Joyner praises Creekside educators and students

St Johns County School District Director of Community Relations, Christina Langston, informed local Historic City News reporters that the Academy of Environmental and Urban Planning at Creekside High School has earned national distinction as a Model Career Academy.

This is the highest designation awarded by the National Career Academy Coalition and brings the total number of model academies within the St Johns County School District to four. Creekside High School will be recognized and present best practices at their 2013 National Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

“It is evident that the passion of the academy teams, coupled with the support of the school administration, and the intense focus of your business community, has created a stellar program for students, parents, and the community,” said Angie Grasberger, president of the National Career Academy Coalition. “The rigor of the curriculum and the depth of your industry partnerships are to be commended.”

The school district is known nationally for its high-quality Career Academies. Many academies are reviewed using the National Standards of Practice for Career Academies, but very few reach model status.

Other local model academies are St Augustine High School’s Aerospace Academy and Academy of Future Teachers; as well as Ponte Vedra High School’s Academy of International Business and Marketing.

“I am so proud of all of those involved with the Academy of Environmental and Urban Planning,” said Superintendent Dr. Joseph Joyner. “The business partners, staff and students have simply been amazing and we are very grateful for their support.”

Joyner told reporters today that this academy engages students and challenges them to excel in science, engineering, and technology. “Great teachers are the foundation of great programs and Kevin Davenport and Alicia Pressel are among the finest educators in their fields,” Joyner said.