“Trust the Tribe.” It’s not just a phrase on the marquee at Southeast High—it’s the heartbeat of this year’s school culture. Principal Ginger Collins and her colleagues introduced the theme to inspire unity, confidence, and connection across campus. In only the second week of the school year, the Seminoles are already proving what it means to live by those words.
Cathy Strate – A Legacy of Learning
For English teacher Cathy Strate, the idea of trust has been at the center of her career. With nearly 40 years in education—most of them spent right here at Southeast—she has poured her heart into students through English classes, the academic team, and speech and debate.
A graduate of Bayshore High, Strate knew since second grade that she wanted to be a teacher. Looking back now as she prepares to retire at the end of this school year, she calls the experience “phenomenal.”
She often remembers what a former principal, Dr. Pat Lucas, once told her: “Southeast is the best kept secret in Manatee County.” For decades, Strate has carried that truth forward, reminding students that trust in themselves—and in their teachers—can open the door to success.
Matt Kitchie – Coming Home to Lead
For Matt Kitchie, trust has always meant leaning on role models. A 1996 Southeast graduate and former Seminole athlete, Kitchie once dreamed of working in television news.
But when that career path proved uncertain, he turned to the lessons learned from his mentor, legendary football coach Paul Maechtle.
Kitchie began teaching at Southeast in 2000, later coaching in both Kentucky and Florida, before returning home as Athletic Director. Walking the same halls where he once trained and lifted weights, he now mentors the next generation of Seminoles.
One of his proudest moments came when he served as athletic director while his own son was a senior at Southeast. “What makes this school so special is the people,” he said. For Kitchie, trust is about continuity—carrying forward traditions, reconnecting with classmates who are now parents, and building a culture that inspires confidence in every student.
Sean – A Guardian with Heart
Trust also shows up in the form of safety, and that’s where Sean, a retired NYPD officer, comes in. He joined Southeast in 2024 as a school safety guardian, and from the start, he was struck by how diverse the student body is—and how well students connect with one another.
One of his proudest moments was watching last year’s seniors cross the graduation field at LECOM Park. “Even though we come across as a uniform presence, it’s not about authority and discipline,” he explained. “We’re here to protect them and keep them safe.”
Every morning, Sean greets students as they arrive, trading quick conversations that set the tone for their day. Originally from Long Island and holding a degree in psychology, he says this new role feels like a true calling. He’s enjoying life in Manatee County—spending time with his family, and with his son’s travel hockey league—but his daily purpose is clear: students can trust that he’ll be there, keeping watch.
Trevor – A Guardian with Purpose
Trevor, one of Sean’s partners in safety, is just beginning his journey at Southeast—but he’s already embraced the school’s culture of trust.
An Ohio native, Trevor studied business before joining the Marine Corps in 1994, serving in Okinawa, the Mediterranean, and later working as a police officer and SWAT team member.
After retiring in 2021, he followed his daughter’s encouragement to move to Manatee County, where he found not only a new home but also a fiancée and a renewed purpose.
Encouraged by a friend at church, Trevor applied to the district’s Guardian Program. He was impressed by the training, comparing it to his SWAT experience. “The staff here is awesome, and it’s fun to work here,” he said. “We get students through the day, through the week, and through graduation.”
He laughs about adjusting to Florida heat—and seeing students wear hoodies year-round—but he’s already proud to be part of the tribe. For Trevor, trust means being a steady presence who helps students reach their full potential.
Trusting the Future
Thanks to Principal Collins’ leadership, “Trust the Tribe” is more than a theme—it’s a shared commitment. Teachers like Cathy Strate pass down wisdom built over decades. Leaders like Matt Kitchie return home to mentor the next generation. Guardians like Sean and Trevor provide the safety and assurance students need to grow.
Together, they’re shaping a culture where trust is the Seminoles’ greatest strength—and where every student can walk confidently into the future.