Academy puts focus on energy

The Tampa TribunePublished: January 18, 2010

HOLIDAY - Officially, the grand opening of Anclote High School's Academy ofEnergy happened Wednesday with a ceremony that featured speakers, a ribbon-cutting and student-produced exhibits.But students have been hard at work there since August when Pasco's newest highschool opened on Sweetbriar Drive. About 20 to 30 students are learning aboutenergy and preparing for possible careers in the field under the tutelage of PhilLawhorn, a journeyman electrician with teaching experience.Wednesday's event provided an opportunity to bring together educators, businesspartners and public officials who played a role in making the academy a reality."It has been a long adventure, and it continues," Principal Monica Use said.The state has been pushing school districts to launch career academies in highschools where students can earn industry certification or establish the groundworkfor studies in college.Academies at other Pasco high schools focus on health, engineering andinformation technology and other areas.The Academy of Energy has a close relationship with Progress Energy, TampaElectric and Coastal Caisson Corp., all of which had input in the academy so thecurriculum is relevant.Students learn about renewable energy sources such as wind, solar andgeothermal. They prepare for careers as pipefitters, electrical engineers,environmental scientists, pipe layers, power plant operators, chemical engineers andothers. "There are plenty of opportunities out there," said Kevin Gay, ProgressEnergy's craft-technical work force program manager.

Ronnie Blair