In high school, her participation in clubs revealed a student with diverse interests. A yearbook passage displayed the pride she brought her family. Later, college supervisors indicated she would make a great teacher.

In fact, Lafave's public history showed no signs of the trouble she now faces.

The 23-year-old Greco Middle School teacher is accused of having sex with a 14-year-old student in her home, classroom and car. The recent charges of lewd and lascivious battery and exhibition have cast a pall over what appeared to be a promising future.

Lafave's senior page in her 1998 yearbook shows her enjoying time with friends and family members. Photographs capture Lafave as a child playfully teasing a cat, as a teen sharing a hug with friends and as a young woman dressed for a night at a formal dance.

A quote on the senior page reveals the pride Lafave's family felt for her.

"We want you to know how very proud we are of the young woman you have become," her family wrote. "God has blessed you with a beautiful heart and spirit. We love you very much Debbie!"

Lafave is a lifelong resident of Hillsborough County. She was an active student at Bloomingdale High School. She was a member of the chorus and the Ambassadors, also a singing group. She participated in a fashion education program that lets students work jobs for class credit.

After graduation, she went on to the University of South Florida to major in English. During her years there, she worked at a series of part-time jobs, including nail technician, waitress and bank teller, according to her school district re'sume'.

Lafave also worked as a model for Makes and Models Magazine, which features exotic cars. She was in its first issue, which included a photograph titled "Man's Best Friends," in which she sat atop a wide-screen television showing a Porsche.

While Lafave was attending USF, her older sister, Angela Beasley, died in in a car crash in April 2001. Army Capt. Joseph F. Piotrowski pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and driving under the influence after he ran a stop sign and collided with a vehicle driven by Beasley, who was pregnant.

A year later, Lafave began her college internship at Weightman Middle School in Wesley Chapel, where her supervisors were impressed with her dedication.

"In the classroom, Ms. Beasley maintains a positive enthusiastic, well-managed learning environment," then Weightman Principal Robert Aguis wrote in a recommendation letter. "She has always displayed confidence and professionalism."

Professor Cindy Campbell supervised Lafave during her internship. Campbell said Lafave showed promise to be an excellent teacher.

"She was so well-researched and prepared for her lessons," Campbell said. "She was one of those students that stood out. She was so professional during her internship. I still use her as an example in my teachings."

After completing her internship, Lafave was hired by the Hillsborough County school district. On her application, Lafave stated: "I will work hard to ensure that children learn how to positively interact among the multiplicity of personalities, cultures, beliefs and ideals. Ultimately, I will provide my students with a classroom environment that makes them feel free to explore both their creative and intellectual sides."

After her first year teaching, in July 2003, she married Kristian Owen Lafave, who turned 26 on Wednesday. They live in a town home in Riverview.

Debra Lafave has not returned telephone calls seeking comment.

She remains on administrative leave and is expected to be suspended without pay by the school board this month. If convicted, Lafave faces up to 15 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000 on each of five charges.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 977-2854, Ext. 32.