Alumni Spotlight: Beth Reynolds ‘84

From photographer to storyteller to lover of the great outdoors, Beth Reynolds ‘84 knows what it takes to build on her experiences and leap into a new career. Beth studied photography and communications and still utilizes those journalistic skills in the work she does now. 

“Jumping careers from art to conservation was a leap of faith and very scary. Doing it at 56 years old was even more terrifying. Now two years into my new career, I am proud of myself and know it was the right path for me. I am proudest of finding my path where there was none,” shared Beth.

Beth works for Florida State Parks as a Ranger and Park Services Specialist where she coordinates and manages several hundred volunteers and is the interpretive chairperson for four parks: Egmont Key, Anclote Key, Caladesi and Honeymoon Island. “This has been a lifelong dream and my previous 30+ years of working in arts education gave me a solid foundation,” said Beth.

Beth is a Shorecrest lifer. “The School represents my whole childhood. Even though the actual buildings I fondly remember aren’t there anymore, Shorecrest is still my home base,” explained Beth. Her favorite Shorecrest memory was seeing her photographs in color, above the fold, on the front of "The Chronicle" student newspaper. The first color edition won a state award.

In her 20s Beth was diagnosed with learning disabilities including dyslexia, auditory processing issues, digit transposition and more. Beth shared, “I live with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am grateful I was a Charger when I was. The students of today are striving for goals beyond my comprehension. It is so impressive. The issues the world faces need the Chargers of today.”

If she were given the chance to go back and give advice to her graduating self she would tell her: “Explore. Be curious and don’t believe it when people tell you you can’t do something. You can!” 

Her advice to current Chargers is to “make a difference where you are. You do not need to make giant, global gestures to have an impact. Look to raise up the community right where you are at that moment in life.”

Recently Beth and her brother, Charles Reynolds '81, connected an artist with the School to create a new sculpture for the campus. The Shorecrest centennial sculpture, "Anamorphic Lighting Bolt," by artist Donald Gialanella was officially unveiled as a part of Centennial Celebration Day on November 11, 2023. [More]

Beth is one of many Alumni Chargers with a wonderful story to share. Alumni Spotlights reflect Chargers in all phases of their lives and careers after Shorecrest. If you have a story to share please contact Olivia Segalman at [email protected].