Welcome to U.S. History! I hope that you are as excited as I am to begin our year learning about the history of our incredible country! We will begin the year where you left off in eighth grade U.S. History. Our journey this year will take us from the Civil War/Reconstruction era to today. As you can see, we have a lot to cover but as long as you come prepared to learn, I know that you will succeed. Please see the attached syllabus for class details. 

Below is a brief biography of myself.

About me

My family roots run deep in Marion County. In 1850, my great-great-grandfather, William Holly migrated with his family to Marion County from Barnwell, South Carolina and became the first family to settle on the east side of the Ocklawaha River, about a mile south of modern-day Nuby’s Corner. My father’s career as a consultant for the citrus industry took our family to DeLand in 1966, where I lived until 2010 before returning to Marion County. In 2001 I married Reyna Gomez from Irapuato, Guanajuato (Mexico). Being married to someone from another country brings many unique challenges and blessings. The greatest blessing for me has been the opportunity to travel to Mexico 25 times since 1999, totaling 85 weeks. Spanish is now my second language and I am able to communicate well. Reyna and I are blessed to have two beautiful daughters, Reynita (15) and Lindsay (11).  

Since graduating from college in 1988, my career choices and community service have often revolved around teens and young adults, including 15 years working in public high schools in Volusia, Levy, and Marion Counties. From 1988 to 1995 I served a Youth Pastor and continue aiding church youth departments to this day. In 2005 I began supplementing my income as a substitute teacher. Forest High School hired me in 2018-19 as a full-time para-professional. After completing graduate school in December of 2019, I was hired at Lake Weir High School as a Social Studies teacher. However, my heart was still at FHS and I feel honored to be back at this great school! I hold an M.A. in History and it is my hope to not only teach facts to teens about the USA, but to instill awareness about what makes this land special and worthy of preserving.

Holly-U.S. His Syl