January 2014 - Fort Myers Technical College

january 2014
Upcoming
Events
January 21: Evening Classes Start
January 24: Taste of FMIT—
Cultural Dish
January 29: School Advisory
Council Meeting
January 29: Spaghetti Lunch/Dress
Down/Bake Sale
January 31: Taste of FMIT - BBQ
February 5: ParaPro Assessment
February 6: HOSA Regional
Competition (at FMIT)
February 7: Blood Drive
February 7: Taste of FMIT—
Casseroles
February 8: AAPC Testing
February 13: SkillsUSA Regional
Leadership Competition
(at Charlotte Tech)
February 14: Taste of FMIT—Desserts
February 17: President’s Day
(school closed)
February 18: Teacher In-Service Day
(no school)
February 20: SkillsUSA Regional
Skills Competition (at Manatee Tech)
February 23: College Goal Sunday
February 28: Taste of FMIT Cookoff
March 6: ParaPro Assessment
March 13: 3rd Quarter Ends
March 14: Teacher Professional
Duty Day (no school)
March 17-21: Spring Break (no school)
March 24: 4th Quarter Starts
Fort Myers
Institute of Technology
3800 Michigan Ave.
Fort Myers, FL 33916
(239) 334-4544
Who Ya Gonna Call?
Since the Major Appliance and Refrigeration
Repair program started in August 2012, 100%
of the students who completed the program
have gone to work in the field – some even
before completing the program!!! Some of the
students
like Devon
Plante
have
started
their own
business.
“The
Appliance
Repair
Devon Plante and Shannon Rousey
program
gave me the necessary knowledge and
confidence to successfully start and run my
own appliance repair business,” said
Mr. Plante.
Obviously, there is a great need for qualified
technicians in the area; AND, obviously,
Mr. Armando Gomez is doing a great job
training qualified technicians!
The program has had tremendous support
from Whirlpool Appliances, Electrolux
Appliances, Michaelson Appliances, and MSA
World among others. These companies have
donated modern appliances for the students to
work on and have conducted factory-authorized
training sessions.
The next time you need service on one of
your home appliances, consider hiring one of
these
 FMIT trained technicians.
 Ermal Adjema - Union Services
 Christopher Algren - Flamingo Appliance
Service
 Britt Bullock – Florida Gulf Coast
University
 Ray Fiscella - Wal-Mart
 Dedrick Kelly - Fields Appliance
 Anthony Lewellyn - A & E Factory Service
 Robert Miller - Lakes Electronics
 Ian October - Mr. Appliance of Port
Charlotte
 Devon Plante – L & G Appliances Service
 Adrian Rodriguez – Customer Care
Appliance Service
 Mathew Rousey - Appliance Medic
 Blake Yendzsky - Gulf Coast Appliances
NTHS Welcomes New Members
November 15, 2013—Congratulations to
the 20 new members of the National Technical
Honor Society. To become a member of NTHS,
students must maintain an “A” average,
complete 6+ hours of documented community
service, have completed all work in the
AAAE lab, pay a $15 membership fee, and be
recommended by their instructor. Students
recently sold poinsettias as a fundraiser to help
pay membership fees.
NTHS Officers – Corina Ard, Treasurer;
Christian Yanovitch, President; Dahlia
Vanderwoude, returning member; Cheyne Diaz,
Vice President; Amber Townsend, Secretary
Fax: (239) 332-4839
www.fortmyerstech.edu
Soaring Scene is a free
quarterly newsletter of FMIT.
THE SCHOOL BOARD OF LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Thomas Scott, District 5, Chairman
Cathleen O’Daniel Morgan, District 3, Vice Chairman
Mary Fischer, District 1
Jeanne S. Dozier, District 2
Don H. Armstrong, District 4
Nancy J. Graham, Ed.D, Superintendent
www.leeschools.net
Front row left to right: Victoria Miller, Robert Lewellen, Thomas Gamez, Ernesto Moreno, Rahkeem
Blanks, Megan Cole, Araceli Escobedo, Itzel Perez. Back row: Steven Santangelo, Dylan Weissinger,
Richard Rother, Gregory Coutu, Luis Cordero, Benjamin Bartlow, Jonathan Bartlow, Ann Kelly,
Nathan Martin, John Maldonado, Darrell Ransom, Daniel Rios.
2 — Soaring Scene
Message from the Director
Community Supports
Career Education
I recently had the opportunity to
participate in a few events which prove to
me that the Southwest Florida community
William
solidly supports the type of career
McCormick
education FMIT provides. This is both
encouraging and significant, not only for those of us who
are invested in career education in our local area, but from a
national perspective, I believe it is evidence that our country
is once again recognizing the value of skills-based technical
training. This issue of the Soaring Scene details some of these
events, but here is a quick synopsis.
The most recent summit in the Market Watch - Workforce
Now symposium series (which is sponsored by the Fort Myers
News-Press), focused on the Florida public tech center system,
and specifically on the five centers which serve the Southwest
Florida area. This summit series looks specifically at the local
economy and its workforce needs. The focus on the tech
center sector at this event was met with enthusiastic response
from the over 350 participants as they also recognized the
need for a re-calibration on the value of this type of education.
During a panel discussion, the five tech center directors
were able to respond to a series of questions put to them by
the panel moderator. A real-time survey of the audience at
the summit revealed overwhelming support of tech center
education.
In response to the recent increase in local construction
activity, I attended a workshop meeting at which the
Workforce Development Board asked the region’s tech centers
to look at developing a special program which would partner
industry and education institutions in the recruiting, training,
and hiring of more construction workers. This initiative would
allow for students to go out on part-time co-op jobs as a part
of their curriculum after only 9 weeks of classroom work and
begin earning an hourly wage while they are still enrolled in
the program. The construction industry, similar to many other
industries, is experiencing a shortage of trained, credentialed,
and skilled workers. They are turning to schools like FMIT to
help fill this gap in the labor market, recognizing the value of
a formal, structured, and accredited career education training
program.
Each year, FMIT receives numerous donations to its
student scholarship fund from many local organizations and
community groups. Recently, we received a generous donation
from the Bravo Company of the Vietnam Brotherhood, a
group made up of local Vietnam War Veterans. This donation
was presented to the school on November 19th and will be
used to assist qualified student veterans with their educational
expenses while attending FMIT. Each year, FMIT typically
receives over $30,000 in community scholarship donations
from local people who all recognize the value in what FMIT
does for its students. This is just one concrete example of how
this support manifests itself into real aid for our school and its
students and is another indicator of the kind of overwhelming
support FMIT gets from our community.
Please be sure to take a close look at this issue of the
Soaring Scene as you will read about the many exciting,
interesting, and noteworthy achievements being accomplished
by FMIT students. Have a very, very, happy new year!
Noelle Delivers Her First Baby at FMIT!
by Cindy Marshall
October 8, 2013—Noelle is the only human patient manikin
on the market that has the technology to actually simulate a
live birth. Gaumard, the manikin’s manufacturer, held an inservice for the Health Science Education staff in the Simulation
Lab and taught them how to assist Noelle with her deliveries.
The newborn infant can
cry, turn blue, and has a
pulsatile umbilical cord.
Students can monitor
both maternal and fetal
progression during labor.
2013-2014 SkillsUSA Officers
President- Darrell Ransom, Automotive Service Technology;
Membership Representative- Megan Cole, Cosmetology;
Vice President – Corina Ard, Automotive Service Technology;
Treasurer- Jonathan Bartlow, Accounting Operations;
Reporter- Rori Lash, Medical Coder/Biller;
Secretary – Elizvanessa Morales, Early Childhood Education;
Parliamentarian – Araceli Escobedo, Early Childhood Education.
Diabetes Foundation
Igor Popov signs a 1994 Ford Mustang that was
repaired by Mr. Ron Ellis’ Automotive Service Technology
students. All of the students in the program signed the
vehicle along with some celebrities. After the signings are
complete, the vehicle will be clear-coated. The Mustang
will be auctioned with the proceeds donated to the
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
January 2014— 3
In Memoriam
October 30, 2013 – Students in the
Carpentry and Building Construction
Joyce Allen
Technologies programs toured the Habitat
for Humanity headquarters in North Fort
Myers on October 30th. Through the
Joyce Allen, former Cosmetology
use of volunteer labor and donations of
instructor,
passed away on October
money and materials, Habitat provides
30, 2013. Mrs. Allen also served on
homes for people in need so they may
the Cosmetology
build better lives for their families. The
program’s
local branch started about 30 years ago
advisory
and is one of the largest of approximately
committee and
1500 affiliates throughout the United
was a substitute
States. Locally, they have built over 185
instructor for
new homes and rehabbed numerous older
many years.
homes. Through generous donations, they
Mrs. Allen was
own over 1,000 buildable lots in Lee and
an outstanding
Hendry counties.
teacher and
Homeowners must go through a
was
well-respected
by the salon
selection process, attend budgeting
professionals
in
this
area. She is
classes, and contribute 250 hours of sweat
survived by four daughters, seven
equity. Habitat has their own mortgage
grandchildren, and four greatcompany and offers 0% financing. Over
grandchildren.
150 people have satisfied their mortgage
She will be missed by her former
in the last 30 years and now own their
students,
as well as her school
homes free and clear.
family here at FMIT.
The Carpentry students returned to the
Habitat headquarters on November 22nd
and assembled a set of kitchen cabinets
for a new home.
FMIT students
in the Carpentry,
Electricity,
Building
Construction
Technologies,
Plumbing
Technology,
and Electricity
programs are
currently working
on Habitat
homes and
Pictured from left to right: John Dailey, Construction Manager, Habitat for
earning program
competencies while Humanity; Richard Schaefer, Carpentry instructor; Julius Powell; Sean Handlin;
Chil Etienne; David Canales; Ryan Hansen; Ernst Dorsinvil; Sam Miller; Mike
getting on-the-job
Valez-Pagan; Tal Blackburn, Building Construction Technologies instructor;
training.
Mike Catan; Paula Schenz, Director of Volunteers, Habitat for Humanity
Dec. 30, 1937 – Oct. 30, 2013
Practical Nursing Graduates
November 4, 2013
Pictured from left to right: Gabriel Ridley, Amanda Phang-Lyn,
Lanesha Solomon, Maureen McCoy, Stacey McClure, Meghan McDonnell,
Reetha Van Auken, Morgan Davidson, Christina Oake, Bryan Hicks.
by Steve Dougherty
Student Affairs Specialist
Diogenes is not the only person
known for looking for an honest man in
broad daylight. Employers everywhere
continue that ancient search. Honesty
isn’t necessarily a job skill, but it is a
trait that employers desire. The search
for honesty begins even prior to a job
interview. Large and small companies
alike have an individual or a human
resources department assigned to screen
the applications received for each job
opening. Part of that screening process
includes scrutinizing applications and
resumes for qualifications, education,
experience, and training.
A simple rule of thumb is just this:
Don’t pad your resume. Read the job
posting. It should clearly state the
minimum requirements for the position.
If you don’t meet the minimums, don’t
apply for the position until you do. The
person screening the applications is
usually quite adept at reading between
the lines and doing math. If there is a
large gap in your work history or if you
“forget” to state that you didn’t finish
high school or earn a GED, the screener
will likely catch the gap or the omission.
Once that happens, your application will
probably be discarded. If it isn’t and you
actually get an interview, padding your
resume or omitting pertinent facts will
ultimately call into question your overall
honesty. Someone else will get that job
you want.
The same applies to criminal history.
Many potential employers have the
following question in some form
somewhere on their application: “Have
you ever been arrested for other
than traffic violations?” If you have,
remember that potential employers
value honesty. An arrest may not
necessarily kill your chances of getting
hired, but lying about it certainly will.
In most states, criminal arrests and
court proceedings are a matter of
public record. Employers routinely do
background checks on new hires. Even
a cursory check is likely to turn up the
arrest you “forgot” to mention on your
application or during the interview
process. When it does, your chances of
getting the job or keeping it, if you’ve
already been hired, drop to near zero.
The perception will be that you were less
than truthful during the hiring process
and no one wants to hire or work with
a person they believe is dishonest. It
sounds trite, but the fact remains that
honesty is indeed the best policy.
4 — Soaring Scene
4 — Soaring Scene
Twins Benjamin and
Jonathan Bartlow, 29,
attended an open house
at FMIT in 2012. They
came because they were
both seeking a career
– not just any career
– they plan on starting
a business together.
Both graduated with
honors from Cypress
Lake High School and
attended Florida Gulf Coast University, but they didn’t want to
wait 4 years to get their careers started.
Jonathan was pursuing a degree in business and was working
on the required prerequisites at FGCU. He wanted to take a
program in accounting that would be more specific to his career
goals. Jonathan talked Ben into attending FMIT’s open house
with him.
“Jonathan is a leader in the Accounting program,” said Mrs.
Cathy Fowler, instructor. “He recently completed an extra
project with step-by-step instructions for students to create
personal stock portfolios using Microsoft Excel. Thanks to
Jonathan, students can check the prices, view charts, and
news related to their stocks in one
spreadsheet. Every day Jonathan
demonstrates a positive and readyto-learn attitude. He makes the class
enjoyable for all.”
Ben was seeking an engineering
degree and was working as a student
technician in the IT department
Benjamin & Jonathan Bartlow
at FGCU – maintaining all the
equipment on campus and setting up equipment for special
events. He has always liked fixing things and learning how
things work and that’s what enticed him to enroll in the Major
Appliance and Refrigeration program at FMIT.
“Ben is a brilliant student. He will make an excellent
appliance service technician with very special skills,” said his
instructor, Mr. Armando Gomez.
Ben recently earned CFC Universal Certification; Jonathan
has earned Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel certifications. Both
became members of the National Technical Honor Society in
November. They are both members of SkillsUSA; Jonathan
serves as treasurer. Both plan on competing at the regional
competition in February. Jonathan will be competing in Job
Skills Demonstration and Ben will compete in Appliance Repair.
The Bartlow brothers’ five-year career goal is to start an
appliance repair business in Fort Myers with Ben handling the
appliance repair and Jon managing the office. There’s no doubt
their business will be very successful!
Employability Skills
Congratulations to the
six students in Mrs.
Nancy Hamilton’s
Early Childhood
Education program who
recently received their
Employability Skills
certificate. The students
had to successfully
complete a résumé,
cover letter, application,
interview, and thank you
letter.
Standing: Briana Brewer, Chantelle Boyd,
& Luciana Bartolome. Seated: Danette
Robinson & Daphney Dessources. Not
pictured: Cershell Gordon
Honoring our Veterans
by Suzan Harden
FMIT’s Veterans Association organized a Veterans
Day ceremony on November 8, 2013.
Mr. George Cook on bagpipes led the procession
followed by the Southwest Florida Public Service
Academy’s Color Guard.
Ann Kelly led “The Pledge of Allegiance” and
Eric Gase read a proclamation from President
Obama. FMIT veterans who served in the United
Stated Armed Forces and those of our allies were
recognized and presented a cupcake from the
Commercial Foods & Culinary Arts program. The
ceremony concluded with the playing of “Taps.”
Thank you to all of the veterans for serving our
country and the contributions you have made to the
cause of peace and freedom around the world.
George Cook
Southwest Florida Public Service
Academy Color Guard
Job Coach Assists FMIT Students
by Cathy Fowler
December 11, 2013 - Elizabeth Rivera, a student in the
Business Supervision & Management program is excited about
gaining work experience in the retail field. She has completed
many of the competencies in her program and is ready to start
her job search. Ms. Carol Sarganis’,
Employment Specialist with Return
to Work came to the FMIT campus to
assist Elizabeth with her goals.
Last year, Ms. Sarganis helped
Sam Epps, a Business Supervision
& Management student, begin his
career with Sears. Sam recently
completed one year on the job.
Ms. Sarganis’ life story is
inspirational. As a job coach, she
understands what it takes to create
the life you desire. She was born
with Muscular Dystrophy. She did
not let this adversity get in the way,
Elizabeth Rivera, student;
and she graduated from college as
Cathy Fowler, instructor;
a Reading Specialist. After teaching
and Carol Sarganis,
for 28 years, she retired to Florida
Employment Specialist
from Rhode Island. After retiring,
with Return to Work
she realized that she wanted to stay
involved, and she started searching for a new career as a Job
Coach. Ms. Sarganis demonstrates the drive it takes to conquer
adversity and to achieve success in the workplace. Elizabeth
will succeed, and she is fortunate to know Ms. Sarganis who is
guiding her through the challenges of gaining employment.
January 2014— 5
Southwest Florida
Technical Centers Fighting
Hard to Overcome
Image Problems
by Dave Breitenstein, The News-Press
Southwest Florida’s five technical
centers train the region’s workforce:
the auto mechanics, A/C repairperson,
carpenters, hairstylists and others that
make the economy go round.
But the centers suffer from an image
problem.
“It’s a perception issue,” said Bill
McCormick, director of the Fort Myers
Institute of Technology. “Most people in
this country that are in high school or
middle school are told that in order to be
successful, you need to go to college.”
So Florida’s 48 technical centers
are lobbying the Legislature for a
name change, hoping a designation as
“technical colleges” will relieve some of
the stigma associated with vocational
programs. The idea garnered support
when it was floated around the room
Tuesday (October 29th) at The NewsPress’ Market Watch - Workforce
Now summit, and would resemble a
designation found in other states.
Technical centers are operated through
county school districts. McCormick
said the consortium of centers does not
support a third postsecondary system but
would continue working under the existing
governance structure.
The importance of technical centers,
however, often is overlooked. The fastestgrowing industries in Southwest Florida
are accommodation/food services and
retail trade, and many of those positions
do not require two- or four-year college
degrees. Technical schools, however, offer
a series of short-term hospitality programs
that lead to industry certification.
In surveys conducted through
Workforce Now, many business leaders
expressed a desire that students be not
only technically proficient, but also
prepared for a business environment.
That’s where industry certifications come
into play; they take less time to complete,
but are universally recognized.
“At least you have some type of
professional certificate that says you’re
ready for a job,” said John Meyer, dean of
business and technology at Edison State
College.
Joan Curie, an administrative assistant
at Children’s Network of Southwest
Florida, completed an administrative
specialist program this spring at Fort
Myers Institute of Technology. Although
Curie had experience as a first responder
and administrative assistant, she felt like
her career wouldn’t advance without
additional training.
“They showed us that this is what
things are going to be like in the real
world,” Currie said. “They aren’t just
giving the book side of it, but the actual
side of it.”
Area high schools, particularly those
in Lee County, have created academies
that offer specialized programs that
lead to industry certification, essentially
extending vocational education into every
high school.
“Not every person wants to go to
college,” said Bernard Duffy, director
of Charlotte Technical Center. “We’re
looking to try to capture that audience at
a younger age.”
Editor’s Note: This article was originally printed
in The News-Press.
Interactive text polling results during Market Watch.
There are more than 40,000 people in southwest Florida who say
they want to work but can’t find jobs. Meanwhile, employers have 7,800
jobs (with income worth a minimum of $245 million) they are having
trouble filling. Why the disconnect?
That was the focus at the recent Market Watch – Workforce Now
event sponsored by The News-Press. Workforce Now is a regional
research initiative to identify current and future talent requirements for
the five counties of southwest Florida. The mission of Workforce Now is
“to provide clarity about critical employment gaps, both short and long
term, so that educators can adapt curriculum to better meet the existing
and emerging workforce needs of southwest Florida.”
“There are 7,800 open jobs in southwest Florida, but just online
271,000 job openings in the state; that’s how much our economy has
turned around. Every time we don’t fill those jobs, they get filled by
somebody else in the world, not just our country,” said keynote speaker
Governor Rick Scott.
Bill McCormick, FMIT’s director, participated on a panel discussion
with other technical center directors.
The first question to the panel of technical center directors was
“What is your institution doing to close the workforce gap?” Mr.
McCormick responded, “At our school we take basic things very
seriously: attendance, workplace dress, and communication skills.” Dorin
Oxender, with Immokalee Tech, says his school narrows the gap by
quickly reacting to employment needs.
“All of our ideas of workforce boiled down to ‘educating students
on career opportunities.’ Imagine if every child were inspired by future
possibility. If every child left high school with a sense of purpose and
direction,” said Mei-Mei Chan, president and publisher of The NewsPress.
Sara Stensrud, executive vice president and chief human resources
officer at Chico’s said, “…without a workforce, we have no business;
without a skilled workforce, business cannot succeed long term. By
partnering with local educators, we will shape our future employees.”
Dr. Gary Jackson, Director of the Regional Economic Research
Institute, reported that construction, the hardest hit industry in
southwest Florida also means we have the most room for growth.
Collier’s Lorenzo Walker has no trade programs. “All of these went away
when the economy went south,” said Yolanda Flores, director.
One of the top priorities/recommendations identified by a text poll of
Market Watch attendees was the need for a robust marketing initiative
to communicate critical services offered by area vocational/technical
institutions.
A high quality technical education system is critical to Florida’s
economic recovery and growth. FMIT and the other area technical
centers provide the necessary training to greatly assist in meeting the
shortage of skilled workers.
6 — Soaring Scene
Grants,
Scholarships,
and Sponsorship
Opportunities
by Stephanie Watson
You are enrolled in school, now what? Would
you like to know what sources are available to
help you fund your education?
GRANTS
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is gift assistance based
on financial need that does not need to be repaid.
To be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, you must
meet these requirements each academic year:
Complete a FAFSA.
Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
Be accepted or enrolled in an eligible program.
Have a Pell-eligible Expected Family
Contribution (EFC), as determined by the FAFSA.
Have not have previously received a bachelor’s
degree.
Must not owe a repayment or be in default
under any state or federal grant or loan
program.
Must be meeting Satisfactory Academic
Progress.
2013-14 - Awards range from $605
to $5,645.
Florida Student Assistance Grant—
Career Education (FSAG-CE)
The Florida Student Assistance Grant - Career
Education (FSAG-CE) is a need-based grant
program available to Florida residents enrolled in
certificate programs at participating career centers
operated by district school boards.
At FMIT, an eligible student may receive
an FSAG-CE if he or she meets the following
requirements:
Complete a FAFSA.
Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
Must have been a Florida resident for at least
one year.
Be enrolled in an eligible program by September
15th for semester 1 and February 20th for
semester 2
Have an eligible Expected Family Contribution,
as determined by the FA Office annually.
Have not have previously received a bachelor’s
degree.
Must not owe a repayment or be in default
under any state or federal grant or loan program.
Must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress
S cholarships
Scholarships can reward you for academic
excellence and achievement in a variety of
areas. Scholarships are granted on the basis of
individual application requirements and do not
have to be repaid. Criteria, amounts and
application processes for scholarships
vary depending on the scholarship.
Each scholarship requires its own application
separate from the FAFSA and may require an
essay and/or letters of recommendation. You
are encouraged to research and apply for any
scholarships for which you feel you may qualify.
Completing the FASFA may be a requirement for
need-based scholarships. FMIT has both internal
and external scholarship opportunities.
Internal Scholarship Opportunities:
Tuition Scholarships (yellow application forms)
are awarded to students with a demonstrated
need who do not receive any other type of
sponsorship, federal grants, or state assistance.
Scholarships are granted based on fund
availability, up to, but not exceeding 50% of
tuition. The scholarship may only be applied to
one enrollment term. Eligible students can reapply
for the tuition scholarship in each subsequent
term of enrollment for the duration of one
program. Completed applications are to be
submitted to the Financial Aid Administrator for
approval.
Hardship Scholarships (blue application forms)
are awarded on an individual basis to students
with a demonstrated need. Hardship scholarship
awards will be granted on the basis of fund
availability.
Scholarship applications are available in the
guidance and financial aid offices. Completed
scholarship application packets must be returned
to the financial aid office. The Financial Aid
Administrator will collect all pertinent documents
and preliminarily approve/deny hardship
scholarships. All hardship scholarship applications
will subsequently be approved and/or denied by
an administrator.
External Scholarship Opportunities:
External scholarships may be available for
students who meet the individual criteria set
forth by each organization. The applications are
located in the front office. The school does not
make any determinations on external scholarships.
All questions pertaining to external scholarships
should go directly to the organization from which
the scholarship will be granted. The following
scholarships are currently available to FMIT
students:
Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Scholarship
Theodore Johnson Scholarship
Front row: Kirsten Barget, Alejandra
Santiago, Charnese Curry. Back row: Ahkeem
Clark. Not pictured: Clarice Perkins.
October 25, 2013—Commercial
Foods & Culinary Arts students
created an entirely edible graveyard.
Mike Rowe Works Scholarship
Rotary Club of Sanibel-Captiva Scholarship
SW FL Community Foundation Scholarship
Uncommon Friends Scholarship
American Welding Society Scholarship
Cape Coral Kiwanis Scholarship
United Church Women Scholarship
All external scholarship applications have
different criteria and deadlines; please read the
scholarship application carefully.
Sponsorship
Southwest Florida Works offers funding for
tuition, books, uniforms, and tools to those who
qualify. Students must be enrolled in an eligible
program and meet the requirements set forth by
the organization. An informational meeting is
held each day, Monday – Friday, from 1:30 P.M. –
2:30 P.M. at 4150 Ford Street Ext., Fort Myers, FL
33916. FMIT staff members are unable to make
any final determinations on student eligibility for
Workforce funding. All questions and concerns
can be answered by the organization at (239)
981-8200.
January 2014—7
Do You Want a
COOL Career?
installer, service technician, state
population and number of buildings
licensed contractor, and owner of
grow, so does the demand for
residential, commercial, and industrial Cypress Comfort Cooling, Inc. prior to
coming to work at FMIT. He also is a
climate-control systems. Residential
member of the Refrigeration Service
Your A/C goes out. It’s 90o on
HVACR systems generally need
Engineer’s Society having served as
a sunny Florida day. Bet it’s not
replacement after 10 to 15 years; the
long before you’re calling an air
large number of homes built in recent the local chapter’s president, vice
president, educational chairman, and
conditioning technician. And bet
years will enter this replacement
treasurer and is also a member of
you want the technician to get there
timeframe by 2018. An estimated
the Council of Air Conditioning and
quickly.
136,000 jobs will be created by 2018.
Refrigeration Educators.
The wait time could be longer
The future of the industry is
Mr. Stott has worked in the field
and longer. The need for qualified
technology. People can now control
for over 41 years, holds over a dozen
technicians in this area is tremendous. their home air conditioner from their
industry certifications, is a state
Last year, Mr. David Wahl and
cell phone. The increased complexity
licensed home inspector, and has
Mr. Patrick Stott, Air-Conditioning,
of HVACR systems, which increases
been a state licensed contractor since
Refrigeration and Heating
the possibility that equipment
1990. During his extensive career, he
Technology instructors, had more job
may malfunction also, will create
worked for Trane Heating & Cooling,
offers than they had students to fill
opportunities for service technicians.
Page Mechanical Group, Inc., Lee
these jobs.
More and more there is a growing
County Government, and owned his
focus on improving
own company, Mechanical Service
indoor air quality
Group, which he later sold to Comfort
that will also create
Systems USA.
more jobs. Growing
HVACR students at FMIT get a
concerns over
lot of hands-on experience. They
indoor air quality
have the use of a learning lab that
have encouraged
consists of all types of residential
new specialties,
and commercial equipment along
including providing
with computerized building
clean rooms for
automation systems. Students also
the manufacture
perform preventive maintenance
of medicinal
and diagnostics on the campus’
products or high
commercial equipment.
quality computer
If you like to use technology to
components, air
diagnose
and solve problems, use
filtration and
tools, work independently, have an
vacuum
systems
to
Pictured from left to right: Rod Riche, Petru Marian,
impact on the environment, and want
entrap pollutants
Leonard Harris, and Ioannis Kalouris
to set your own course for success,
and allergens, and
then you should consider a HVACR
industrial ducting and ventilation
HVACR technicians have a very
career. A lifelong career is waiting
important job – they keep you cool in systems to exhaust poisonous or
for you! And you’ll be a hero when
noxious chemical fumes, dusts, and
the summer and warm in the winter.
you fix the A/C of that homeowner
particles to keep workers safe and
Heating, ventilation, air
sweating in the Florida heat!!!
reduce fire and explosion hazards.
conditioning, and refrigeration
According to the
(HVACR) is the second fastest
Bureau of Labor
growing mechanical trade in the
nation. Virtually every home, school,
Statistics Occupational
retailer, shopping mall, manufacturer, Employment Statistics
Survey, the median
hospital, food processor, warehouse,
hourly wage for an
arena, airport, research facility, and
HVAC technician in
supermarket depend on HVACR
the United States in
employees in one way or another.
The industry generates over $4 billion 2012 was $27.07; the
industry will grow
dollars in the economy annually.
Technicians typically specialize
33.7% between
2010 and 2020; and
in installing or repairing units even
employers prefer to
though they are trained to do
hire those who have
both. Some technicians specialize
completed technical
in specific types of equipment like
solar panels or hydronics. In addition school training or a
formal apprenticeship.
to heating, ventilation, and air
FMIT’s instructors
conditioning units, people with HVAC
certification are qualified to work in
have extensive
Sheldon Ruiz, Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating
training and
the refrigeration field and can even
technology graduate, working on a Danfoss Turbocor
experience in the
specialize in large-scale projects like
compressor, the newest type of air conditioning compressor
HVACR field.
commercial refrigeration units.
available. It is totally oil free and rotates on a magnetic field.
Mr. Wahl had
There are over 1.3 million people
It was originally produced for the aerospace industry and is
20 years of field
employed in the HVACR industry in
controlled by solid state circuitry. It produces such low sound
experience as a duct
the United States and Canada. As the
levels that when running it is hardly heard.
8 — Soaring Scene
Taste of FMIT
by Judy Smith
Taste of FMIT involves
5 students preparing a
specific type of food each
Friday. The food will be set
up in the courtyard during
lunch, and anyone may buy
tickets, receive a sample of
each of the five foods, and
then vote by ticket for their
favorite dish. This will go on
each Friday in January and
February; at the end of the
competition, there will be a
cook-off on February 28th and
all the winners of the individual
weeks will again prepare their
dish and have a vote for the
favorite. The overall winner
will be presented with a $50
gift card and certificate as
the winner of the “Taste of
FMIT.” Entries are open to
all students and faculty, and
all students and faculty may
participate in the tasting and
voting portion. The tickets
will sell for $1 and that pays
for a sample of all five entries.
Tasters will be able to place
their ticket in a container in
front of their favorite dish.
Tickets may be purchased in
advance ($1 each or $5 for 6).
Congratulations to the Students Who
Earned Industry Certifications this Semester
Steve Adkins: Stihl Certification–Bronze
Santiago Armiñana: Gcap Certification, CFC
Universal Certification
Miguel Andres: Microsoft PowerPoint
Nicholas Barnhart: CFC Universal Certification
Charles Barns: Stihl Certification–Bronze
Benjamin Barrier: Microsoft PowerPoint
Benjamin Bartlow: CFC Universal Certification
Jonathan Bartlow: Microsoft PowerPoint &
Excel
Heidi Benitez: Adobe Certified Associate (ACA)
- Dreamweaver
Paula Blanco: Microsoft Excel & Word
Rahkeem Blanks: Microsoft Excel & Word
Samuel Bruseth: Adobe Certified Associate
(ACA): Dreamweaver
Daniel Cholvin: Certified Electronic Technician,
Electronics Technicians Association, Inc.
Mason Cole: Stihl Certification–Bronze
Zachary Conner: NCCER Core
Luis Cordero: Microsoft Excel & Word
Richard Deese: NCCER Core
Vincent Denillo: NCCER Core
Cheyne Diaz: Automotive Service Excellence
(ASE) Certification, Suspension & Steering
Precious Dumas: Microsoft PowerPoint
Jacob Duran: CFC Universal Certification
Charles Fillingame: CFC Universal
Certification
Helio Garcia: NCCER Core
Nickolas Gauthier: NCCER Core
Natalie Giddens: Early Childhood Professional
Certification, Florida Department of Education
Dylan Grimard: Industry Competency Exam
(ICE) Residential A/C and Heating & Light
Commercial A/C and Heating
Chad Hamann: Automotive Service Excellence
(ASE) Certification, Brakes
Zakary Hoffman: NCCER Core
Jacob Howard: NCCER Core
Robbie Huckleberry: Early Childhood
Professional Certification, Florida Department of
Education
Nadaud Jacques-Louis: Microsoft Word
Michael Keiper: Certified Electronic Technician,
Electronics Technicians Association, Inc.
Ann Kelly: Microsoft PowerPoint
Cannon Kinnard-Shierling: CFC Universal
Certification
John Koval: Industry Competency Exam (ICE)
Residential A/C and Heating & Light Commercial
A/C and Heating
Bruce Lawmaster: NCCER Core
Lina Ledesma: Microsoft PowerPoint, Word &
Excel
Jerold Lee: NCCER Core
Salvatore Lombardo: Industry Competency
Exam (ICE) Residential A/C and Heating & Light
Commercial A/C and Heating
John Maldonado: Stihl Certification–Bronze
Alma Matias: Microsoft PowerPoint & Word
John Medina: NCCER Core
Robert Miller: Gcap Certification
Tarita Murphy: Adobe Certified Associate
(ACA) – Dreamweaver
Samuel Nuse: Stihl Certification–Bronze
Itzel Perez: Microsoft PowerPoint
John Phillips: Industry Competency Exam (ICE)
Residential A/C and Heating & Light Commercial
A/C and Heating
Natale Pinnacoli: NCCER Core and NCCER
Power Generation Maintenance Mechanic, Level 1
Bonny Reeve: Microsoft PowerPoint
Betriz Remigio: Microsoft PowerPoint
Ramon Reyna: CFC Universal Certification
Christian Rice: Industry Competency Exam (ICE)
Residential A/C and Heating & Light Commercial
A/C and Heating
Daniel Rios: Microsoft PowerPoint
Hugh Roberts: NCCER Core
Adrian Rodriguez: Gcap Certification
Aleezha Rosario: Microsoft PowerPoint
Angelo Russo: Industry Competency Exam (ICE)
Residential A/C and Heating & Light Commercial
A/C and Heating
Adrian Smith: Microsoft Technology Associate
(MTA) - Security Fundamentals, Adobe Certified
Associate (ACA) - Dreamweaver
Ryan Stubblefield: NCCER Core
Matthew Tarvin: NCCER Core and NCCER
Power Generation Maintenance Mechanic, Level 1
Christopher Tigani: Microsoft PowerPoint
Stephan Teague: Certified Electronic Technician,
Electronics Technicians Association, Inc.
Amber Townsend: Microsoft PowerPoint
Robert West II: NCCER Core and NCCER Power
Generation Maintenance Mechanic, Level 1
Ian Wicks: Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) Photoshop
Craig Williams: CFC Universal Certification
Sean Wyatt: NCCER Core and NCCER Power
Generation Maintenance Mechanic, Level 1
Christian Yanovitch: Automotive Service
Excellence Certification, Electrical
David Zink: NCCER Core
January 2014—9
Gingerbread House
Donated to Ronald
McDonald Charities
by Chef Joe Mastrangelo
Pictured from left to right: Christopher Titus, Justin Clyatt, John Guard,
Logan Bryant, Blake Lowe, Tyler McGinnis, Zac Buckingham.
December 15, 2013­—Students in Mike Esterline’s Marine Service Technology
program represented FMIT in the Cape Coral Holiday Boat-A-Long.
Over 100 boats took part in this annual event.
For the past 15 years, Chef/Instructor
Joe Mastrangelo and Paraprofessional
Arron Dougherty have chosen several
graduating students to create the annual
gingerbread house for the holiday season.
The class created an assortment of edible
creations that showed off their individuality
and creativity. These students definitely
earned the “A” that they received for
their project. The gingerbread house was
donated to the Ronald McDonald House
Charities in Fort Myers.
Pictured from left to right:
Alejandra Santiago, Charnese
Curry, Chef Joe Mastrangelo,
Kirsten Barget & Arron Wakeman
Pictured from left to right: Patrick Trelease, Steve Friebel, Sue Cooley, Shannon Woosley,
Debbie Georgiadis, Arron Wakeman, Dr. Brian Byrnes, Priscila Taveras, and Jessica Feliciano
December 10, 2013­—FMIT staff members decorated holiday
Congratulations to the ‘Reindeer’ team who won 1st place.
cookies.
Pictured from left to right: Amber Townsend, Itzel Perez,
Cheyne Diaz, Ann Kelly, & Daniel Rios
December 10, 2013­—National Technical Honor Society students
sold 150 poinsettias as a fundraiser this year. The proceeds will be used to help
pay for membership fees.
Medical Administrative Specialist
students Precious Dumas and
Amber Townsend created a
snowman that will survive in Fort
Myers’ 80o December temperatures.
10— Soaring Scene
Mayela Rosales, Armando Gomez,
and Adrian Rodriguez
December 12, 2013­—Mr. Armando
Gomez, Major Appliance &
Refrigeration Repair instructor and
student Adrian Rodriguez were
interviewed by Mayela Rosales,
host of D’Latinos Al Día television show.
Richard Kuemin
December 11, 2013­— Mr. Richard
Kuemin from Marcone Servicer
Association conducted training on
new models of General Electric
refrigerators and dishwashers for
the Major Appliance & Refrigeration
Repair students. Over 30 local appliance
servicers also attended.
www.ed2go.com/fmit
Students in the Marine Service
Technology program represented
FMIT at the
41st Annual
Fort Myers Boat
Show at the
City Yacht Basin
on November
14-17, 2013.
The students
participated in
demonstrations
of marine
equipment
including marine
propulsion
systems. Students took advantage
of the opportunity to network
with local dealers and to see all
the newest marine technologies
available. The show featured 170
exhibitors including roughly 35
boat dealers. More than 400 new
and late-model boats – from $1,000
fishing kayaks to multimillion-dollar
yachts were displayed.
Mr. Mike Esterline, Marine
Service Technology instructor said,
“One of the most interesting new
technologies the students were
drawn to was the 557 horsepower
Seven Marine outboard engine.”
This outboard based on a General
Motors lightweight, all-aluminum,
fuel-injected, supercharged LSA
V8 (Cadillac CTS-V, Camaro ZL1)
engine leads the way in outboard
horsepower.
Josh Roy, a graduate from
the program last year, is currently
assisting the installation of two
brand new 557s (pictured below)
at the dealership where he was
placed while in the Marine Service
Technology program.
According to The News-Press, the
marine business
isn’t back to the
pre-2008 boom
times, but it’s
getting better. The
average cost of
a new boat with
motor and trailer
is $32,000. Of
the 232.3 million
adults in the
United States in
2012, 37.8 percent,
or 88 million, went
boating in 2012.
According to the National
Marine Manufacturers Association,
there are 5,500 Florida-based
boating businesses that create
44,000 jobs. The U.S. Department
of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
indicates that job prospects for
trained marine mechanics will be
excellent in Florida between 2008
and 2018.
Pictured from left to right: Chris Titus; Charles Estrella; Terry Boudreaux; Justin Clyatt; Mike Bemis;
Colin Bryant; Zac Buckingham; Mike Esterline, Marine Service Technology instructor; Logan Bryant;
Tyler McGinnis; Chris Burette; Alex Lee; Blake Lowe; Dareck Poirier; Scott Schloemer
January 2014— 11
Fort Myers Institute
of Technology Veterans
Students
Joshua Allred
Dave Andres
Ed Bottorf
Terry Boudreaux
Joeseph Buchy
Sherry Buchy
Clay Estill
Charles Estrella
Chil Etienne
Charles Fillingame
Eric Gase
John Guard
Chad Hamann
John Johnson
Francisco Jose
Edward Joy
Ann Kelly
Kevin Kraft
Mike Lewis
Steven McGrath
Samuel Miller
Nate Pinnacoli
Dareck Poirier
Michael Quinlan
Darrell Ransom
Daniel Rios
Hugh Roberts
Elsie Rodriguez
Mike Ronga
Brandon Schwerdtfeger
Matthew Tarvin
Stephen Teague
Mike Velez
Ian Ward
Charles Wright
Justin Yaple
Army
Air Force
Coast Guard
Army
Air Force
Army
Marine Corps
Army
British Army
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Coast Guard
Army
Marine Corps
Army
Navy
Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Coast Guard
Army
Coast Guard
Army
Army
Army
Air Force
Army
Army
Navy
Army
Air Force
Army
Army
Army
Army
Faculty & Staff
William McCormick, Director
Jon Clute, Instructor
George Cook, Substitute Instructor
Steve Dougherty, Student Affairs Steve Friebel, Technology Specialist
Mac McGee, Instructor
Hunter Moody, Custodian
Troy Ruth, Security
Larry Trahan, Substitute Instructor
Joe Willis, Security Army
Navy
Navy
Air Force
Navy
Army
Army
Army
Navy
Navy Air Force
& Air Force
Mike Keiper
always had an interest in music and
electronics. As a member of This Hour’s
Collapse musical group, Mr. Keiper
frequently played in the south Florida area.
He wrote a song with the group about
the war of currents which was a very
public battle between Thomas Edison and
Nikola Tesla over direct current (DC) and
alternating current (AC).
Mr. Keiper is also a member of the
On the Shoulders of Giants group and
traveled to Indiana and North Carolina to record an album. He
was privileged to write the song “Extrinsic” with two of his
musical idols, Matt McDonough and Ryan Martine from the band
Mudvayne which is a Grammy nominated, MTV award winning,
and 3 time gold record band. The song is about his personal
struggles, but he used terms and concepts of electronics to
convey the message. The group’s name, On the Shoulders of
Giants, is a quote from Isaac Newton and also the title of a book
written by Stephen Hawkins.
Mr. Keiper worked for over a year as a painter but knew he
wanted a career, not just a job. That’s when he stopped by FMIT
in 2012 to see what programs were available. He was interested
in the Electronic Technology program but wasn’t sure he was
‘smart enough’ to complete all the math assignments. Mr.
Charles Ryder, Electronic Technology instructor, looked at
Mr. Keiper’s scores on the TABE assessment and convinced him
he was definitely capable of completing the program if he had
the desire to pursue this career. After a couple of months, Mr.
Keiper realized that not only was he ‘smart enough’ but that he
wanted to learn more and more.
“Mr. Ryder helped me to understand, analyze, and pay
attention to details. Instead of just giving me the answer to a
problem, he gave me the tools to think for myself,” said
Mr. Keiper.
Mr. Keiper had straight ‘A’s’ throughout the program even
while working at a full-time job and playing in his bands. He
studied a lot at home so that his time in school could be devoted
to hands-on projects. He also was instrumental in the setup of
the Veterans Day sound system, open house display, and Edison
Festival of Light parade float.
“The most rewarding thing for an instructor is when that
“a-ha” moment happens for your student, when the light bulb
turns on, when they realize that they have it, and they are ready
for what’s next regardless of what it is,” said Mr. Ryder. “Mike is
one of those students that transitioned from doubting himself
to one of confidence, not only in his studies but life in general.
It was a pleasure to have Mike in my class; I wish him good luck,
and I know he will be successful no matter what he chooses to
do.”
Before completing the program in November, Mr. Keiper
passed the Electronics Technicians Association’s certification
exam on his first attempt and became a Certified Electronics
Technician Associate (CETA). He continues to work at his full-time
job and is interning at the TV Center in Fort Myers. Mr. Keiper is
looking forward to a career in electronic technology and will be
pursuing certifications in the field. His knowledge of electronics
will also be very helpful in furthering his musical career.
Mr. Keiper once struggled with an addiction to prescription
medication, but with extraordinary determination, he was able
to beat the addiction and get his life back on track. By sharing
this information with people, Mr. Keiper hopes to encourage
people who are or were struggling with the same problem,
or know someone who is, and let them know that there is
hope beyond it. Mr. Keiper said, “Through changing
your lifestyle, and with drive, you can overcome
anything; but you have to be the one to embrace
and make that change in yourself.”
“To achieve great things you must have
an extraordinary drive. To achieve maximum
potential, you must believe in yourself. Once
you obtain these things, you can overcome any
obstacle in your path. FMIT was instrumental
in helping me locate and grasp these traits in
myself,” said Mr. Keiper.
12 — Soaring Scene
Major Appliance Students
Earn Certifications
Cynthia Koval
Congratulations to the Major Appliance and Refrigeration
Repair students who recently earned their CFC Universal
(highest possible) Certification. Pictured from left to right:
Jacob Duran, Charles Fillingame, Ramon Reyna, Nicholas
Barnhart, Craig Williams, Benjamin Bartlow,
Santiago Armiñana, & Cannon Kinnard-Shierling. Craig
Williams started the program in October and in one month
managed to pass the CFC – very impressive!
Adrian Rodriguez, Santiago Armiñana, and Robert
Miller recently earned the Graduate Certified Appliance
Professional (GCAP) certification. This is a series of 8 tests.
October 30, 2013—
Cynthia Koval is the first
student to complete the
Medical Coder/Biller program
entirely online and pass
the America Academy of
Professional Coders (AAPC)
certification examination. But,
she’s not the only member
of her family to attend
FMIT. Mrs. Koval’s husband
John completed the AirConditioning, Refrigeration,
and Heating Technology
program in September and
is now employed by Micro
Control Systems. Her son
Jonathan completed the
Electronic Technology program
last year and is now enrolled
in the Electricity program.
Congratulations, Koval family!
John Koval
Jonathan Koval
(left to right): Lanesha Solomon, Meghan McDonnell, Maureen McCoy, Bryan Hicks, Reetha VanAuken,
Morgan Davidson, Stacy McClure, Gabriel Ridley, Christina Oake, Amanda Phang Lyn.
October 31, 2013—The recent Practical Nursing graduating class completed their rotation at the Department
of Veterans Affairs’ Lee County Healthcare Center. The students worked one on one with the clinic staff and
gained experience in areas such as urgent care, mental health, dermatology, and infectious diseases. During
this rotation, each member of the class had the opportunity to participate in the flu shot clinic which makes the
injection available free of charge to all veterans accessing the clinic. FMIT students administered approximately
500 flu vaccines to the local veteran population! (by Anita Tokie)
January 2014— 13
Military Appreciation Day
November
2, 2013—FMIT
students and staff
participated in
the 2nd Annual
Military
Appreciation
Day held at
The FMIT Veterans Association
partnered with Two Men and a
Truck to collect food and personal care
items for homeless veterans. Thank
you to everyone who contributed.
Congratulations to Mrs. Hunter’s
Cosmetology students who collected the
most items per student and won a pizza
party.
First Christian
Church in Fort
Myers. Veterans
received free
health screenings,
haircuts, and
information from
social support
agencies.
Ann Kelly and Charles Wright
FMIT student Michel Romero with two veterans.
Veterans Eric Gase, Web Application Development
& Programming and Charles Wright, Commercial
Foods & Culinary Arts with Two Men and a
Truck employees.
Cosmetology Salon Open to the Public
FMIT’s Cosmetology Salon is open to the
public on Thursday from 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.;
Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Friday 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Haircuts are only $5.00 and
a basic manicure is only
$6.00! No appointments are
necessary.
Bill McCormick, FMIT director; Susan
Harden, Counselor; and Dick “Teach”
Kennedy, Vietnam Brotherhood
November 19, 2013—The Vietnam
Brotherhood Bravo
Company located in
Fort Myers recently
made a scholarship
donation to FMIT.
Thank you, Bravo
Company, for your
support of FMIT’s veterans, who have
given so much to our country!
14 — Soaring Scene
November 26, 2013 – The graduation
ceremony for the 131st Law
Enforcement Officer class took
place in the courtyard next to the
law enforcement memorial garden at
the Southwest Florida Public Service
Academy. Congratulations, graduates!
Luciana Bartolome and Araceli Escobedo
December 12, 2013­—SkillsUSA
students organized a Toys for Tots
collection at FMIT. The mission of the
U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots
program is to collect new, unwrapped
toys each year, and distribute those
toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate
children in the community. Thank you
to everyone who donated!
Open House
2
Nov. 2, 2013
1
1.Visitors in Electronic Technology
2.SkillsUSA President Darrell Ranson
3
Auto Service Technology Prepares
for SkillsUSA Competition
by Nancy Hamilton
In the months before Skills and
all through the campus, everyone
was stirring and rustling about! The
Automotive Service Technology (AST)
students held an in-house contest to
determine who would be the lucky
students to represent FMIT’s AST
program in SkillsUSA competition on
February 20, 2014, at Manatee Technical
Institute in Bradenton. The winners
3.Ponies in Paradise Mustang Club
and Miata Club of Southwest Florida
displayed their vehicles
were Christian Yanovitch, Cheyne Diaz,
Christopher Balling, and Nathan Martin
(secondary). AST will also have a 5
member SkillsUSA Quiz Bowl Team and
competitors in Related Technical Math,
Extemporaneous Speaking, Job Skills
Demo, and Customer Service.
These AST students will join
approximately 40 other FMIT students in
the Region 6 SkillsUSA Competition and
17 students in Leadership Competition
at Charlotte Tech on February 13, 2014.
We know our FMIT team will bring home
some medals!
Elizabeth Rivera, Business
Supervision & Management and
Bonny Reeve, Accounting
Operations created Santa for their
classroom door. Great job!
Cheyne Diaz
January 2014— 15
High school
seniors who
attend will be
entered into a
drawing to win
one of five $100
scholarships.
Join us for CGS! Florida where you 3800 Michigan Avenue • Fort Myers, FL 33916
Federal and state financial aid can help!
canFREE
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onalized FAFSA andisFFAAavailable to help you complete the
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o
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n more and federal tax return.
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23,
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about other financial aid resources!
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can get personalized FAFSA and FFAA
completion assistance and learn more
about other financial aid resources!
pm
3800 Michigan Avenue • Fort Myers, FL 33916
(239) 334-4544 • fortmyerstech.edu
Building E–Cafeteria
16— Soaring Scene
Dr. Dante Ciolfi Named Golden Apple Finalist!

Accounting Operations

Administrative Assistant

Air Conditioning, Refrigeration
and Heating Technology

Applied Welding Technologies

Automotive Collision Repair &
Refinishing

Automotive Service Technology
(A.S.E.-Based Technician)

Building Construction
Technologies (NEW)

Business Supervision and
Management

Carpentry

Certified Nursing Assistant
(various starting dates
throughout the year)

Commercial Foods &
Culinary Arts

Correctional Officer

Cosmetology

Crossover Correctional Officer
to Law Enforcement Officer

Crossover Law Enforcement
Officer to Correctional Officer

Drafting (CAD)

Early Childhood Education

Electricity

Electronic Technology

Fire Fighter

Gasoline Engine Service
Technology
IV Therapy


Law Enforcement Officer

Licensed Practical Nurse
(various starting dates
throughout the year)

Major Appliance &
Refrigeration Repair

Marine Service Technology
 Medical Administrative
Specialist
 Medical Coder/ Biller
.NET Application Development

& Programming

Patient Care Assistant

Plumbing Technology

Refrigeration Technology

Turbine Generator
Maintenance, Inspection and
Repair

Web Application Development
& Programming
January 14, 2014—
community members. The next step is for
Congratulations to
each member of the Selection Committee
Dr. Dante Ciolfi, .NET
to observe each finalist in the classroom
Application Development
and to conduct a private, professional
& Programming and Web
interview. The Selection Committee then
Application Development & Programming
chooses six teachers as recipients of the
instructor, who was named a Golden Apple Golden Apple Award.
finalist. Alicia Miller and Diana
Durante from The Foundation
for Lee County Public Schools,
Inc. surprised Dr. Ciolfi with
the announcement in his
classroom.
The Golden Apple Teacher
Recognition Program was
started 27 years ago to enhance
public education by recognizing
and rewarding excellence in
teaching. Dr. Ciolfi is one of
30 finalists selected from over
Pictured from left to right: Bill McCormick, FMIT Director; Dr.
Dante Ciolfi; Sue Cooley, FMIT Assistant Director for Curriculum;
2,300 educators who were
Alicia Miller, The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
nominated by students and
SkillsUSA
Spaghetti
Luncheon
January
29th
Come
out and
support
the
SkillsUSA
students!
AFFORDABLE
INTERNET
9
$
no
95
a month
+ tax
• price increases
• activation fees
• equipment rental fees
Flyers are available in the
Student Services lobby, or visit
http://internetessentials.com or
http://centurylink.com/internetbasics.
GRADUATION CEREMONY
Thursday, May 22, 2014
6:00 P.M.
Fort Myers Senior High School
2635 Cortez Boulevard
Fort Myers, FL