Evelyn Hollen has been the principal of Lincoln Avenue Academy, an innovative and highly successful magnet school in Polk County.  She has devoted her career and Christian walk to helping students and families reach their full potential personally and academically. Under Mrs. Hollen’s leadership, Lincoln Avenue Academy has earned a grade of A under the Florida A+ grading system for the last eighteen years. and been recognized as the top elementary school nation with their innovative integration of technology and math through the Intel Schools of Distinction Award. By building a relationship-based supportive school community, the school was recognized by the National Blue Ribbon Schools.  

Prior to becoming the principal of Lincoln Avenue Academy, Evelyn Hollen served as the assistant principal at Dixieland Elementary School as well as numerous other leadership roles for Polk County Schools.  Mrs. Hollen is a frequent speaker and trainer for a variety of organizations ranging from the Florida League of International Baccalaureate, the National Science Association of Elementary Schools’ Annual Conference, to the University of South Florida’s Best Practices Conference. In all of her educational roles Evelyn Hollen’s primary focus has been on the talented student’s she serves and the exceptional teachers who encourage the academic accomplishments and love of learning.

One way to give back to her Christian college was to served as adjunct professor at Southeastern University for eight years. She also served as a member of Southeastern University’s accreditation interview team. As the Science Department facilitator, she assisted in aligning the college’s curriculum with the Florida Sunshine State Standards and developed an interactive approach to science instruction.  Evelyn Hollen has also served as an instructor at Polk Community College.  Another way to give back to the community was serving as a member of Leadership Lakeland, Learning Resource Center Board  and Platform Art Board, as well as the President’s Council of Florida Southern College as well as the Phi Delta Kappa executive board.

Evelyn Hollen was fortunate to grow up in a Christian family and attend an active church. Her parents were German immigrants who taught her to hold pastors and teachers in highest respect. The emphasis growing up was on service, which led in part to her decision to become an educator.  She was saved at a young age but rededicated her life to Christ in high school during a church youth retreat.  She decided to attend Southeastern University to strengthen her Christian walk and also felt led to pursue her elementary education degree. While at Southeastern she experienced first-hand the advantages of a Christian education.  Her classmates became lifelong friends due to their shared deep abiding faith that was so much more meaningful than just the coursework and joint experiences. Evelyn Hollen continued to be active in her church through teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, attending small group and daily devotions. She is looking forward to becoming part of the Lakes Church Family.