#FortPierceWestwoodAcademy

Culinary Students Compete at the Sunshine Kitchen Cookoff

November 3, 2025 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 made Mac N Cheese and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches adding their own spices, flavors, accompaniments, and flair to the recipes. Big thanks to our judges Chef Leslie Moyers, Indian River Estates Assisted Living Facility, Chef Jacques Larson, Crane Club at Tesoro Port St. Lucie, Pam McNair, Chef, Food Service Coordinator, Serve Safe Instructor & Proctor Examiner, Chef Mike Febre, True Roots Catering, … 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.

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

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

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

Westwood JROTC Takes First Place On The Treasure Coast

December 2, 2024 By Sarah Harris

Huge praise goes to the Fort Pierce Westwood Army JROTC Raider Team for not only their performance at the State Raider Finals, but for their entire “Raider Season” as a whole. Over the course of 4 months worth of training and competitions, our Team had the distinction of being 1 of only 2 JROTC Programs on the Treasure Coast (12 Schools) to finish in the Top 3 at each of this year’s Raider Meets, with one of those being a FIRST OVERALL WIN at the Area 3 Regional Championship for our Male Team. By winning the Regionals, the Team advanced to … Read More

Fort Pierce Westwood JROTC’s Annual Cadet Ball

April 29, 2024 By Sarah Harris

On Friday, April 19th, the Cadets from the Fort Pierce Westwood Army JROTC put the lid on a long and demanding year of extracurricular commitments and teamwork-based missions with their Annual Cadet Ball, held at the historical 500 Orange Event Hall in Fort Pierce. Over 150 Cadets and guests were in attendance, including the Principal of FPWA, Mr. David Alfonso as well as Assistant Principals Dr. Eddie Robinson, Ms. Nicole Smith, and Mr. Derek Gordon. We also welcomed fellow Cadets from Fort Pierce Central HS Army JROTC, Port St. Lucie HS Army JROTC, and Treasure Coast HS Air Force JROTC for the … Read More

Fort Pierce Westwood JROTC Cadets Keep Port St Lucie Beautiful

April 29, 2024 By Sarah Harris

Let’s give a big shout-out to our Army JROTC Cadets who participated in the Port St. Lucie 29th Annual “Caring Community Clean-Up Day” on Saturday, 13 APR. Our Cadets provided a helping hand to the “Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful” organization which strives to improve our quality of life through environmental education, area beautification, urban transformation, and litter control. They worked from 7:30 am until 1 pm in various parts of Port St. Lucie, collecting HUNDREDS of pounds of litter. These young leaders continue to display their commitment to the local community through selfless acts, teamwork, and dedication. We are … Read More

Young Floridian Winners from Fort Pierce Westwood Academy

April 29, 2024 By Sarah Harris

Congratulations to our Young Floridian Winners from Fort Pierce Westwood Academy! The Young Floridian Scholarship Ceremony was held this past Sunday, and Fort Pierce Westwood was able to snag 3 of the 10 categories as wins: Chelsea Gill – DRAMA Elania Guerro – HISTORY / SOCIAL STUDIES Chase Shingledecker – Mathematics / Technology

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

Fort Pierce Westwood Academy Band Superior at States

April 1, 2024 By Sarah Harris

Congratulations to the Westwood band on their performance at State Solo and Ensemble this past Friday. The Westwood Indoor Guard earned a rating of Superior for their performance students performing: Breauna Daniels-Cook Jamarri Moody Shamarri Simmons Serinity Smith Destin Wilson Shamarri Simmons earned a superior rating for her dance solo Kenneth Solano earned a rating of excellent for his solo. Janiel Figueroa earned a rating of superior for his solo. Charles White earned a rating of Superior for his solo. For a total 8 superiors and 1 excellent.

Westwood FFA on Top at District Horticulture Contest

April 1, 2024 By Sarah Harris

Congratulations to our Fort Pierce Westwood FFA students competing at the District Ornamental Horticulture contest. Emma Chancey- artistic arrangement 3rd place Saigence Holguin and Lilyana Gonzalez- Landscape 3rd place Toby Miller- Production

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!

FFA at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy Wins Big at the St. Lucie County Fair

March 11, 2024 By Sarah Harris

As the St. Lucie County fair wraps up for the Fort Pierce Westwood Academy FFA Chapter, we are so proud of each of you! Some of you being your last year and others their first! You worked hard in and out of the ring and we are proud to call you Panthers! You all worked so hard and we are excited to see your successes! The total for the year was 14 buckles and 20 titles received by our exhibitors. Beef Breeding Results: Grand Champion Heifer- Reed Blankenbaker Reserve Champion Heifer- Elizabeth Rufo Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair- Paige Cruse Reserve … Read More

Fort Pierce Westwood Students Attend Career Fair at Fort Pierce Yacht Club

March 4, 2024 By Sarah Harris

Students from Fort Pierce Westwood Academy attended the Chart Your Course Maritime and Marine Career Expo at the Fort Pierce Yacht Club on Thursday, February 22nd. Students learned about a variety of career opportunities in Fort Pierce and the Treasure Coast, highlighted by hands-on activities, panel discussions, and demonstrations from a variety of local businesses and the U.S. Coast Guard. Lots of useful job and career expectations and opportunities were shared with all.

Fort Pierce Westwood Academy Going to States for State STEM Fair

February 26, 2024 By Sarah Harris

On February 16, 2024, 16 students from Fort Pierce Westwood Academy participated in the 36th Annual STEM Regional Fair hosted by IRSC. The students demonstrated exceptional skills in presenting their projects and justifying their research to the judges. At the subsequent STEM Fair Award Ceremony held on February 21, 2024, eleven participants were chosen for one or more awards. One of the students, Alexander Delamarter, a 9th-grade student, was selected to proceed to the State STEM Fair and represent the school. Here are the winners and the awards they received:

Fort Pierce Westwood Academy New Certified Nurses Aides

February 26, 2024 By Sarah Harris

Please help us congratulate the following Fort Pierce Westwood Academy students who passed their state certification on 02/14/2024 and are now Florida state-certified nurses aides! Marie Sainvil, Katalin Gonzalez-Cardona, Cournecya Harris, Jodian Johnson

Fort Pierce Westwood JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge Camp

February 26, 2024 By Sarah Harris

Huge praise goes out to the (18) Cadets from our Army JROTC Program who attended the annual JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge Camp at the Tanah Keeta Scout Reservation in Jupiter from 17-20 FEB. Over (250) Cadets from multiple Treasure Coast High Schools converged on the Camp for (4) days of rigorous training and team-building exercises to help them become tougher and more efficient leaders. Cadets slept in tents (in a wilderness environment) and had very limited comfort resources at their disposal. They endured over (18) hours of continuous rain on Saturday and Sunday, in addition to weather ranging in the … Read More