#EconomicDevelopmentCouncilStLucieCounty

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.

Marine Service Gets on Board at the Boat Show

January 22, 2024 By Dana Caputo

St. Lucie Public School Outboard Marine Service Program students attended the Boat Show in Stuart. Students met with employers from the local marine industry and visited boats docked at the show. Students heard about career opportunities in various areas of the marine industry as well as the increase in marine jobs in St. Lucie and Martin counties. It was a great day for the students. Big thanks to Robb Abbott at Oceanwide Electronics, Jill Marasa at Ashley Capital, and Justin Beard at Marine Industries Association of the Treasure Coast MIATC for planning this day for students.

Westwood FFA Sweeps Competitions

December 18, 2023 By Dana Caputo

Congratulations to West Prep FFA students who swept the local FFA contests in Okeechobee, winning every category! 1st place Creed- Laila Chastine 1st place Prepared Public Speaking- Berkley Barnes 1st place Extemporaneous Speaking- Anna Paige Cruse 1st place Safe Tractor Driving- Reed Blankenbaker 1st place Parliamentary Procedure- Lilly Revels, Berkley Barnes, Elizabeth Rufo, Laila Chastine, Jayden Weil and Alyssa Coppock Best wishes as these students move on to district competitions in late January.

Sunshine Kitchen Cook-off

October 30, 2023 By Dana Caputo

St. Lucie Public School Culinary Programs competed at the Sunshine Kitchen in Fort Pierce. Five outstanding high school culinary students along with an Indian River State Culinary Institute student formed teams and competed at the Sunshine Kitchen Cook-off. Judges included Chef Mike Febre, True Roots Catering, Guytano D’Anna, Bonefish Macs, Leslie Moyers, Sunshine Kitchen, Jacques Larson, Cathy Townsend, St. Lucie County Commissioner. The winning team was Aristhene Thelisnort, Fort Pierce Central High and Justin Stolaj, Indian River State Culinary Institute each winning a $1,500 scholarship. Big thanks to Gina McCants, St. Lucie County Tcerda Research Park, Chef Deb Midkiff, IRSC Culinary Institute, … Read More

Middle School Students Virtual Field Trip to Agriscience & Veterinarian Technician Programs at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy

October 23, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) department hosted virtual field trips as a platform to connect students to opportunities within SLPS high schools and increase awareness of college and career pathways. Middle school students within the district and their teachers went on a virtual field trip to Fort Pierce Westwood Academy: The WEST Prep Magnet. The students learned about the career opportunities and pathways available to them including Animal Science, Agriculture Mechanics, and Veterinarian Assistant. Each program engaged students with virtual demonstrations, classroom and lab tours, and a question-and-answer segment with students in the program. A special thank you to … Read More

St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit Highlighted at St. Lucie West Centennial High School, Criminal Justice & Law Academy Students

May 1, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

St. Lucie West Centennial High School students from Mrs. Baumgarten and Mr. Nichol’s classes were introduced to a few local heroes. The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit came out to meet and speak with students about working in law enforcement. Students were well engaged and enjoyed observing the demonstrations provided by the unit. Thank you to Deputy Randy Hunter, Deputy Steve Wise, and Sergeant Ben Deblieck; and the Career & Technical Educators for organizing this event for students in Criminal Justice/ Law Academy at St. Lucie West Centennial High School.

2023 Career Connect Conference

April 17, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

The 2023 Career Connect Conference was a success with 295 St. Lucie Public School students registered for this event. This conference included high schools from all over the Treasure Coast. The Career Connect Conference was an event offering exposure to young adults preparing to enter the workforce or post-secondary educational institutions. The goal was to create awareness and spark students’ interests through hands-on, interactive, and engaging sessions. The industry sectors included entrepreneurship, hospitality, healthcare, construction & skilled trade, technology, and manufacturing.