30, 2024 - UCF)

All who attended the Evans High School 2024 commencement ceremony will remember it as a most memorable evening. Ms. Green, the Senior class sponsor, welcomed everyone warmly to kick off the evening and set the stage for a spectacular and moving ceremony. The audience enjoyed a number of inspirational moments during the ceremony that honored the accomplishments and resilience of the graduating class. 

The senior class and our NJROTC gave a moving salute to our flag and recited the pledge of allegiance.


The air was heavy with affirmations of graduation, full of promise and optimism for the future. Our Senior Class Officers: I’sis Pierre and Athanel Brooks, did a tremendous job at setting the tone of the night with their amazing speeches. Salutatorian Kaitlyn Budai gave a heartfelt speechone of the evening's highlights. When Kaitlyn looked back on the 13 years our seniors had attended school, she underscored the diligence and tenacity that each graduate possessed. Her remarks touched a nerve with the crowd, causing clapping and cheers to resound throughout the hall! 


Valedictorian Zahrah Mohammed stood up to express her thoughts on the senior year experience after Kaitlyn's remarks. Speaking passionately, she emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication while discussing the lessons of perseverance that all Trojans had learnt. Mohammed's remarks filled everyone in attendance with pride and served as a potent reminder of the senior class's overall accomplishments! 


Principal Nelson-Warren approached the stage to give her welcome speech and to recognize the exceptional achievements of the class of 2024. She gave the seniors props for their outstanding work in a variety of subjects and their enthusiastic involvement in the high school experience. The class of 2024 had achieved great success in both academics and extracurriculars, leaving a lasting impression on the Trojan school community.

During her speech, Ms. Nelson-Warren emphasized how the seniors had not only prepared themselves for the difficulties that lay ahead, but had also shown extraordinary devotion and dedication to their objectives.


The class of 2024 established a high bar for upcoming generations to meet by genuinely embodying the spirit of excellence and pride. Below are some of the Trojan accomplishments that were highlighted:


In the area of Visual Arts, Evans High School was well represented at the “Workings of the Soul” McRae Art Gallery event. The gallery was highlighted in the Orlando Sentinel as an astonishing event. 


The Chorus program produced Superior and Excellent ratings at District MPA, and Superior with Distinction ratings at State MPA, with a host of Superior Solos and Ensembles throughout the year. Our chorus program had the honor of performing at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in April 2024.  


Our Theater program performed 3 plays this school year: Jackie Robinson Steals Home (which earned all scores of Excellent in state competition), The Crucible earned Superiors in State, and the musical Annie was the culminating performance of the school year.


Our Orchestra program earned Straight Superior ratings at the Orchestra MPAs. This was a first in school history and a first among major Title 1 High Schools in OCPS.   


Our Green Machine band in District Solo & Ensemble scored 38 Superior Solos, 19 Excellent Solos, 5 Superior Ensembles, 1 Excellent Ensemble, & 69 Superior Medals. In State Solo & Ensemble 13 Superior Solos, 6 Excellent Solos, 2 Superior Ensembles and 29 Superior Medals were earned. And the BEST BAND in the LAND participated in a host of festivals, parades, battle competitions and even the 2024 Future of Education Technology Conference, with Band Seniors earning over $391,000 in music scholarships.   


Our Student Government Association (SGA) was instrumental in supporting and providing great events that have magnified our Trojan Pride this school year; from Homecoming Activities and the Epic Red Carpet Hollywood Dance to Pep Jams, Pep Squads supporting athletic events and engagement in community events. What a way to memorialize the Senior Year of the Class of 2024!  


In the area of Sports: our Mighty, Mighty Trojan Boys Basketball Program captured the District and Regional Championships and reached the Final Four for the 2nd time in 5 years. The Football Program repositioned themselves as a powerhouse team to be reckoned with for the 1st time in 12 years. Boys Wrestling had 2 Seniors participate and place in the State Competition and the Team finished in the Top 10 in the State, and Girl’s Soft Team competed in District Play and won their the 1st District Playoff Game, The Girls and Boys Weightlifting Teams competed hard in all matches and qualified for Regionals, and The Track Team continued their winning tradition by having runners qualify for the Class 4A State Track & Field Competition.  


The following is a display of Academic Excellence:  

● 4 Seniors are Super Scholars as a result of being accepted into the nation’s top colleges, universities, and/or military academies. 

● 3 QuestBridge Award Recipients 

● 5 Exceptional Education Students have been accepted to Bridges, a Post-Secondary Program where Community Based Vocational Education Experiences are Acquired & 3 Exceptional Education Students were accepted into the OCPS Post High School Job Training Program.

● 5 AP Scholars 

● 7 Elevation Scholars 

● 2 Seniors earned an Associates of Art Degree 

● Over 250 Seniors participated in Academic Signing Day, making their commitment to their Post Secondary Plans  

● $3.75 million dollars & counting in scholarships were earned by our Seniors  

● 15 Seniors have made the Ultimate Sacrifice by enlisting in the United States Military Armed Forces to continue to protect our democracy. Thank you for your commitment to service! 


There was a tangible sense of joy and accomplishment in the air as the ceremony came to an end. The Evans High School commencement of 2024 was more than just a customary occasion; it was a celebration of the class's everlasting spirit, hard work, and dedication. This evening will serve as a reminder of the class of 2024's enduring legacy for many years to come.

One of our distinguished guests, the Honorable District 6 School Board Member Dr. Karen Castor Dentel, at that point in her message when she was recognizing all of Evans' amazing teachers. She also thanked all of our seniors' middle school and elementary school teachers for their efforts.

Performing Arts

Congratulations to our Evans HS Symphonic Band on being invited to perform at the Minority Band Directors National Association (MBDNA) National Concert and Jazz Invitational in Atlanta, Ga! Our Symphonic Band is one of two selected from Florida, amongst the 14 ensembles invited from across the nation. This is an awesome opportunity to represent Evans HS and the Pine Hills Community, and we all should be proud!

Career and Technical Education

New CTE Program coming to Evans High School


Evans High School is getting a cool new program! We are going to start the CNC Production Specialist Program. In this program, students will learn the basics of how to make things. From learning how to read blueprints and follow safety rules to getting CNC equipment ready for use, students will get the hands-on experience they need to have a successful job in the field. 


CNC Specialist

Sign Up Here!

One Trojan Network

Evans High School is proud to announce that we have a YouTube channel that showcases all the amazing things going on at Evans High School. 


Link to YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@onetrojannetwork

Trojan Film Club

Entertainment Production & Management Magnet Program

U.S. Navy JROTC

The NJROTC Aviation curriculum will be introduced this upcoming school year. This program offers a full curriculum on flying and flight safety. Interested in joining NJROTC? See the flier below:

Trojan Athletics

2023-24 Trojan Athletics Year in Review:



Baseball- New coach Quajae Harvin established a very hardworking and disciplined baseball program here at Evans. The baseball team had exciting victories over Jones High and Oak Ridge HIgh School. 


Boys Basketball- Coach Morgan and the High Flying Boys Basketball team reached the Final Four for the first time in 5 years. The team dominated in the District and regional Championship as they marched to the state finals.  


Boys/Girls Cross Country- The Cross Country program continues to build on their continued success over the past couple of years producing district and regional qualifiers 


Cheer- We earned 1st place in the Top Team Chant, the Most Improved Team Award, Superior Rating in Team Cheer, and earned a spirit stick each day of the camp. We were also awarded with the NCA Team Spirit Stick to take home! Lastly, we also have three cheerleaders who met the qualifications to become a part of All-American Cheer!


Football- The Mighty Trojans Football program returned to the area elite programs by earning a berth into the FHSAA playoffs.


Softball- Led by coaches Pereira and Bynes, the softball team showed strength, perseverance & improvement which led to them securing a spot in Districts, and securing a first-round district victory.


Track and Field- Boys/Girls The combined track and field teams continue to rebuild, with several athletes accomplishing personal bests and being on the verge of making it to states. Standouts this year include junior Elijah Wiggins (Spring Metro Athlete of the Year), junior Arbrianna Scott (top 10 hurdler), and the girls 4x400 relay team.


Wrestling- Boys/Girls The Wrestling Programs took big steps this year with several boys and girls qualifying for the district competition. The boys team placed in the top 10 in final points, while senior Jamel Paul took home the runner-up medal with a record of 31 - 1. 

Trojan Athletes Going to the Next Level!

Part of our focus with Trojan Athletes is providing our students with opportunities beyond Evans High School whenever possible. We provide our athletes with NCAA workshops and being an advocate for their academic progression. And now, more and more college recruiters are here looking at our students.


This year, we have SIXTEEN students who will be moving on to play in college: 13 football players, 1 soccer player, 1 wrestler, and 1 lacrosse player. Please recognize our Trojans who are taking their skills to the next level. 

2024 Varsity Football Schedule:

Summer Workout Schedule:

Athletic Clearance:

Student Services

Parent / Family Engagement

Parent Support Ticket


At Evans High School, we want to make sure that parents and school staff are working together to support and improve the learning, development, and health of children and adolescents. Below is some information provided by our Parent Engagement liaison and all the services she assists with:

Food For Thought at Summer Break...

1) Higher education equals higher earnings:

Source: Social Security Administration Read full article


Insight for our Trojans:

Education is highly correlated with wealth. In fact, the Social Security Administration puts the average lifetime earnings of men with advanced degrees $1.5 million higher than those with high school diplomas.

2) Five things to do this summer prepare your college applications for Evans rising seniors:

Source: Forbes Read full article


1. Start The Common App Essay. One of the most daunting and time-consuming parts of the college application process is writing the personal statement, also known as the Common App essay.


2. Finalize A Balanced College List. While many students go on their college visits during the spring of their junior year, summer can offer a prime opportunity for students to visit colleges and hone their balanced college list.


3. Achieve Standardized Testing Goals. As top schools continue to reverse their test-optional policies, it is critical for students to set ambitious yet attainable goals for their standardized test scores, as they are the foundation of a competitive application. (ACT and SAT offered this summer)


4. Develop A Passion Project. A passion project is an independent initiative that reflects a student’s core interests and showcases the applicant's dedication and creativity.



5. Make A Plan for Requesting Letters Of Recommendation. For students who have not yet done so, summer is an excellent time to request letters of recommendation. Students should identify the teachers, coaches, or mentors who can speak positively about their abilities and character.


* Evans HS College and Career Resource Center

3) Referrals will increase your chances of getting hired:

Source: The Wall Street Journal  Read full article


Insight for our Trojans:

In a study from the first part of this year, applicants with referrals had a 50% chance of advancing past an initial résumé review, compared with only 12% odds for other external candidates. Thirty percent of eventual hires had referrals, even though people with referrals represented just 5% of the applicant pool. Referrals increases your chances of getting through the first filter of software programs that now dominate recruiting. For high school students, this will come into play whether entering the work force after graduation or continuing onto college. Therefore, referrals from high school employers, teachers, coaches, and community organizations are important.

4) Top 10 schools consistently ranked as the best HBCUs:


1. Spelman College (Atlanta, GA)

2. Howard University (Washington, D.C.)

3. Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, AL)

4. Hampton University (Hampton, VA)

5. Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA)

Morehouse College students on the Atlanta campus. 

* Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a brilliant student, graduated from Morehouse College with a B.A. in 1948, when he was just 19! He then chose to follow in his father's footsteps in the ministry and then earned a theology doctorate from Boston University.  

6. Florida A&M University - 'FAMU' (Tallahassee, FL)

7. North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, NC)

8. Xavier University of Louisiana (New Orleans, LA)

9. Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA)

10. Dillard University (New Orleans, LA)


Source: Yahoo Finance Read full article

5) Wisdom To Live By: Week of June 17th

Biles On Accomplishment

A successful competition for me is always going out there and putting 100% into whatever I'm doing. It's not always winning. Sometimes it could be, but for me it's hitting the best sets I can, gaining confidence and having a good time.

~ Simone Biles, gymnast


Buffett On Preparation

We do not have to be smarter than the rest, we have to be more disciplined than the rest.

~ Warren Buffett, businessman


Gandhi On Open-Mindedness

You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.

~ Indira Gandhi, politician


Doucleff On Productivity

Pay attention to the benefits of completing the task, instead of the effort required.

~ Michaeleen Doucleff, author


Tubman On Goals

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.

~ Harriet Tubman, abolitionist


Sanders On Ambition

I made a resolve then that I was going to amount to something if I could. And no hours, nor amount of labor, nor amount of money would deter me from giving the best that there was in me. And I have done that ever since, and I win by it. I know.

~ Harland Sanders, founder of KFC (he opened his first restaurant at age 62)

Florida flag

PRIDE. DETERMINATION. PERSEVERANCE

Mrs. Nelson Warren, Principal

Evans High School

Sunday, June 16, 2024

Evans High School Leadership Team

This communication may contain information that is legally privileged, confidential or exempt from disclosure, and intended only for the use of the addressee(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, please note that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Anyone who receives this message in error should notify the sender immediately by telephone or by return e-mail, and delete the message from their computer and any printout thereof. Please note that OCPS utilizes spam and junk e-mail filtration applications in its e-mail systems. That filtering process may prevent or delay delivery of certain e-mail communications. If you do not receive a timely response to an e-mail communication, please contact the intended recipient by phone.
Copyright Notice
Reproduction of this material, either written or electronically, including the general layout, graphics, analyses, and content topics without the express approval of Target Performance Systems, Inc., a Florida corporation, and OCPS - Maynard Evans High School is forbidden without written consent. Thank you for your support of the Orange County Public Schools and especially Maynard Evans High School. Please contact Dr. Priscilla Reyes at priscilla.reyes@ocps.net with any questions related to the program.
Evans High School | Mrs. Nelson Warren, Principal | 407.522.3400 | Evans Website
Twitter