HELP RIGHT A WRONG: LEGAL FEES FOR EDUCATOR

HELP RIGHT A WRONG: LEGAL FEES FOR DEDICATED EDUCATOR

If you have ever had a chance to meet Doleciea Hearns or as everyone knows her as “Mrs. Hearns” you would instantly feel the love and dedication she has as an educator. Mrs. Hearns started her career in law enforcement; however, her heart and soul was pulled to become an educator to serve the children and families right here in our hometown, Polk County, Florida. 

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After years of experience, Mrs. Hearns landed at her home away from home, Sleepy Hill Middle School where she has been a part of the Sleepy Hill Middle School family for 13 years and was their Assistant Principal. I explain that Sleepy Hill Middle School was her second home and family because Mrs. Hearns truly loved her job, the children she helped over the years, and the staff whom she worked with. Mrs. Hearns was an advocate for the children at Sleepy Hill, she cared for them – so much she made sure her office was filled with necessities a child may need when facing a hardship such as food, snacks, toiletry items, personal care items, books, you name it and Mrs. Hearns had it or would go out of her way to get whatever a child would need. 

Unfortunately, with some of the more recent changes, Mrs. Hearns has found herself in a hostile work environment and enduring harassment. Despite the circumstances, Mrs. Hearns continued to use her voice to shine a light on systematic issues and has been diligent in her duties. As a result, there have been malicious allegations levied against her, and rather than folding, Mrs. Hearns has chosen to fight to vindicate herself, restore her untarnished reputation, and get back to what matters most: the students and families. Mrs. Hearns has had to hire an attorney to provide legal representation.  All funds raised from this campaign will be used for an adequate legal defense and help get Mrs. Hearns back to work where she belongs.

In an age where the profession of education has become largely temporary and transient, Mrs. Hearns exemplifies the values and heart that truly make a difference in the lives of others.  From numerous home visits to personally providing meals and clothing on a consistent basis to students and families, she has touched many lives.  She provides discipline against a backdrop of love and compassion. These are traits that our children need. In an often-thankless profession, Mrs. Hearns has remained steadfast. We now, all have an opportunity to help her by donating and sharing this campaign toward funding an adequate legal team and getting Mrs. Hearns back to providing the exemplary education and care all our students deserve.