Fort Lauderdale High School welcomes Ms. Kelly Panza as the cheerleading coach, Government and Economics, and Personal Financial Literacy teacher.

Panza has been teaching for 13 years; before joining the Flying L family, her teaching career started at Tequesta Trace Middle School. She then worked for the Archdiocese of Miami before moving to Western High School for five years. 

“I wanted to be closer to home and be more involved in a school that is in my community,” she stated about her transition to FLHS.  

Ms. Panza came to FLHS with a motive of changing and improving the cheerleading team, which she is in the progress of already doing. The team will compete in local tournaments by late November, putting on their best performances. 

“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to show the amazing talent our Ft. Lauderdale cheerleaders have in a competitive environment,” she said.

When she is not teaching or coaching, Panza trains for half marathons.  She has completed more than 50 races throughout the United States, and her favorite races are the Disney Legacy’s Wine and Dine races. 

Ten years ago, a neighbor invited her to run a 5k, and she found how difficult it was. With new found motivation, she continued to run and better herself.

 “Running is very important to me because it’s more than for physical well being; it’s also mental health,“ she explained, “I use running as a stress relief.”

Panza is delighted to be welcomed at FLHS and shared what she loves about the school. “I love the history of the school and how involved in the community it is,” she said. “I also love interacting with students and how every day is different.” 

Fort Lauderdale’s Flying L’s cannot wait to see what Ms. Panza has to offer.