OUR NAMESAKE

Emma Jewel Cole (1937-1999)

She was born in Camilla, Georgia in 1937. She was deeply rooted in her Christian values and was dedicated to serving her family. She left school at an early age in order to work in the cotton fields to provide support for her family. Despite not having a "formal education" she was one of the wisest and most intelligent women in the world. 

She always stressed the importance of a quality education to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren She often said, "Once you receive a good education, no one can take that away from you." In 1960 she moved to Cocoa, Florida where she raised her 8 children. She remained a pillar of the Cocoa Community until she was called home to live with her heavenly Father in 1999.

Kenneth "Warrior" Harrell 

He was born on October 8, 1953 in Vero Beach, FL. The Warriors of Emma Jewel Charter Academy are named in honor of Mr. Harrell. After graduating from Killian High School in Miami, FL. he joined the U.S. Air Force where he earned his nickname "Warrior." Though he was a man of small stature, he possessed great virtue. He was well known and respected for his willingness to fight for things that were in the best interests of his troops; he never asked more of the than what he expected of himself. He led his troops on many missions in war zones including Kuwait, Iran, and Afghanistan. He was a strong believer that education in the great equalizer, and with an education, you increase your chances of achieving your vision of success. After serving 26 years in the USAF, he retired with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He returned home and enrolled in Brevard Community College and earned his Associates Degree of Arts in Law Enforcement. We hope all the scholars and family members of Emma Jewel Charter Academy strive to be "Warriors" in our school and in their communities.