Collegiate High School junior, Zoey Yuhasz, crusading for care of sea turtles
At just 14, Zoey Yuhasz, a junior at St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, transformed her passion for protecting sea turtles into a full-fledged nonprofit, Coastal Crusaders. What began as a small group of friends doing beach cleanups quickly grew into an organization dedicated to creating environmental awareness and getting the community involved.
Zoey's main message to beachgoers is simple: "Clean, Dark, Flat."
- Clean: Pack up your trash and remove all items like chairs, umbrellas, and toys at the end of the day. This keeps the beach safe for sea turtles and other wildlife.
- Dark: Sea turtle hatchlings are guided to the ocean by the moonlight. Artificial lights from flashlights, cell phones, or beachfront homes can confuse them, causing them to move inland where they can dehydrate and die. Coastal Crusaders educates people to turn off lights and keep blinds closed after dark.
- Flat: Fill in any holes and flatten sandcastles before you leave. This makes it easier for baby turtles to navigate the landscape and reach the water safely.
Coastal Crusaders also hosts community initiatives like "Hole Patrols" and the Beach Box program. The Beach Box initiative tackles the issue of abandoned beach gear. Zoey noticed that many reusable items like toys and chairs were left behind. To prevent them from ending up in landfills, she started placing uniquely painted boxes on the beach. Visitors can borrow items they need or leave behind items they no longer want, promoting upcycling and reducing waste.
The organization relies on community donations and a portion of the funds from Florida's "Endless Summer" specialty license plate to support their activities, including providing supplies like buckets, bags, and pickers.
To get involved or donate, you can email CoastalCrusadersFlorida@gmail.com or visit their website at CoastalCrusadersFlorida.com.
Meet Lee Irby, SPCSHS history teacher and published author
Teacher Spotlight: Lee Irby
Sometimes a teacher's passion and skill make a subject truly come alive. Lee Irby, a history teacher and published author from St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School, is one such educator. In this teacher spotlight, we introduce you to the man who brings history to life for his students and his readers.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Irby has a long-standing fascination with history, particularly the complex issues of race in American society. "When you grow up in the Capitol of the Confederacy, it's hard to escape the heavy weight of history pressing down," he says. "I've definitely spent much of my academic life trying to understand the dynamics of race in American life."
Irby's educational journey includes a bachelor's degree in English and History from the University of Virginia and a Master of Arts in U.S. History from the University of South Florida. His life experiences are as varied as his academic pursuits; he has worked as an oyster shucker and even a mouse farmer.
He considers winning a third-grade math contest to be “one of his greatest achievements.” Irby also credits his "lifelong love of Shakespeare" to his high school AP English teacher, Ms. Jacobs, who introduced him to Hamlet.
When asked what inspired him to become an educator, Irby shared, "When I learned that the great philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein taught kindergarten, I decided to keep my mind open. I do naively believe that teachers can change the world, despite all the evidence to the contrary."
His advice for new teachers is to start in middle school. "Nothing else will prepare a teacher like middle school," Irby explains. "Getting the attention of a 7th grader requires talent beyond my abilities."
Included in a long list of accomplishments is that Irby is a published author. His peer-reviewed publications include works of history, fiction, and poetry. His study of "trailer-trash" culture has received numerous awards, and his novel 7,000 Clams (Doubleday, 2005) was named by the Tampa Bay Times as one of the "10 Books Every Floridian Should Read." Most recently Irby wrote a review for Southern Spaces titled Sunset Colonies: Photographs by Diego Alejandro Waisman which examines the economic disparity in south Florida.
SPCSHS Principal, Dr. Raquel Hairston, expressed her pride in Irby's recent published work, stating, "Mr. Irby's passion for history and his dedication to his students are evident in everything he does. We are incredibly proud of his recent achievement and the example he sets for our students."
SPCHS-SP/G High School Robotics All-Girl Team gets SPC Funding
St. Petersburg, FL — St. Petersburg Collegiate High School - St. Petersburg/Gibbs (SPCHS-SP/G) robotics team is tackling the STEM gender gap head-on by launching an all-girls team. Thanks to the initiative by SPCHS-SP/G Chemistry teacher, Janice Smickle, who applied and was awarded funding to give female students the opportunity to take on a robotics club of their own. The initiative aims to empower female students with hands-on experience in building and programming robots, skills that are highly sought after in today's workforce.
The project, which sought to raise $7,000 for parts and equipment, stems from a noticeable trend on mixed-gender teams where boys often dominate the technical roles of building, programming, and driving the robots. Girls, in contrast, are frequently relegated to documentation and support roles.
"We noticed that the boys usually take over," said Smickle. "With an all-girl team, the girls must do it all, and they can do it all and be successful when given the chance."
Goals and Impact
The primary goal of the team, whose name is the Celesteels, is to teach high school students, particularly girls, the essential skills needed to build and program a robot. They also have their sights set on a more immediate challenge: qualifying for the FIRST Tech Challenge State Championship this school year.
This effort aligns with St. Petersburg College (SPC) goals of preparing students for the workforce. The skills learned through robotics, particularly programming in JAVA, are directly transferable to many local companies. The long-term impact is significant, as students who participate will be better prepared to pursue STEM fields at the university level or enter the workforce directly after high school.
“I am so excited to be a part of this robotics team because I enjoy working with other girls who are interested in going into STEM fields, ” said Alina Wasupan, SPCHS-SP/G senior.
The program has already shown promise. Last year, all eight graduating seniors from the team continued their education in a STEM field, with students attending prestigious universities like the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida.
Measuring Success
The success of the new team will be measured in several ways:
- The number of students who join the new all-girls team.
- The number of graduates who continue their education in STEM at a university.
- The team's achievement of an invitation to the state championship.
This new all-girls robotics team is not just about building robots; it's about building confidence, fostering technical skills, and paving the way for a new generation of female leaders in STEM.
SPCHS Students winners in Tampa Bay TImes 2024-2025 Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Contest
The Tampa Bay Times has announced the winners of the 2024-2025 Newspaper in Education Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing Contest and our very own, Sophia Call, senior from SPCHS-SP/G received Fourth Runner Up, a $25 cash prize and an award certificate for “Remnants”. This was Sophia’s second year receiving an award for this contest. In addition, May-Ha Nguyen, a junior also from SPCHS-SP/G received an Honorable Mention and an award certificate for “Back in My Shoes”. Great job authors! We are so proud of you! #TampaBayTimes #StudentAuthors #SpchsTitans
St. Petersburg Collegiate High Schools Earn Top Local Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
For more information, contact Samantha Stanich, Communications/PR Coordinator, at 727-341-4195 or Elizabeth Miller, Associate Director of Communications at 727-614-7231.
St. Petersburg Collegiate High Schools Earn Top Local Rankings by U.S. News & World Report SPCHS recognized among the best high schools in Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area.
St. Petersburg Collegiate High Schools at St. Petersburg College (SPCHS) continue to excel in preparing students for college and career success, earning top positions locally in U.S. News & World Report’s Best High Schools rankings. Two SPCHS campuses — St. Petersburg/Gibbs and North Pinellas (Tarpon Springs) — were recognized as leaders in the region for their rigorous academics and dual enrollment opportunities.
U.S. News & World Report listed St. Petersburg/Gibbs as #2 in Pinellas County and #5 in the Tampa Bay area and the North Pinellas campus ranked #4 in Pinellas County and #8 in the Tampa Bay area. These rankings highlight the high achievement of SPCHS students and the program’s role in providing a clear pathway to college-level coursework and post-secondary success.
“SPCHS is honored to be recognized as the number two high school in Pinellas County and this achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of our students, faculty and staff to academic excellence and college readiness,” said principal of the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus Ian Call. “At Collegiate, we believe in empowering students to reach their full potential, and this distinction affirms the strength of our mission and the dedication of our school community. This year, we aim to further empower our students for success by increasing the number of Bright Futures Scholarship recipients and organizing college tours to help our students make informed decisions about their majors and post-graduation plans.”
Since their founding, SPCHS campuses have focused on innovative instruction, robust academic support, and access to college-level courses that help students gain valuable skills and earn college credits early. By offering dual enrollment at no cost, SPCHS removes barriers to higher education while preparing students for competitive academic and career opportunities.
“We are also incredibly proud to be recognized among the top high schools in Florida, especially considering that dual enrollment credits — an essential part of our accelerated academic mode — are not included in the rankings, this achievement is a powerful reflection of the dedication and excellence of our students and staff,” said principal of the North Pinellas Collegiate High School Ryan Halstead. “Since opening our doors in 2019, we’ve seen a remarkable rise in our rankings, which speaks volumes about our commitment to delivering a high-quality educational experience while empowering students to thrive in college and beyond.”
About St. Petersburg Collegiate High Schools SPCHS offers academically motivated students the chance to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree simultaneously. The program is designed to accelerate student success, reduce the cost of college, and provide a strong foundation for future academic and career achievements. Campuses are located at St. Petersburg/Gibbs, North Pinellas (Tarpon Springs) and the Downtown STEM Center.
About U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.
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.