Apr 23rd, 2010
LAKE WALES – A group of Young Leaders from Lake Wales High School got a first-hand look at government in action last week when they visited the State Senate during busy days of the legislative session.
During their two-day visit (April 14-15) to Tallahassee, the Young Leaders toured the State Capitol, met with Lake Wales Sen. J.D. Alexander, and sat in the Gallery while senators debated and voted on amendments and bills related to gambling and other issues. At Sen. Alexander’s request, they were introduced to the Senate and asked to stand in the Gallery for recognition.
They also toured the Historic Capitol, which is now a museum, and visited the Museum of Florida History.
Students visited Florida State University for lunch, and then took an official tour of Florida A&M University, before returning home to Lake Wales.
Participating in the trip were six members of the female Young Leaders group: Faith Alston, Adriana Condry, Olivia Forrest, Kaley Kasm, Perla Lopez and Nubia Munoz, along with teacher Debbie Stinson and advisor Frances McMichael. Eight members of the male Young Leaders group took part: Kevin Prioleau, Jose Reyes, Corey Martin, Quamel Johnson, Erick Castillo, Daquand Marion, Dominic Trevino and Deandre Jones, along with Assistant Principal Eugene Kendrick and Sgt. Henry Porter. Superintendent Jesse Jackson met the group in Tallahassee.
The Young Leaders program identifies 20 young men and 20 young women, and works with them to build leadership skills. Throughout the school year, students participate in a variety of activities, such as speaking to younger students about bullying and good grades. Students also are expected to take part in community and public service projects. The boys and girls groups operate separately, except for special activities like the trip to Tallahassee, which was funded in part by grants from Florida’s Natural Foundation, Mountain Lake Community Service, and the Lake Wales Charter Schools Foundation.
Photo #1: LWHS Young Leaders pose in front of a fountain behind the State Capitol in Tallahassee.
Photo #2: LWHS Young Leaders met with Lake Wales Sen. J.D. Alexander (center) on Wednesday, April 14 in Tallahassee.
Photo #3: LWHS Young Leaders and their chaperones sit on the steps of the Historic Capitol Building in Tallahassee.
LAKE WALES – Hillcrest Elementary students Clint Lerch, Ethan Montero, Julianna Guzzetta, Erin Montero, Emily Hilligoss, Nicholas McDaniel and Nathaniel Johnston participated in the All County Elementary Music Showcase on May 8.
LAKE WALES – Hillcrest Elementary’s Show Choir – Encore – earned a Superior rating at the recent Music USA Festival in Orlando. The Show Choir was evaluated by a panel of three judges.
Janie Howard Wilson Elementary chorus and world drummers ended their musical year on a “high note” Tuesday (May 15) with an exciting performance of oldies, Top 40s, inspirational songs and African music for fellow students, faculty and parents.
