Cathy Oyster, Principal
I am a proud 1999 graduate of Palatka High School, and honored to have been serving Putnam County School District’s students and families for 23 years. Most families will recognize me from my former positions as assistant principal at Interlachen High School, and most recently, former assistant principal at Kelley Smith Elementary School.
With experience both in the classroom and in administration, I look forward to utilizing these insights to benefit the students and families of Palatka High. As someone who attended PHS, I look forward to rebuilding the schools strong presence in the community, as we seek to reinvest the community in the lives and futures of our students.
I look forward to getting to know our students and families in the upcoming year. Go Panthers!
John Chaires, Assistant 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'm currently a Doctoral candidate at 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!
Dr. Rachael Akers, Assistant Principal
I am a graduate of Ridgeview High School (home of the Panthers) in Clay County and I am excited to be a Panther again! I am a UNF Alumni, having thrice graduated from UNF with a Bachelors in Spanish Language and Cultures, and American Sign Language; a Masters in Educational Leadership; and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on School Climate and Culture.
I am entering my 11th year in education. I taught in Clay County for 7 years. I then became an Assistant Principal at Crescent City Jr Sr High, where I was for 3 years. I am excited to join the Palatka Jr Sr High School team and community. I love being at a high school and seeing students engage in their diverse interests and really bring the school to life with their passions.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, going to the beach, and being crafty.
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!