St. Petersburg Collegiate High School releases latest edition of Muse
Get ready to be inspired! The newest edition of SPCHS’s literary magazine, Muse, has been distributed and is now available in campus and public libraries and throughout SPC campuses’ common areas. We’re incredibly proud of this re-release, building on the success of our original Muse which debuted in 2021.
This year’s Muse is particularly special as it features creative works from students across all three schools! Centered around the compelling theme of “Identity,” this issue showcases the diverse talents within our student body.
A dedicated team of teachers, including Ms. Renee Foley (NP), Dr. Erin Parkes (SPG), Mr. Michael Aguilar (STEM), and Mrs. Maria DeWese (NP), spearheaded this year-long endeavor. They worked tirelessly to create opportunities for students to channel their creative energy into contributions for the magazine. Students were encouraged to submit any of their original creative works, spanning art, poetry, prose, music, and dance.
The talent showcased in this edition of Muse is truly amazing. A huge “Way to go, SPCHS Titans!” for your incredible creativity and contributions! Check out Muse here!
Recent Collegiate High School Grad Jumps Starts Career as Biomedical Engineer Technician
June 18, 2025 Tarpon Springs, FL – Just two weeks after graduating from St. Petersburg Collegiate High School North Pinellas (SPCHS-NP) with both his high school diploma and an Associate of Science in Biomedical Engineering Technology (BMET), Andrew Valles is already making waves. He's officially began his career as a Biomedical Engineer Technician at BayCare Alliant Hospital in Dunedin.
Andrew's journey into the world of biomedical engineering was sparked during a sophomore year field trip to an engineering expo on campus. “I was immediately drawn to the BMET program! I took some time to learn about the program and became really interested," he explained, noting that some previous hospital experience also played a role in solidifying his interest.
The BMET program at SPCHS is a newer initiative, developed with direct input from local employers to address critical workforce needs. This innovative program is designed to align with the Association for Advanced Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) national certification for Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET). Students gain invaluable hands-on experience with medical devices and often take part in internships at nearby hospitals and medical facilities. Andrew received eleven Fluke Biomedical certifications along with certificates in cybersecurity and medical equipment repair.
For Andrew, choosing SPCHS-NP was a game-changer. "I feel like going to SPCHS-NP was the best decision ever! Being able to graduate with both my diploma and associate of science degree at the same time puts me further ahead than if I had gone the traditional route," he shared. He credits his internship at BayCare for providing him with practical experience and crucial networking opportunities, which ultimately led to his current position shortly after graduation.
Balancing the rigorous demands of high school and college-level coursework for his BMET degree wasn't easy. "I had to pull a lot of all-nighters," Andrew admitted. However, his motivation remained strong: "Ultimately what kept me motivated was knowing I would have this degree when I was done."
Looking ahead, Andrew plans to continue his academic journey by pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Technology Development and Management at St. Petersburg College (SPC).
SPCHS-NP, a charter school affiliated with SPC, offers a unique opportunity to Pinellas County students in grades 10-12. They can earn both their high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously, with no cost to families for tuition, fees, or books.
St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School Class of 2025 Graduating with Diploma & Dual Degrees
St. Petersburg - The St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School (SPCSHS) celebrated a landmark achievement with the graduation of its inaugural Class of 2025. This trailblazing class saw 21 graduates simultaneously earn their high school diploma and an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree. What's truly remarkable is that 17 of these 21 graduates went a step further, achieving their high school diploma alongside both an A.S. degree and an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree—an unprecedented accomplishment in the history of St. Petersburg Collegiate High Schools.
A Vision for Workforce Readiness
SPCSHS was established to fulfill the State of Florida's vision of providing free educational opportunities in underserved areas. The goal was to equip students with certifications and degrees, paving the way for high-demand careers and competitive wages. The core idea was to allow students to earn their high school diploma while simultaneously pursuing an A.S. degree in fields like Computer Information Technology or Data Systems, all without the burden of tuition, book, or fee costs. This innovative approach was designed to reshape a community's economic landscape by cultivating a skilled workforce, thereby boosting regional economic development and mobility.
However, SPCSHS elevated this vision by introducing the option to also earn an A.A. degree. This addition provides students with "the best of both worlds," according to SPCSHS Principal, Dr. Raquel Hairston. “Our STEM program helps meet students where they are. Students gain workforce-ready skills and industry certifications that come with an A.S. degree, but they also can acquire a transferable A.A. degree, opening doors for seamless progression to university-level studies if they choose to continue their academic journey.”
The vision for SPCSHS is to cultivate learners and leaders who are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the practical skills needed for the modern workforce. By offering the unique opportunity to earn both an A.A. and A.S. degree alongside a high school diploma, SPCSHS is setting a new standard for accessible and impactful education, empowering its graduates to confidently pursue diverse career paths and higher education opportunities.
SPCHS-St.Pete/Gibbs student chosen to participate in exchange student program to Japan
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School - St. Pete/Gibbs scholar was chosen to participate in a student exchange program this summer with students from Japan. Catch the whole story at here.
St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School Director awarded prestigious shark lab scholarship
We are thrilled to announce that Mr. Remus Bulmer, Academic Program Director at SPCHS-STEM, has been awarded a prestigious scholarship to attend the immersive Shark Biology and Conservation Research Experience at the renowned Bimini Shark Lab this summer.
The Bimini Shark Lab is a research facility located on the South Bimini Island in the Bahamas. The Bimini Shark Lab, known for its groundbreaking research and conservation efforts, received over 200 applications for this year’s course. Out of these, only 28 scholarships were awarded, making this achievement particularly noteworthy. Notably, Mr. Bulmer was the only participant selected from the entire state of Florida.
Participants will engage in hands-on activities, including boat trips and ocean excursions with wild sharks, providing a unique opportunity to learn from leading experts in shark biology and conservation. This immersive experience aims to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to inspire the next generation of conservationists.
Mr. Bulmer is a science enthusiast whose love for research began as an undergraduate student at Florida State University, where he studied population dynamics of sharks in Florida’s Big Bend. He is currently conducting research on shark migration patterns in the Atlantic Ocean, between Florida and the Bahamas. Mr. Bulmer intends to bring the information gained from this research experience at the Bimini Shark Lab back to his campus to foster a love for science and ocean conservation amongst his students.
Collegiate STEM High School celebrates first graduating class
Collegiate STEM High School celebrates first graduating class
by Elizabeth Miller & Alexa Heinrich
On Monday, May 12, St. Petersburg STEM Collegiate High School (SPSCHS) celebrated its first graduating class at SPC’s commencement ceremony.
SPSCHS opened in 2022 at SPC’s Downtown Center. As one of SPC’s three collegiate high schools, SPSCHS offers high school students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and simultaneously earn an associate’s degree.
When Dominick dos Santos discovered the school, he was working on his GED and living in a homeless shelter in Clearwater. He learned that SPC offers free bus passes for students and decided to enroll.
“I would leave at 5 a.m. to take the bus to school every day,” said dos Santos.
During his time at SPC, he got connected to the RISE program, which helped him and his family find stable housing. He also joined the Student Government Association and got the opportunity to attend an educational trip to Tallahassee.
“I really got plugged in, which was a massive help,” he said.
Dos Santos graduated with his high school diploma, an A.S. in Computer Information Technology and an A.A. degree. He will be participating in a cultural exchange program through the U.S. Department of State for the next year and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree and a career in educational technology.
Living close to the BayCare Sound, he often visited the adjacent park and hoped to some day attend a show at the venue.
“Being able to be here for this is really cool,” he said at Monday’s commencement.
All 21 graduates earned both their high school diploma and A.S. degree, and 17 earned their high school diploma, A.S. degree and A.A. degree.
Every graduate maintained a GPA above 3.0 in both high school and college coursework.
SPSCHS graduates have been accepted to top-tier universities, including University of Florida, Florida State University, University of South Florida and University of Central Florida.
Pictured above: Dominick dos Santos.
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School North Pinellas Students Partner with Speak Up! to Create Inspiring Mental Health Mural in Safety Harbor
TARPON SPRINGS, FL – Students from St. Petersburg Collegiate High School – North Pinellas (SPCHS-NP) are making a vibrant impact on their community through a collaborative art project focused on mental health awareness. Members of the school's Interact Club and National Honor Society (NHS) joined forces with Speak Up! Let’s Talk About Mental Health and the City of Safety Harbor to create a meaningful mural at North City Park.
Speak Up! Let’s Talk About Mental Health, a local organization dedicated to destigmatizing mental illness and providing crucial resources and education, received a grant from the McDonald’s Golden Arches Foundation to fund this community art initiative. The vision for the mural, brought to life by artists Mena and Tom Kiernan, emphasizes the vital themes of kindness, diversity, and inclusion.
SPCHS-NP Interact and NHS students enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to contribute their time and creativity to this project.
“The mural project taught my classmates and me that even simple changes in our community can create a more positive environment. This painting was able to bring our group an emboldened sense of pride and connection," said Interact President Tommy Flood.
This partnership aligns with one of Speak Up!'s key priorities for 2025: increasing youth involvement in community projects. "Projects like these give students the opportunity to give back, learn teamwork, communicate effectively, and explore their creative side – all of which contribute significantly to their mental well-being," explained Handley. "Too often, we hear negative narratives about young people. However, I've found that when you take the time to connect with them and provide engaging opportunities, everyone benefits. The students who helped with our mural project beautifully demonstrated this. Community members present were incredibly impressed by their dedication and positive engagement. It was remarkable to see them interacting and helping for 4-5 hours without being on their phones. This was a wonderful example of teamwork and the positive outcomes of kindness."
Stephanie Pawlowicz, Assistant Principal at SPCHS-NP, echoed this sentiment. “We are incredibly proud of our students and their willingness to dedicate their time to such a valuable cause. This project not only enhances our community but also allows our students to develop essential leadership skills along the way.”
The completed mural at North City Park in Safety Harbor serves as a powerful visual reminder of the importance of mental well-being, kindness, diversity, and inclusion.
About Speak Up! Let’s Talk About Mental Health:
Speak Up! Let’s Talk About Mental Health is a dedicated organization working to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. They provide resources, education, and promote awareness regarding mental health, mental illness, and suicide prevention within the community.
About St. Petersburg Collegiate High School – North Pinellas:
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School – North Pinellas (SPCHS-NP) offers a unique educational experience, allowing students to earn an associate degree while completing their high school diploma. The school encourages community involvement and fosters leadership skills among its students.
Spotlight on Mrs. LaDawn Bell SPCHS-Gibbs
This spotlight is on Mrs. LaDawn Bell, SPCHS-Gibbs School Counselor. Mrs. Bell is the definition of “Southern Hospitality!” said Kaylie SPCHS-Gibbs Senior. “She makes me feel at home and is so encouraging and supportive.” St. Petersburg Collegiate High School-Gibbs has had the privilege of having Mrs. Ladawn Bell as one of their school counselors for 8 years. According to school Principal, Dr. Ian Call, “Mrs. Bell is an asset to the SPCHS community because of her ability to connect with students and parents in a way that makes them feel confident and comfortable in trusting her to give them advice about their educational journey.”
Mrs. Bell grew up in rural Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia with her bachelor (1986) and master (1996) degrees in Marketing Education. In 2006, after moving to Florida, she earned an Education Specialist degree in School Counseling from Argosy University. Mrs. Bell went on to work as a middle school counselor for four years then moved on to high school. It was in the high school environment that Mrs. Bell found her niche.
Mrs. Bell says her dream job is working at SPCHS-Gibbs. “My favorite part of working here is getting to really know the kids, getting to see them in my office each semester and during Seminar lessons. When I see them, I know if they are okay or if something is not right with them because I see them so often. Being part of their college and career planning journey is a privilege. And, if we can help them graduate without the burden of student debt, that is a win-win in my book!”
Mrs. Bell’s interest in her students goes way beyond their transcripts. Gibbs Senior, Charlize, said “I love the way she calls everyone “Dear Heart!” She is so sweet and open to talk any time about anything.” Mrs. Bell has a heart for helping these young people succeed, academically and in life. According to Dr. Call, “If Mrs. Bell ever becomes an Avenger, her superhero name will be “Relentless” because she is relentless when it comes to making sure students succeed.”
North Pinellas junior dives for the cross
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School North Pinellas senior, Jason Poulos, was selected to participate in the highly anticipated cross dive at Tarpon Springs' 119th Epiphany celebration.
This annual event, held on January 6th, commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River 2,000 years ago. A key moment is the blessing of the waters of Spring Bayou, followed by the casting of a cross into the water. The competition is fierce, with dozens of young men between the ages of 16 and 18 vying for the honor of retrieving the cross. It is believed that the person who finds the cross will have a year of favor and prosperity.
This year, 66 divers, including Jason, a certified lifeguard, participated in the event. While he did not successfully retrieve the cross, Jason expressed feeling "blessed" to have been part of this significant cultural and religious tradition.
St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, along with Jason's parents, John and Barbara Poulos, are incredibly proud of his participation in this memorable event.
St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School leads Pinellas County high schools
St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School (SPCSHS) at SPC's Downtown Center outperformed all Pinellas County High schools in key performance areas for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The Florida Department of Education released its annual report of school grades and in a stunning display of academic prowess and commitment to educational excellence, the two-year-old SPCSHS emerged as a top-performing high school in five key categories including English Language Achievement, English Language Arts Learning Gains, Math, and Science Achievement.
Founding Principal, Dr. Raquel Hairston's passion for STEM and dedication to education, inspired her team and set the foundation for the school's rapid rise.
However, the road was not without obstacles. The school's growing pains were marked by significant turnover in critical shortage areas, including math and science teachers. This turnover could have derailed the school’s progress, but Dr. Hairston, her leadership team, and teachers faced these challenges head-on.
“It was very challenging to keep the focus on learning,” said Dr. Hairston. “We were able to pivot, make strategic decisions, and implement change management strategies. We evaluated existing resources and personnel to see how we could maintain momentum and keep the focus on learning. I appreciate working with a fantastic team of faculty and staff including a dynamic Assistant Principal, Mr. Bulmer, who all helped to make this year so successful.”
As SPCSHS continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to its mission of providing a world-class STEM education, shaping the next generation of learners, leaders and innovators.
The State of Florida School Recognition Program provides public recognition and financial awards to schools that have sustained high student performance or schools that demonstrate substantial improvement in student performance. It also provides an easily understandable way for parents and the public to measure the performance of a school.
To learn more about what St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School offers, please visit spchs.spcollege.edu.