- December 9, 2024
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Health science. Digital video technology. Culinary arts. Digital media. Agritechnology.
These were the programs on showcase at Seabreeze High School during the district's Career and Technical Education Tour Day on Monday, Nov. 4. The event — which took district officials and community members to Atlantic High School, Spruce Creek High School and Seabreeze High School — provided a look into what students participating in the career pathway programs and academies are learning and achieving.
CTE programs help students gain hands-on experiences, earn certifications and build skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication, according to a press release.
"CTE also strengthens partnerships between schools and local businesses, creating pathways for students to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or continue their education at post-secondary institutions," VCS stated.
At Seabreeze High Schools, students spoke on their experiences being part of a CTE program.
Senior Mackenzie "ZZ" Nichols said the skills she learned at Seabreeze's four-year Allied Health Academy, which prepares students for careers in the medical field, enabled her to provide CPR at a fatal car crash scene.
"By being in the Allied Health Academy, I am able to utilize my skills outside of the classroom and go into autopilot when the time comes, even if I've never worked on anything other than a dummy," Nichols said.
Seabreeze senior Luca Kaney Olivari said his participation in the Allied Health Academy has been "instrumental" in preparing him for his future career in healthcare. The skills he learned in the academy have been put into practice at his job with Halifax Health.
"Being in the academy and now working in a hospital setting has taught me the importance of teamwork, empathy and attention to detail, which are essential delivering, quality patient care," Kaney Olivari said. "This experience has reinforced my passion for health care and it has inspired me to continue by education in this field."
Seabreeze junior Allison Pate said her school's Digitial Video Technology program shows students how the film and video industry works. By getting certified in programs such as Adobe Premiere, she said, the program helps students land jobs in the industry.
"The skills that we learn in the program we can apply to our careers outside of high school," Pate said.
In Seabreeze's Agritechnology program, students experience supervised agricultural experiences, including hands-on learning with animals, as well as learn how to read blueprints, weld and fabricate metals.
"Our students are working hard to build a bright future and agriculture," Seabreeze FFA Chapter Secretary Summer Martin said.
Seabreeze senior Rebecca Morrow said the skills she has learned while enrolled in her school's digital design and yearbook program have inspired her to pursue a future in web design or marketing.
"It's ignited the passion in me to continue graphic design and marketing and business after I graduate," Morrow said.
Lunch at Seabreeze was served by the culinary program students. On the menu was a spinach and feta stuffed chicken, rosemary roasted potatoes, garlic green beans, homemade rolls and crème brûlée.
Senior Nora Smith said Seabreeze's culinary program has helped her learn essential cooking techniques and instilled a "deep appreciation" for the culinary arts.
"What I enjoyed the most about the program was the hands-on experience in the kitchen," Smith said. "Each day felt like an adventure, whether it was mastering knife skills or exploring International cuisines. Getting to accompany my fellow classmates in the kitchen has made my experience special here at Seabreeze."