May 2023

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High School High Tech Ambassador Program Launching for 2023-24


The Able Trust's High School High Tech Ambassador Scholarship program is a new opportunity for HSHT seniors who are interested in strengthening their workforce readiness skills and becoming more involved in their community. Each Ambassador will receive a $500 scholarship and have the opportunity to meet new people, develop new skills, and hold a leadership role in HSHT. Three rising seniors nominated by HSHT staff will be chosen as Ambassadors.

 

Nominations must be submitted for review by Friday, August 18. Click the button below for the application, which includes program requirements and further details.

Nominate a Student

HSHT Coordinator Tucker Named Arc Jacksonville Employee of the Year

Congratulations to Clay, Duval and St. Johns County High School High Tech coordinator Jessica Tucker on being named The Arc Jacksonville's 2023 Employee of the Year! In addition to pulling triple duty as an outstanding HSHT coordinator, Tucker handles a wide range of other duties and responsibilities as a member of the excellent Arc Jacksonville team.


Please join us in celebrating Tucker for this recognition of her terrific dedication and talent!

Manufacturers Association of Central Florida Wins FLATE Award for Most Innovative Student Event

The Manufacturers Association of Central Florida (MACF) will receive the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center’s Most Innovative Manufacturing Month Student Event Award for their Made in Central Florida Expo and Student Design & Build Competition. The event, which featured 27 local manufacturers and a design and build competition impacting over 250 students, was attended by many Florida High School High Tech students.


MACF will be recognized at the 2023 Florida MakeMore Manufacturing Summit in Orlando. Congratulations on receiving this honor!

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What Does the End of Your Year Look Like?

As a longtime educator prior to taking on my role as state director, I know the last days of any school year are both busy and bittersweet. Teachers and administrators work tirelessly to finish the term on a strong note and give students the final push toward their futures, while those same students (especially graduating seniors) juggle plans for summer activities and transitions to next fall. Through it all runs a current of emotion and excitement--the knowledge that the end of the school year, particularly for grads, is really a beginning.


As we take time to celebrate the students who give the field of education its purpose, I'd love to hear from all of you as well. We're of course still welcoming information about and photos of your High School High Tech graduates, and in addition to that, we want to know what steps you take in your end-of-year preparations to ensure each school year winds up a success. Please feel free to reach out to me and share your methods.


In the meantime, we are thrilled to start the annual celebration of commencement by sharing some stories in this issue of outstanding graduates who participated in High School High Tech programs all over Florida. We look forward to honoring even more members of the Class of 2023 in future issues.


Congratulations to all our graduates--and kudos to all of you who helped these brilliant students to succeed!



Coleen Agner

High School High Tech State Director

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CONGRATS, CLASS OF 2023 GRADS!

Join us in celebrating some of the best and brightest of High School High Tech's Class of 2023!

Aidan Christopher (Wakulla HSHT) enjoyed being a part of High School High Tech, particularly going on trips with his fellow HSHT friends. Aidan is currently working part-time at a local restaurant and plans to attend Lively College in Tallahassee.

Bethaney Rogers (Polk HSHT) is currently working for Pizza Hut and has been offered a management position upon her high school graduation. While Bethany has chosen not to pursue a college degree at this time, she hasn't ruled it out for the future.

Candice Newman (Polk HSHT) is enrolling at Travis Technical College in Lakeland in the fall, where she will study cosmetology. Candice is currently employed at McDonald's and CMX Cinemas in Lakeland.

Kristina Deas (Madison HSHT) plans to attend North Florida College in Madison. Kristina plans to obtain her A.S. degree in Business Management, and eventually open a bakery and coffee shop in Madison.

Rachel Monroe (Wakulla HSHT) recommends High School High Tech to her friends. She says it helps with choosing a career and a college to attend. Rachel is considering enrolling at Keiser University in Tallahassee.

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The Able Trust, also known as the Florida Endowment Foundation for Vocational Rehabilitation, is a 501(c)(3) public charity established by the Florida Legislature in 1990 as a direct support organization for the 

Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Its mission is to be a key leader in providing

Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment.

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