Out2News Education
Grand Opening of Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex Planned for November 1
Fort Pierce - Indian River State College will commemorate the opening of its Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex on Wednesday, November 1, with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by tours and interactive experiences.
The purpose-built 60,000-square-foot structure houses Florida’s newest, most technologically advanced workforce training facility. Here, leading-edge technology and industry-specific training combine for immersive educational experiences in specialized technical career fields, including advanced and additive manufacturing; robotics and smart automation; automotive, aviation and marine technology; welding; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; and more.
The building is named for engineer, inventor and entrepreneur Richard H. Eastman and his family, who gifted $2 million toward its construction. It is additionally supported by local businesses, foundations, families and individuals who champion Indian River State College’s mission to transform lives through high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. The Treasure Coast Legislative Delegation touted this world-class facility in Tallahassee (helping the College secure more than $21 million in Capital Outlay funding from 2016 through 2021), and $2 million was secured through a federal Economic Development Administration grant.
For more information about the Grand Opening event or to R.S.V.P., contact Colleen Cornell at 772-462-4786 or ccornell@irsc.edu. For more information about the facility, contact Michael Schemel at 772-462-7244 or mschemel@irsc.edu.
Clark Advanced Learning Center Senior is National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist
In Photo: Jasmine Nunez
Stuart - Jasmine Nunez, a senior at the Clark Advanced Learning Center, an A-rated public charter school organized in 2004 as a partnership between Indian River State College (IRSC) and the Martin County School District, has been named a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Nunez is one of four students in Martin County named a semifinalist.
The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships. The program announced the names of more than 16,000 semifinalists, who are vying for 7,250 scholarships worth a total of nearly $28 million. About 95% of semifinalists are expected to attain the finalist level of the competition, and approximately half will win National Merit Scholarships.
“Jasmine is a remarkable young woman who excels academically, and as a school and community leader, because of her hard work and dedication,” said Leslie Judd, Executive Director and Principal of Clark Advanced Learning Center. “She has an incredibly bright future in her chosen field of study and I am confident she will continue to demonstrate success.”
This year’s competition began in October 2022, when more than 1.5 million juniors in approximately 21,000 high schools took the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude (PSAT) National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). The highest scoring participants in each state—representing less than one percent of all U.S. high school seniors—were named semifinalists. Finalists will be announced in the spring of 2024.
Nunez, who possesses a 4.0 Grade Point Average, is on track to earn her Associate degree from IRSC through dual enrollment simultaneous with her high school diploma. She has been a Bank of America Scholar, serves as the Student Government President, and is a leader in multiple other student activities. She plans to continue her education in a business or a STEM-focused major with an ultimate goal to pursue a legal career.
High School Students Get a Jump on College with IRSC Dual Enrollment
Fort Pierce - High school students in the region have a unique opportunity—they can take courses at Indian River State College and receive both high school and college credit, and even earn an Associate degree or career training certificate by the time they graduate high school at no cost.
Thousands of students have participated in IRSC’s Dual Enrollment program, taking courses such as College Algebra and English Composition, which typically can cost $600 or more at a state university. Dual Enrollment students in public, public charter, private and home schools are exempt from tuition, application fees, laboratory fees and receive textbooks at no cost to them.
Courses are offered at convenient times and they are weighted the same as Advanced Placement, Advanced International Certificate of Education and International Baccalaureate courses. Credits earned through Dual Enrollment transfer to all Florida public universities and most universities nationally.
Students and parents can learn all the details at upcoming free information sessions at IRSC campuses in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Okeechobee and Vero Beach. An as-yet unscheduled information session will take place at Jensen Beach High School.
Tuesday, October 10, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
English - Massey Campus, 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, Kight Center (Building V), Room 110
Spanish - Massey Campus, 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, Kight Center (Building V), Room 309
Mueller Campus, 6155 College Lane, Vero Beach, Richardson Center (Building C), Room 105
Chastain Campus, 2400 S.E. Salerno Road, Stuart, Wolf High-Technology Center (Building C), Room 101
Wednesday, October 11, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
English - Pruitt Campus, 500 N.W. California Blvd., Port St. Lucie
Last Name A-G: Building E, Room 114 (auditorium)
Last Name H-N: Veterans Center of Excellence, Building D (auditorium)
Last Name O-Z: STEM Building S, Room 108 (auditorium)
Spanish - Pruitt Campus, 500 N.W. California Blvd., Port St. Lucie, STEM Building S, Room 204 (classroom)
Friday, October 12, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Dixon Hendry Campus, 2229 N.W. 9th Ave., Williamson Conference & Education Center
English - Room C-112
Spanish - Room C-117
To join an IRSC Dual Enrollment Information Session, register at connect.irsc.edu/
For more about Dual Enrollment at IRSC, visit https://irsc.edu/programs/dual-enrollment-for-high-school-students.html.
Further questions about the program should be directed to Shereka Alcidor, IRSC Student Success Coach, at salcido1@irsc.edu or by calling 772-462-7804.
IRSC School of Nursing Spring Semester Application Deadline is October 1; Info Session is September 21
Port St. Lucie - According to the Florida Hospital Association, by 2035 Florida will have 59,100 fewer nurses than required. In response to this workforce need, Indian River State College (IRSC) has repurposed more than 50,521 square feet of space at Pruitt Campus in Port St. Lucie into high-tech nursing classrooms and simulated clinical settings. This expansion doubles the College’s capacity to produce nursing graduates, and the school is now accepting applications for the Spring 2024 program.
The IRSC School of Nursing offers students multiple pathways to pursue careers in nursing. Programs include Home Health Aide, Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.), Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.), Registered Nurse (A.D.N.), and Bachelor of Science Nursing (R.N. to B.S.N.).
RNs can earn an average yearly salary of $75,749* and students who achieve a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree often qualify for supervisory or administrative positions that earn even higher salaries. Over the past three years, IRSC A.D.N. graduates have had a 99% employment rate with local hospitals employing more than 80% of IRSC Nursing program graduates.
Application for the Spring 2024 program is now open through October 1, 2023. The deadline for transcripts to be submitted is October 9, 2023. Submit transcripts to records@irsc.edu.
Those interested in studying at the IRSC School of Nursing should plan to attend one of the College’s Virtual Nursing Information Sessions. The next session will be Thursday, September 21. For a link to the online information session or for more information, call toll-free at 1-866-792-4772 or email IRSCSONprograminfo@irsc.edu.
*Salary estimates provided by Lightcast using data from more than 51,000 sources, including job boards, company websites, and other sources
College Readiness Presentation – Fort Pierce Central - Allied Health
Article by: Leinitia Robinson
Fort Pierce Central High School students in the Allied Health program were provided an opportunity to participate in a College Readiness presentation. This presentation was special as it was hosted by Ms. Shannon Robinson, a Fort Pierce Central High School alumni and current University of Florida Dental student. Students from Ms. Charles and Mrs. Young’s classes were provided tips for success in high school and college. The presentation included a wealth of information from high school engagement and leadership opportunities to college scholarships.
Quote from Shannon: “I truly enjoy coming back and giving this presentation to the health science students…I think it is a great opportunity to show them that they too can be successful in any career they choose. It’s also a great way to reflect back on my time at Fort Pierce Central High School. It feels like I was sitting in their seats only a few years ago. This is where it all began for me, and I will always be grateful to the talented teachers who supported me back when I was a high school student.”
Shannon is excelling academically in graduate school and has already published research! Once a Cobra… Always a Cobra!
Clark Advanced Learning Center Earns Accreditation for 2023-2024
In Photo: Arielle Rivas, Malia O'Neal & Sylvester Menezil
Stuart - Clark Advanced Learning Center, a charter high school operated by Indian River State College in partnership with the Martin County School District, has been awarded accreditation through the 2030 school year by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI).
SACS CASI provides Clark with a highly regarded accreditation that is recognized throughout the world. The accreditation action was approved by the Cognia Gobal Commission at its meeting on June 28. The Commission oversees accreditation on more than 36,000 schools and systems in 85 countries.
“I could not be prouder of our students, staff and community, who all came together for this rigorous year-long review,” said Dr. Leslie Judd, Clark’s Executive Director and Principal. “Our team has been focused on student success since Clark opened 20 years ago and earning such high ratings and positive feedback and accolades by a well-respected accrediting body confirms our commitment to excellence and student success.”
Using a set of rigorous research-based standards, the accreditation process examines the whole institution—the program, the cultural context, and the community of stakeholders—to determine how well the parts work together to meet the needs of learners. Clark received perfect 4.0 scores in all analysis criteria, while the averages for these criteria across Cognia’s network are between 3.0-3.1.
The school also complied with all assurance statements regarding following laws and regulations; adhering to ethical marketing and communication practices; adhering to written policies governing conduct, decision making, ethics and authority; submitting financial transactions for annual audit; reviewing management plans for security, safety and health; and participating in all required training.
IRSC to Establish Data Campus in Okeechobee
Project will position Okeechobee as the epicenter of the State’s data capacity
Okeechobee - Indian River State College (IRSC) plans to establish a dedicated, fully operational data campus in Okeechobee County, positioning the County at the epicenter of the State’s data center capacity.
The data campus, named Okee-One, is the primary focus of economic revitalization for the former Okeechobee “School for Boys” site. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB1603 transferring ownership of the 205-acre parcel to the College in June. The site is well-positioned adjacent to data superhighways; the inland placement offers natural protection from coastal storm threats.
“Between access to dense fiber, natural gas, and land availability for solar backup and an existing water reclamation facility for cooling, the possibility of establishing the nation’s most sustainable data campus here in Okeechobee is within reach,” shares IRSC Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Dr. Michael Hageloh.
IRSC received universal support from its legislative delegation, especially from Senator Erin Grall and Representative Kaylee Tuck, the latter having sponsored and shepherded HB1603 through the local bill process in the Florida House of Representatives.
The support of Governor DeSantis bolstered the project. Collaboration with the Okeechobee community and a strategic partnership with the South Florida Water Management District enhanced the effort.
“Our governmental leaders and community partners avidly share our vision to advance economic uplift in the area, grow employment opportunities and serve as the foreground for unique IRSC education and training programs in one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors, and for that, we are grateful,” continues Hageloh.
The data campus will serve as a learning lab for IRSC students and a stable employment base for its graduates and other residents from Okeechobee and surrounding communities. The project would include servers, storage, network gear, racks, power distribution systems, transformers, chillers and generators. A skilled workforce to support an infrastructure that runs 24/7 will require a wide range of trained professionals in areas such as information technology and cybersecurity, electronics engineering technology, electrical power technology, HVAC, plumbing, and physical security.
Worldwide, technological advances are increasing the demand for data centers. Okee-One will house many types of data centers in a lifestyle campus environment. According to a June 27, 2023, article in The New York Times, “the need for data centers has rapidly increased, fueled by changing work habits during the pandemic and the growth of cloud-based technologies.”
Once a cultural assessment of the land is complete, IRSC intends to move with velocity to bring the data campus to fruition.
“This undertaking underscores IRSC’s role as a leader in education and innovation and its mission to transform lives,” said Hageloh.
College leadership recently completed $100 million in growth-oriented, workforce-enhancing construction projects during 2023, including a charter high school in Indiantown, an expanded School of Nursing in Port St. Lucie and a state-of-the-art workforce training facility in Fort Pierce. “The data campus aligns with President Moore’s vision for transforming the College from solely a learning environment into the catalyst for economic clusters where graduates can live, work, and continue learning,” Hageloh concluded.
IRSC Invites Future Students to Explore Education Options at September 30 Open House
Fort Pierce - Indian River State College (IRSC) welcomes prospective students to explore the higher education experience IRSC offers its students at a special Open House event hosted from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 30, in the Student Success Center in Building W, on the College’s Massey Campus, at 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce.
At the event, Student Success Coaches will be on hand to guide future Pioneers as they explore the more than 100 programs IRSC offers in 30 different academic areas that lead to Bachelor's degrees, Associate degrees, technical certificates, as well as Career Training programs.
Success Coaches will also help future students complete an IRSC application and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Attendees will discover opportunities to get involved on campus, meet IRSC faculty and program representatives, and get answers to questions about admissions procedures, scholarships and other financial aid. More than 90% of IRSC students graduate without debt.
“When a new student comes to IRSC, we commit to work with them towards their academic success,” states Emily Mass, Associate Vice President of Recruitment and Admissions. “IRSC provides robust support and services for our students, and this Open House is a great opportunity for prospective students and parents to learn about all we offer.”
Wrap-around services for IRSC students include academic support; career services; mentoring programs; Veterans services; free Microsoft and Adobe Creative Cloud software; health and wellness resources, and more. Childcare assistance is also available to those who are eligible.
After the Open House, attendees and their guests can enjoy a volleyball game as the Lady Pioneers play against the Miami Dade College Sharks at 2:00 p.m. There is no fee to attend the game.
To learn more about IRSC programs, degrees and certificates visit https://irsc.edu/programs/index.html. For more information about the September 30 Open House, email info@irsc.edu or contact the Student Communications Center at 772-462-4772 or toll-free at 1-866-792-4772 Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to Noon.
Martin County School District Welcomes Back Students for 2023-2024 School Year
Lakewood Park Elementary Community Partnerships
Article by: Lauren Monroe
Lakewood Park was honored to be selected by Big Apple Ministry for their student Back to School supply drive. Supplies were collected at St. Bernadette’s Catholic church during the entire month of July. Principal Melrose had the honor of speaking at several services to thank Big Apple Ministry for choosing Lakewood Park and to share the great things about Lakewood Park students, teachers, and families.
In the month of August, a Lakewood Park team went to collect the donated items from St. Bernadette’s and were completely overwhelmed by the generosity as they filled an entire school bus with supplies. Once supplies were delivered to Lakewood Park, teachers were lucky enough to pick up supplies for each and every child in their class thanks to Big Apple Ministry. Here is what some of the Lakewood Park staff had to say about the experience:
“It’s amazing that there are people in the community that love our kids as much as we do.”- Amanda McCullough, 4th grade.
“This is awesome…many times parents can’t get the supplies, but now they are provided with all these expensive items. Wonderful!” -Mary Jane Kimball, self-contained, IND teacher.
“I was touched and overwhelmed. Our school is so blessed! Our community really came together.” -Tonya Gardner, Media Specialist.
“I’ve been bragging about this to my old coworkers. I was so excited that our kids didn’t have to shop!” Mache Thompson, 5th grade teacher.
“Overwhelming feeling of gratitude and genuine love was felt when the school bus approached with the supplies” -Juliet Murray, Behavior Specialist.
Martin County School District Cuts Ribbons on Three Brand-New Facilities
Southern Oaks Gives Students a Red-Carpet Welcome
Article by: Andrea Strachan
Students at Southern Oaks Middle School received a welcome back to school worthy of celebrities and dignitaries. Teachers and staff rolled out a red carpet for students complete with fanfare, pom-poms, music, lights, and cameras. Yards upon yards of red carpet rolled for lengthy stretches, one from the bus loop and another stretched from the front gate as students took their first step on campus for the 2023-2024 school year. Students were cheered on by all the adults on campus dressed on one accord in newly issued school spirit shirts. Henry Sanabria, principal, and his entire staff were dressed in this year’s theme shirt: “Inspire the Desire to Learn.” Students in turn were inspired, excited, and surprised at all the fanfare in their honor. Students paused for photos as they became the celebrities of the day. One student, Joseph Annis, stated, “I had a great first day of school.” Other students smiled at the end of the day thanking teachers and staff for a memorable first day back to school.
Martin County School District Hosts Superintendent's Back-to-School Kickoff
Watch School Board Meetings LIVE!
St. Lucie Public Schools is committed to keeping you connected to your school district. Watch St. Lucie Public School Board Meetings and Workshops LIVE on the new WLX Horizon App., Smart TVs, our website, and YouTube.
Watch through the SLPS website here: https://reflect-stlucie-ps-fl.cablecast.tv/cablecastapi/live?channel_id=1&use_cdn=true or find the WLX Horizon app in your favorite app store and download it today!
Martin County School District to Undergo Reaccreditation Process
Six Endowed Teaching Chairs Awarded to IRSC Faculty
In Photo: IRSC ETC Awards
Fort Pierce - Six exceptional Indian River State College (IRSC) faculty members were honored with Endowed Teaching Chairs awarded through the Indian River State College Foundation (IRSCF). The endowed chairs recognize outstanding work by faculty members at IRSC and support new initiatives to benefit students and the community.
“The Endowed Teaching Chair program recognizes faculty and their passion for the success of our students,” shared Dr. Timothy Moore, IRSC President. “These six exceptional faculty members now have the opportunity to implement innovative programs to create enhanced student support tools and new learning experiences.”
The surprise presentation was the highlight of the annual faculty welcome back ceremony held in the McAlpin Fine Arts Center on the Massey Campus in Fort Pierce on Thursday, August 10. Each recipient was recognized with a commemorative coin display and will receive an annual stipend to support their project: $6,000 a year for three consecutive years ($4,000 to implement their initiatives and improve instruction in their field of expertise and $2,000 in recognition of excellence in teaching). The Endowed Teaching Chair program is made possible by contributions to IRSCF.
This year’s Endowed Teaching Chair recipients are: Mr. Alexander Kanter, Master Instructor, Theatre/Director of Theatre, recipient of the Community Endowed Teaching Chair in Fine Arts; Ms. Angie Neely-Sardon, Assistant Professor, Librarian, recipient of the Patterson Endowed Teaching Chair in Humanities; Mr. Brian Skirvin-Leclair, Associate Professor, Nursing, DNP, APRN, CNE, recipient of the Basil L. King Endowed Teaching Chair in Health Sciences; Ms. Tracy Stant, Assistant Professor, Accounting, recipient of Marilyn C. Link Endowed Teaching Chair in Financial Management; Mr. Kris Demarais, Assistant Professor, Mathematics, recipient of the John and Marilyn McConnell Endowed Teaching Chair; and Dr. Barbara ‘Annie’ Fuller, Professor, History, recipient of the J. Douglas Stephens Endowed Teaching Chair.
Mr. Kanter reimagines the IRSC Performing Arts Library with his proposal, From Head to Toe, which seeks to provide IRSC theatre and dance students access to tools required for success in both class and performance. These tools include scripts that can be used as assigned readings in Introduction to Theatre (THE 1000) and Survey of Dramatic Literature (THE 2300). The project will additionally support a dance-shoe lending library.
Ms. Neely-Sardon will create the Brackett Digitization Lab to provide students, employees and community members with the equipment and training required to digitize print and analog works. Her project will directly support Introduction to Internet Research (LIS 2004) and Electronic Access to Information (LIS 1002) and help preserve local historical records while making them available to students and scholars alike.
Mr. Skirvin-Leclair aims to provide IRSC nursing students with realistic student-centered learning opportunities using high-fidelity simulation to support student success and reduce barriers nursing students can face as they transition from the classroom to the clinical setting. His proposal also seeks to refine communication skills, utilize evidence-based practice, and prepare students to make sound clinical judgments.
Ms. Stant plans to expand the IRSC Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. This innovative proposal allows students to participate as volunteers preparing tax returns for limited-income community members. Expansion of this project will provide accounting students with practical hands-on experience that will enhance their academic skills while providing a vital community service.
Mr. Demarais seeks to develop a support network for STEM students to address mental health issues from a non-clinical perspective. Collaboration with STEM Pioneers, Health and Wellness, the Student Government Association and the Institute of Academic Excellence (IAE) will help students incorporate the five pillars of the growth mindset: embrace challenges, persist despite obstacles, see effort as a path to mastery, learn from criticism, and be inspired by the success of others.
Dr. Fuller will establish a resource center to help students succeed through the mastery of college-level skills and research-based strategies and additionally connect them with institutional resources with the goal of student success. The proposal will provide faculty with robust professional development through the IAE. The program will assist faculty challenges as they engage and support students in the classroom.
In addition to recognizing Endowed Teaching Chair recipients, two additional recognitions honored outstanding IRSC faculty during the occasion.
Ms. Deborah Midkiff, Department Chair and Instructor, Culinary and Hospitality, was named the 2023 recipient the Anne R. Snyder Department Chair Excellence Award. This honor is conferred annually to a department chair demonstrating outstanding leadership, commitment to the college mission, curricular innovation, and dedication to the betterment of students and their fellow instructors.
Ms. June Wells, Assistant Professor, Communications, was recognized as the recipient of 2023 Harriett Kirk Crago Faculty of the Year Award. This award honors the instructor selected from the Faculty of the Month recipients nominated by IRSC students. The honoree exhibits both expertise in the classroom and enthusiasm and warmth that significantly enhances the quality of life at IRSC.
Dr. Moore addressed the gathered audience of IRSC staff, administrators and faculty—including 31 new faculty members welcomed to IRSC for the academic year. “This is the highlight of my year,” he declared. “This group of professionals all together to do one thing—take a student that doesn’t believe in themselves and transform them into someone who is out there changing the world.”
To date, the IRSC Foundation has awarded 77 faculty members with Endowed Teaching Chairs— representing more than $1.4 million in endowed funds for innovative and forward-thinking instructional support to IRSC faculty members.
Other Endowed Teaching Chair awards include: Richardson Endowed Teaching Chair in Business and Entrepreneurship; BankAtlantic Foundation Endowed Teaching Chair; Gladys Williams Wolf Endowed Teaching Chair in Communications; Susan H. Johnson Endowed Teaching Chair; J. Douglas Stephens Endowed Teaching Chair in Technology; Banack Family Partnership Endowed Teaching Chair in Agriculture; Endowed Teaching Chair in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
For more information about supporting an Endowed Teaching Chair with a tax-deductible contribution, call IRSC Foundation at 772-462-4786 or visit giving.irsc.edu.
In Photo: Alex Kantor and Angie Neely-Sardon
In Photo: Barbara "Annie" A. Fuller and Brian Skirvin-Leclair
In Photo: Deborah Midkiff and Kris Demarais
In Photo: Marilyn "June" Wells - Assistant Professor of Communications and Tracy Stant
Martin County School District Hosts New Educator Orientation Ahead of the 23-24 School Year
St. Lucie Public Schools Year In Review
IRSC Performing Arts Season Kicks Off October 12
In Photo: The cast of IRSC Performing Arts Spring 2023 presentation of the musical “Company.”
Fort Pierce - Indian River State College (IRSC) will kick off its 2023-2024 season of performing arts on Oct. 12 with a show made possible by a $15,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts—the College’s first-ever NEA grant. Season subscription sales start July 25 for returning subscribers.
The show, “The Labyrinth of Love,” is a staging of “Love is the Greatest Labyrinth,” a Spanish-language comedy by the 17th Century Mexican playwright/philosopher/poet Sister Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz. In 2022, IRSC received a $15,000 Grants for Arts Projects award from the National Endowment for the Arts to mount a student-translated English-language adaptation of the play, which is based in Greek mythology.
In it, Prince Theseus learns that escape from the Minotaur’s labyrinth isn’t half as arduous as an escape from King Minos’s hostile court with his love, Princess Phaedra. The action-packed baroque-style comedy blends court intrigue, mistaken identities, sword-fighting, and music sung in the original Spanish. The show opens IRSC’s subscription series on the McAlpin Mainstage from Oct. 12-15.
The seven-show subscription series also includes the musical “Schoolhouse Rock Live! (Rated G, Nov. 16-19); the IRSC Jazz Ensemble and Wind Ensemble concert “Home for the Holidays” (Nov. 30 & Dec. 1); Eugene Ionesco’s absurdist comedy “Rhinoceros” (Feb. 1-4, 2024); the musical comedy “Sweet Charity,” with music by Cy Coleman and book by Neil Simon (March 21-24, 2024); “Curtain Call Classics,” a concert by the IRSC Jazz and Wind ensembles featuring music from the classical, jazz, movie, and Broadway genres (April 4-7); and Noel Coward’s comedy of manners, “Private Lives” (April 25-28). “Private Lives” will be presented on the McAlpin Mainstage and the Outdoor Terrace.
Shows this season will be presented Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Season tickets cost $100. Individual tickets to these shows cost $20 each.
Returning season subscribers may renew their subscriptions beginning July 25. New subscriptions go on sale Aug. 9. Renewal and new subscription order forms may be downloaded at irsc.edu/student-life/arts-and-culture, printed, filled out and returned with payment to the Box Office. Subscriptions also may be ordered by phone by calling 772-462-4750 (toll-free at 1-800-220-9915). Single tickets go on sale Aug. 28 and may be ordered by phone, by email, or in person at the Box Office. Group discounts are available.
In addition to the subscription series, the following shows will be featured at the McAlpin:
“Tis the Season,” a holiday event featuring a concert performance of “Home for the Holidays” at 2 p.m., followed by an elegant reception from 4-6 p.m., and culminating with a performance of the Hallstrom Planetarium’s classic “Star of Wonder” at either 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 2. The cost is $50. Saturday matinee subscribers pay $35.
“Choreographer’s Notebook: CAMDAM,” a celebration of works choreographed by Ballet Vero Beach, Jan. 12, 2024 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 13 at 2 p.m. The cost is $40 ($30 for season subscribers).
“The Bard on Broadway: A Shakespearean Cabaret,” featuring song and dance and scenes from the Broadway musicals adapted from the works of Shakespeare, performed by IRSC Performing Arts students and select students from area high schools, June 13-14, 2024 at 7 p.m. and June 15 at 2 p.m. The cost is $20 ($15 for season subscribers).
Free concerts by the Port St. Lucie Community Band include:
“A Celebration of America,” paying homage to the rich tapestry of American music and culture, on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.
“Holiday Joy!,” featuring the magic and the merriment of the holidays, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.
“A Musical Salute to Broadway and the Movies!,” Feb. 7, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Tickets to these performances go on sale Aug. 28. Individual tickets may be purchased by calling 772-462-4750 (toll-free at 1-800-220-9915), or in person at the McAlpin Fine Arts Center Box Office, which is located at 3209 Virginia Ave. in Fort Pierce. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
IRSC Athlete’s Jersey on Display in Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
Fort Pierce - Indian River State College (IRSC) women’s basketball standout Rapuluchi Ngorka will have her team jersey displayed at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee.
The honor recognizes Ngorka’s outstanding play during the 2022-2023 season. The jersey—emblazoned with Ngorka’s player number 15—will be displayed in the Ring of Honor exhibit at the Hall of Fame. The exhibit currently features more than 100 jerseys hanging from the rafters of the back rotunda, representing the top high school and college players from the previous season. In the past, the exhibit has included the jerseys of such exemplary players as Candace Parker, Sue Bird, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart and Aja Wilson.
“The Ring of Honor honors the nation’s top players at every level,” said Kelly Mathis, Director of Development for the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. “To have your jersey on display at the Hall of Fame is a huge privilege and we are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of these young women.”
A native of Madrid, Spain, Ngorka plays forward for IRSC. In 2022-2023 she averaged 14 points and 14 rebounds per game, for a total of more than 1,000 points and more than 1,000 rebounds for the season. She was named Southern Conference Player of the Year and was a member of the Florida Region VIII State Team. She is a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American and a Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) All-Academic Team member.
“It has been an honor to coach Rapuluchi this past season,” said IRSC Women’s Basketball Head Coach Jamarra Robinson. “She is a true example of when you work hard great things are bound to happen. I am thankful to the women’s basketball association for recognizing Ngorka on this outstanding accomplishment. Her hard work has paid off, University of Pitt will be getting a hall of famer.”
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, which opened in 1999, is the only facility of its kind dedicated to all levels of women’s basketball. For more information on the Ring of Honor or the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame visit www.wbhof.com or call (865) 663-9000.
Bike and Pedestrian Safety Tips
Article by: Lauren Peczko
St. Lucie Public Schools recognizes that bicycle riding is a fun, healthy, and great way to get to school. But it is important to remember that a bicycle is not a toy; it’s a vehicle!
Follow some basic safety tips when you ride:
Always wear your helmet.
Obey all traffic laws.
Be careful in and around driveways.
Always watch where you are going.
For additional bike safety tips, visit: https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/bike/kidsandbikesafetyweb/index.htm
Watch videos about bicycle safety here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkoVxBnnGko
Walking to school can be fun and healthy too! Here are some basic pedestrian safety tips to follow:
Walk on sidewalks if possible.
Put cell phones away and pay attention.
Look both left and right to cross the street.
Cross streets at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks whenever possible.
For additional pedestrian safety tips and resources, visit: http://guide.saferoutesinfo.org/pdf/TeachingChildrenToWalkSafely.pdf