Tag: #BuildAFuture

Performance Based Preparatory Academy: First Welding Job Before I Graduate High School

May 18, 2026 By KEVIN HOLZAPFEL

On April 30, 2026, the Welding Program went on a field trip to D&D Welding and Fabrication to witness what goes on in a Fabrication shop and get a taste of the real world. Upon arriving at D&D, all the students were given an introduction by the shop’s Safety Manager and CWI Matt Ruben. During the tour, there was one student who stood out of the whole group and continued to ask as many questions as he possibly could. Andrew Guerrero took great interest in everything that was happening at D&D. Andrew took great interest in the fabrication of all … Read More

Students Turnout for the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Showcase

April 13, 2026 By Dana Caputo

Students from middle and high schools across St. Lucie County competed in the CTE Showcase. The student projects were focused on entrepreneurship categories which included 3D printed and Welded Fair, Ecommerce Products & Services, New Food Truck Concept, and the middle school entrepreneurship project. The students were dressed to impress, meticulously prepared their presentation boards, and wowed the judges. Thank you to our sponsors, judges, and volunteers: ATax, Certification Partners, Knowledge Pillars, Learning Labs, Heather and Harold Rutledge, Strather Dupree-ATax, Harold Rutledge-Learning Labs, Melissa Hancock, Gina McCants-Sunshine Kitchen, Donna Laudisio-NADDA, Rick Kirk-Texas Roadhouse, Lisa Cobb-Youth Empowered to Prosper, Tom Lange-Knowledge … Read More

Classrooms2Careers: Careers in Law, Public Defenders Office

March 9, 2026 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

High school students from St. Lucie Public Schools interested in becoming lawyers or pursuing careers in the legal field were recently invited to participate in a career information session and tour with the Public Defender’s Office. This opportunity was made possible through the support of SLPS Career Coaches, who work to connect students with real-world career exploration experiences. Assistant Public Defender (Felony Division Head) Stephen Hooper hosted the visit and led a comprehensive session on pathways into the legal profession. He discussed what it takes to become a lawyer, shared his personal journey to becoming a licensed attorney, and highlighted … Read More

Classrooms2Careers: Smithsonian Marine Station

March 9, 2026 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

High school students from across St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) had the opportunity to participate in a behind‑the‑scenes tour and information session at the Smithsonian Marine Station. This special Classrooms2Careers experience introduced students to a variety of marine science career pathways and real-world research happening right here on the Treasure Coast. Seven students from Treasure Coast High School (joined by Industrial Biotechnology teacher: Mr. John Williams) and St. Lucie West Centennial High School attended the session, where they explored several cutting-edge research areas, including: Chemical Ecology Benthic Ecology Everglades Restoration Projects Coral Reef Research During the visit, students heard directly … Read More

Welding Technologies Brings in Field Inspector at Performance Based Preparatory Academy

March 9, 2026 By KEVIN HOLZAPFEL

We had a visitor come to our Welding Technology class at Performance Based Preparatory Academy. Joey Graham, a welding instructor at Blue Origin and Welding Inspector, came to visit the welding program to talk to the students about what it is like to be in the welding field. All the students took great interest in all the information that Mr. Joey had to offer. As Mr. Joey went through his presentation, he asked the students why they wanted to be a welder. The question was brought up because of the common phrase that always goes around in the welding community, … Read More

Classrooms2Careers: Marine & Maritime Career Expo

March 9, 2026 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students from St. Lucie Public Schools recently had the chance to explore exciting future opportunities at the 2026 Chart Your Course: Marine & Maritime Career Expo. Held in February, the event was made possible through the ongoing collaboration between the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation and St. Lucie Public Schools. Aligned with the Classrooms2Careers initiative, the expo introduced both 8th graders and high school students to a wide variety of careers connected to the marine and maritime fields. Throughout the day, students met with local businesses, industry experts, and post‑secondary partners. Exhibitors provided hands‑on activities, interactive demonstrations, and informative sessions … Read More

Classrooms2Careers: Mock Trial, Student Experience

November 24, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

As part of the Classrooms2Careers initiative, students from St. Lucie Public Schools participated in the Mock Trial – Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions program at the St. Lucie County Courthouse. This hands-on experience gave students a unique opportunity to explore careers in law and the judicial system. Students attended with their teachers from Criminal Justice, Law Academy, and related elective courses, representing four high schools: Fort Pierce Central High School – Mr. Wilder Fort Pierce Westwood Academy – Ms. Brown St. Lucie West Centennial High School – Mrs. Baumgarten and Mr. Nichols Treasure Coast High School – Mrs. Cintron-McCray, Ms. … Read More

AquaTree Gardens in the Middle Schools

July 7, 2025 By Paul Lankow

Teachers and students at Manatee Academy, Chester A Moore, Southern Oaks Middle, Northport K-8, and St. Lucie West K8 received their new AquaTree Gardens (the first of it’s kind to be used in Florida schools) using hydroponic technology to grow different types of Microgreens, Proteins, Herbs, and Lefty Greens. The students had the opportunity before the end of the school year to disperse the seeds into the trays and observe the growth of microgreens over a period of a week. After the week of observing, the students were able to harvest the microgreens and create salads for not only them, … Read More

Culinary Students Cook at Cinco de Mayo

July 7, 2025 By Dana Caputo

St. Lucie Public Schools Culinary students from Northport K-8, Fort Pierce Westwood High, and Port St. Lucie High prepared a Cinco de Mayo feast for Monarch Country Club members. Students researched the recipes and worked with the head chef to create the menu and ingredient lists. Students prepped and cooked in Monarch’s commercial kitchen, then served their dishes to members and their guests in the dining room. Thank you to Chef James Quade, Samantha Delaski-Membership Director, Chef Tiffany Tredor-Northport K-8, Chef Jeanne Gray-Fort Pierce Westwood, and Chef Kevin Sassano-Port St. Lucie High, for their guidance and dedication to this event.

Nursing Assistant Students Experience Simulated Hospital

April 14, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students from St. Lucie West Centennial High School (Mrs. Ciufo and Mrs. DeJesus’ classes) and Fort Pierce Westwood Academy (Mr. Burchell’s classes) recently attended a special event at Indian River State College’s School of Nursing. Fifty students, who have either earned or are working towards their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) industry certification, were invited to participate in a simulated learning day alongside college nursing program professors. The event included a comprehensive college tour, hands-on learning experiences in classroom and hospital simulation rooms, detailed information about the nursing programs offered at the college, admission requirements, available scholarships, and a question-and-answer session. … Read More

Career & Technical Education Entrepreneurship Showcase

April 7, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department recently hosted middle and high school students from across St. Lucie Public Schools for the CTE Entrepreneurship Showcase. Supported by business alliances, the event featured awards provided by sponsors. Students not only competed but also had the opportunity to network with post-secondary education leaders, business professionals, and entrepreneurs. The focus leading up to and during the showcase was on infusing lessons centered on entrepreneurship, innovation, and providing mentors to support students in developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Winners of the Event: New Food Truck Concept (High School) 1st Place: Treasure Coast High School (Jayanna G., … Read More

Thankful for CTE (Career and Technical Education)

December 2, 2024 By Dana Caputo

St. Lucie West Centennial High School Culinary Arts students invited Northport K8 Culinary Arts 8th graders to collaborate on a Thankful for CTE (Career and Technical Education) event at Centennial High. Their plan was to work together in the Centennial High School Culinary Arts’ commercial kitchen. The instructors, Chef Chris Balachak at St. Lucie West Centennial and Chef Tiffany Tredor at Northport K8 created a plan for their culinary students to work together. Principals Mr. Rustay and Ms. Popwell supported the event which had the middle schoolers collaborating with high school mentors to create a Thanksgiving-style meal that included dishes … Read More

Florida International University Hosts Biomedical Research Internship Program for SLPS Students 

August 5, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Florida International University (FIU) recently organized a prestigious summer internship program, specifically tailored for students from St. Lucie County.  Thirteen exceptional students were selected to participate in this enriching opportunity.  The internship spanned five weeks and focused on biomedical research training at FIU’s Center for Translational Sciences (CTS). From June 3rd to July 5th, these students delved into various areas, including biosciences, biomedicine, and data science. Through hands-on experience, they honed essential research techniques, developed scientific reading and writing skills, and learned how to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.  During their internship, students collaborated closely with FIU … Read More

Culinary Arts Cooks at Derby Day

May 13, 2024 By Dana Caputo

Culinary Arts students from Northport K8, Port St. Lucie High School, and St. Lucie West Centennial High cooked up a storm at the Derby Day celebration at Monarch Country Club. Students cooked Kentucky Derby-themed recipes including Port St. Lucie High School’s Kentucky Hot Brown Wontons, Louisville Chicken Sliders, and Shrimp on Savory Grits Cake, St. Lucie West Centennial’s Chilled Tomato Shooter Gazpacho, Pork Sliders with Chow-Chow & Apricot Jam served in a Brown Butter & Caramelized Onion Biscuit, Mint Julep Almond Vanilla Cupcake With Blackberries and Bruleed Bananas, and Northport’s Chicken and Waffles bites, Deviled Eggs, Cucumber Canapés, Rosewater/Cardamom cupcakes, … Read More

Westwood FFA Parliamentary Procedure at Board Meeting

April 15, 2024 By Dana Caputo

Fort Pierce Westwood Academy students and FFA members Lilly Revels, Berkley Barnes, Elizabeth Rufo, Jayden Weil, Alyssa Coppock, and Laila Chastine presented Parliamentary Procedure at the monthly School Board Meeting. Westwood’s proud Principal Alfonso, Assistant Principal Gordon, and Agriscience Instructor Jenna Blakenbaker cheered them on as well as St. Lucie Public Schools Career and Technical Education CTE Director Aliesha Seitz.

Westwood FFA Horse Judging Competes

April 8, 2024 By Dana Caputo

The Fort Pierce Westwood Academy FFA Horse Judging team competed at the University of Florida FFA State Horse Judging contest against the best horse judging teams in the State of Florida. They had to pass the preliminary online test and be a top 15 team at the State Fair to be eligible to even compete at the State contest. Westwood’s team placed 6th in the state with 3 freshman and only one veteran judger. Wow! Team members consist of Zoey Thomaselli, Abigail Brickley, Madison Curtis and Adrianna Spotts. Congratulations!

Chart Your Course: Maritime & Marine Career Expo

February 26, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

St. Lucie Public School students (middle and high school students) participated in the Chart Your Course: Maritime & Marine Career Expo.  This event was hosted by the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation in partnership with the Career & Technical Education department (St. Lucie Public Schools).  This career expo provided opportunities for students to learn about various career pathways available to them in St. Lucie County.  Local Maritime and Marine business representatives provided information on skills and education needed for various career options, along with guided knowledge on obtaining career goals. The day afforded each student the time to explore post-secondary … Read More

Outboard Marine Service Technology Virtual Field Trip

February 19, 2024 By Dana Caputo

St Lucie Public Schools middle school students participated in a Virtual Field Trip to St. Lucie West Centennial High’s Outboard Marine Service Technology Program. The middle schoolers were able to see hands-on activities on electrical troubleshooting, engine mechanics troubleshooting, and marine service lab activities, and ask questions. Big thanks to Mr. Bob Kachanis Outboard Marine Service Instructor, his students, the St. Lucie Public Schools Media Services team for recording, St. Lucie West K8, Southern Oaks Middle, Oak Hammock K8, Dan McCarty Middle, and Allapattah Flats K8 for a great field trip!

TCHS Engineering & Manufacturing PreApprenticeship to Apprenticeship Connection

February 5, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Treasure Coast High School’s (TCHS) Engineering and Manufacturing program students learned about Apprenticeship opportunities available to them after high school graduation.  Students in the program were then able to register for one of two available pre-apprenticeships (Welding or Industrial manufacturing) while enrolled in the program at TCHS.  Thank you to Ms. Colleen Gill (CareerSource Research Coast – Apprenticeship Navigator) for presenting to Mr. Phil DePuy’s students. (Photos courtesy of Mr. DePuy) #CTEmonth

Criminal Justice Collaboration with Clerk of the Circuit Courts & Comptroller, Michelle R. Miller

February 5, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students from the Criminal Justice programs (Career & Technical Education) participated in a special session hosted by St. Lucie County’s Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Michelle R. Miller.  This session included multiple presentations from the St. Lucie Sheriff’s Office, IT department, Detention staff, Probation & Parole officers, court staff, and more!  Students were then provided an opportunity to tour the Courthouse and sit in on a live trial. Thank you to Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Michelle R. Miller and her team.  Together, they put a meaningful presentation and provided career exploration opportunities for St. Lucie … Read More