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In the Limelight

Loretta Cameron Honored as ACE Administrator of the Year for Florida

Cameron is now the principal of two adult education centers in Polk County, the West Area Adult School in Lakeland, and the East Area Adult School in Auburndale.

This prestigious statewide award was presented at the 2011 ACE Achievement Awards ceremony in Orlando on Sept. 28th.

Cameron has been employed by Polk County Schools since 1981 and has been the Principal at West Area Adult School since 2005. She assumed the Principal duties at the East Area Adult School two years ago.

Cameron was nominated for her statewide award by Kara Trees of the West Area Adult center.

Miami Edison Teens Win National Entrepreneurship Contest

By Nancy Dahlberg - The Miami Herald

Two student-entrepreneur teams from Miami Edison Senior High School were winners in the World Series of Innovation, a national contest presented by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship for Global Entrepreneurship Week.

More than 300 teams from around the country entered the competition. From that group, 18 teams in six categories were selected as finalists to compete in an online competition for a classroom grant and other prizes. The finalist teams presented their business plans in videos, and the winners were determined by online voting. More than 40,000 votes were cast in the contest, NFTE said. Edison was the only school in the country to have two teams represented in the finals and in the winners' circle.

The two winning Edison teams were Marc Louis, Phaby Lubin, Tiffany Nelson, Tamara Petit and Patricia Predelus of 300 Calories or Less, who won in the New Franchise Idea category, and Quanesha Estime, Stephanie Frederic, Nerida Godinez, Frederic Knight and Melinda Lubin of E-Pride, winners in the College and Career Readiness Product or Service category.

The teacher for both teams is Yolette Mezadieu.

The videos from the event can be found at the following link: http://www.nfte.com/world-series-of-innovation/winners.html.

Orlando Tech's Digital Video Production Department Wins Prestigious Crystal Reel Award State Recognition

Orlando Tech's recognition was for Best Special Program/Documentary Short for Signature Chefs of Orlando. The podcast series, with 63 episodes, features master chefs from Orlando, Florida. With over 39,000 hits, the series gains 70-100 new followers each day from over 60 countries around the world.

To see the series, produced entirely by students, go to iTunes and type in Orlando Tech or visit the podbean page at http://signaturechefs.podbean.com

The Orlando Tech instructor contact is Paul Read, .

Florida's Crooms Academy of Information Technology (AOIT) Tops U.S. News & World Report Most Connected List

U.S.News & World Report is recognizing high schools leading the charge with its first ranking of the country's Most Connected Classrooms. We surveyed schools from our most recent Best High Schools rankings, published in December 2009, to gauge their connectivity. Of the 301 schools that responded, 185 scored well enough on the survey to be ranked.

Crooms Academy of Information and Technology claimed the top spot in the inaugural ranking. The Sanford, Fla., magnet school has more than 1,100 computers, and gives each of its 601 students a Dell laptop to use for the year. Students at Crooms use these laptops to interact with digital whiteboards in nearly every classroom.

The school scored 88 out of 100 on a "Connectivity Index" that takes into account student-to-computer ratios, Internet speed, technical support staff, and digital learning labs.

The Crooms story is one of a vision made real by overcoming obstacles, reinventing the school and leaders with the resolve to provide a high quality education, preparing students for post secondary education and/or the workforce.

The National Center for Simulation (NCS) is a strong supporter of Crooms, having representatives on their Business Advisory Council. NCS Keynote Speakers at the Crooms annual TECHFEST have included Hank Okraski (NCS Board of Directors ), Lt. Gen (Ret) Tom Baptiste (NCS President/Executive Director), Former Congressman Lou Frey (NCS Legal Counsel) and Dr. Mike Macedonia (SAIC and NCS Board of Directors).

In 2012, the TECHFEST keynote speaker will be Dr. Mansooreh Mollaghsemi (President, Productivity Apex , UCF Faculty and NCS Board of Directors ). Crooms is represented on the NCS Education and Workforce Development Committee and active in developing a high school modeling and simulation course.

Congratulations to the Principal, Dr. Connie Collins, teachers, students, administration, staff and the Seminole County Public School Administration for this well-deserved national recognition. We appreciate what you are doing to educate our children and prepare them for future high technology jobs!

Hillsborough County Public Schools Recognizes First Model Career Academy in the District

In order to be recognized as a National Career Academy, the CTE lead teacher is paired with core instructors. This particular academy includes a math, science and fashion instructor. Students are cohort scheduled, and their teachers utilize a common planning time to coordinate lessons and curriculum. The curriculum is rigorous for academy students, and lessons have a common theme linked throughout the courses. Our students have completed crime discovery identification with AP Forensic Science, looked at environmental impact of reusable goods using Mathematical formulas, and continually study the development and research of textiles. Students must have a strong background and working knowledge of algebra and geometry. 98% of the students in the Fashion Design core classes are honors students, with several enrolled in AP classes.

Students have participated in career exploration visits, job shadowing, student internships, summer camps, district events, and FCCLA competitions. In addition, the students also have an opportunity to earn an industry certification in Adobe Photoshop, and the first industry certification earned at Spoto High School this year was by a student in the Academy.

The Academy of Fashion Technology and Design is the epitome of hard work, dedication, and a strong collaboration of the students, parents, academy teachers, school administrators, and business advisory partners. Congratulations!

The BioMedical Technical Program at Aparicio-Levy is One of the Best Kept Secrets in Hillsborough County (Maybe Even the State of Florida)

After years in the healthcare field, and because of her great belief that Hillsborough County Public Schools offer great things; she decided that she wanted to be a part of the bigger picture by making an immediate difference in the lives of her students by becoming an educator.

As a critical care nurse for over 40 years Katrina can recall that she often yelled for someone to remove broken equipment that she referred to as junk out of her ICU. Katrina can now admits jokingly that she was so wrong, so as a penance, for the next 20 years she is determined to train the very people who will maintain and fix that so-called junk. In addition, she will make it her priority to consistently inform the public about these special technicians, behind the equipment, and proclaim them to be heroes maintaining patients' lives, working side-by-side with other medical professionals.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) supplies a student the opportunity to gain skills and work experience pretty quickly. Katrina found that most of her students, when out on field trips to facilities and hospitals, were already being observed by the employers, allowing her to have a 98% job placement rate. She feels that her students not only get the hands-on training but the exposure that a student may not have at the university level.

"If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It. If You Want It, There's a Way; If There's No Way Create It."

To understand her journey we must go back 8 years when Tomoko decided to come to America to just simply try out for a spot on the NFL cheerleading squad. As Tomoko explains it, getting a spot on the team and moving to Tampa was when her life in America started. Being associated with such an influential organization, Tomoko quickly realized that she needed to improve her English skills so she could better communicate with her fellow teammates and complete her many community obligations with the Bucs cheerleader organization. While researching for programs that taught English to speakers of other languages , Tomoko came across Hillsborough County Public Schools' Adult Education English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program. She was excited to learn that they offered various English skill levels including an instructional focus on academic and workplace skills. With only 3 semesters of ESOL, Tomoko now felt that she was well on her way to adapting to her new life in America.

Tomoko realized she wanted to work with children when she had the opportunity as a Bucs Cheerleader to volunteer in the Great American Teach In. The "aha" moment occurred when she looked upon the smiling faces of the children and knew that she wanted to assist them directly with creating brighter futures.

The biggest step to pursuing her dream was when she completed her three semesters of ESOL and enrolled in Brewster's Early Childhood Education program where she had the opportunity to intern at the Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Ybor Childcare Development Center. Never feeling judged and being surrounded by instructors and peers that understood her struggle and accomplishments gave Tomoko the support system she dearly needed to meet her goals and pursue her dreams.

"If at first you don't succeed try, try again!" Tomoko believes that this country is place of opportunities but you have to be willing to make the necessary efforts. "Don't be afraid to express your needs and to make mistakes. You can always make a mistake, if you learn from it; it's no longer a mistake it's an opportunity for one to learn and grow as an adult." With many obstacles, Tomoko has not only exhibited great spirit and determination, but a willingness to give back the only way she knew how…and that's through the children.

Local Business Leaders and Educators Work Together to Plan the Future of District Career Academies

"Skills pay bills. Today's students are tomorrow's future. Our goal is to have our Career Academies provide students with the skills they need to be successful, whether they are going on to a post-secondary institution after high school or entering the work force. The more skills our students have when they graduate, in addition to their core academic subjects, the more competitive they can be," said Superintendent Nancy Kline.

"Today was the second phase of our strategic planning process. We are looking at all aspects of our Career Academies to see where we are now, how our programs are aligned to local industry needs, and what skills students need to master to truly be competitive in the global workforce," said Connie Scotchel-Gross, the District's Coordinator of Career and Technical Education programs.

Ryan Strom of Team Parks, who is the chairman of the Committee, says it is crucial that local businesses understand what is taking place in the District's Career Academies and become involved. "I have young children in Martin County and I hear the complaints of parents who say their kids can't come back to Martin County because there are no jobs for them. The people here today are working to change that," said Strom. "We need our local businesses to take an active role in preparing our youth for the workforce."

Each attendee today was assigned to a sub-committee, which will explore areas such as:

Instructional Design & Delivery
Sustaining Change through Business and Civic Leadership
Efficiency & Effectiveness
Career and Technical Education Support & Sustainability
Program Development

Each of the sub-committees will meet independently over the next several months to work on their assigned areas before sharing their results with the entire Committee in February 2012.

Manatee County's McGrew Awarded FLATE Secondary Educator of the Year

McGrew has been an engineering technology instructor for over 15 years. He teaches technological skills through hands-on activities that involve tools and equipment used in manufacturing, construction, transportation and engineering fields. Not only do his students learn job-ready technical skills, McGrew has also implemented the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) curriculum so students can leave his program with a highly valued national industry certification. Greg's enthusiasm and love of teaching valuable skills causes him to constantly adjust his curriculum so his students are abreast with latest technology.

Greg will receive his award at the Annual Manufacturers' Association of Florida (MAF) Summit taking place in Orlando in December. Congratulations!

Three Lake County Chick-Fil-A Owners Awarded Adult and Community Educators "Business Partner of the Year"

Nominations were received from across the State of Florida. According to Mr. Brent Stubbs, Adult Education Chairperson, "This award demonstrates the very best ways that business and education can collaborate to make a real-impact in the lives of Lake County residents."

Tampa's Brewster Technical Center Graduate Overcomes Obstacles to Succeed!

Jackie graduated for the Unit Treatment and Rehabilitation (Behavioral Health) Program on September 21, 2011, and reported to her new job that same day. Jackie has been hired for a full-time position by the Agency for Community Treatment Services (ACTS).

However, what sets Jackie apart from her peers is hardly noticeable to the naked eye; Jackie wears hearing aids in both ears. She suffers from a progressive, degenerative nerve disease which will lead to total deafness.

Jackie's heart, courage and tenacity cannot be measured, and that is what makes her a success.

Booker T. Washington's Academy of Engineering Receives $100,000 Grant

At Wolfson High's Academy of Finance, Lessons Come with Extra Credit
Wolfson High's VyStar Educates Students About Handling Money

Wolfson High School science teacher Mark Farrar needed to make a bank deposit, so during a break from class he stepped into a room that used to be a part of the Jacksonville school's media center.

At the VyStar Credit Union teller window, Farrar filled out the deposit slip and made his transaction. He did all of that within about five minutes - never leaving Wolfson's campus. The credit union employees who assisted him were all students.

Wolfson has had an Academy of Finance since 1991. But this year it added its own VyStar branch, run by students, learning about financial literacy and taking related concepts to a new level in Duval County. It's the fourth Northeast Florida high school with a VyStar branch. The students who work there can open accounts, make deposits and advise students about saving and budgeting - almost anything that employees at traditional VyStar branches can do, except for loans.

"It gives me a great opportunity and responsibility," said Chantel Owens, a 16-year-old junior at Wolfson. She's also the lead teller for the school's branch.

VyStar started the initiative as a way to teach financial literacy to students, chief executive Terry West said."They get frankly a behind-the-scenes view of financial services," West said. "They get a whole different perspective."

Bartram Trail High in St. Johns County opened the first VyStar branch four years ago. It was followed by one in Pedro Menendez High, also in St. Johns, and at Fleming Island High in Clay. VyStar hopes to add more branches in Duval and the 16 surrounding counties it serves, West said. Wolfson has about 160 students in its finance academy. But 12 students applied and were selected by VyStar officials who work with the school to run the branch. The students, as well as school staff, are trained in the summer.

Any students or teachers who work at a VyStar branch off campus in the summer, after school or on the weekends, earn money. But when they work at their school branch, usually during lunchtime, the students aren't paid. Instead, the work in the school's branch is part of the curriculum.

Wolfson Principal David Garner said the school branch is a good example of how businesses and the community can partner with schools to help students. And he hopes it brings more parents into the school, and then maybe they'll stay longer to talk to a teacher or a guidance counselor. The school branches are only open to the students, staff and families at the school. And very little cash is usually on campus, since many students deposit paychecks.

VyStar branches have been a huge success in St. Johns County, and students there are excited about working to meet goals set by VyStar, said Paula Chaon, school system's interim director for career education. "It gives students an opportunity to excel in an area where they never knew they were strong," Chaon said. "Now they're leaders among their peers."

It costs VyStar about $100,000 to set up a branch in each school, West said. That includes the equipment, safe and teller counters. Also, each school gets about $10,000 for a marketing budget. The students map out a plan for how to use the money.

There are also some benefits for VyStar. In the four schools so far, about 1,400 people have become VyStar members. Combined, they have almost $1 million in checking and savings accounts. More than half is in savings.

Wolfson student Meri Logoreci, a 17-year-old junior who works in the branch, knows a lot more about budgeting her money now. Logoreci loves to shop, but she said she knows she has to put more of the money she earns into savings. "Working here, you see how fast money goes and how slowly it comes in," she said. "You don't want to waste it."

Florida Students to Make Contact with International Space Station Astronauts

The event will take place at the MIHS baseball field along with dignitaries, academy advisors, school administration, faculty and students involved in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) coursework. In a 12-minute window, selected Academy students will ask questions of the astronauts while broadcasting to the entire student population, Merritt Island and the world via the Internet. Web casting information will be posted on the school's website.

Through the support of the District CTE Office for Brevard Public Schools, Principal Gary Shiffrin and academy advisors in the engineering aerospace community, the MIHS da Vinci Academy of Aerospace Technology holds national certification with Project Lead the Way (PLTW) for its comprehensive, college-level engineering curriculum taught in conjunction with hands-on projects. "The da Vinci students at MIHS are our future in engineering and space," Adrian Laffitte, chairperson for the school's advisory committee and director, Florida government relations at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company.

Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, USA, ULA, NASA, Craig Technologies, MI Airport, Florida Tech, Embry Riddle and UCF invest their time and share their expertise to help these Academy students achieve their goals in STEM-related careers

Homestead GED Graduate Becomes Associate Director of Learning Resources Center at West

When asked what MDC was like, Sanchez stated, "My experience in the GED program was great not only because of small-size classrooms, technology, and the staff and instructors, but because the environment was conducive for learning." Sanchez became the first high school graduate in his family.

Although it was difficult, Israel continued to move forward. He went on to earn an AA in Accounting at MDC (2006), a Bachelor's in Community Studies from the University of Massachusetts (2009), and a Master's in Liberal Studies from Univ. of Miami (2010). He worked at the Academic Support Center of the Homestead Campus first as a part-time tutor, then as a full-time Instructional Assistant in charge of the College Prep Reading and Writing Programs. In 2010, he was promoted to Manager of the Academic Support Labs at MDC West, where he was in charge of the EAP Lab, College Prep Lab, Computer Courtyard, and the Writing & Business Center.

Earlier this year, Israel became the Associate Director of Learning Resources for MDC West where he provides leadership and vision for the Information Commons (Library and CCY) and the Academic Support Labs (EAP, College Prep, and the Business and Writing Center). He also serves on college-wide committees. Currently, he is part of the HEP Grant Advisory Committee, and he was recently appointed as a new member of the Gordon Rule Committee. Congratulations, Israel!

New School Year - New Facelift

Webb Wins State Secretarial Bid!

At the 83rd Florida State Future Farmers of America Convention (FFA) in Orlando, Charlotte High School's Haley Webb was elected State Secretary!

The five-day convention and leadership conference had over 3,800 attendees including 15 students from Charlotte High School. Advisor, Cindy Webb and several parents and alumni members chaperoned the event and sponsored many of the expenses for food and travel.

Haley's election as State Secretary came after one year of applications, interviews, and leadership activities. During her campaign, she addressed the 3,000 students in a dynamic speech using the theme of "Chart Your Path." Her own path was charted many years ago as she is the daughter of CHS Agriculture teacher, Cindy Webb, and father Orrin Webb, an animal healthcare products distributor. Her grandfather is a retired Agriculture teacher and still farms blueberries and grapes at age 86, and her uncle is a retired Agriculture teacher. Haley's other mentor and role model is her sister, Hillary, who served as FFA State President in 2007 and now majors in Agriculture Communications at the University of Florida.

FFA is a youth organization that develops leadership in young adults for agricultural careers and beyond. No longer does an agriculture student dream only of careers in farming. There are opportunities now in agri-business, biotechnology, communications, alternative energy, and more. Haley plans to graduate from UF with a degree in Large Animal Chiropractic Medicine and work with horses and cows. At this convention, she won first in the state in "Feeder Steer Proficiency." She charted this course three years ago by entering the competition but was only in the top five places until her win this year.

Haley graduated from CHS this year and will now spend the next year in the full-time job as state ambassador for FFA. She is delaying college entry for one year due to this prestigious honor where she will be traveling for over 300 days of the year to each FFA chapter in Florida. Her year will begin at the National Leadership Conference in Georgia for the Southeast Region where she will receive in-depth leadership training. She then leaves for Washington, D. C. where she and the FFA State President will have leadership training with FFA students from the entire nation. The event will culminate with a meeting in the White House with President Obama.

The FFA Chapter at CHS has been active for over 40 years with students competing in livestock, poultry, hogs, forestry, tractors, public speaking, parliamentary procedure, and many other events. Next year CHS will open an Agriculture Academy including career paths in Plant Biotechnology, Agriscience Sales and Service, Livestock, and Veterinary Assisting. Students should see their counselor to get enrolled and have all the opportunities for leadership development that Haley has had!

Ten Lucky East Ridge Seniors Are Jumpstarting Their Nursing Career Thanks to a Partnership Between Lake Technical Center, Lake County Schools and East Ridge High School

The dual-enrolled Practical Nursing program, approved by the Florida Board of Nursing, took over three years to become a reality. The students had to meet program admission requirements and were chosen through an extensive application process that included test scores, overall grade point average, and interview scores. Lake Tech will partner with South Lake Hospital for the clinical portion of the program.

CTE End-of-the-Year Awards Banquet

Several teachers were given awards for their innovative teaching; integration of core academics with CTE courses; and staff development in their program of study. Retired CTE teacher, Debbie Marsh was honored for her 46 years of service in CTE.

The evening ended with a toast to 2011-2012 and all the new, exciting CTE plans for opening ten new CAPE Academies.

Manatee County Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teachers Elected to Leadership Positions in State CTE Professional and Career and Technical Student (CTSO) Organizations

Gil Burlew, Braden River High School technology education teacher and Technology Student Association (TSA) advisor, was elected as the State of Florida TSA President; as President-elect of the Florida Technology and Engineering Education Association (FTEEA); and was also awarded Advisor of the Year for the State of Florida at the TSA National Conference in Dallas. After 33 years of teaching, Gil says, "I get so excited about getting back to school. I can't wait! I have so many things I want to share and teach my students."

Chef Mike Niewdowski, Southeast High School chef instructor and SkillsUSA advisor has been elected as Florida SkillsUSA Advisor at Large for 2011-2013 at the State Leadership and Skills Conference. This is a position on the Florida SkillsUSA Board of Directors with full voting privileges.

Manatee Technical Institute Graduate and Instructor Chef Jamie Gregorich Featured on Fox's Hit Show Hell's Kitchen

Here's an excerpt from an interview with Jamie:

"My first triumph was becoming a sous chef at 23-years old at a prestigious restaurant, Euphemia Haye Restaurant. I have learned a great deal working under such a humble and passionate chef and wonderful owners. Thanks to Chef Mark for teaching me along the way, you inspire me. Another biggie for me was competing at the national level two years in a row! I was very proud to represent the state of Florida and the school that gave me the tools to succeed, where I now also have the pleasure of teaching, Manatee Technical Institute! Thank you to Chef Garry for passing your love for food on to me. It was an amazing experience, learned a lot about myself and cooking. As for kitchen disasters, just take a look at my forearms. Burns, baby, burns!"

Source of the interview excerpt

Back to School with "Student Engagement"

With a cup of coffee in one hand and a folder full of forms and paperwork in the other, teachers smiled and greeted one another before taking seats in the large auditorium. Many of the ACT teachers had spent their summer working with students in their career and technical student organizations (CTSOs), writing curriculum, and learning new industry skills to pass along to students.

Ms. Lynette Edwards, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, encouraged the teachers to pursue student engagement as the key to learning. "This is not the sit-and-get generation," she shared. "This 'millennial plus' generation is connected 24/7, and they want to be engaged. The most important thing they have is you!"

The 2010-11 Area 5 State FFA Vice President and University of Florida college freshman Nicole Liles shared about her years in Manatee County's agriscience classes and FFA, reminding teachers how their influence shapes a student's future.

After meeting together as one large group, teachers separated into smaller groups to focus on their specific career and technical content areas. But before leaving the auditorium, amid PowerPoint slides and talks of budgets, grants, funding, industry certifications, legislative updates, new teacher introductions, awards, student achievements, and procedures, Doug Wagner ended the session by repeating a quote overhead from Palmetto High School construction technology teacher Bob Lounds: "This is the best fun I ever had in a job!"

Sounds like "student engagement" rules, because career and technical education rocks in Manatee County!

The Florida Association for Career and Technical Educators (FACTE) Recognizes Outstanding Students, Teachers and Industry Representatives for Excellence in Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Recent State Conference

The 2011 winners and honorees are:

• Outstanding Secondary Student Award - Kaitlyn Donaghy, FFA, Clay County
• Outstanding Post Secondary Student Award - Joey Baker, SkillsUSA, Duval County
• Outstanding Teacher in Community Service - Melinda Souers, Osceola County
• Rookie Award - Cassie J. Miles, Hillsborough County
• Outstanding Teacher (President's Award) - Carol Bourke, Brevard County
• Carl Proehl Award - Doug Wagner, Manatee County
• Walter Clausen Award - Boyd Worsham, Director of Construction Support, The Haskell Company, Jacksonville
• Hall of Fame Professional -
  • Robert "Bob" Clark, Orange County
  • Tom Besaw, Volusia County
  • Robert Philpot, Levy County
• Hall of Fame Support -
  • Al Herndon, Florida Masonry Apprenticeship & Educational Foundation
  • Teresa Sweet, Florida Department of Education

Dunbar High School Student Wins Big At Worldwide Competition

"The 2011 Worldwide Competition on Microsoft Office attracted more than 228,000 unique candidates from 57 countries who competed to demonstrate their mastery of Microsoft Office products." Seventy-nine student finalists from various countries around the globe participated in the final round of competition in San Diego, California and Juliana earned 3rd place for her score and time on the Microsoft PowerPoint 2007 certification test. Juliana received a $500 scholarship for her 3rd place achievement, while all 79 participants were surprised with an Xbox 360 as a special gift from Microsoft.

"Dunbar High School continues to generate several first time opportunities for our students and faculty in the area of Technology education. We are striving to be, one of the top IT programs in the country and this success is yet another way to demonstrate the caliber of program we provide," said Carl Burnside. "I am so proud of Juliana, for her dedication to our school and for her amazing accomplishments in this competition."

To date, the Academy for Technology Excellence and the Academy for Digital Excellence program combined have achieved over 2,553 International IT Computer certification tests passed.

Graduates of Innovative Training Program Take Next Step into High-Tech Energy Jobs

FORT PIERCE, Fla. - With Florida's unemployment still hovering around 10 percent, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) continues to provide bright futures for 26 new graduates of Indian River State College's (IRSC) Power Plant Technology Institute. Today, in a ceremony held at the College's Kight Center for Emerging Technologies, IRSC president Dr. Edwin R. Massey and St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant Vice President Richard L. Anderson presented 20 of the graduates with official letters of employment and their first FPL hard hats. Six of the graduates are already employed at the St. Lucie Nuclear Plant.

"The future of energy rests on a new generation of leaders and we are pleased to offer crucial education to students eager to learn. The whole of Florida benefits from this partnership," said Anderson.The graduating students have completed two years in the program, which provides a comprehensive education in the understanding of power plant operations and technologies and will now embark on high-tech careers in the energy sector with a full-time position at FPL's St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant. The apprentice-level wage scale averages $55,000 - 57,000 per year, in addition to an attractive benefits package.

Graduating its fourth class, the Power Plant Technology Institute is an innovative partnership between IRSC, FPL and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). With the support of grants from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy and NSF, the program is designed to support workforce development and respond to the growing energy need in the Treasure Coast area for employees trained in the latest energy technologies.

"The IRSC program continues to lead the nation in energy education at a time when the nuclear industry is in critical need of new, highly trained workers," said Dr. Massey. "Thanks to our partnership with FPL we can increase the number of technicians entering the field of nuclear power."

Students completing the program earn an associate degree in applied science in electrical engineering technology with specializations in one of four areas: instrumentation and controls, electrical maintenance, mechanical maintenance and radiological protection technicians. Institute classes are held in the College's Kight Center for Emerging Technologies at the Main Campus in Fort Pierce. For more information, call 1-866-792-4772.

The Dental Assisting Program at Orlando Tech has another 'Career Success' Student!

Jayne's hardships were similar to so many other people. She was laid off from a job that she had been at for five years. As a single mom with two kids, she decided to enroll in Orlando Tech because, as Jayne says, "I needed to make a promising future for myself and my girls. At Orlando Tech, I was inspired to come to school every day and better my future".

It is no surprise that Orange County Public School's (OCPS) Career and Technical Education (CTE) made an impact on her. Jayne compliments her teachers whenever possible and says, "The teachers and staff at O-Tech are very knowledgeable and are always wanting to help the student. They put forth every effort to help me get a job."

National SkillsUSA Electrical Gold Medalist in Residential Wiring

Contestants in Residential Wiring were tested on their ability to install wiring in a residence working from drawings and specifications sheets. Professional electricians judged the contestants on the basis of general workmanship, accuracy of layout and installation, adherence to National Electrical Code and safety. The competition consisted of three parts over three days - a 50 question written test, material acquisition, conduit bending and the simulated wiring of two or more rooms of a typical residence, including a service panel installation. The wiring was judged according to standard residential wiring practices and the National Electrical Code.

To qualify for Nationals, students of electricity first have to be selected from among their classmates to compete in Regionals. The first and second place winners at Regionals compete at State. The winner of the State is invited to compete at Nationals, representing their state and school.

As a junior in high school, Dominic Anger won the State of Florida competition and came in fifth in the nation at the 2010 National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC). Returning to Nationals in 2011 as a senior, Dominic won a gold medal, first place in the Nation, in Residential Wiring. He is the first high school electricity student from Florida to receive a gold medal at Skills USA Nationals in its 47-year history.

Dominic Anger is a student in Marchman Technical Education Center's electricity program. His instructor, Don Blake, has been teaching electricity at the school for 24 years and has sent eight students to Nationals. Marchman's principal is Shelia Bryan.

You Don't Get A Second Chance To Make A First Impression

The Menendez High School Masonry Team that won the Annual Masonry Showcase in Starke on February 25, 2011, has found out what kind of impression you can make by the way you work and conduct yourself.

An article about their victory was written in the Saint Augustine Record on March 27, 2011. The members of the Saint Augustine Preservation Society saw it and have hired the six team members and their instructor James Crutchfield to work this summer with the Society's restoration mason in making repairs to the Castillo De San Marco.

Thanks to the team's hard work and their instructor's hard work, they are going to get a chance to work on one of the oldest masonry structures in America.

The Saint Augustine Record article can be found at: http://staugustine.com/news/schools/2011-03-26/menendez-high-masonry-team-tops.

Congratulations, Menendez Masonry Team!

Lee County High School Students Honored at Inaugural Digital Lee Event

Lee County Public Schools is pleased to announce the great success of the inaugural Digital Lee Event, a design & technology multi-media showcase of high school students' work. The event took place Friday, June 3rd at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in the Fort Myers River District.

The best of the District's Web Design, Graphic Design and Multi-Media Design departments were highlighted at this event. The goal is to provide exposure for students within the community, thereby spurring career opportunities, scholarship awards and local technology involvement that will continue to make Southwest Florida a thriving and culturally rich environment.

The categories for Digital Lee were:

• Web Design - Personal/Social Site, Information Site and Business Site
• Graphic Design - Identity Components, Display Design and Informative Design
• Multi-Media Design - Publication Design, Packaging Design and Flash/Animation

Digital Lee was a success with the help of corporate sponsors such as Adobe, Certiport, Jostens and local colleges, universities and businesses. For more information or to view the winning entries, please check out our website: www.leedigitalarts.com

CareerLaunch, A Day at Broward College, North Campus

CareerLaunch is a national Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) program which uses the experiential learning model to actively engage members, ages 13-18, on a journey to explore careers, make sound educational decisions and find success in the world of work (BGCA Program Website).

On June 29, 2011, Broward College and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County (BGCBC) hosted, CareerLaunch: A Day at Broward College, North Campus for over 200 middle and high school members, ages 13 - 18.

During CareerLaunch, morning program, members were welcomed by Dr. Barbara Bryan, North Campus President, followed by an inspirational speech by Douglas Von Allmen, BGCBC Corporate Board Member, on My Millionaires Club's Secrets, where he reflected on eight guiding secrets for success. After this presentation, members were divided into two age groups, 13-14 and 15-18. Members 13-14 visited the computer lab and took the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Career Cruiser and CHOICES- Interest Profiler. This assessment provided members with possible career options. Members 15-18 were educated on resume writing and interviewing techniques, facilitated by WorkForce One (WF1).

For the afternoon sessions, members 13-18 were educated on the "Do and Don'ts of Social Media…this was an exciting presentation for all members, afterwhich, the 13-14 year olds were introduced to Time Management Techniques and a tour of the Biomedical Engineering Lab. Members 15-18 toured the entire Health Sciences Building, where they engaged with Broward College faculty who represented Physical Therapy, Radiation Therapy, Massage Therapy and Respiratory Care.

At the end of the event, members were asked to complete a CareerLaunch survey. Results included:

• 88% of program participants reported that they had fun during CareerLaunch.
• 60% of program participants reported CareerLaunch above 8 (on a scale of 10 being the best).
• 50% of program participants reported that CareerLaunch changed their thinking about how to interview for a job.

Keri Milligan Named as Agriscience Teacher of the Year

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - Keri Milligan was been named as the 2011 Agriscience Teacher of the Year. Milligan is the Agriscience Teacher and FFA Advisor at Oakleaf High School. Milligan was recognized at the 83rd annual State FFA Convention.

Keri Milligan, agriscience instructor at Oakleaf High School, feels strongly about teaching students about the importance of agriscience in their everyday lives. Milligan believes that it is imperative to incorporate science heavily into her classroom and shares that students have responded positively to this. She incorporates hands on projects that help reinforce what students are learning in their core classes.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 523,309 student members-as part of 7,487 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agriculture education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. For more information visit www.flaffa.org or contact: Ronnie Simmons at or by phone at: (352) 378-0060.

Florida Virtual School (FLVS) Wins Big at the 61st Annual Florida Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference

• 1st Place Client Services - Marissa Suchini
• 2nd Place Web Site Development - Robert Klubenspies
• 2nd Place Middle Level Web Page Design - Celestial McBride

Other conference highlights included campaigning for state office, leading-edge workshops and fund-raisers for the Florida FBLA-PBL Foundation which provides scholarships and leadership opportunities for members.

FBLA will bring together nearly 7,500 top students and their advisers in Orlando in June as Florida hosts the National Leadership Conference. Students will compete in over 50 categories having earned the honor to attend the national conference following success in the local, district, and state arenas. Most events have cash awards for the leading individuals and teams.

We are so proud, that three of our FLVS students will be representing us and competing at the national level.

Memorial Essay Contest

Chipola Student Named as One of the USA TODAY’s 2011 All-USA Community College Academic Team

USA TODAY named 20 students to its 21st annual All-USA Community College Academic Team, honoring them for outstanding intellectual achievement and leadership. The students will receive a $2,500 cash award.

The All-USA Community College Academic Team presented by USA TODAY, the American Association of Community Colleges, and Phi Theta Kappa and sponsored by Follett Higher Education Group honors outstanding two-year college students. In addition to their sponsorship of the All-USA Community College Academic Team, Follett will present $15,000 in textbook scholarships to the colleges of the student winners.

The team of 20 was selected by a panel of judges from more than 1,600 students nominated by 800 community colleges. Judges considered grades, leadership, activities and, most importantly, how students extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom.

Locklin Technical Center Students Compete in Region 1 Skills USA Competition

Seventeen students from Locklin Tech placed 4th or better in the following program areas:

• Winners in the Automotive Service Technology competition: (High School) Tyler Manfred – 2nd place; (Adult) Scott York 2nd place
• Winners in the Applied Welding Technology competition: (High School) Chris Steele – 1st place, Michael McDonald – 2nd place; (Adult) Sean Clancy - 1st place, Tony Simmons – 2nd place
• Winners in the Heating-Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology competition: (High School) John Ragas – 1st place, Chez Harlow – 2nd place, Vincent Smith – 3rd place; (Adult) Joe Timbang – 2nd place
• Winners in the Residential Electricity competition: (High School) Sidney Catt – 1st place, Cameron Farrow – 2nd place, Thomas Ghostly - 3rd place; (Adult) Dale Blanck – 1st place, Cody Panzick – 3rd place, Nathan Smith – 4th place
• Winners in Electrical Industrial Motor Control competition: (High School) Jeremy McGee – 1st place; (Adult) Regina Allen – 1st place

Skills USA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry leaders working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. In addition, the organization provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. Skills USA advisors and CTE instructors are trained to deliver high quality technical employability and academic skills to all students.

George Stone Technical Center Students Participates in the Regional 1 SkillsUSA Competition

Two students competing in events (technical welding and cabinet making) were noticed by event sponsors for their professionalism, technical skills, and work ethics and were recommended for employment in their companies. SkillsUSA provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate how career and technical programs provide the training and leadership skills necessary to be marketable in today's workforce.

Florida Celebrates Career and Technical Education Day on the Hill

• Florida Celebrates Career and Technical Education Day on the Hill Press Release

Manatee County is Home to World Champions!

Five students from Southeast High School (SEHS) and a student from James Madison Middle School in Roanoke, Virginia captured the coveted F1 in Schools World Championship after three days of intense competition at the Ngee Ann Polytechnic Institute in Singapore. The teams had to design, manufacture, and race identical CO2 powered balsa-wood race cars, give an eight-minute verbal presentation, defend the manufacture of their cars in front of two engineers, pass technical inspection, design a pit display, and prepare a 20-page portfolio detailing their work. There were more than 25 judges who concurred that the Southeast team, Unitus Racing, had the most consistent presentation in all areas.

Unitus Racing was one of 25 teams from 18 different countries competing for the World Title. The Unitus team included Yatrik Solanki, Tony Griffin, Mark Nanney, Brandon Miranda, Niemann Pest and Amanda Clark. Unitus Racing also won the award for Best Team Identity and was nominated for Best Portfolio, and Best Sponsorship & Marketing.

Braden River High School‘s (BRHS) Jeremy Petty and Brandon Demers joined, 2010 BRHS graduate, Ahmed Hares on the German/American BayWa F1 in Schools Racing team for the Singapore Worlds effort. The team had a strong finish in the top eight for the racing portion of the event. They also had an excellent technical score for their cars.

One of the Manatee School District‘s EdVantage strategic objectives is for students to actively engage in global outreach. Both teams stood shoulder-to-shoulder with students from 18 countries while competing in Singapore. Engineering teacher Mr. Platt and the team from Braden River combined with six students from an academic high school in Munich. Last summer, Mr. Platt and the team spent eleven days in Munich working on the F1 in Schools project before heading to Singapore.

“We attended the German school for nine days to prepare for this,” said Platt. “We went to class every day; I even helped teach a class! When we left, students from both countries nearly cried, we bonded so much.” It doesn‘t get any more global than this!

It is unprecedented that two Manatee County schools were both invited to represent the USA at the Worlds event. “This is the result of four long years of hard work and goal setting that really paid off,” stated Mark Nanney, Unitus Racing Manufacturing Engineer and 2010 Southeast graduate.

By virtue of the win Unitus Racing‘s team was invited to visit the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix race paddocks to meet the Formula One drivers and teams.

Unitus Racing is sponsored by Lockheed Martin, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, Advance Auto Parts, Manatee Adult, Career and Technical Education Department, City of Roanoke Schools, Rapid Prototyping Systems, BASF Chemicals, JBTN Plastics, Trimbach Artistry, Bay Tool, Royal Tee‘s, Braden-ton Press and Signs by Tomorrow as well as many in-kind donations.

Well done, Manatee County technology students, teachers, and supporters!

Construction; One Smart Career Choice!

The Reading Park is an area created by Construction teacher Mr. Inwood and his students in the courtyard next to the cafeteria at Poinciana High School. The Reading Park is an area that was not in use, so they dressed it up so students and teachers can read and enjoy the garden.

Mr. Inwood says the purpose of the Reading Park is to create a “Field of Dreams” at Poinciana High School. The Reading Park will be a great addition to our high school. Whether students are reading a book, doing homework, or just relaxing, the Reading Park will offer something to all of our students.

Mr. Inwood says that he wanted to create the Reading Park for one reason: whenever he looked outside of his classroom through the window, the grounds were muddy and dirty and just unappealing. He saw an area of the school that could use some improvement, and he took it on.

The Reading Park is going through three phases, and when they are all complete, there will be three gazebos in the courtyard. Phase 1, which included the first gazebo, is completed and already in use. The first gazebo was sponsored by the Construction Club and Poinciana High School.

Phase 2 will add another gazebo through a senior project. Members of the class of 2011 have come together every Monday and Tuesday after school to improve the Reading Park.

Phase 3 will include the main grandstand that will stand at 24 feet wide. This grandstand will create an outdoor facility for school events. School groups that will be using the Reading Park after Phase 3 is finished include band, theater, and PBS. “All three phases will be completed by the end of the year,” said Mr. Inwood.

The project’s goal was to provide a “change in atmosphere” through the addition of the Reading Park. Students and teachers are waiting in anticipation as all three phases are completed. By the end of the year, both teachers and students will be taking advantage of the hard work of Mr. Inwood and his students.

Students who want to use the Reading Park have to make an appointment with their teacher, or they can come during lunch. The Reading Park is available throughout the entire school day.

Clay County Career and Technical Education (CTE) Academies Honored by the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC)

The VyStar Academy of Business and Finance at Fleming Island High School and the Culinary Academy at Ridgeview High School went through a very intense accreditation process and were awarded “model” by the visiting team members. This is the highest rating an academy can receive. In recognition of the honor, each academy was presented with a banner to display at their respective school and a check for $500.

The national review process is divided into 10 standards including academy mission and goals; academy structure; host district and high school support; academy faculty and staff; professional development; governance and leadership; curriculum and instruction; employer, higher education and community involvement; student assessment and circle of improvement.

Clay County academies were asked to present at the conference on the academy structure, curriculum and success of the program — specifically, the great business partnership with VyStar bank and the fully operational bank branch at Fleming Island High School. Two senior students from each of the academies attended the conference to assist with the presentation and give a student’s point of view to the audience.

There were only nine academies in the nation that were recognized as model academies at the conference.

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