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SCHOOL NEWS HAP P ENI N G S F R O M O U R C L AY C O U N T Y S C H O O L S J A N UARY 2 0 2 3 RideOut’s Rosie steals the spotlight from Dolly Parton during ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’ By Don Coble Parton’s initiative to provide books has don@claytodayonline.com been so widespread, one in 10 children now receives a book from her program. MIDDLEBURG – Rosie giggled every time Rosie, who suffered from septo-optic dys- one of her classmates said hello as she plasia that left her blind shortly after birth, stood in front of RideOut Elementary after is one of the children. school last Friday. The outpouring of affec- Since 1995, more than 200 million free tion and attention has become part of her books have been delivered to children daily routine. Her gregarious attitude and every month. infectious smile made the first-grader one “We began receiving Braille books from of the most popular students at the school the Imagination Library. So our daughter months ago. And if any students didn’t was exposed to pre-Braille and Braille and know her, that all changed on Dec. 1 when that is so important. I don’t know if you’re she appeared with County legend Dolly aware of it, but only about 10% of blind Parton on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” children have the opportunity to be Braille The show unexpectedly reached out literate. She’s in the first grade at RideOut to Rosie’s family and asked to do a video Elementary School in Clay County, Florida. interview. After the show recognized She was reading braille and writing Braille her expressive outlook, they invited her before most children are reading or writing and her mother, Liz Williams, to Universal in print.” Studio, California to share their story about As Clarkson wiped away tears, Parton receiving Braille books as part of Parton’s Liz Williams, left, talks with her daughter Rosie, Dolly Parton and show host Kelly Clarkson during the Imagination Library. first-grader’s appearance to highlight the success of Parton’s Imagination Library. SEE ROSIE, 8
Teacher of the Year Finalists Finalists for School-Related Employee of the Year and Teacher of the Year selected the Year will be announced during the Ap- GREEN COVE SPRINGS – On Wednesday, “This outstanding group of individuals have showcased their ple Awards, hosted by the Clay Education December 14th, Superintendent David invaluable skills and dedication serving our schools, children, and Foundation, on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Broskie and leadership from the Clay families. Our finalists have truly set themselves apart from an The program will once again be held at Education Foundation surprised and the Thrasher-Horne Center. named Clay County’s top five finalists for already talented and gifted group of top ten semi-finalists." We look forward to honoring and School-Related Employee of the Year and – David Broskie celebrating our outstanding finalists for Teacher of the Year at each of their school representing all of Clay County’s dedicated sites. “This outstanding group of indi- support professionals and teachers who viduals have showcased their invaluable truly set themselves apart from an already Broskie. work every day to help our children grow skills and dedication serving our schools, talented and gifted group of top ten The winner of Clay County District to their fullest potential. children, and families. Our finalists have semi-finalists,” said Superintendent David School-Related Employee and Teacher of School-Related Employee of the Year Finalists Clay County School News is published monthly by Clay Today. 3513 U.S. Highway 17, Fleming Island, Florida 32003 For advertising information: 904-264-3200 claytodayonline.com 2 • Clay County School News • January 2023
Pop Warner Super Bowl Champions Oakleaf Renegades tailback Calvin Ferguson stole the show once again after a four touchdown performance at the Pop Warner National Tournament on Friday, Dec. 9, with three 50-plus yard scores in the Pop Warner 10-Under National Championshp game with the Renegades winning, 34-19, at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. The Renegades, coached by Carlos Lowe, finished the season unbeaten and won the championship after back-to-back 27-0 quarterfinal and semifinal wins. See story on page 10 Ti p s FROM A VIKING “ WHAT I LIKE MOST ABOUT THIS PROGRAM IS HOW MENTALLY TOUGH IT MAKES YOU.” Marquise 1 Criminal Justice Change lives, starting with your own. Law enforcement officers work in an environment that offers new challenges each day. Their duties include enforcing the law, responding to calls, and the personally rewarding aspects of protecting citizens and maintaining order within the communities they serve. This intensive program includes courses and practical training to prepare you to think critically and manage emergencies effectively. Our instructors believe in teaching students the importance of dedication, teamwork, responsibility and integrity. SJR State is an equal access, equal opportunity organization. SJRstate.edu/nondiscrimination.html SJRstate.edu January 2023 • Clay County School News • 3
Three Clay bands march to medals at state competition By Lee Wardlaw lee@claytodayonline.com ORANGE PARK – The date: Saturday, Nov. 19. The setting: Broward County Stadium at Lauderhill. The event: The Florida Marching Band Championships State Finals. The result: the finish for the Oakleaf High Knights. After a historic night in South Florida two weeks ago, the Oakleaf High School Golden Regiment’s 2022 season finally came to a halt. However, it wasn’t without a Class 4A silver-medal winning perfor- mance for the hardworking 115 boys and girls of the Knights band. The big finish didn’t come without hardship during the final hours of the season or in any given in between then, though. OAKLEAF PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHAD ROBBINS Here’s how it went down: after two The Oakleaf High Golden Regiment are all smiles for a group photo after finishing second in the Class 4A state band competition. performances in the preliminary and retreat rounds, the band was announced as one of five state finalists, along with West Broward, Oviedo, University High and Fleming Island. ‘Our seniors were crying tears of joy. They were elated. They were proud. And I think that the Make that two for Clay County’s school long hours of the long season can sometimes become fatiguing, but in the end, it was worth bands. After final scores and rankings were it for these kids...’ announced for each classification, Oakleaf – Chris Gugel discovered it was the runner-up status, second only to West Broward High by a mere fraction of a point – .45, to be exact. ing. a statement of what has been accom- You want to keep that culture alive and Not only that, but the band’s highlight The Regiment met on campus at 1:45 plished, and perhaps a sign of more great continue it for our students. I believe that performance graded out as the No. 3 high- a.m. and didn’t return to the school until things to come. we have three great band programs, and est overall score, regardless of classifica- 4:30 a.m. the next day. That included a 625- “It’s absolutely a statement because hopefully, people will respond to that, tion, among all Florida schools. mile bus round trip to and from the Fort we’ve worked hard to build the band including the school support team, the A No. 2 finish in 4A and No. 3 finish in Lauderdale metropolitan, the loading and culture,” Robbins said. administration, the community, and so on. the state were recorded despite an intense unloading of equipment and an hours- But that’s not all. Not every county in Florida or anywhere 28-hour stretch of traveling and perform- long wait between performances. With a big performance from three has this much going for it in terms of mu- But this didn’t phase fifth-year band schools in the state finals, he believes the sic and performance,” he said. director Chad Robbins. unique and underappreciated form of Following the dominant performance, www.drelainemartinez.com “We’re out there when the football musical competition is headed in the right the Knights’ band consisting of both a team isn’t and all of the other groups direction within Clay County lines and dedicated mindset and strong leadership are done (practicing during the regular commitment to school band programs had many emotions circling: elation, ex- season.) That (the state championship) was should be a priority moving forward. citement, and more. a super long day, and they still went out “We had the third-highest overall score, “Our students were beyond excited,” he and delivered. I know they’re very passion- but Orange Park was right in the mix as said. ate about what they do. They’re a resilient well, along with Fleming Island. To have This was especially apparent among se- bunch,” he said. three medalists from one county in one niors, who were around for the beginning Specializing in the Dental Care of Babies, Children, Teens and Patients with Special Needs. Fleming Island was third in Class 4A, year is incredible, and I think it deserves stages of the transition from the previous while Orange Park picked up a silver medal attention and support. It’s something leadership to that of the era of Robbins 1530 Business Center Dr., Ste. 1 • Fleming Island • 904-215-4221 performance in Class 2A. that should not be (overlooked), and and co-director Chris Gugel over five years 9640 Crosshill Blvd., Ste. 101 • Jacksonville • 904-404-4444 Robbins said the Knights’ finish was people need to be asking ‘how can I help.’ ago. 4 • Clay County School News • January 2023
“Our seniors were crying tears of joy. “(The seniors) kept the newer members SAVE They were elated. They were proud. And I think that the long hours of the long in line. They were mentors and almost like big brothers and big sisters to those kids. START $ 100 MAKING UP ON AN ACADEMIC season can sometimes become fatiguing, They were the heart of our organization, EVALUATION* but in the end, it was worth it for these and they’re a huge reason for why we kids,” he said. were successful,” Robbins said. FOR LEARNING LOSS NOW! Robbins said that when the seniors The hard work was a culmination of arrived as freshmen in 2018, the program a long season beginning with grueling was not anywhere close to its current state summer practice, which includes ‘fall band which is highly comparable to silver, but camp’ a fully-involved two-week, 10-day HUNTINGTON CAN HELP START THIS YEAR OFF RIGHT! he and Gugel kept pushing them, and the process consisting of eight hours of daily TUTORING & TEST PREP IN-CENTER OR ONLINE group responded with vengeance. practice in the hot, smoldering Sunshine AVERAGE INCREASES “We kept pushing them to build a State sun preceding the induction aca- 2+ GRADE LEVELS • K-12 TUTORING legacy when they got here as freshmen, demic calendar’s fall semester. in math and reading** and we set some pretty lofty expecta- Several instruments, marching posi- 229 POINT tions. They came in while we were on the tions, and other elements factor into play, INCREASE • TEST PREP on SAT score*** ground floor of rebuilding a program that with percussion, color guard, and more all 5.4 POINT • HOMEWORK HELP we wanted to turn into a state power- being cogs of a successful band ‘machine.’ house. So they were on board with that Day-long practices in the Clay County INCREASE on ACT score*** • ACADEMIC process, and it took everyone’s hard work heat dissipate when the first whistle for $71,149.00 PERFORMANCE to make that happen,” Robbins said. football season is blown, but after kickoff, PER STUDENT COACH The director said that the seniors it’s really ‘all gas, no brakes’ for Oakleaf. in scholarship offers*** demonstrated to younger students their This season, that meant marching for positions on the field and helped them 10 games on the football field, win or loss. perform their roles effectively and confi- That, along with seven Saturday compe- Fleming Island • 1960 E. West Parkway Suite 106, Fleming Island, FL 32003 • 904-215-1044 dently. titions and their drive towards the state But that’s not all, with the Oakleaf championship, is why the group strug- 1-800 CAN LEARN Personalized Attention. Proven Results. HuntingtonHelps.com Golden Regiment operating more like a gled through sweltering practices in the ©2021 Huntington Mark, LLC. Independently Owned and Operated. SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) are registered trademarks of the College Board. PSAT/ NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. None of these family unit with the underclassmen under summer sun before the onset of the 2022 entities were involved in the production of, and do not endorse, this program. *Not valid with any other offers. **Grade level results are based on cumulative average grade level increases in reading and math for 17,445 students from 2010-2014 using the full set of available student data. ***Results are based on the seniors’ wing, he said. academic year. surveys of 3,289 Huntington students graduating in 2019, using their initial Huntington Academic Evaluation and final SAT/ACT test score. HLC4159.3 January 2023 • Clay County School News • 5
Student Health Expo returns to Keystone Heights High By Natalie Gilstrap back to all the schools in Clay County.” For School News The expo was held at the high school’s gym for seventh through 12th KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Keystone Heights graders. Junior/Senior High attended its first The goal is to bring health aware- Student Health Expo since the COVID-19 ness to the students and reduce risky pandemic on Dec. 16. behavior before it happens. The interac- “It's an event where we are having tive event will have tables with around community providers come and talk 20 community providers available for about topics that will affect the student’s students to learn about health and injury health,” said Director of Community Part- prevention. Aza Health, Clay Action nership Schools Tina Baker. Coalition, Emmanuel Project of North HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, East Florida, HCA Orange Park Hospital in partnership with Clay County District and the Florida Department of Health are Schools organized the event to bring some of the exhibitors that were present awareness of a healthy lifestyle to the to educate students on topics like safe students. Its overall focus is to encour- driving, first aid, nutrition and healthy age students to make safe and healthy relationships. decisions while bringing awareness to “It’s bringing it into like a clearing the local resources available. house,” Baker said. “A one-stop location The Student Health Expo was origi- where they will get exposed to informa- nally started in 2013 by the Florida De- tion and resources that will help them partment of Health Clay County School make good decisions regarding their Students had the opportunity to meet with 20 community providers for the first time since 2020. Health to bring health awareness and health.” injury prevention to teens. The event was Students were able to participate in first held at Keystone Heights Junior/Se- a raffle drawing after completing a ques- nior High and has been rotated annually tionnaire scavenger hunt. between high schools in Clay County “It’s really a great opportunity,” Miller until COVID put the program on pause. said. “If anybody has questions or would “We were scheduled to have it in like to participate, please reach out.” 2020, but Covid spread and put a hold To learn more email about the Stu- on it.” Sarah Miller, Injury Prevention Co- dent Health Expo email Sarah Miller at ordinator at HCA Orange Park Hospital, sarah.miller6@hcahealthcare.com. said. “We are excited to make a full come- Clay County Farm Bureau offering scholarships CLAY COUNTY – The County Farm Bu- beloved former agriculture teacher and reau announced it is accepting applica- FFA advisor of Clay County. This special tions for our 2023 Scholarship Program. scholarship will be awarded to deserving 2022-2023 Season Clay County Farm Bureau awards scholarships to graduating seniors and recipients who plan to study to become an agriculture teacher. Register Today current college students whose parents, Applications may be obtained from or grandparents are members of Clay your high school guidance counselor, County Farm Bureau. This scholarship any FFA Adviser, from the Clay County ArtsEdgeDance.com program is very competitive and first Farm Bureau Facebook page or at the bu- preference will be given to applicants reau at 2000 Henley Road in Middleburg. who will be pursuing a career in the field Completed applications must be of agriculture. received by the Clay County Farm Bureau We would also like to invite students office no later than Feb. 15. For additional to apply for the Katy Hendry Memorial information, contact Terri Davis at (904) Scholarship. This scholarship honors a 282-0644. 6 • Clay County School News • January 2023
Students learn about financial literacy at second Reality Check program By Natalie Gilstrap “I think the kids are coming to the reali- For School News zation that they are applying the skills,” said Tina Baker, director of Community Partner KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – Keystone Heights Schools. “It’s an application. They see the High and Capital City Bank partnered to connection and that’s the big piece of it.” bring the second Reality Check to the Volunteers were served lunch provided school. by Clyde’s Cozy Kitchen Café. The goal of the event was to teach stu- Teachers said the event was a useful dents about financial literacy and provide tool for the students. them with a better understanding of the “I think it’s great if the kids actually get cost of living. into it,” said math teacher Leah Pruit. “My “It kind of shows us what to expect kids that are into it are really enjoying it.” when we get older,” student Chloe said. She said it’s important and recom- The event was held in the school’s mends that students should participate. gym and it attracted 55 volunteers. At the Not only did the teachers support the start of each period, students were given event, but students also said it was engag- a package that stated their job, marital ing and beneficial. status, family and income before being “It’s really fun. It’s a whole learning directed to the bank table. Then they were experience,” student Keila said. directed to the housing table and then to Volunteers viewed Reality Check as an the utility table before being allowed to important tool and would recommend visit the other booths like transportation, others to volunteer. PHOTO BY NATALIE GILSTRAP grocery, clothing and insurance. “It’s a great experience. We’ve recom- Student met with 55 volunteers at Keystone Hieghts High gymnasium to learn important information This year’s event attracted more mended it to everybody that’s asked,” said about managing finances during the second Reality Check program. students who wanted to manage their volunteers Debbie and Todd Bealls. expenses and checkbooks. Benavidez earns scholarship from Fortis College We're Hiring! Share your unique passion For School News suing education/careers through FAPSC and impact the lives of young people! member schools. It presents scholarships ORANGE PARK – Jessica Benavidez was three times per year, in the winter, spring Full-time starting at $50k per year* one of eight students at Fortis College to earn a $1,000 scholarship from the Florida and fall. Fortis Colleges and Institutes, the lead- Teachers starting at $31 per hour AAly Online Association of Postsecondary Schools and ing nursing brand for Education Affiliates, Part-time starting at $15 per hour Colleges Foundation. has enrolled more than 5,000 nursing stu- The student from Orange Park will be dents nationwide and operates 20 nursing able to use the money toward academic campuses in 10 states. For more infor- *Competitive Salary + Great Benefits! credits as she completes her degree. mation about Fortis’s nursing programs, 10% Match for 401(k) Contributions “We are extremely proud of the stu- 11 Paid Holidays + 13 PTO Days visit www.fortis.edu. Competitive Healthcare Package dents recognized by FAPSC,” said Fortis Fortis is a post-secondary network College Regional Vice President Jim Herbst, of colleges and institutes that engages who oversees the Florida campuses. “We students in powerful learning and training CLAY COUNTY BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS are privileged to work with dedicated and experiences, which delivers focused career •Clay High School •Keystone Heights Jr/Sr High •Orange Park High School passionate students as they work toward •Grove Park Elementary School •Montclair Elementary School •Wilkinson Jr. High School education programs in nursing, dental, •Orange Park Jr. High School their career goals in the healthcare com- healthcare, and the skilled trades at 30 munity.” schools in 14 states. The Fortis network FAPSC serves as an advocate for de- offers career-based certificate, diploma gree-granting and non-degree-granting and degree-granting programs. Program career schools and colleges within Florida. offerings and programmatic accreditations Its foundation was established for the sole vary by campus. Each Fortis campus is ac- purpose of providing tuition assistance to credited by a nationally recognized body. qualifying individuals interested in pur- January 2023 • Clay County School News • 7
College Signings Girgis to FSCJ Ridgeview High senior infielder Billy Girgis has family with him during November 15 athletic scholarship to play baseball at Florida State College-Jacksonville next season. Girgis will join a team that includes plenty of Clay County ex-players that fueled a national junior college championship run last year. PHOTO BY RIELLY HURLEY/FIHS FIHS lacrosse signs three Fleming Island High signed away three lacrosse athletes to continue playing next year with Jillian LaBelle, left, heading to NCAA Div. II Anderson University in South Carolina; Will Krupsky heading to NCAA Div. I Jacksonville University and Baylee Jennings heading to NAIA Keiser University in south Florida. Channell to FAU Left: Keystone Heights High senior shortstop Kiley Channell inks scholarship to play at Florida Atlantic University, an NCAA Division I softball program in south Florida. Rosie “I liked singing the most,” Rosie said. “I liked it. It felt good to sing.” from page 1 Then Rosie asked if she could sing a song, and she picked “The Lion Sleeps appeared to be overcome by the moment. Tonight.” “It makes it all worthwhile to hear Rosie got a book a month from the those stories to think that a little child, the program. Her favorite is “Look Out Kinder- Imagination Library, we have to have that garten, Here I Come.” on the radio, you just do not know,” I do Parton’s Imagination Library has been not know, but thank God for that child and made available by the Clay Education for you (Liz) for you coming here today to Foundation in two zip codes – 32043 share that result. That makes me feel great (Green Cove Springs) and 32073 (Orange and I know my Dad would be proud.” Park, Bellair, Meadowbrook Terrace and Then Clarkson surprised Parton when Lakeside). Rosie walked onto the stage. From there, Parton’s charity recently got a $5,310 she stole the show. donation from the Orange Park Women’s Rosie got hugs from Clarkson and Club. Parton and she quickly asked them to “sing Parents can sign up a child for free at / me a song.” They picked “Amazing Grace.” ow.ly/yCTN30scAVj. While they sang, Rose clutched Parton’s thumb. She responded by pulling Rosie’s hand to her cheek. 8 • Clay County School News • January 2023
Kids with heART The Kids with heART Gallery in the Pediatric Emergency Waiting Room of Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County campus has a new sponsor and features artwork by Clay County students. Thank you to Van and Sandra Royal for sponsoring this gallery. Each month a different elementary school will be spotlighted in the gallery. The month of November features artwork by the students at Wilkinson Elementary. Bike Lane Design winner Congratulations to Andrea Navarro Vazquez of Middleburg Elementary School. Andrea was announced as one of the 2022 Grand Prize winners for the Bike Lane Design contest sponsored by Florida Department of Transportation, District 2, in the grades 3-5 category. Andrea's winning design will be painted on the road in the bike lane near Middleburg Elementary School. Over 500 junior and senior high students in the Cambridge Program participated in the Physics Day field trip last week at Busch Gardens. Students participated in interactive physics stations located around the park throughout the day. Accelerometers were even mounted on select rides for student use. January 2023 • Clay County School News • 9
Renegades holds off late charge for national title By Randy Lefko started August 1. to get the championship trophy at one Sports Editor “I was in Pensacola in Perdido Bay point in the second half and returned the Buccaneers a few years ago and we made to field with the game a lot closer. ORLANDO - Following an epic 17 weeks of it all the way to the semifinals,” said Lowe, “Addison started to come back on the dominating football the Oakleaf Rene- a U.S. Marine. “This was my second time Oakleaf team, but a strip tackle and fumble gades 10-Under Pop Warner team, led by around. We told the kids last week that recovery by the Renegades on a Cowboy prolific tailback Calvin Ferguson’s three this whole week was either going to be a breakaway seemed to turn the game scores, held off a second half surge by the fun one and we started partying after our around,” said Prince. “That Addison team Addison Cowboys of Illinois to win a 34-19 semifinal win.” was starting to make their move.” national championship title in just their With the game seemingly in hand The fumble; tackle by Ferguson on a third year of existence. behind tailback Calvin Ferguson three breakaway run by Addison, fumble pick up “This is the first time in about 25 years 50-plus yard scoring runs and a dash from by Antonio Hamilton, led to a final touch- that a team from the First Coast Confer- Keonte Ayers, the Renegades bolted to a down by Ferguson to move the score from ence in the northeast Jacksonville area, has 27-0 lead on the Addison team to go into 27-19 to 34-19. been to the championship game,” said First the half with the same point total as their “Calvin Ferguson did an amazing run Coast Conference President Dean Prince. two previous wins; 27-0 in both the quar- after that fumble to set the game,” said “The last team that got close was a team terfinals and in Tuesday’s semifinal win Chris Kennedy, in his first year as director from Ponte Vedra that lost a thriller in the over Lower Perks of Pennsylvania. of the Oakleaf Youth Sports Associa- national semifinal game.” Prince, involved in Pop Warner and tion.”Our staff is full of plenty of military For Carlos Lowe, in his third year at youth sports for nearly 30 years in the guys that understand discipline and focus the helm of the Renegades who only Jacksonville area, appreciated the efforts to task. We have quality coaches that started playing in the newly-constructed of Renegades coach Carlos Lowe and the teach the kids good football and good Oakleaf Youth Sports, the Renegades have Oakleaf area community, said he went into sportsmanship and they just settled in and blistered their way through a season that the tunnel of the Camping World Stadium maintained the course.” AFTER SCHOOL ALTERNATIVE / 4 WEEKS SPECIAL $4900 Now Enrolling 2022-2023 Grades K-6th After School Pick-Up / Designated Homework Time Martial Arts Instruction / Sharper Focus Improved Self Confidence / Camps When School Is Out MARTINEZ MARTIAL ARTS / 4479-4 US Highway 17 / Fleming Island / (904) 487-3016 10 • Clay County School News • January 2023
Kennedy said the team plans a Satur- been a big part of giving the kids a quality day banquet on Saturday to honor the experience with all the amenities in the team and then a Wed., Dec. 21 date with Orlando area. The Oakleaf community the Jacksonville Iceman hockey team. should be commended for their fundrais- “The kids are excited to be on the field; ing and support of the kids to make all this the big field was a special excitement,” said happen.” Prince. “The Florida Citrus Association has WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Associate Degree in Nursing Practical Nursing Medical Assisting Dental Assisting Surgical Technology Sterile Processing Technician FORTIS.EDU FORTIS COLLEGE 700 BLANDING BLVD., ORANGE PARK, FL • 855-445-3276 Financial aid available for those who qualify. Career placement assistance for all graduates. For consumer information, visit fortis.edu. January 2023 • Clay County School News • 11
12 • Clay County School News • January 2023
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