There is an inspiring quote on the front of Jobs for Florida’s Graduates (JFG) website:
IT’S THEIR DESTINY; IT’S ALSO THEIR DECISION. ALL MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS NEED A PLAN FOR SUCCESS.
That same sentiment was echoed at Bayshore High School this week.
An Installation and Induction Ceremony was held in the Media Center for 90 high school seniors, who will be exploring careers and post-secondary education as part of the school’s “Jobs for Florida’s Graduates” program.
Stacy Cummings, pictured above with a JFG student, is the Jobs for Florida’s Graduates Teacher at Bayshore High. She said their program recently received a grant, so students will be taking a field trip to explore the University of South Florida in Tampa.
Many of the JFG students are members of other organizations such as Drug Free Manatee and SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco). They will be participating in several community service projects throughout this school year.
Several special guests attended the ceremony, including Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene, who was inspired after hearing the story of Elizabeth Alvarado. The Braden River High School graduate said despite the challenges in her life, she never gave up on her dreams. Alvarado received a full scholarship to Harvard University and graduated in 2015.
JFG students also heard from a retired educator, Mary Anne Kauffman, who said they should follow three C’s in life: CHOICE to take a CHANCE to make a CHANGE. The former Bayshore High School teacher also told the crowd that there’s one thing that could give them new, better opportunities – and it doesn’t cost a thing… SMILE; it could make a difference in your next job interview.
There were lots of smiles throughout the room following the ceremony. Light refreshments were served including bagels and pastries.
Bayshore High School’s new Principal knows that a smile, along with hard work, can go a long way. This is Wendell Butler’s first year as a principal – and as a Bruin. He is a graduate from the School District of Manatee County, and worked for several years at his alma mater, Southeast High School.
Good luck to Bayshore High School’s JFG Class of 2017-2018. We look forward to following your successes!
#WeManatee stands for We are the School District of Manatee County. No matter what challenges we face, we strengthen each other when we stand together.