The Fort Lauderdale High School Flying L family lost two dear staff members over the summer. Ms. Sharonda Mitchell and Mr. Dennis Swart will be remembered as they left an impression on the school community.

Sharonda Mitchell was born June 30, 1957, to Audrey Nell Cooper and Terry Mitchell in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Mitchell was loved by everyone she encountered.  

“She always took the time to speak with her peers. [She] loved to laugh and looked on the positive side,” shared ESE Specialist, Valerie Ruwe.  

Mitchell was an FLHS alumna from the graduating class of 1972. She began working at the school 26 years ago as a classroom assistant, helping students navigate the campus and providing teachers with copies for their classrooms. Always caring and more than willing to help, she built strong relationships with her colleagues.

“I have known Ms. Mitchell for over 25 years. [She] was a very positive loving person, a glass half full kind of person,” said Tina Lovett, fellow FLHS alumna and Math Department Chair. “We encouraged each other through the highs and lows in our lives. We laughed together and cried together. She loved the students and her colleagues. She worked hard at her job and did it well.”

Dennis Swart was born on October 16, 1957. He began his journey at FLHS over five years ago as a substitute teacher and then was employed full time as a General Clerk.

 Swart’s dedication and comedic personality were something that many admired.  

“[Swart] had a funny disposition and loved to make people laugh. He was a hard worker  and always willing to assist,” said Confidential Office Manager Jessica Almeida. 

Swart’s sense of humor also left an impression on the school’s bookkeeper, Denise Nonamaker.

“I would see his name calling me on my office phone and just knew it would be some funny remark or joke, and I could picture the grin he would have on his face,” she shared.

The Flying L family will miss and always remember Sharonda Mitchell and Dennis Swart.