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Knights of Columbus Supports Mariposa Elementary’s Grace Packs
The Knights of Columbus Council #12159, from Holy Family Catholic Church, had fundraising events to raise money for Mariposa Elementary’s Grace Packs Program. The Grace Packs mission is to provide weekly food packages for students in need. The men hosted four fish bakes, welcoming many from the church and community to a delicious meal; their wives baked homemade desserts and accepted extra donations to raise $1,000 to support children who need food at Mariposa Elementary. Bill Kicker, one of the Knights, said they feel like it is their mission to partner with Mariposa Elementary to feed hungry children. Knights, Bill Kicker, Fred Daniels, and Fred Bradley presented the $1000 donation to Principal Craig R. Logue. Holy Family’s Women’s Guild has also contributed to the program, which gives 40 students non-perishable foods every weekend. The Mariposa Grace Packs Team includes cafeteria manager Fred Buchholz, Science/Art Teacher Carla Bargeron, 4th Grade Teacher Jennifer Scipioni, and 2nd Grade teacher Michelle Smith; we are so thankful for the partnership with Holy Family Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus!
Change of Command
The Port Saint Lucie High School Jaguar Battalion held their first annual Change of Command Ceremony on April, 27, 2016. The Change of Command Ceremony is a ceremony to pass the command from the present Battalion Commander to the incoming Battalion Commander. The command is also passed from the present Command Sergeant Major to the incoming Command Sergeant Major. The key of the Change of Command is the passing of the unit’s colors. The colors are the symbol of the commander’s authority representing her authorities to the organization.
The ceremony begins as Cadet Command Sergeant Major Adam Pagan passes the colors to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Crystal Ortiz for the last time. Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Crystal Ortiz then passes the colors to Ms. Hargadine thereby relinquishing her responsibilities and authority. Ms. Hargadine passes the colors to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Triplett charging the new commander with the same responsibilities and authority. Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Triplett then passes the colors to Cadet Command Sergeant Major Adam Pagan for safe keeping. The ceremony continues as Cadet Command Sergeant Major Adam Pagan passes the colors to Cadet Command Sergeant Major Joshua Gonzalez thereby relinquishing his responsibilities and authority. This is known as the change of responsibilities. Cadet Command Sergeant Major Joshua Gonzales then passes the colors to the color guard and he is now responsible for maintaining the colors.
After the ceremony was over, seniors turned in their uniforms as this was their last uniform day. Cadets changed into sports clothes while the Booster Club Parents prepared a BBQ. Cadets enjoyed good food and fun games for the rest of the day. New cadets got to see what the games for the upcoming field day on May 7, will be like.
Congratulations to all of the cadets and their new positions.
Mock Trial at Palm Pointe
Seventh grade students at Palm Pointe Educational Research School @ Tradition, along with The Honorable Judge Smartt of the St. Lucie County Court, held a mock trial for their Civics Class. This was a great learning experience for everyone who participated.
The students standing participated in the trial as the prosecutor, the defense, the witnesses, and the defendant along with their teacher Mrs. Anne Lulkin and Judge Smartt.
The students seated made up the jury.
Great job students.
Cobras Compete at National Ocean Sciences Bowl
ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Ft. Pierce Central High School’s (FPCHS) Cobra Pride came through in a respectable showing at the 19th Annual National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB) Competition in Morehead City, North Carolina. Team members Andrew Caputo, Cody Nichols, Victor Alterizio, Bryce Starr, and Riley Kicker represented the school and finished 12th in the national competition.
Team Coach Steve Shotola said the road to NOSB was rigorous. He explained that the field was wide as 369 teams competed in regional competitions for the right to advance. “The Cobra team won the Florida Manatee Regional Competition in February and joined an elite group of 23 other regional champion teams at the finals in Morehead City.”
Students tested their knowledge of ocean-related topics, which included cross-disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, and geology by answering buzzer-style, multiple choice questions, and longer, critical thinking-based team challenge questions. They also participated in the Science Expert Briefing — a mock congressional hearing where they presented science recommendations on a piece of legislation. FPCHS received the highest and near-perfect score in the Oral Presentation portion of the testimony.
Feedback given to the students from Dr. Susan K. Avery, President and Director Emeritus at Wood’s Hole Oceanographic Institution included, “Fantastic persuasiveness, great conferral with one another, very strong oral presentation in both testimonies and question and answer. Both confidence and preparation helped them shine. This team seemed the most jazzed about the policy component of any in the competition.”
FPCHS Principal Todd Smith said, “I could not be more proud of our students. They exemplify courage and tenacity to pursue their goals, demonstrate positive leadership, and support one another through their teamwork.”
About St. Lucie Public Schools
The mission of St. Lucie Public Schools is to ensure all students graduate from safe and caring schools equipped with the knowledge, skills and desire to succeed. For more information visit, www.stlucieschools.org or contact Kerry Padrick at kerry.padrick@stlucieschools.org.