Why HS/HT
Success Stories
Andrew
Andrew has been involved with the Gainesville Area HS/HT Program for three years. Andrew pursued an interest in science and computers through a variety of career exploration and leadership activities including participation in the Alachua County HS/HT Student Advisory Council and working in the Information Technology Department at Santa Fe Community College. During high school, Andrew worked diligently and learned to successfully accommodate for his specific learning disability making the dean’s list on several occasions. The Gainesville Sun newspaper highlighted Andrew’s accomplishments in an article about top high school graduates in north central Florida.
Andrew recently graduated Santa Fe Community College with honors. He was also the valedictorian for his class! Andrew has been accepted to Florida State University and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree, continue through graduate school and eventually attain a PhD in math or science.
Kathryn
Kathryn is a recent graduate of the Gainesville Area HS/HT Program. Kathryn excelled in high school as an honor role student who learned how to successfully accommodate for ADHD and Dyslexia. Through HS/HT activities, Kathryn has diligently pursued her interest in archeology and anthropology.
For the past two summers, Kathryn has worked at University of Florida’s Anthropology Department. Kathryn was mentored by graduate students who shared her career goals. She learned about the career path of anthropology and the expectations associated with the field. Kathryn also processed archeological matrix, collected biometric data, measured aquatic snails for growth, processed flotation samples and edited digital photos.
During the summer of 2005, Kathryn assisted with the sorting of items collected in shell mounds in the Hontoon Islands (located near Blue Springs, Florida). Kathryn was responsible for the discovery of Indian ceremonial beads, barrette, necklace and bracelet! During the summer of 2006, the items that Kathryn discovered were displayed at the Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida. Kathryn’s name was also displayed in association with the discovery! Kathryn is now attending Santa Fe Community College and continues to pursue a career in Anthropology with plans to pursue a PhD in the field.
Kayla
Kayla is a recent graduate of the (Brevard County) Palm Bay HS/HT Program. Kayla is a student with a mobility impairment who has participated in the HS/HT Program for several years and has completed every HS/HT Institute offered through Palm Bay HS/HT. Additionally, Kayla has completed the entire Engineering Technology course sequence at Palm Bay High School. Kayla joined the Technology Student Association (TSA) and participated in regional competitions for the last two years. Kayla became interested in graphic design through HS/HT and TSA competitions and plans to pursue graphic design at Brevard Community College. Kayla has utilized her graphic design skills on multiple occasions to design slide show presentations for the Florida Department of Education.
Mario
Mario has been the “president” of the Madison County HS/HT Program for four years. Mario is a student with a learning disability who has developed exceptional work skills through HS/HT activities including: community presentations and material development (brochures, power points, business cards, church bulletins, announcements and T-shirts). Mario has made presentations to the local community and statewide businesses including the Kennedy Space Center. Because of Mario’s skills and abilities, CVS Pharmacy hired Mario to work part time in their photo lab and pharmacy prior to graduation. After graduation, Mario will be pursuing a technology degree at North Florida Community College while working part time at Sam’s Club in Valdosta, Georgia. Mario is also an alumni of The Able Trust Youth Leadership Forum and would like to be the first graduating HS/HT student to return as a HS/HT Program Director.
Patrick
Patrick was a member of the Madison County HS/HT Program for three years and participated in every HS/HT activity. Patrick is a student with a speech disability who was the acting president of the Madison County HS/HT Program and gained extensive computer experience that he now uses on a daily basis. While a HS/HT member, Patrick stated that his favorite part was the connections that he received through Vocational Rehabilitation Services and visits to the colleges. Through program activities, Patrick learned about various technologies including, “how magnets worked at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and how penguins feather at Sea World.” His favorite trip was to the Kennedy Space Center. Patrick stated: “seeing the Space Shuttle on the launch pad was great - if we could have seen a launch would have been awesome!”
Through the summer internship program, Patrick was hired for part time employment at the Nestles Water’s North America. After only three months, Patrick was offered full time employment! As line leader, he operates new equipment including a blow mold, filler, and labeler and packing machines while using the various computer programs. After one year of employment, Nestle Waters North America will provide funding so that Patrick can attend college.
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