workforce warriors tours, coordinated with academic advisors and coaches, drove him to campuses and kept a cereal reserve in the classroom to fuel his focus.
MEET ERIKA MILLER, EDUCATOR, MENTOR AND MOTHER
Rodney’s hard work yielded offers from several colleges, ultimately deciding to don the green and gold as a University of South Florida Bull after transferring from the University of Toledo. During his sophomore year, his mother was tragically killed in a car accident. Without hesitation, Erika guided her former student through life’s challenges and would continue to mentor him through his journey as a National Football League (NFL) draft pick.
By DCAE Staff
Have you ever met someone and instantaneously felt inspired, only to be further motivated by their genuine passion for life? Meet Erika Miller, educator, mentor and mother. Erika Miller teaches Allied Health at Lakewood High School in St Petersburg, Pinellas County. Throughout her teaching career she received a series of awards and recognitions including Lakewood High School Teacher of the Year, Future Business Leaders of America Advisor Hall of Fame, Florida Association for Career and Technical Educators Outstanding Educator in Community Service, Pinellas County Athletic Trainer of the Year, Gatorade District IX Secondary School Trainer of the Year and many more. Of all her hard-earned titles, her favorite is mom.
“Erika is the most caring, selfless, motivated person that I know. She believed in me and stuck with me through a lot and I’m proud, grateful and blessed to have her in my life,” said Rodney.
Like many educators, Erika selflessly devotes her life, in and out of the classroom, to her students. For former student, Rodney Adams, Erika’s commitment changed his life. As an exceptional student athlete, Rodney began receiving calls from college recruiters across the country. His talent and unlimited potential soon left him overwhelmed with opportunities. Refusing to see her student falter to the weight of his own success, Erika supported him in his college endeavors. Often, she organized college
Today, Rodney plays for the Chicago Bears, is married and expecting his first child. By his side, stands Erika, who Rodney recruited to join the family in the position of mom, and soon to be grandma for this season and every season of life.
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