Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School

10/20/2026

You make us proud, Noah, with your work ethic and self-discipline. You’re an excellent representation of a Palatka Panther! Congratulations on your well deserved recognition! 💙💛🐾🏈🏆

Join us tomorrow at noon as we recognize our first Scholar Athlete of the Month, Noah McKinley, a varsity football player at Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School.

From October through April, the Rotary Club of Palatka recognizes outstanding student-athletes with a certificate and gift card. At the end of the school year, one male and one female Scholar Athlete will each receive a $1,000 scholarship at graduation.

We hope you'll join us as we celebrate Noah's achievements both in the classroom and on the field.

10/20/2026

Congratulations, Eli! Top of his game on and off the field! Proud to be a Panther!! Representing with respect and pride!! 💙💛🐾🏈🏆

Congratulations to the Parks Motor Group of Gainesville Scholar Athlete of the Week for Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School, Eli Campbell! (video link in comments)

10/20/2026

HERE WE GO!!

10/20/2026

💪 Panthers!

10/19/2026

Our Panthers are Putnam proud and it shows! 💙💛🐾🌺🎣📚🚣🏿‍♂️🌳🎋

10/19/2026

Let's GO girls! 💙🐾💛⚽🥅

10/19/2026

Teas for Tuesday, Oct. 20th!

Here is the drink menu for Tuesday 10/20! They are all delicious! Come get yours and enjoy!

10/19/2026

🫡 Panther Battalion at work!

Attention JROTC Panther Nation and community supporters! 🐾

The Palatka High School JROTC Panther Battalion is kicking off our fundraiser to support our cadets and help fund incredible student experiences and competitive opportunities this year. Our cadets work hard year-round—from our color guard and Raider teams to Air R***e marksmanship and community service—and we want to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed.

If you’d like to invest in these young leaders and help us reach our goals, please consider checking out our campaign page and sharing the word. Every bit helps! 🇺🇸

👉 Donate and support our cadets here: https://app.schoolfundr.org/fund/pantherjrotc26

10/19/2026

Congratulations and welcome HOME, coaches! Let's kick off a great basketball season together!💙💛🐾🏀

🏀 PALATKA PANTHERS BOYS BASKETBALL ANNOUNCEMENT 🏀

The Palatka Junior-Senior High School Boys Basketball Program is proud to announce two additions to our coaching staff! Please join us in welcoming Coach Demare Purifoy as our Junior High Boys Basketball Head Coach and Coach Tyrius “Gus” Thomas as our Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach.

COACH DEMARE PURIFOY — JUNIOR HIGH BOYS BASKETBALL HEAD COACH

Born and raised in Palatka, Florida, Coach Purifoy is a proud 2017 graduate of Palatka High School. During his time as a Panther, he was a three-year varsity basketball player and a two-year varsity football player. His accomplishments include earning two All-Conference basketball honors and one All-County football honor. He was also a member of the 2016–2017 Palatka Panthers boys basketball team that made an impressive Final Four appearance.

Now, Coach Purifoy returns to his alma mater with a passion for giving back to the community that helped shape him. He looks forward to developing young athletes, building character, and continuing the proud tradition of Panther basketball.

COACH TYRIUS “GUS” THOMAS — JUNIOR VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL HEAD COACH

Also a proud 2017 graduate of Palatka High School, Coach Thomas was a standout student-athlete who helped lead the Panthers to their memorable Final Four appearance. Today, he is a dedicated waste management professional, community mentor, and basketball coach in Palatka, Florida.

Since returning to his alma mater in 2022 as an assistant basketball coach, Coach Thomas has continued to invest in the next generation of Panther athletes. Now serving as the Junior Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach, he brings leadership, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to player development both on and off the court.

Two proud Panthers. One shared vision. A commitment to the next generation.

We are excited to welcome both coaches back home and look forward to the leadership and energy they will bring to our basketball program!