u Around Town Updates on Community, Education, Workforce & Government Not as well known, perhaps, is the fact that our struggling students receive the most intense and focused interventions that we can devise to get them on grade level. Our teachers and staff work very hard to be sure that all students have a chance to achieve their full potential. Body In Bay District Schools, we care about the health and wellness <strong>of</strong> all students. From <strong>of</strong>fering healthier foods in the cafeterias to ensuring that our elementary school kids participate in physical education, the principle <strong>of</strong> a sound mind in a sound body still informs our work. As well, our schools <strong>of</strong>fer athletic opportunities that would astound the ancient Greeks. While Socrates would feel at home at a wrestling match or track meet, trying to imagine what he would make <strong>of</strong> a basketball game or a high school dance line brings a smile to my face. Gee, what would he say when he discovered that we even let women play in modern times? Spirit If you have ever seen a line <strong>of</strong> students waiting to give blood or a group <strong>of</strong> kids working at Special Olympics, you know that spiritual education is alive and well in our schools. The values that we all share— generosity, honesty, kindness, etc.—are affirmed daily in formal and informal ways. Positive behaviors are encouraged and rewarded. You can see these behaviors at work as students make posters to eliminate bullying or raise funds for the American Heart Society or tutor their classmates. Each month I get to honor some <strong>of</strong> our most outstanding students by recognizing the Superintendent’s Student <strong>of</strong> the Month. Without fail, these students exemplify values that we would all do well to emulate. <strong>This</strong> column leads with a quote from one <strong>of</strong> my favorite characters, Gandalf, in The Fellowship <strong>of</strong> the Ring. In a summer filled with both tragedy and triumph, I learned, once again, that our time here is limited. All <strong>of</strong> us who educate young people share their gold medal moments every day. What a wonderful way to use our time! Our Skyline is Changing. Our Commitment Isn’t. Dr. Jim Kerley, President Gulf Coast State College For 55 years, Gulf Coast State College has been committed to the highest quality training and education that turns students into employed graduates. The result is an unmistakable and unwavering impact on the economic climate <strong>of</strong> our region and the lives <strong>of</strong> those we touch. Our faculty and programs <strong>of</strong> study have always been challenging and rigorous, whether a student was transferring to a four-year university or directly entering the workforce. Growing workforce demands in Florida require that we have the ability, flexibility and willingness to respond quickly to business, industry and community needs. Striking evidence <strong>of</strong> this part <strong>of</strong> our mission is our Advanced Technology Center (ATC) that will open next June. The three stories you see under construction are integral to the transformative work that will take place within, where innovative partnerships across business, industry, government and education will provide clear pathways to high-paying jobs. We’re also very excited to announce that on September 11 we will hold our toppingout ceremony as the construction reaches a significant milestone. <strong>This</strong> LEED-certified, 80,000 square foot facility is the embodiment <strong>of</strong> the American entrepreneurial spirit, dedicated to meeting regional employment needs in alternative energy, green building, information technology, digital media, civil engineering, emerging technologies and more. Our focus is on educating and training students to leave Gulf Coast with the skills necessary to succeed. The state <strong>of</strong> Florida will need to fill more than 33,000 Science, Math, Engineering and Technology (STEM) jobs by 2018, and employers continue to struggle to find qualified workers because <strong>of</strong> a “skills gap.” The need is there, so that’s where we come in. Career pathways in STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) serve to meet those employers’ needs, and these pathways begin with our industry-recognized certificates and programs that close that skills gap with focused, applicable, productive training. Our ATC will also <strong>of</strong>fer a brighter future for the students in our community not typically expected to attend college at all, and it will only help us add the kinds <strong>of</strong> programs that tomorrow’s workforce needs. As the ATC nears completion, we’re already planning for a new STEM Education Center with a focus on science and math. It only makes sense in today’s environment. Growth <strong>of</strong> jobs demanding one to two-year technical degrees and industry-recognized certificates are outpacing the growth <strong>of</strong> those requiring traditional bachelor’s degrees and higher. We’re also honored that Gov. Rick Scott recognizes Gulf Coast’s continuing commitment to our region as we embrace our place on its economic and educational horizon. We’re building a tech-savvy future, one student at a time. Record Breaking Summer Susan Estler, Vice President Marketing <strong>Panama</strong> <strong>City</strong> <strong>Beach</strong> CVB With another recordbreaking summer season coming to an end, the <strong>Panama</strong> <strong>City</strong> <strong>Beach</strong> CVB is looking forward to welcoming Fall and Winter visitors to our community. In order to continue the vibrant buzz that can be felt in the destination all summer long, our team has been working to <strong>of</strong>fer events that will keep visitors active in our parks, beaches and other outdoor spaces in the months to come. One highlight <strong>of</strong> our efforts will be the inaugural The Biggest Loser Half Marathon and 5K Runwalk on December 30. The CVB has partnered with Dan and Jackie Evans, Continued on Page 82 80 THE CIRCUIT September/October 2012
1500 Smart consumers come to BBB|Northwest Florida for help and information an average <strong>of</strong> over 1,500 times a day. 7 in 10 consumers say they’d be more likely to buy from a company designated as a “BBB Accredited Business.”* Start With Trust ® Start with bbb.org or call 800.729.9226 to see how you may receive more customer referrals *Princeton Survey Research Associates 2007 THE CIRCUIT September/October 2012 81
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