Northport VPK-8 School media specialist, Lynne Gruszka, seventh grade instructor and brand new teacher, Kendal Jo Hamblin and Maryanne Warren, student support specialist from New Horizons who is stationed at the school, collaborated recently to present a program for seventh grade Stingray students. The program was a culmination of the school’s Leadership Summit programs for middle school students that have been ongoing all year. Students have been building a list of leadership skills for the entire school year that include integrity, flexibility, passion, looking at the “big picture” and many other skills to be a great leader. Past guests have included Fl. State Representative, Gayle Harrell, Deputy City Manager of Ft. Pierce, Nick Mimms, a group of military veterans, school board member Debbie Hawley, Port Saint Lucie mayor, Greg Oravec and Ashley Mock, communications coordinator of Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County.
The most recent program held in the media center included a group of officers from the Port Saint Lucie Police Department including, Officer Toppin, Officer Brown, Officer Lushbaugh and Officer Garcia, nurse, Alicia Lange, Saint Lucie County Fire and EMT specialist, Karen Kozac, Publix store manager, Marc Waldbauer, Civil Engineer, Amanda Hanks and Children’s Services Manager of New Horizon’s of the Treasure Coast, Heather Roberts. The program was a phenomenal experience for the seventh graders who learned that the most important accomplishment is an education. To experience all that life has to offer, education is vital. Students learned that its important to find your passion but that passion can come through a variety of career experiences. Students learned about the word “integrity” and how very important that that word is for a rich and vital life well lived. Special thanks to all who have assisted in bringing these very memorable experiences to our students. Pictured are the students from Miss Hamblin’s homeroom class and the very special community leaders and guests as well as Miss Hamblin, Mr. Rustay, Northport principal and Mrs. Gruszka.
