Decision of a lifetime: Educator receives key to city of Vero Beach ahead of retirement

For Eric Seymour, teaching students across the Treasure Coast was not a decision, but a calling. More than three decades ago, a young Seymour – more focused on business – had no interest in education and was content working as a corporate lab technician after graduation.

However, the 1979 Vero Beach High School graduate often thought about how interactions with instructors – from simple conversations to classroom encouragement – had a positive, long-lasting impact on him. 

Eventually, Seymour found himself back in the same school classrooms, this time offering the familiar wisdom of life and learning he was given all those years ago.

“I loved the support teachers gave me when I was a student,” said Seymour, 63, born and raised in Gifford. Over the years, Seymour advanced in his educational career, eventually becoming the assistant superintendent of Student Affairs, Advocacy and Access for the School District of Indian River County.

Fast forward to the present. 

The crowded school hallways will become a little quieter as Seymour prepares to retire Tuesday following a 33 and a half-year-career. Seymour’s biggest impact remains his dedication to people, said his wife Vicki Seymour.

“When I first met him, I called him the ‘Gentle Giant.’ He was very kind, gentle and unassuming,” said Vicki Seymour, married to Eric for 34 years. “He’s just moving to a new chapter. I want him to rest but continue to use his gift to help people. I want him to enjoy his retirement.”

Former students, co-workers, mentors and friends agree that Seymour is keen on “seeing the good in everyone,” a valued characteristic often needed as teachers learn to cope with students navigating adverse childhood experiences. Seymour said it was his mission to “value people” as he guided pupils at campuses across the Treasure Coast, including Vero Beach High School. 

“I’m very clear that my goal is to make everyone happy and comfortable in all they attempt to accomplish whether it be school, athletics or in their home life,” Seymour said. “I believed in developing people. I gave credit, accepted blame and believed heavily in the strength of unity. That was the way I learned.”

Eric J. Seymour Day

Seymour was recently honored at a meeting at the school district headquarters, where board members read a proclamation declaring Dec. 9 as Eric J. Seymour Day in Indian River County. The veteran educator walked to the podium, holding back emotions as the applause echoed in the chamber.

“It’s something I did not expect, but knowing the caliber of the board members, I understood,” Seymour said. “I’m very appreciative of them for considering me. The work I’ve done is for them. I gave them every bit of energy I could muster day in and day out.”

With a strong but calm demeanor, Seymour looked around the room and thanked school board members and his staff for supporting him throughout his educational journey.

School District of Indian River County Superintendent Dr. David Moore said Seymour showed commitment and advocacy to students, and was often a voice of reason. Moore said Seymour is an outstanding person who is fully committed to his community. 

“He has said multiple times that he will continue to give 100 percent until his absolute last day. He 100 percent means that,” Moore said. “He will not just ease out the back door. He is fully committed to his work. He’s a courageous person who knows what leadership is about.”

John Cotugno, Vero Beach mayor, presented Seymour with the key to the city, which was followed by a standing ovation. Seymour described the recognition as “incredible.”

“To have the key to the city was a milestone,” Seymour said. “For someone who has lived in this county since 1961, that was heartfelt. My grandparents and great grandparents lived in this county. This symbolizes how I represented my family.”

Dr. A. Ronald Hudson, the first Black principal at Vero Beach High School and the first Black assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for county schools, described Seymour as an “exceptional” person who made an invaluable difference in the school district and community. Hudson said Seymour had a steadfast commitment to excellence while also inspiring, motivating and leading with compassion. 

“I’ve known Eric for most of his life, even when Eric was a teenager he stood about a foot above me and I had to look up to him,” said Hudson, who was among several supporters who spoke about Seymour’s achievements. “I still look up to him today because of the incredible person he has become. Eric exemplifies the professional educator at its best. Eric, today we celebrate your unwavering commitment, visionary leadership and timeless dedication to nurturing the minds and hearts of countless students, parents and others.” 

Denny Hart, assistant principal of Vero Beach High School, said Seymour’s recognitions speak to the level of dedication and commitment Seymour has to his community.

“He will leave a void that will be difficult to fill,” Hart said. 

Transition into education

A young Seymour, with a degree in business from Delaware State University, originally set his sights on making his mark in the corporate world. 

At age 25, Seymour began working as a lab technician at the Vero Beach branch of Hercules, Inc., a chemical and munitions manufacturing company headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. Seymour’s vision was to become the plant manager or even the CEO. 

During the day, Seymour picked up a substitute teaching job at Vero Beach High School. Seymour said he would get off from subbing at 2 p.m., working with students and soaking in the classroom setting before going to work at Hercules, Inc. from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The long days left him more focused than ever. 

When the Vero Beach branch of Hercules, Inc. decided to relocate overseas to Denmark, Seymour decided to stay home because he didn’t want to leave his parents. It was a decision that would change the trajectory of his career.

“If Hercules, Inc. stayed here, that would’ve been my last job,” Seymour said, adding that he decided to change course and concentrate on education as a vocation. 

At age 28, Seymour became professionally certified to teach. Seymour also completed his master’s degree in educational leadership in 1999 from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale.   

“I got my certification, went into teaching and realized it was made for me,” Seymour said. “I taught pre-algebra. I enjoyed my time with the students.”

Even with a new career, Seymour said he still advanced in a short amount of time at Vero Beach High School. Seymour was promoted to administrative dean, then to assistant principal and principal.

Seymour later became assistant principal at Lincoln Park Academy and principal at Northport K-8 School, both in St. Lucie County. The educator was also principal at Oslo Middle School in Indian River County.

Seymour continued to climb the ladder, becoming the director of Advocacy, Athletics and Student Activities for the School District of Indian River County. Seymour’s last position was serving as the assistant superintendent of Student Affairs, Advocacy and Access, where he acted as the primary contact for unresolved cases between school level administrators and parents.

“I have a massive department and people who are dedicated to the work. There’s never any question when asked to respond to a matter. Our goal was always to be best by children and find sustainable resolutions,” Seymour said. “My team is the hub of the district. The people in my department are to be commended just as much as I am. We could not have done it without each other.” 

Seymour thanked his executive assistant Sara Milliman and spoke highly of her work ethic and dedication. Seymour said Milliman managed a large operation and “refused to let me down.”

Milliman said she felt like she won the lottery when she came to work for Seymour. Milliman said Seymour is a legacy maker.

“He is a role model for all of us to strive to make a positive impact in our communities,” Milliman said. “He has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to supporting teachers and students. My only regret is that I didn’t get to work with him sooner.”

Making his mark

While at Lincoln Park Academy, Seymour was recognized as the 2003 Assistant Principal of the Year for Florida. Seymour said he helped increase the academic ratings for the campuses where he was principal and assistant principal. 

Seymour said he helped lift Lincoln Park Academy from a “C” to an “A,” Northport K-8 School from a “C” to a “B,” and Vero Beach High School from a “B” to an “A,” a first-time achievement for the campus. The educator said he used a program called Study Island, where he analyzed real time data that helped improve grade-level proficiency and monitor student progress.

Under Seymour’s leadership, Vero Beach High School received its highest academic rating by the Florida High School Athletic Association in 2012. Seymour, who was also a student athlete at Vero High and netted a double sports scholarship in football and basketball, said he understands the challenges that come with maintaining high grades while practicing a sport. 

Seymour made it a requirement for players to spend 30 minutes accompanied by a coach in a computer lab for tutoring before they step foot on the field or court. Another one of Seymour’s goals was to increase participation by 5 percent each year for all extracurricular activities. 

Seymour said students benefit from being involved in sports, band, clubs and other extracurricular groups on campus. Seymour said he helped to create a program called “My Kid Can,” which provided financial assistance to families purchasing expensive sports equipment. 

“Our goal was to make sure every student had an opportunity to be part of an activity if they wanted,” Seymour said. 

Seymour also established a mentorship program called “Hear My Story,” where he brought in speakers for students who may not fit in.

“You had kids who were shunned and felt like they didn’t want to be part of the school,” Seymour said. “We brought in speakers who would talk to the students who were on the verge of dropping out. The mentors overcame battles – domestic violence, depression, homelessness and drug addiction – and used that as encouragement to motivate students. This helped to increase the students’ achievement levels and attendance.”

Always see the potential

Seymour said it’s important not to give up on the youth and that everyone can be encouraged. 

“You will always have to see the potential. Every child has potential,” Seymour said. “I never rated a child based on their actions or what they might say. I assumed I could motivate them to be better students.”

Shala Edwards, a 2002 graduate of Vero Beach High School, said Seymour was her assistant principal. Edwards remembers Seymour as one of the more important teachers she came across.

“I stayed in his office for disciplinary issues. He always handled me with care and concern,” said Edwards, who added that she experienced adverse childhood experiences. “He was a positive male role model. He didn’t say ‘why are you so bad.’ Instead, he would say, ‘how can we get you back in the classroom?’”

Edwards, founder of Treasure Coast Girls Coalition, a nonprofit that provides mentorship, tutoring, entrepreneurship skills and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) activities to disadvantaged girls, said Seymour was always concerned for his students’ well-being. Seymour will be the keynote speaker at the coalition’s “Girls to Greatness” Luncheon set for April 5 at Pointe West Country Club. 

Edwards said she will never forget Seymour. 

“We need more people like him,” Edwards said. “You never know what impact you will have on people.”

Photos by Joshua Kodis