Who we are

Ms. Sheryl Loken's educational career spans more than 30 years across Florida, Italy, South Korea, and military communities, highlighting her dedication to community initiatives through the AmekaHope Foundation, founded in 2024, which aims to empower students and foster community growth.

Ms. Loken began her teaching career in 1993 as a long-term substitute teacher for the Broward County School District in Florida. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education, which underpin her extensive experience working with students in pre-K through 12th grade. After 2 years as a substitute teacher, Ms. Loken became a full-time teacher, demonstrating her commitment to professional growth.

August 1995, Ms. Loken taught Earth Science, Chemistry, and AP Biology at Coconut Creek High School in the Broward County School District in Florida.

In July 1998, Ms. Loken married Mr. Howard Loken and moved to Fort Drum in upstate New York. While at Fort Drum, Ms. Loken taught math intervention, biology, anatomy, and physiology at Indian River High School. During this time, she first interacted with military-connected students and the unique group of individuals they were. She was at Fort Drum when September 11 occurred. During that time, her students saw their parents deployed to a combat zone for the first time. As a teacher at a school with a majority of students with military connections, she gained a new perspective on their everyday lives.

From September 2002 to August 2026, Ms. Loken lived in Italy and South Korea. While overseas, she taught middle and high school students Algebra I, Algebra II, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and AP Chemistry at Department of Defense Schools. She also served as a counselor, coach, and adviser for STEM and honor societies, inspiring students and colleagues alike. Her passion for guiding students made her a trusted mentor and community leader. She retired from teaching in DoDea on July 31, 2026.

In 2022, Ms. Loken founded AmekaHope LLC to provide educational support, products, and services to students in need. Through the AmekaHope Foundation, established in 2024, she continues to empower high school students to pursue college, fostering confidence and hope within her community. Her initiatives have helped more than 100 students earn scholarships or secure college placements, demonstrating her tangible impact.