Tag: #SLWCentennial

Classrooms2Careers – Career Chat: Medical Examiner

December 15, 2025 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

St. Lucie West Centennial High School senior Hannah Lewis is pursuing her dream of becoming a Forensic Pathologist or Medical Examiner. With guidance from her Career Coaches, Hannah had the unique opportunity to meet with Dr. Raman Baldzizhar, Medical Examiner for Circuit Court 19 and a medical student assigned to their office. During this personalized session, Hannah asked insightful questions and received expert advice on the career pathway to becoming a Medical Examiner, including recommended education steps and certifications. She also learned about diverse careers in forensic science and medical fields, gaining valuable knowledge to help shape her future goals. … 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

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

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

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

Culinary Arts Cooks at Derby Day

May 13, 2024 By Dana Caputo

Culinary Arts students from Northport K8, Port St. Lucie High School, and St. Lucie West Centennial High cooked up a storm at the Derby Day celebration at Monarch Country Club. Students cooked Kentucky Derby-themed recipes including Port St. Lucie High School’s Kentucky Hot Brown Wontons, Louisville Chicken Sliders, and Shrimp on Savory Grits Cake, St. Lucie West Centennial’s Chilled Tomato Shooter Gazpacho, Pork Sliders with Chow-Chow & Apricot Jam served in a Brown Butter & Caramelized Onion Biscuit, Mint Julep Almond Vanilla Cupcake With Blackberries and Bruleed Bananas, and Northport’s Chicken and Waffles bites, Deviled Eggs, Cucumber Canapés, Rosewater/Cardamom cupcakes, … Read More

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

SLW Centennial’s Criminal Justice Student Completes Judicial Internship with Judge Maynard

August 15, 2022 By LEINITIA ROBINSON

St. Lucie West Centennial’s Criminal Justice/Law Academy student, Vincent Chin, was selected from all the local high schools to intern with U.S. Magistrate Judge Shaniek Maynard.  Vincent and Judge Maynard worked together from July 5 until August 5, and was an official member of Judge Maynard’s Chamber Staff.  This prestigious internship was based on teacher recommendations and afforded Vincent the chance to earn community service hours during his time as an intern. The highlights of the summer internship included observing Criminal Duty Court in person at the Fort Pierce Federal Courthouse, portions of Criminal and Civil Trials in person at … Read More

Culinary Arts at Cinco de Mayo Feast

May 9, 2022 By Dana Caputo

St. Lucie Public School Culinary Arts students cooked at Cinco de Mayo festivities. Culinary students from St. Lucie West Centennial High and Port St. Lucie High Preapprenticeship along with their teachers Chef Chris Gedke-Balachak and Chef Roland Foerster were the highlight at the Monarch Country Club’s Cinco de Mayo event. Student’s dishes included elote (fresh grilled corn with cotija cheese and cilantro), carne asada with pico de gallo and salsa de queso, sayulita shrimp, homemade corn tortillas with slow-braised shredded pork, homemade guacamole cups, sopa de frijol negro, salsa verde, tomatillo salsa, churros with fresas con crema, and agua fres … Read More