Dr. John Chaires, Interim Principal
I'm a 1997 graduate of Palatka High School, 1999 graduate of St. Johns River State College, and 2002 graduate of the University of Florida. I also have a Masters degree from UNF in 2012 and Specialist degree from UF in 2018; I recently earned my Doctorate from UF.
I've worked in education since 2005, all at Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School. I taught social studies for 5 years, was a school counselor for 8 years and have been an administrator since 2019.
Outside of school, you can find me outdoors; I enjoy hiking, camping, and activities on the water. I also can be found at Gator games cheering on the Orange and Blue.
Joy Eubanks, Assistant Principal
I grew up in Palatka and am a graduate of Palatka High School, Class of 1996. I continued my education at St. Johns River State College (A.A.), Florida State University (B.S.), University of North Florida (M.Ed. in Educational Leadership) and University of West Alabama (M.Ed. School Counseling).
I began my career teaching at Palatka High School and love that I am able to continue to serve in my community. I am beginning my 26th year in education with the majority of my experience being in middle and high grade levels. Throughout my time as an educator, I have served as a classroom teacher, dean of students, school counselor, and administrator.
I have been married for 23 years and am a mom of two busy girls, my oldest is a graduate of PJSHS and my youngest is a current junior at PJSHS. Outside of school, you will find me spending time with family and friends outdoors enjoying the water or cheering on our favorite teams at various sports events. I look forward to serving our wonderful students, teachers, and families of PJSHS!
Lamar Purifoy, Assistant Principal
I am a 1991 proud graduate of Palatka High School. I attended Tusculum College in Greeneville, TN where I played football. I have a masters degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University.
I began my teaching career as a Physical Education teacher at Price Middle School in 1997. This is my 29th year in education. I've also had the pleasure of being at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
My sport coaching at PHS has been in boys basketball, football, girls weightlifting, and girls flag football. In the 2010-2011 season, our PHS boys basketball team was the first in school history to make it to the state Final Four. I got into education because I had a goal to give back to my community and a passion to change as many lives as I could! I went "pro" in something other than sports!
Brittany Wilkinson, Assistant Principal
I’m a proud 2005 graduate of Palatka High School, and it truly means the world to be back home serving the community that helped shape who I am. After graduating, I earned my A.A. from St. Johns River State College, my B.S. from Saint Leo University, and my M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Florida State University. Since 2012, I’ve been honored to work with students across Putnam County. I’ve served as a classroom teacher and dean of students. Outside of school, I’m a wife and proud mom of two. We love spending time on the water, in the woods, or cheering our favorite teams from whatever field we land on. That time grounds us and reminds me of what really matters.
I believe deeply in our students and in the strength of this school community. I promise to give every ounce of my energy, passion, and integrity to serve our students, support our staff, and help build a school culture where every person feels valued, challenged, and empowered to succeed.
I’m truly excited for the year ahead and grateful for the opportunity to serve the students, teachers, and families of PJSHS. Go Panthers!
Cindy Bellamy, Assistant Principal
My Panther pride runs deep, having graduated from Palatka High School in 1991. I then attended St. Johns River Community College (A.A.), University of North Florida (B.A.), and lastly Saint Leo University from which I earned my masters degree in Educational Leadership.
I am proud to have spent the past 30 years serving our community, students, and families in our Putnam County School District. From my 17 years of both elementary and middle school classroom teaching in to the various leadership roles where I have served, few hold a candle to being a Panther. This year marks my third transition to PJSHS (Dean, TOSA for testing coordinator and AP). No matter the role or the timing, there will always be a genuine sense of pride in our small town big school where students are thriving in the pursuit of their own dreams and goals. Our students are provided the best opportunities for bright futures here with the various avenues we offer them to travel. What inspires me the most is that our faculty and staff invests in our students' interests and plans as much as the students themselves. To be part of the Panther family means commitment, encouragement, and the relentless effort to drive one another to take the next step, go the extra mile...no matter what. "Once a Panther, always a Panther" is not just a cliche', it is a lifestyle that I am genuinely proud to promote!
Outside of school, I am a Putnam County native whose family also has strong roots here as well. My husband of 29 years and my three children all graduated from PHS and, like myself, have chosen to build lives here investing in our community. We enjoy our sunshine state, traveling, and any amount of time we can all spend together. I also enjoy serving our community in women's ministry at my church and with Alpha Delta Kappa, my educator's sorority.