Message from the Principal

Hurricane FAMILY,

I am honored and privileged to be your principal at Mount Dora High School. The 2022-2023 school year will mark my 3^rd year as principal.  Mount Dora has always been close to my heart and I’m so excited to continue this journey with you. After working as a deputy sheriff with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office for several years, I became a career-switcher in 2008 and started my educational career teaching social studies at MDHS. It has been a true blessing to return home to where it all began.

I’m proud to say that Mount Dora High School is officially a “B” school!  We are currently the #1 ranked high school in Lake County!  This is thanks to the hard work and efforts of our amazing faculty and staff, students, parents and community stakeholders. I believe it’s also thanks to the belief that we truly are, One Team.  While there is still work to be done, we have a lot to celebrate and be proud of.  I have no doubt we are well on our way to being an A-rated school very soon.

Those who truly know me will tell you I’m a firm believer in teamwork.  I coached various sports in Lake County for nearly two decades, so I understand and value the power of teamwork. Thank you for your continued support of our school, and please know my door is always open.

As we just closed the chapter on a full century of MDHS history, here’s to year 101 and the continuation of many more accomplishments! We are excited to have our community partners and stakeholders visit CANE Country and see the amazing things our school has to offer. I’ve come to learn that tough times don’t last, but tough teams do. We are ONE TEAM. Go CANES!

With Hurricane Pride,

Marlene L. Straughan

Principal Mount Dora High School
Email: straughanm@lake.k12.fl.us