Florida Education Commissioner Visits Seminole High to See Career Education in Action

Seminole County Public Schools is helping students turn their passions into pathways, and Florida Commissioner of Education Dr. Henry Mack recently got an up-close look at how we’re doing it.

Dr. Mack visited Seminole High School to tour two of the school’s renowned career and technical education programs: the Aviation Academy and Health Academy.

During his visit, he met with students and educators and saw firsthand how these innovative programs combine rigorous academics with hands-on, real-world learning that prepares students for college, careers and life beyond graduation.

From exploring the skills and technology behind careers in aviation to preparing for opportunities in the rapidly growing healthcare field, Seminole High students are gaining valuable experience while still in high school. These programs give students the opportunity to discover their interests, develop industry-relevant skills and build a strong foundation for their futures.

The visit highlighted what makes career and technical education across SCPS so powerful: students aren't simply learning about potential careers, they're experiencing them.

Across Seminole County, SCPS continues to expand opportunities that connect classroom learning with high-demand industries and the workforce needs of tomorrow. Through specialized academies, industry certifications, partnerships, and hands-on experiences, students can begin building their futures long before they walk across the graduation stage.

We were proud to showcase to Commissioner Mack how Seminole County is leading the way in career and technical education and ensuring every student has opportunities to explore their passions, find their path, and prepare for a bright future.

Carillon Elementary Partners with UCF Athletics to Inspire Students

Carillon Elementary School recently welcomed student-athletes from several University of Central Florida (UCF) women's athletic programs as part of a special partnership designed to inspire, motivate, and connect with students through positive role models.

Throughout the week, UCF student-athletes participated in a variety of activities across campus. Members of the UCF Women's Softball Team spent time with kindergarten and first-grade students during physical education classes and joined them for lunch, providing opportunities for meaningful conversations and encouragement.

Students and families were also greeted by members of the UCF Women's Volleyball Team, who welcomed students during morning arrival in both the main and PLC car lines, helping create an energetic and positive start to the school day.

The week concluded with Carillon Elementary's annual Comet Fun Run, where members of the UCF Women's Basketball Team joined students on the field, cheering them on and participating alongside them throughout the event.

These experiences provided Carillon students with memorable opportunities to interact with collegiate athletes who exemplify teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and academic success. The school is grateful for its continued partnership with UCF and the positive impact these student-athletes have on the Carillon community.

Our students were thrilled to interact with these incredible role models. The excitement, encouragement, and connections made throughout the week created lasting memories and reinforced the importance of hard work, teamwork, and pursuing their dreams.

Heartfelt Homecoming: Seminole High Graduates Return to Inspire Next Generation

What does it take to go from the halls of Seminole High School to a career saving lives? Students had the opportunity to find out firsthand when two accomplished alumni returned to campus this week to share their journeys, offer advice, and answer questions about careers in medicine.

Edward Chu, MD, and BG Rathakrishnan, MD, both successful cardiologists, spent time connecting with students, sharing insights into their work treating heart conditions and reflecting on the experiences that helped shape their futures.

But this wasn't just a presentation. Students had the opportunity to ask questions, explore the realities of careers in medicine, and learn what it takes to pursue a challenging and rewarding profession. Their thoughtful questions, curiosity, and impressive perspectives made the conversation especially meaningful, demonstrating just how engaged and forward-thinking our Seminole High students are!

For Dr. Rathakrishnan, the journey began at Keeth Elementary and Indian Trails Middle School before graduating as Seminole High's valedictorian in 2007. Today, he serves as an interventional cardiologist with AdventHealth in Central Florida.

Dr. Chu attended Red Bug Elementary and Tuskawilla Middle School before beginning high school at Lake Howell and transferring to Seminole High for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program. A proud member of the Class of 2002, he is now a cardiac electrophysiologist with MyCardiologist in Miami.

Throughout the conversation, both physicians reminded students that success doesn't always follow a straight path. They encouraged students to embrace new opportunities, build meaningful friendships, develop interests outside of academics, and view setbacks as opportunities to grow. Most importantly, they emphasized that students don't need to have their entire futures figured out today.

The visit was made possible through a special SCPS connection when a district employee, who was a patient of Dr. Rathakrishnan, helped reconnect the alumni with their former school.

What a full-circle moment! Two former Seminole High students, now making a difference in the lives of patients, returned to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators. And judging by the thoughtful questions and impressive engagement from our students, the future is in excellent hands!

Calling all Seminole County Public Schools 2026-2027 seniors! Come spend the day exploring all that Seminole State College has to offer at an event that is all about you!

Transportation* and lunch are provided so you can focus on what matters most: your future.

$25 application fee will be waived for students who apply at Decision Day!

Date:  Friday, November 6

Time: 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Location: Sanford/Lake Mary Campus, 100 Weldon Boulevard, Sanford, FL 32773

Thank you, First Baptist Church of Longwood

We are thrilled to shine our Community Involvement Partner Spotlight on First Baptist Church of Longwood!

Their unwavering commitment to our students, teachers, and schools has made a lasting impact across our district. Most recently, a dedicated team of volunteers from First Baptist Church of Longwood rolled up their sleeves for a campus cleanup at Longwood Elementary. They did a phenomenal job transforming the campus grounds, creating an inviting, beautiful space for students and staff to return to each day.

Because of their continuous heart for service, deep-rooted community support, and generous partnership, First Baptist Church of Longwood was named our 2026 SCPS Faith-Based School Partner in Education!

Thank you, First Baptist Church of Longwood, for going above and beyond for the Longwood Elementary family and Seminole County Public Schools. We are so grateful for your partnership!

Calling All Volunteers - Become a Dividend Today!

The Seminole County Public Schools 2026-27 Dividend Volunteer Application is now open! Dividend Volunteers must reapply each school year in order to support our students on campus, chaperone a field trip, help in a classroom, etc.

Please be sure to click on the button below or visit our Community Involvement website to apply.

Thank you for supporting our students and schools!  

Join Us for Teach-In 2026

Our annual SCPS TEACH-IN date for the 2026-27 School Year is during American Education Week on Tuesday, November 17th, 2026.

Teach-In highlights the importance of bringing together teachers, school staff, parents, students and the community in a unified effort to support our students and schools to create new learning experiences. We appreciate your willingness to share a short lesson about your job, travel adventures, hobby, sport, or life skill. 



Volunteer for one class period or for the entire day!