#CTEMonth – LucieLink

Culinary Students at the PSL Citizens Summit

February 16, 2026 By Dana Caputo

Culinary Arts students from Port St. Lucie High School and Northport K-8 cooked and served the community at the PSL Citizens Summit. Northport student creations were fabulous, delicious, and included chocolate-banana parfaits, wild berry parfaits, chicken and waffles, espresso and blueberry donuts, and blueberry waffle cupcakes. While Port St. Lucie High School student dishes were delicious and a huge hit, Chipotle BBQ Chicken, Pickled Red Onion, Queso Fresca, and House Crema tacos. Everything was made in-house from BBQ sauce, pickled onions, to crema. Chef Sassano said, “The students delivered on expectations”. Big thanks to Chef Kevin Sassano and Chef Tiffany … 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

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

SLWK8 Visits SLWCHS Career & Technical Education Programs

February 17, 2025 By Paul Lankow

Eighth graders from St. Lucie West K-8 recently visited St. Lucie West Centennial High School’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs. The students toured CTE program classrooms and lab space, interacted with teachers and students, and explored various programs. The students were excited about the CTE opportunities and eager to sign up for as many CTE programs as possible. The programs that the students were able to visit were the following: Allied Health Assisting, Aerospace Technologies, Early Childhood Education, Culinary Arts, Outboard Marine Service Technology, Game / Simulation / Animation / Visual Design, and Criminal Justice. A special thank you … Read More

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

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

Northport K8’s Culinary Students Cater PSL Citizens Summit

February 26, 2024 By Dana Caputo

Northport’s Culinary Arts program students catered the Citizen Summit the first Saturday of February which kicked off CTE Month! They held after-school cooking sessions to prepare for the event. Select students attended Saturday’s event with Mrs. Tredor, Mrs. Butterworth, Mrs. Sharrah, and Mrs. Bailey where they plated and served over 700 food samples to the public citizens attending the event. A big thank you also goes out to Mr. McDonald who stayed late with us to offer his expertise as well.

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.

Career & Technical Education Entrepreneurship Mentors, #CTEmonth

February 19, 2024 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Career & Technical Education (CTE) teacher, Mrs. Jasmine Shepherd, lead teacher for the Sports, Recreation & Marketing program at Port St. Lucie High School, is strengthening her students’ connection to community and business experts. Mrs. Lisa Cobb (Executive Director – Youth Empowered to Prosper) and Mr. Jordan Harold (Founder & Entrepreneur of Black Chain, a bitcoin company) were guest speakers for Mrs. Shepherd’s students and are now serving as mentors. Later this month, Mrs. Sheena Heppern of REAS Marketing, will be a guest speaker. Mrs. Shepherd’s students are preparing for the CTE Entrepreneurship Showcase coming up in April 2024. The CTE office has worked … Read More

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

CTE Month, February 2023

March 20, 2023 By Dana Caputo

Thank you Career and Technical Education Teachers, Coolest Teachers Ever! CTE Month is observed to recognize the accomplishments of students and educators and highlight the collaboration among local leaders, businesses, and industry partners that contribute to the success of CTE programs across Florida. Florida has nearly 800,000 K-12 CTE students – the highest in the state’s history – more than 380,000 postsecondary CTE students, and over 17,000 registered apprentices.

Culinary Students Serve the Community at Port St. Lucie Citizen Summit

March 20, 2023 By Dana Caputo

Culinary students from Port St. Lucie High School and Northport K8 made the community smile with their chef jackets and conversation. The food was delicious and many came back for seconds of the ham pickle roll-ups, Key Lime cheesecake dip, banana bread, coconut rice crispy treats, Caprese skewers, and Port St. Lucie High’s signature wontons with ginger dipping sauce, and Caribbean shrimp with fruit salsa.

Allapattah Flats Ag Students Prepare for Fair 2023

March 6, 2023 By Dana Caputo

After school is a busy time for Allapattah Flats’ middle school students in Mrs. Dru Thompson’s Agriscience class. Students are raising cattle, swine (pigs), goats, and chickens to show at the St. Lucie County Fair. Good luck Gators!

St. Lucie West Centennial Culinary Arts Hosts Junior Achievement

March 6, 2023 By Dana Caputo

As part of Junior Achievement’s Global Entrepreneurship Week, St. Lucie West Centennial High School Culinary Arts students, along with Chef Chris Gedke and Chef Evan Fraum, hosted Mr. Kyle Greene of Kyle G’s restaurants. Mr. Greene shared his entrepreneurship story and the hard work that goes into owning successful restaurants. The students were professional, polite, and engaged. After the presentation, one of the students shared the following thank you message for Mr. Greene- “Thank you for coming to our school. We learned a lot from the visit that will help us in the future. I learned that for entrepreneurship we need … Read More

Northport Culinary Students Make Treats

March 6, 2023 By Dana Caputo

Culinary Arts students at Northport K-8 are following kitchen safety protocols by creating rice crispy treats. Some chose to drizzle melted chocolate or add mini M&Ms while others formed shapes such as hearts and snowmen. The delicious treats were sold at the Northport K-8 Winter Band Concert!

St. Lucie Public Schools at Chart Your Course!

February 27, 2023 By Dana Caputo

St. Lucie Public Schools middle and high school students participated in the Chart Your Course, Marine and Maritime Career Expo hosted at the Fort Pierce Yacht Club. Local marine businesses demonstrated equipment and spoke about skills needed in the field. Students were able to plan for their future and make connections to local career opportunities in the marine industry!