'He had dreams.' 24-year-old Auburndale High School science teacher dies of COVID-19

LAKELAND — A 24-year-old Auburndale High School science teacher died Tuesday night in Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center’s COVID-19 intensive care unit.  

D’Anthony Dorsey, who was hired in the spring to teach marine biology and physical science, contracted the virus after school began on August 10 and has been struggling to recover, his family said.   

Auburndale Principal Tye Bruno noted that Dorsey had just begun his teaching career, but worked to make sure he had all the traits of a superb educator. 

“He was enthusiastic about teaching and wanted to help students develop a lifelong love of learning,” said Bruno, adding that Dorsey loved his students and wanted them to succeed beyond the classroom. “He was a gentle giant whose calm and caring presence was appreciated by everyone on campus. His classroom was a safe environment where students felt comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts.” 

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Bruno said counselors were available for students and staff. 

Beverly Wixon is a retired English teacher, who taught D’Anthony in the 9th grade at Tenoroc High School.  

"He was a great kid and had a great sense of humor – I still remember him,” said Wixon. "He was never in trouble, he was an ‘A’ student, everybody liked him. I remember him as such a good kid, always willing to read out loud – not one you had to bribe or beg to read. He had dreams and wanted to achieve them. He’s such a great kid and I’m shocked.”  

Dorsey played football and weightlifted for Lakeland High School after transferring there. He also wrestled for Tenoroc. A file photo in The Ledger archives shows he competed in the 2010 Polk Scholastic Chess Championship Tournament in Lakeland.

Doesey's mother, Lydia Dorsey and his girlfriend Allisa Sullivan have set up go-fund-me accounts to help offset expenses related to D'Anthony's illness and subsequent death.   Sullivan said in a go-fund-me post that she is currently not working after an on-the-job injury. 

“Your support will help him from losing his home that he shares with his girlfriend Alissa & their dog daughter Ginger and the medical bills this battle is stacking up against him,” his mother wrote. 

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Sullivan, did not answer several questions from The Ledger, including if Dorsey was vaccinated. She posted a photo on her go-fund-me page of the two of them wearing masks. 

Dorsey is the sixth known Polk County Public Schools employee to die of COVID since classes began August 10. He is the second Auburndale High School staff lost to the virus this year. On his 66th birthday in February, longtime assistant football coach Paul Green died. He was one of four staff to die last school year, when PCPS had a mask mandate. 

Ledger reporter Kimberly C. Moore can be reached at kmoore@theledger.com or 863-802-7514. Follow her on Twitter at @KMooreTheLedger.