Polk County Public Schools
Lakeland’s Lawton Chiles Middle was one of 16 schools nationally that won $3,000 in prize money in an environmental contest sponsored by the Scholastic, Inc. and Lexus automotive companies.
A team of Lawton Chiles students won the prize in the Lexus Eco Challenge, a program of the Lexus Pursuit of Potential, one of the company’s philanthropic initiatives.
In the contest, schools defined an environmental issue important to them, developed an action plan to address the issue, implemented the plan and reported the results.
Lawton Chiles’ “Green Team” addressed endangered species and loss of biodiversity with a specific focus on relocating the gopher tortoise. Lawton Chiles students researched the issue, worked to create awareness in the community and produced a DVD on the subject that was used in an environmental symposium.
“Green Team” members were Nick Curtis, Jose Alvarez-Flores, Nadia Mir, James Mondale and Corey Smith. They are all eighth graders. Their advisor was teacher Debbie Viertel. Viertel received $1,000 to purchase school-related supplies to support educational programs, clubs or initiatives.
A check for $2,000 was given to Lawton Chiles Middle for overall use by the school.
Click here for further information on their award.
Two Winter Haven High students were named Polk Cadets Of The Year by Florida Southern College’s Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in Lakeland. Alyna Cartagena-Colon, a senior, was named Senior Cadet Of The Year and junior Kari Taylor was named Junior Cadet Of The Year.
Alyna and Kari were among eight Polk finalists for the awards. Finalists were evaluated by Florida Southern ROTC on contributions to their school JROTC programs, attitude and personal potential, a citizenship interview, uniform wear and professionalism.
Lakeland’s George Jenkins High had four finalists for the awards: Jason Norton, Jessica Martin, Steven Olds and Khaleesha Williams.
Winter Haven High’s Kayla Berdis and Haines City High’s Carsendra Saint-Vilus were also finalists for the awards.
