Miles takes job at Naples school
BY JASON THOMPSON Gulf Breeze News jason@gulfbreezenews.com

Miles

The Marlon Brando line is as classic as the movie it came from - I'll make him an offer he can't refuse.

Eric Miles received one such offer recently and he's taking it - a job at The Community School in N a p l e s , s t a r t i n g i n August.

Miles, t h e reigning G B H S Teacher of the Year who led the L a d y Dolphin soccer team to the 4A state championship game two months ago, informed the GBHS administration of his decision Thursday.

Miles will teach four 40-minute classes of Contemporary History and American History to classes of 10. While teaching in the town his parents currently live is a bonus, the financial security, as well as a top-notch education for his three sons were key in his decision.

"I would challenge anyone with the opportunity of working less and making more, who would stay?" Miles said.

"I certainly can't fault him for that," said GBHS Principal Sylvan Ladner. "He'll be very difficult to replace."

The decision was the hardest for him when he told his Bayside Storm players, several of whom were freshman on this year's Lady Dolphin squad and who Miles has coached since they were nine. "That was a very emotional day," Miles said.

Jason Thompson/Gulf Breeze News Swan song Eric Miles poses with seniors Kristi Lee, Kim Begley and Katie Patterson after the recent Pensacola Sports Association's All Star Game. It would eventually be Miles' last soccer game while being affiliated with Gulf Breeze High as he accepted a job at Naples' Community School last week.

As far as Miles' successor goes, he or she won't have to worry about making a schedule or ordering new uniforms, as that's been done already.

Miles went 120-24-8 in five years, including 61-0-2 in district play. He led the Lady Dolphins to a state tournament appearance in his first year in 2003, as well as a runner up finish this year. In addition to being the reigning GBHS Teacher of the Year, he was also the Rookie Teacher of the Year in 2000.

As far as hiring a successor, Gulf Breeze High can't advertise the position until it becomes open at the end of the school year.