Sandra ("Sandy") Allen was the physical science teacher at Lawton Chiles Middle Academy from its inception in 1992 (known then as Jesse Keen Middle Academy). In 1995 she was nominated by her peers as the Teacher of the Year. Sandy was Lawton Chiles Middle Academy's (known then as Lakeland Middle Academy) Gifted Science Teacher for the 1998-1999 year. Before coming to Lawton Chiles Middle Academy, Sandy taught at Mulberry High School, where she taught physics, physical science, and biology. Earlier Sandy had taught physics and physics with calculus at Polk Community College as a full time substitute for about six weeks. After battling cancer for over two years, Sandy died in March of 2000. She was active in her church and her community involvement included the Junior League and numerous other charities.