CAREER TECH
GETTING A JUMP-START
Lauren Duer takes a break from practicing on a Cessna 172 flight simulator at Fort Pierce Central’s aeronautics lab. Duer is one of three Florida students
who will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on a Marine Corps scholarship.
70
GREG GARDNER PHOTOS
Tech-ed classes provide fast track
to workforce connections
BY GREG GARDNER
The sky’s the limit for St. Lucie County students to
pursue more than a dozen career opportunities,
earn college credit, certifications, receive scholarships
and make contacts to find work in their
hometown after high school.
More than 4,500 Career and Technical Education (CTE)
students are mentored across six high schools in the disciplines
of accounting, aeronautics, agriculture, automotive,
biotechnology, carpentry, criminal justice, culinary, drafting,
engineering media, medicine and veterinary.
After graduating from Fort Pierce Central High school
and its aeronautics program, Lauren Duer will attend Embry
Riddle Aeronautical University this fall on one of three
Marine Corps scholarships awarded to Florida students.
“I have wanted to fly since my freshman year when the
program opened my eyes to aviation,” said Duer, a dualenrollment
student who plays soccer and is a member of the
Civil Air Patrol. “I learned the basics of aviation. It exposed
me to like-minded people and has given me different contacts.
Dr. Adkins (instructor) was a good mentor. He gave >>
Trends In Education