Leon County Schools released documents revealing more details from an investigation that determined two Lincoln High School cheer coaches and a volunteer provided alcohol and drugs to minors during an out-of-town trip for a cheerleading competition.
Initially, LCS confirmed that two employees had been fired, but administrative review documents that the Tallahassee Democrat obtained in a public records request show three women were involved — two employees and a volunteer, who were all subsequently released from their coaching duties.
All three of the women were terminated from their coaching positions after they “provided alcohol to students, consumed alcohol while chaperoning and failed to respond appropriately to the safety risk of students who were impaired,” according to the documents. The two employees, Precious McDonald and Ke’ana Pennamon, were also fired from their LCS positions.
Attempts to reach the two former employees for comment were unsuccessful, and the volunteer declined to comment on the incident and the investigation.
The incident occurred the weekend of Feb. 8 at a rental home in Orlando where the team was staying for the UCA High School Nationals competition. Documents note that students were also reportedly under the influence of drugs/THC gummies during the trip “without medical attention being pursued for those students.”
All three coaches were notified by Lincoln High School Principal Allen Burch on Feb. 16 that they were placed on administrative leave while the incident was under investigation. A week later, each coach was individually interviewed “to discuss and review the incident.”
“I have confirmed through interviews that the issue of alcohol possession and use did occur,” Burch said in an email to Jimmy Williams, the chief of safety and security staff for LCS. “Additionally, the three coaches confirmed during their interviews the information involving care for intoxicated students.”
Pennamon was fired Feb. 23, and McDonald and the volunteer were fired Feb. 27. However, McDonald received an email late afternoon on Feb. 23 informing her that she would be fired from her position as clerical assistant at the high school, and the following morning she responded that she resigned from her position effective immediately.
The situation was internally investigated by LCS and also sent to the Florida Department of Children and Families for further investigation, LCS Spokesperson Chris Petley said.
A DCF spokesperson said they were looking into the matter but had no other information.
Breaking & trending news reporter Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.
