#FortPierceWestwoodAcademy

CTE High School Nursing Assistant Students Participate in Skills Lab and Tour at IRSC School of Nursing

November 13, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

CTE high school students from Fort Pierce Central High School, Fort Pierce Westwood Academy, Port St. Lucie High School, and St. Lucie West Centennial High School participated in a School of Nursing Day at Indian River State College. The high school students are a part of their high school’s Nursing Assistant program at their respective school. Students participated in a campus tour, simulated wound care lab, IRSC and School of Nursing informational session, and opportunity to view current nursing students in action in the new simulated hospital at the IRSC Pruitt Campus. Thank you to IRSC’s staff and College of Nursing … Read More

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

Justice Jam! Indian River State College and Criminal Justice Students

October 23, 2023 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Indian River State College presented Justice Jam! for Criminal Justice students from Fort Pierce Central, Fort Pierce Westwood Academy, St. Lucie West Centennial, and Treasure Coast High Schools. The Career and Technical Education department assisted the Indian River State College Criminal Justice department in getting over 100 students to IRSC for this event. The Justice Jam was unique as the lead hosts were Mr. Dewey (Indian River State College and SLPS Criminal Justice Advisory Board Member) and Captain Milo Thornton (Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, IRSC Board of Directors appointed by Governor DeSantis, IRSC Alumni, Fort Pierce Westwood Alumni) and … Read More

Florida FFA Selects Westwood Students as Proficiency Finalists

April 10, 2023 By Dana Caputo

Congratulations to Fort Pierce Westwood’s Agriscience Program Instructor Jenna Blankenbaker and her students, Paige Cruse and Reed Blankenbaker on being selected as Florida FFA Proficiency Finalists! The Agricultural Proficiency Award program recognizes and rewards FFA members for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program. These supervised programs are planned, practical activities conducted outside of class time that help students develop and apply agricultural knowledge and skills in a real-world environment. Anna Paige Cruse’s award was in Agricultural Communications while Laurence Reed Blankenbaker’s award was in Agricultural Services! Way to go, Panthers! Good luck at FFA State … Read More

W.E.S.T. Prep’s Jaime Espinoza-Hurtado Designs

May 23, 2022 By Dana Caputo

Fort Pierce Westwood Academy, the W.E.S.T. Prep Magnet’s student Jaime Espinoza-Hurtado, designed and created a popular PBIS t-shirt. Jaime is pictured with Digital Media Multimedia instructor, Erica Hueter to his right, Dwayne Chapman to his left, and Mr. Thomas on the end. Mr. Dwayne Chapman loves the design and his staff wears the t-shirts every week! Jaime wants to be a graphic designer and works hard in his classes at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy where he’s already earning an Adobe Certified Professional in Photoshop and Illustrator! Jaime is also a budding entrepreneur who now has his own business where he … Read More

Keiser University, Career & Technical Education Department Hosts Criminal Justice Luncheon

May 2, 2022 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

St. Lucie Public Schools Criminal Justice senior completers were afforded the opportunity to be recognized by President Leslie Kristof of Keiser University, Judge Shaniek Mills-Maynard, Port St. Lucie Police Department’s Assistant Chief Richard DelToro, Fort Pierce Police Department Deputy Chief Kenny Norris, St. Lucie Public School’s Board Members (Dr. Mills, Mrs. Hawley, and Mr. Kelly), Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jon Prince, and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Helen Wild. This event was held at Keiser University to award graduating seniors on earning industry certifications, completing three Criminal Justice courses (academy completers), and participating in Career and Technical Student Organizations. Students represented Fort … Read More

Fort Pierce Westwood Academy: The WEST Prep Magnet’s Criminal Justice Academy Virtual Field Trip

April 25, 2022 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Middle school students from St. Lucie Public Schools attended a virtual field trip for Criminal Justice without leaving their campus. The virtual field trip was hosted by Ms. Mildred Brown and the Career & Technical Education department on the campus of Fort Pierce Westwood Academy: The WEST Prep Magnet. The virtual field trip included a demonstration of crime scene investigation, fingerprinting, and the 911 Telecommunications training. Virtual field trips allow middle school students to explore CTE programs for career exploration initiatives.

Northport and Oak Hammock Visit Westwood Ag and Vet Programs

November 8, 2021 By Dana Caputo

Fort Pierce Westwood Academy Agriscience and Veterinary Assisting students hosted virtual field trips. Northport K8 and Oak Hammock K8 students stayed in their classrooms and via Microsoft Teams they visited the Ag and Vet programs! The high school students shared info about the programs, highlighted their classroom labs and equipment, while the middle school students asked great questions. Thanks to all who participated!

Veterinary Assisting Students Assist During Surgeries

April 26, 2021 By Dana Caputo

The Veterinary Assisting students and instructor Ms. Brittany Shoun at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy, the WEST Prep Magnet, scrub in to assist Dr. Wynne during surgeries! In the photos, the dog on the operating table is being spayed at WEST Prep! Level up CTE!

West Prep FFA Veterinary Assisting Team Places 3rd in State

March 29, 2021 By Dana Caputo

Brittany Shoun, Fort Pierce Westwood Veterinary Assisting Instructor is very proud to announce that the FFA Vet Assisting Team placed THIRD in the State on the FFA Veterinary Science Career Development Event! The Team won first place in the pre-lim to secure a spot at the State contest and will be recognized at the State Convention for their 3rd in State WIN! Congratulations Allison Kohler, Jayden Weil, Zoey Thomaselli, Mia Wheeler, and Ms. Shoun ! Go Panthers! Level Up CTE!

West Prep FFA Rounds up Awards at SLC Fair!

March 11, 2021 By Dana Caputo

Congratulations to all St Lucie Fair exhibitors and winners! What a year for Ft. Pierce Westwood-West Prep FFA who’s final tally is impressive: 5- Grand Champion Titles, 2- Reserve Grand Champion Titles, 9- First in Class, 3- 2nd in Class, 3- 3rd in Class, 1st place Senior II Swine Record Book, 1st place Senior II Steer Record Book, 2nd Place Senior II Swine Record Book and more! Mrs. Jenna Blankenbaker, FPW Agriscience Instructor shared, “If you see these kids, please congratulate them, they have worked hard for a year on their projects and it was apparent … I had a … Read More

Career and Technical Education Programs Connect with St. Lucie Sheriff’s Office Drone Team

March 8, 2021 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Fort Pierce Westwood students from Ms. Mildred Brown’s Criminal Justice program, Mrs. Ursula Johnson’s Digital Media program, and Mrs. M.E. Musgrave’s Medical program joined the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team for a live presentation. Students learned about the significance of the drone team to our law enforcement agencies and community, sUAS Part 107 industry certification, and career opportunities after high school. Sergeant Wes Harbrin organized this event for SLPS students enrolled in these various programs. Additionally, students preparing for their 911 Telecommunications industry certification exam were able to connect with our local law enforcement business and community partners! … Read More

West Prep FFA Beef Breeding Winners at SLC Fair!

March 8, 2021 By Dana Caputo

Congratulations Fort Pierce Westwood FFA and Mrs. Jenna Blanenbaker on the outstanding West Prep FFA Beef Breeding Winners! This weekend at the St Lucie County Fair at the Beef Breeding Night, three FFA students were awarded top winners: Grand Champion Sr II Grooming – Nayeli Fernandez Grand Champion Cow/Calf – Reed Blankenbaker First in class Heifer – Lena Shingledecker Congratulations Panthers! Level Up CTE!

West Prep Freshman Named Fair Queen

March 1, 2021 By Dana Caputo

Emma Chancey was awarded 2021 St. Lucie County Fair Queen! Jenna Blankenbaker, Fort Pierce Westwood Agriscience Instructor proudly commented, ” She answered all her questions with grace and eloquence. I am so proud and impressed.” Congratulations Emma! Go Panthers! Level Up CTE!

West Prep Veterinary Assisting Adds Classroom Critters

November 2, 2020 By Dana Caputo

Fort Pierce Westwood Veterinary Assisting students apply hands-on lessons to care for the health and well-being of companion animals. In September, the West Prep Vet Program adopted a diverse group of small companion animals housed at their facility. Pictured are domesticated hamsters, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, and a chinchilla.

Fort Pierce Westwood Veterinary Assisting Advisory Board

December 9, 2019 By Dana Caputo

Fort Pierce Westwood Academy, the W.E.S.T. Prep Magnet’s Brittany Shoun along with Westwood Administration and District CTE Program Specialists met with local veterinarians and veterinary technicians to plan hands-on labs for the Westwood Vet Assisting students. The Veterinary Assisting facility is revamping the surgical suite and laboratory areas. Pictured from left is Assistant Principal Leslie Taylor, Veterinary Assisting Instructor Brittany Shoun, Dr Cindy Wasserman, Jessica Hawkins, Dr. Brett Adams, Principal Joe Lezeau and Meri Hall. Not pictured is Tessa Wines, Lei’Nitia Robinson and Dana Caputo.

Fort Pierce Westwood Academy- Closing the Skills Gap in the Medical Field

October 14, 2019 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

Students from Fort Pierce Westwood Academy’s Allied Health and Health Unit Coordinator Program participated in their first clinical training for the year. These students are pursuing an industry certification in either Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Certified Health Unit Coordinator (CHUC). This group is led by Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Montgomery and Ms. Danielle Garcia (CHUC).