Mr. Drake Finney graduated from Arizona State University (ASU) with a degree in Technical Theater and an emphasis in Education. He has taught Physical Education, 5th Grade, 7th and 8th Grade Math, Science, and Civics, as well as high school Algebra, Geometry, and Financial Literacy, but his favorite subject to teach at the high school level is Digital Communications which includes Digital Photography, Yearbook, and Film & Television Production. For teaching, Mr. Finney has twice been nominated for the Walt Disney Teacher of the Year by his students and parents.
In addition to teaching, Mr. Finney has worked in radio, print, and video in advertising sales as well as in production and behind the microphone. This led him to being a voice-over artist responsible for voicing a variety of advertisements and over 150 video game characters, heroes, and monsters. In the last eight (8) years, in addition to teaching, Drake has developed Havasu Online TV, a direct-to-consumer platform to live broadcast community events, with a special emphasis on high school sports in which he also served as the broadcast announcer. Havasu Online TV was recognized as Business of the Year twice by the coaches at Lake Havasu High School, and the Arizona Educators Association (AEA) awarded Havasu Online TV the Media of the Year award for its contribution to broadcasting and and promoting student activities and sports. Mr. Finney’s knowledge of video, streaming, and broadcasting led him to being a contributor to a book about using streaming in education as well as being invited to the National Association of Broadcasters as a speaker.
Outside of teaching, Mr. Finney is an adult advisor at the state level for the Arizona Jurisdiction of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, a faith-based service organization for girls ages 10 to 20 in which his wife and daughters also participate. His work in this organization has been recognized by the Arizona York Rite Cryptic Mason with the Service to Youth Award. Mr. Finney has most recently been active in the Casa Grande area with the development of a new assembly. He also has taught and competed in Mixed Martial Arts where he has finished in the Top 3 in national and world competitions along with his wife and daughters.
When not busy, Mr. Finney enjoys spending time with his wife, daughters, and grandson, designer board games, designer board game development, computer gaming, and occasionally catching a movie.