Tag: #CareerTechnicalEducation

HCA Assistant Chief Nursing Officer visits FPWA

April 14, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Assistant Chief Nursing Officer Lex Lalicon from HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital recently visited the Nursing Assistant program students at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy: The W.E.S.T. Prep Magnet (FPWA). The event featured an engaging and informative discussion on setting goals, career paths, and options in the nursing and healthcare industry. Topics covered included planning for post-high school graduation, transitioning to college, and pursuing a career in healthcare. Students learned about the opportunities and benefits of nursing, current employment demands within the healthcare sector, and tuition reimbursement or scholarships available to HCA employees. Additionally, students gained insights into various departments and … 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

SLPS Celebrates Career & Technical Education Month

March 10, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Throughout February, St. Lucie Public Schools proudly celebrated Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. This initiative highlights the importance of K-8, Middle, and High School CTE programs and courses in preparing students for success in furthering their education and careers after high school graduation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ashley Capital for generously sponsoring the CTE shirts, to Xello for professional learning day prizes, and to Certiport for providing ear pod cases. Their support plays a crucial role in celebrating CTE. A special thank you goes out to all the dedicated Career and Technical Education teachers and administrators, supporting … Read More

Training Day for Fort Pierce Central’s EMR Students

March 3, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students from Mrs. Applebee’s Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) program at Fort Pierce Central High School recently participated in a training day with the St. Lucie County Fire Department. This invaluable experience provided students with the opportunity to complete a variety of educational and simulated training. The training day was packed with a variety of educational activities, including HIPAA Training, CPR/AED skills, a Fire Station Tour, and a Flight Rescue Team presentation. This hands-on experience not only enhanced the students’ practical skills but also inspired many to continue their education in nursing, emergency medical services, therapy, and fire. The collaboration between … Read More

CYC2025

Chart Your Course: Marine & Maritime Career Expo

March 3, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

St. Lucie Public School students recently had the unique opportunity to participate in the Chart Your Course: Marine & Maritime Career Expo. This exciting event was hosted by the Fort Pierce Yacht Club Foundation in collaboration with the Career & Technical Education department of St. Lucie Public Schools. It was designed to introduce 8th graders and high school students to the numerous career opportunities within the marine and maritime industries as part of the district’s “Classrooms to Career” initiative. The expo featured a diverse array of industry and business professionals, and post-secondary institutions. A wealth of knowledge through hands-on demonstrations … Read More

HCA-FPC- group photo

Becoming a Physician with HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital

February 17, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

The St. Lucie Public Schools Office of Teaching and Learning, in collaboration with the Curriculum and Career & Technical Education (CTE) departments, recently hosted the “Becoming a Physician” event with HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital. Over 200 Fort Pierce Central High School students from the classes of Mrs. Applebee (CTE teacher), Ms. Charles (CTE teacher), Mrs. Thawley (CTE teacher), and Mrs. Friedberg (Science teacher) registered for this informative event.  Special guest presenters from HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital included Drs. Matese, Cardriche, Rhim, Munkres, and Williams. These esteemed professionals shared valuable insights into career opportunities within the medical field and … Read More

Clerk of Court

Clerk of Courts Career Exploration Day

February 3, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students from the Criminal Justice programs at Fort Pierce Central High School (teacher: Mr. Neal Wilder), Fort Pierce Westwood Academy (teacher: Ms. Mildred Brown), St. Lucie West Centennial High School (teacher: Mrs. Angela Baumgarten), and Treasure Coast High School (teachers: Mrs. Nerieda Cintron-McCray and Mr. Diego Rios) participated in a Clerk of Courts’ Career Exploration Day. This event was hosted by Michelle R. Miller, Clerk & Comptroller of St. Lucie County. All 135 students enjoyed a variety of activities, including a presentation by a K-9 handler, a courtroom tour, guest speakers, forensic evidence analysis by investigators, a drone demonstration, and … Read More

Culinary Students Win at the Sunshine Kitchen Cookoff

December 9, 2024 By Dana Caputo

Five outstanding high school culinary arts students competed at the Sunshine Kitchen Cookoff in Fort Pierce. Each high school student was paired with an Indian River State Culinary Institute student to form a team for the event. Each team started with sirloin beef donated by Adams Ranch, potatoes, and vegetables, and created their own recipe for the judges. Big thanks to our judges Chef Mike Febre, True Roots Catering, Chef Leslie Moyers, Indian River Estates Assisted Living Facility, Chef Jacques Larson, Crane Club at Tesoro Port St Lucie, Cathy Townsend, St Lucie County Commissioner, timekeepers Pamela McNair and Paul Lankow. … 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

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!

CTE Student Entrepreneurship Showcase

April 8, 2024 By Dana Caputo

Career and Technical Education (CTE) students from middle and high schools across St. Lucie Public Schools participated in the CTE Student Showcase. The Showcase was all about entrepreneurship, the entrepreneurial mindset, and the resilience needed to be an entrepreneur.  The CTE classroom is a perfect place for teaching these skills since CTE teachers already cover many lessons and projects in entrepreneurship. Across the board, CTE has produced many small business owners in St. Lucie County and across the State of Florida.  Many of the Showcase participants someday want to own a business and be an entrepreneur. Thank you to our … Read More

Westwood Wins State FFA Veterinary Assisting

March 25, 2024 By Dana Caputo

Congratulations to the Fort Pierce Westwood Academy students who competed in the FFA Vet Assisting contest in Plant City! They placed FIRST in the state with Jayden Weil being the high individual of the whole contest. The team members (pictured) Briana Plaza, Samuel Rogers, Jayden Weil, and Ella Stark will be recognized during the State FFA Convention in June and then continue on to compete at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October! Woo-hoo! Great job, Panthers!

Culinary Students Win Awards at ProStart to Culminate CTE Month

March 11, 2024 By Dana Caputo

Culinary Arts High School students from across St. Lucie Public Schools competed at Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Education Foundation (FRLAEF) ProStart competitions in Orlando, Florida, and came out winners! Their accomplishments deserve celebration! Congratulations to: Fort Pierce Central High: Nicholas Leonardi-third for ProStart Edible Centerpiece, fruit carving, Aristhene Thelisnort-FRLAEF $2,000 college scholarship, Jerimiah Telusma-FRLAEF $2,000 college scholarship, and Aristhene Thelisnort-ProStart Hospitality Excellence recipient. Aristhene is attending IRSC for Culinary Management in the fall, Nicolas is attending Tallahassee Community College in the fall then transferring to FSU to study Technological Engineering, and Jeremiah will be attending The Culinary Institute of … Read More

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

Culinary Arts Advisory Board Members Meet

February 19, 2024 By Dana Caputo

St. Lucie Public Schools Culinary Arts Program teachers virtually met with their Advisory Board members. Teachers and business partners discussed plans for Derby Day, IRSC Open Houses, the Sunshine Kitchen Cookoff, SERV Safe, and Food Safely industry certification testing. The culinary teachers and students are busy, busy, busy this time of year planning catering events, Proms, sports concessions, senior celebrations, ProStart Competition, SkillsUSA competition, and 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!

Centennial Marine Program Meets with Advisory Board

February 19, 2024 By Dana Caputo

St. Lucie West Centennial High School’s Outboard Marine Service Program teacher met with his Advisory Board. Local marine industry members virtually met with Mr. Bob Kachanis to collaborate on classroom projects and industry needs. More meetings and activities are planned. Big thanks to Rob Abbott-Oceanwide Electronics, Justin Beard-Marine Industry Association of the Treasure Coast, Jim Dragseth-Shearwater Marine, John Helfrich-Grand Banks Yachts, and Tracy Campbell-Grand Banks Yachts.