About the Board of Directors
President:
Nick Geraci
Nick Geraci is a retired educator who spent 34 years as a teacher, school counselor and school district administrator. He is a devoted husband and father to a family filled with educators (his wife, daughter and son-in-law are all educators)! Nick earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Education from State University of New York. Nick then went on to earn a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Education in Special Education from Adelphi University, a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Counseling Psychology, a Masters of Arts (M.A.) degree in School District Administration and a Professional Degree (P.D.) in School District Administration all from Long Island University.
A passionate musician, Nick began singing as a child. He was a member of his high school choice, St. John the Baptist High School, and sang in his All-County and All-State Choirs. While in Geneseo, he was a member of the Geneseo Chamber Singers and recorded with the Rochester Philharmonic. He was a member of his church choirs, St. Anne’s and St. John’s prior to moving to Lakeland. As a resident of Lakeland, he joined the Lakeland Choral Society over five years ago.
Outside of the time he dedicates to the Lakeland Choral Society, he loves to write – in fact he has written 2 fictional books under the name “A.C. Nicholas”. Additionally, Nick loves to garden and cook – his eggplant lasagna is a work of art and enjoyed by all who have had it!
Nick Geraci
Nick Geraci is a retired educator who spent 34 years as a teacher, school counselor and school district administrator. He is a devoted husband and father to a family filled with educators (his wife, daughter and son-in-law are all educators)! Nick earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Education from State University of New York. Nick then went on to earn a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Education in Special Education from Adelphi University, a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Counseling Psychology, a Masters of Arts (M.A.) degree in School District Administration and a Professional Degree (P.D.) in School District Administration all from Long Island University.
A passionate musician, Nick began singing as a child. He was a member of his high school choice, St. John the Baptist High School, and sang in his All-County and All-State Choirs. While in Geneseo, he was a member of the Geneseo Chamber Singers and recorded with the Rochester Philharmonic. He was a member of his church choirs, St. Anne’s and St. John’s prior to moving to Lakeland. As a resident of Lakeland, he joined the Lakeland Choral Society over five years ago.
Outside of the time he dedicates to the Lakeland Choral Society, he loves to write – in fact he has written 2 fictional books under the name “A.C. Nicholas”. Additionally, Nick loves to garden and cook – his eggplant lasagna is a work of art and enjoyed by all who have had it!
Vice President:
Mary Flekke
Mary has been a member of the Lakeland Choral Society since 2000. She sings Soprano. She currently serves on the Board of Directors as the Vice President and Archivist/Music Librarian. Her musical experiences began with organ lessons over 62 years ago!
She graduated from St. Cloud State University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History and English. She also earned a Masters of Science (M.S.) in Library Science.
Mary has lived in Lakeland for over 41 years and spent 29 dedicated years at Florida Southern College as the Reference Librarian where she assisted thousands of students during her career. Her hobbies includes photography, reading and needlework! She is a member of the Florida Library Association, Florida Archivists and the Ridge Art Association.
Mary Flekke
Mary has been a member of the Lakeland Choral Society since 2000. She sings Soprano. She currently serves on the Board of Directors as the Vice President and Archivist/Music Librarian. Her musical experiences began with organ lessons over 62 years ago!
She graduated from St. Cloud State University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History and English. She also earned a Masters of Science (M.S.) in Library Science.
Mary has lived in Lakeland for over 41 years and spent 29 dedicated years at Florida Southern College as the Reference Librarian where she assisted thousands of students during her career. Her hobbies includes photography, reading and needlework! She is a member of the Florida Library Association, Florida Archivists and the Ridge Art Association.
Treasurer:
Ann Batts
Ann Batts was born in Kankakee, IL and has 5 siblings. She attended St. Teresa Catholic and St. Anne Academy prior to moving to Florida with her family in 1960.
She attended Lakeland Junior High and graduated from Kathleen High School in 1965.
Growing up, Ann sung throughout the country, on the radio and on TV alongside her brother and sister! They were accompanied by their music teacher (and arranger), Peggy Clark (Burr).
After high school, Ann began her career with the Owens-Illinois Glass Plant. In 2003, Ann began her Publix career in the Public Corporate Environmental & Sustainability Department, from which she retired in 2017.
Ann married her husband in 1969 and they have 5 grown children!
Ann is a sweet and positive member who sings tenor with the Lakeland Choral Society, is on the Board of Directors and serves as the organization's treasurer.
Ann Batts
Ann Batts was born in Kankakee, IL and has 5 siblings. She attended St. Teresa Catholic and St. Anne Academy prior to moving to Florida with her family in 1960.
She attended Lakeland Junior High and graduated from Kathleen High School in 1965.
Growing up, Ann sung throughout the country, on the radio and on TV alongside her brother and sister! They were accompanied by their music teacher (and arranger), Peggy Clark (Burr).
After high school, Ann began her career with the Owens-Illinois Glass Plant. In 2003, Ann began her Publix career in the Public Corporate Environmental & Sustainability Department, from which she retired in 2017.
Ann married her husband in 1969 and they have 5 grown children!
Ann is a sweet and positive member who sings tenor with the Lakeland Choral Society, is on the Board of Directors and serves as the organization's treasurer.
Secretary:
Angela Guira
Angela Guira teaches Choir and Piano at Bartow High School in Bartow, Florida. Prior to joining the Bartow
High School Music Department, Mrs. Guira served as Director of Choirs, Piano and Guitar at Southwest Middle
School in Lakeland from 2015 until 2018. From 2011-2014, Mrs. Guira taught elementary music at Purcell Elementary in Mulberry, Florida. She also was an itinerant adaptive music teacher in the ESE center schools.
Mrs. Guira earned her Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Florida Southern College and her Masters of
Education Degree from Florida Southern College. She has served as the District Chair of District 12 for the Florida
Vocal Association. She is also a certified adjudicator for the Florida Elementary Music Educators Association and
the Florida Vocal Association. She is a Board Member for the Lakeland Choral Society, as well as an active
Participant. Mrs. Guira has had choirs perform on National Television, at sporting events, for community events,
and most recently at the Candlelight Processional at Disney World.
In Mrs. Guira’s free time, she enjoys baking and spending time with her husband, six-year-old daughter, and puppy. She is an active member in FVA, FMEA, NAfME, FEMEA.
Angela Guira
Angela Guira teaches Choir and Piano at Bartow High School in Bartow, Florida. Prior to joining the Bartow
High School Music Department, Mrs. Guira served as Director of Choirs, Piano and Guitar at Southwest Middle
School in Lakeland from 2015 until 2018. From 2011-2014, Mrs. Guira taught elementary music at Purcell Elementary in Mulberry, Florida. She also was an itinerant adaptive music teacher in the ESE center schools.
Mrs. Guira earned her Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Florida Southern College and her Masters of
Education Degree from Florida Southern College. She has served as the District Chair of District 12 for the Florida
Vocal Association. She is also a certified adjudicator for the Florida Elementary Music Educators Association and
the Florida Vocal Association. She is a Board Member for the Lakeland Choral Society, as well as an active
Participant. Mrs. Guira has had choirs perform on National Television, at sporting events, for community events,
and most recently at the Candlelight Processional at Disney World.
In Mrs. Guira’s free time, she enjoys baking and spending time with her husband, six-year-old daughter, and puppy. She is an active member in FVA, FMEA, NAfME, FEMEA.
Mick Burns
Mick Burns received his B.M.E. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance in 2009. He currently teaches elementary music to 700 students in Polk County, where his school was named a Florida Arts Model School from 2017-2022. He’s taught after school orff, chorus, and folk dancing groups, as well as clinics to fellow music teachers throughout Polk County. On his off time, Mick enjoys cooking, gardening, theatre, video games, and his pet cats. Mick has sung as part of the Lakeland Choral Society since 2017 as a tenor and has been a board member since 2020, serving as vice president for a year.
Mick Burns received his B.M.E. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance in 2009. He currently teaches elementary music to 700 students in Polk County, where his school was named a Florida Arts Model School from 2017-2022. He’s taught after school orff, chorus, and folk dancing groups, as well as clinics to fellow music teachers throughout Polk County. On his off time, Mick enjoys cooking, gardening, theatre, video games, and his pet cats. Mick has sung as part of the Lakeland Choral Society since 2017 as a tenor and has been a board member since 2020, serving as vice president for a year.
David Hallock
David Hallock is a graduate of Hope College with a BS in Engineering with a Mechanical concentration. It is his second year as a part of the choral society and first year on the board of directors. David has enjoyed being a part of the local arts outside of his career at Barney’s Pumps Inc, participating in performances with Theatre Winter Haven and the Lakeland Opera.
David Hallock is a graduate of Hope College with a BS in Engineering with a Mechanical concentration. It is his second year as a part of the choral society and first year on the board of directors. David has enjoyed being a part of the local arts outside of his career at Barney’s Pumps Inc, participating in performances with Theatre Winter Haven and the Lakeland Opera.
James Neal III
James Neal is a long-time member of the Lakeland Choral Society. His amazing deep bass voice contributes wonderfully to the choir's balance. James has been the first to greet new members, welcoming them into the organization and his positivity and insight is highly valued by all!
James is an educator for Polk County Schools and teaches at Gause Academy in Bartow.
James Neal is a long-time member of the Lakeland Choral Society. His amazing deep bass voice contributes wonderfully to the choir's balance. James has been the first to greet new members, welcoming them into the organization and his positivity and insight is highly valued by all!
James is an educator for Polk County Schools and teaches at Gause Academy in Bartow.
Shing Palagano
Shing is a passionate “Lady Bass” who sings alto in the Lakeland Choral Society. Shing is also a pianist and percussionist.
Shing is the proud mom of Emmalee, her toddler daughter, and devoted wife to Bobby. She has been a Lakelander since north Lakeland was covered in orange groves and Publix sold their cookies in a 4-dozen variety pack.
Shing has served as an educator with Polk County Public Schools for over 15 years. Her education background includes being a former Director or Choirs, piano teacher & high school assistant band director, ESE teacher, social studies teacher, District Behavior Specialist and Assistant Principal. Shing’s musical honors include being a 2017 quarterfinalist for The Grammy Foundation’s Music Educator of the Year, and when she was a Director, taking her choirs to perform at Disney, different National Conferences and many community events. She is a proud member of First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland.
Shing earned her Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from The Florida State University, Master’s in Education degree (M.Ed.) in Collaborative Teaching & Learning from Florida Southern College, Master’s in Education degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership from American College of Education, and a Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) Degree from the University of West Florida in Curriculum & Instruction.
In addition to singing, Shing enjoys time with her family, being a foodie, traveling the world, cheering on The Florida State Seminoles and game nights with friends.
Shing is a passionate “Lady Bass” who sings alto in the Lakeland Choral Society. Shing is also a pianist and percussionist.
Shing is the proud mom of Emmalee, her toddler daughter, and devoted wife to Bobby. She has been a Lakelander since north Lakeland was covered in orange groves and Publix sold their cookies in a 4-dozen variety pack.
Shing has served as an educator with Polk County Public Schools for over 15 years. Her education background includes being a former Director or Choirs, piano teacher & high school assistant band director, ESE teacher, social studies teacher, District Behavior Specialist and Assistant Principal. Shing’s musical honors include being a 2017 quarterfinalist for The Grammy Foundation’s Music Educator of the Year, and when she was a Director, taking her choirs to perform at Disney, different National Conferences and many community events. She is a proud member of First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland.
Shing earned her Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) from The Florida State University, Master’s in Education degree (M.Ed.) in Collaborative Teaching & Learning from Florida Southern College, Master’s in Education degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership from American College of Education, and a Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) Degree from the University of West Florida in Curriculum & Instruction.
In addition to singing, Shing enjoys time with her family, being a foodie, traveling the world, cheering on The Florida State Seminoles and game nights with friends.
Bev Stokem
Originally from New England, Bev Stokem moved with her Pastor/husband and kids to Florida in 1979. She worked as a Paraprofessional and then as an ASL Interpreter for the Polk County School Board from 1981 until she “retired” from the school district in 2015. Bev still works part-time doing video relay interpreting from home.
Music is her passion! She's been told that she sang before she talked! She played the cello in elementary and middle school, and taught herself to play piano, ukulele, guitar, and bass guitar. She has sung with the Lakeland Choral Society for over 30 years, only taking a few years off to teach American Sign Language Courses at USF and the then, Polk Community College.
Bev has served as both president and secretary while on the Board of Directors and currently chairs the Scholarship Committee.
Originally from New England, Bev Stokem moved with her Pastor/husband and kids to Florida in 1979. She worked as a Paraprofessional and then as an ASL Interpreter for the Polk County School Board from 1981 until she “retired” from the school district in 2015. Bev still works part-time doing video relay interpreting from home.
Music is her passion! She's been told that she sang before she talked! She played the cello in elementary and middle school, and taught herself to play piano, ukulele, guitar, and bass guitar. She has sung with the Lakeland Choral Society for over 30 years, only taking a few years off to teach American Sign Language Courses at USF and the then, Polk Community College.
Bev has served as both president and secretary while on the Board of Directors and currently chairs the Scholarship Committee.
Daphne Tarango
Daphne Tarango has been an alto singer for over 9 years in the Lakeland Choral Society. Her sweet personality makes her a joy to sing with! She began her musical experience by singing in her church.
She is a Senior Recruiting Strategist for Kelly Services. Daphne earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication from Lee University and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mass Communication and Marketing Research from the University of Florida. She is currently enrolled in a doctorate program in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Liberty University!
Her hobbies and joys include fishing, nature, dancing, singing, spending time with her family, friends and her fur babies (3 dogs and 4 cats). Daphne also enjoys writing and is a published author! Additionally, Daphne speaks at twelve-step recovery events.
Although she has lived in Lakeland for more than 18 years, an interesting fact about Daphne is that she cannot swim!
She is married to her husband Luis, and is a member of City Central Church in Lakeland.
Daphne Tarango has been an alto singer for over 9 years in the Lakeland Choral Society. Her sweet personality makes her a joy to sing with! She began her musical experience by singing in her church.
She is a Senior Recruiting Strategist for Kelly Services. Daphne earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication from Lee University and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Mass Communication and Marketing Research from the University of Florida. She is currently enrolled in a doctorate program in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at Liberty University!
Her hobbies and joys include fishing, nature, dancing, singing, spending time with her family, friends and her fur babies (3 dogs and 4 cats). Daphne also enjoys writing and is a published author! Additionally, Daphne speaks at twelve-step recovery events.
Although she has lived in Lakeland for more than 18 years, an interesting fact about Daphne is that she cannot swim!
She is married to her husband Luis, and is a member of City Central Church in Lakeland.