ST. LUCIE COUNTY – Next stop – Los Angeles. That’s where Manatee Academy’s Project Citizen portfolio is advancing. The team of seventh grade students from Ms. Megan Shaver’s Civics class placed first in the state for their portfolio entitled, “Keep Port St. Lucie Afloat,” and the team placed second in the oral competition. Representatives from Manatee’s team presented their problem, possible solutions, action plan, and portfolio which included the team’s research binder and presentation board to a panel of prestigious judges on May 20 in Palm Beach Gardens. The suite of judges was comprised of Nova faculty, members of the League of Women Voters, and Florida Law Related Education Association staff.
While Manatee Academy’s team project is advancing to the national competition, St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) had a weighted and impressive showing at the state competition which boasted a total of six middle school projects. Of these six projects that advanced to the state level, three were from St. Lucie Public Schools. Student team projects from Southern Oaks Middle School and Westgate K-8 rounded out the SLPS presence. Projects were judged in two categories: (1) Oral Hearing in which students presented their problem, possible solutions, and action plan, and (2) Portfolio in which research binders and presentation boards were evaluated. Westgate K-8 placed third in the Oral Hearing category.
“I am so impressed with the level of commitment and civic-minded responsibility our students demonstrated. They selected their problem, thoroughly researched it, connected with many leaders in the community to explore solutions, and presented their ideas in a very polished manner,” said Lilly Beauchamp, principal of Manatee Academy.
For seventh graders in SLPS Civics classes, Project Citizen is a program that promotes competent and responsible participation in local and state government. According to the Florida Law Related Education Association, “The program helps participants learn how to monitor and influence public policy. In the process, they develop support for democratic values and principles, tolerance, and feelings of political efficacy.”
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.
Manatee Academy’s 7th grade Project Citizen team is advancing to the national Project Citizen competition for their project entitled, “Keep Port St. Lucie Afloat.”