Five Star Magnet Program

On Friday, May 13^th, 2011, our first FBLA banquet was conducted in the PBGHS cafeteria. It was truly a gala affair, with a retrospective slide show, a tribute to retiring teacher Sherry Renner, the introduction of new FBLA officers, and the presentation of student superlatives. What was truly an entertaining evening was perhaps highlighted by Kim Charles’ performance of her original spoken-word piece “Unforgettable.” It was, indeed, an unforgettable evening, and we are delighted by the prospect of making this affair an annual event.

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Hey Gators.  The students voted and here are the results for teacher superlatives for 2011.

Most likely to be mistaken for a student: Mr. Jackson and Ms. Caro
Most fun to be stuck in detention with:  Mr. Gilken and Ms. Norbeck
Best dressed/ Most fashionable:  Mr. Messmer and Ms. Turenne
Most likely to enforce the dress code: Mr. Edwards and Ms. Baird
Most likely to give you a lot of homework: Mr. Schuett and Ms. Finder
Most likely to be your friend on facebook: Msgt. Patterson and Ms. Hart
Most likely to fail you with a smile: Mr. Martin and Ms. Kayko
Most school spirited:  Mr. Lilley and Ms. Kummerlin
Craziest teacher:  Mr. Thomas and Ms. Champlin
Most likely to appear on TV:  Mr. Goodman and Ms. Bryan
Most inspiring: Mr. Sonne and Ms. Gough

 Congratulations to all of our winners!

Florida’s Blood Centers awarded PBGCHS the trophy for Largest Number of Units (of Blood) Collected for the Year 2010-2011!

We collected 635 units ($20 per unit returned to us for the scholarship fund) and saved 1905 lives.

This is the first time PBGCHS has EVER won first place for blood collection. (In 2007 we were second to last place in the county)

The HOSA Blood Drive Scholarship fund generated $12, 700 as a result. Any senior who has been involved in either donating blood or assisting on the committee was eligible to apply for the scholarship. Each year we try to empty and then refill the scholarship fund.

If you see a student wearing a blood donation t-shirt, please take the time to thank him/her for donating!

Thanks and GO GATORS!

On April 28^th, 2011, students Patrick Oremus, Ena Nanic, James Jean, Aliyah Wise, and Tyler Scott attended the Business Development Board’s annual PACE luncheon. The PACE luncheon is a unique opportunity for students in magnets and career academies across Palm Beach County to attend a business seminar and then interact with the members of the Business Development Board. The keynote speaker, Clint Robertson, a finalist on The Apprentice, spent some time with our students taking pictures and giving them career advice.  Also in attendance were Brunette Fleurimond and Natalie Bazile, who, along with their instructor, Ed Gigante, were tasked with the responsibility of filming the event. The PACE luncheon is always a terrific event, and this year was obviously no exception!

On April 25^th 2011 the Sophomore Sports Management Class volunteered at the Lighthouse Elementary School’s field day. The students had the opportunity to volunteer because it’s part of the Magnet Program’s mission to have our students help mentor the younger students in the community. The SMR class was chaperoned by their two teachers Mrs. Mooney and Mrs. Testa on their trip.  The students gathered early that morning and arrived at Lighthouse Elementary at around seven thirty. They were greeted by P.E. teacher Coach Sloan and were immediately thrown into the thick of things.  “The children will start coming out at 8, so we need to get to work!” Sloan told the class.  Coach quickly showed the magnet students the ropes and the elementary kids started to arrive. The students helped work different stations and events ranging from “Sack Volleyball” and “Tug-of-War”, to “Track-Run” and “Scarecrow Dodge Ball”. Throughout the day the students and the children interacted, and shared a mutual feeling of enjoyment. They fed off of each other’s energy the entire day.  After the day was over, the students were treated with pizza and water, and then they reflected on what a great day they had.  Coach Sloan couldn’t tell the students enough of how polite they were, how much fun the kids had, and how much the students had truly helped him.  To top it off, Coach Sloan asked the students and their teachers if they would come back every year and help out. The Magnet students were ecstatic. The experience was beneficial for everyone involved, and the students truthfully had a great time. They are looking forward for the same event next year.

David Straley, SMR 2013
Bobby Gaines, SMR 2013

Two seniors in the Tourism, Hospitality, and Resort Management Magnet are recipients of $1500 scholarships from Northwood University. Sarah Arrell and Andrea Santizo will be attending Northwood University in the fall. Northwood University, which has a Hospitality degree program, has always been a terrific supporter of the Five Star Magnet Program. Congratulations, Sarah and Andrea!

On April 26^th, the prestigious Pathfinder scholarships were awarded to stellar students in Palm Beach and Martin Counties. We are proud of our own Alan Dukor, a standout Sports Management and Recreation Magnet senior, for placing second in the Business category. Alan was awarded $2,000. We are proud of Alan for this remarkable accomplishment, and we are proud of all of our nominees for their hard work and for representing PBGHS so well!

On March 3^rd, 2011, Business Supervision students, under the guidance of teacher Tammy Skinner, visited Pathways to Independence, a local nonprofit that works with quadriplegic adults to bolster their independence through business opportunities.  These students, who are responsible for our school store, will use Pathways to Independence as a wholesaler for on-campus balloon sales.  We look forward to this partnership, which will expand to provide opportunities for our Pre-Medicine Magnet students to learn about therapies and adaptive equipment for quadriplegics. 

On February 22^nd and 23^rd, a charter bus of juniors from the Fie Star Magnet Program enjoyed tours of Florida State University, the University of North Florida, and the University of Central Florida.  These schools were selected for this year’s college tour for their diversity of settings and campus climates.  Our students had a great time, and we hope we helped them with their college planning!

On February 2^nd, over 100 juniors in the Five Star Magnet Program at Palm Beach Gardens Community High School headed into the community for our annual Groundhog Job Shadowing Day!  Groundhog Job Shadowing, a partnership with Junior Achievement, allows students to experience a career of interest for a day.  Hosts this year included the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Breakers, The City of Palm Beach Gardens, Judge Jeffrey Colbath, and dozens more.  Many students will seek summer internships with their job shadowing hosts.  We thank the generosity of our partners in the community for opening their doors to our students!