Morgan Turney
Lake Region Medical Academy
The interest I have in the medical field and in the Academy was sparked by a tragic personal event; the death of my neighbor who was a cancer patient. Ever since then I've wanted to help those in need via medicine. The Medical Academy is the perfect starting point for that goal, because it combines textbook knowledge with hands-on experience. I believe that an academy better prepares a student in an area they are particularly passionate about in addition to the regular and general information they receive in a traditional class. In my opinion, academies better prepare students for the future. Students will feel more comfortable going to college classes relating to a particular career field and will adjust and adapt easier. This will be due to the plethora of knowledge they gain in a high school academy.
Ever since joining the Medical Academy at Lake Region High School, I have been excited about waking up every morning to go to school. My attendance has increased and being in an academy has made me want to push myself in all my other classes! Being interested in the medical field means that I need top-notch grades all around.
I hope to learn as much as possible in my academy. I plan to take Latin language classes online to prepare me for college and eventually Pharmacy school. My major career goals include getting a Doctorate degree in pharmacy and working in the clinical sector.
The Ledger: Sleepy Hill Middle School Teens Pass Exam for Engineers
The three-hour engineering and design certification test usually is saved for college students and professionals, but that didn't scare away a class of Polk middle school students. The test assesses students' ability to use SolidWorks, computer-aided design software, turning two-dimensional shapes into three-dimensional machine parts. This is the second year that students in Amy Hamilton's technology and engineering classes at Sleepy Hill Middle School have taken and passed the test. Typically, the test is taken by students graduating from college and preparing to enter an engineering profession, or professionals wanting to get a leg up in their field.
PSC to Host Summer Program for Students Interested in STEM
TALON Robotics at Polk State College engages students in active science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) learning. This exciting program serves 120 middle school and 72 high school students. Register to become an Eaglebot or Technobot today.
BHS Engineering Academy Tours JCMI
The Bartow High School Engineering Academy was invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony for JCMI's new South Lakeland manufacturing plant owned by Jay Creasy, father of BHS engineering student Logan Creasy. This unique field trip allowed student to tour the facility and witness demonstrations of much of the shop's equipment including lathes, milling machines and various pieces of test equipment. "It was interesting the way the machines worked," said third year student Dominic Haberl. The trip allowed students to understand how lessons from the classroom translate into real-world manufacturing processes. The following day students discussed the benefits and impacts of the trip with the school's principal.
News Chief: Winter Haven High Robotics Team Earns Bragging Rights
Their secret to success? Hard work, long hours and rubber bands. It may seem odd that five teenagers can get so excited over a bag of rubber bands - but they have earned bragging rights with the help of the stretchy circles. Winter Haven High School's robotics team is rolling toward a national competition after an unexpected win in its second year.
Florida Celebrates Career and Technical Education on the Hill
In recognition of Career and Technical Education Month, students met at Florida's Capitol to share career and technical education success stories. Seven Polk Academies' students joined more than 200 students and teachers from 50+ high schools, technical centers, state colleges and state career and technical student organizations at the state Capitol on February 11, 2014. These students' displays and demonstrations highlighted the importance of career and technical education programs. This 5th Annual CTE Day on the Hill was a platform showcasing student's knowledge learned in CTE classes as well as the skills achieved for a competitive career in today's job market.
