WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE – August 2024

WELLINGTON AUGUST 2024

Bringing You The Best Of Wellington Since 2004

TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF DANCE

Plus

30-Year Reunion Brings Together WHS Class Of 1994 16 Years Of Artistic Excellence At Dance Theatre Talking With Palm Beach State College’s Ava Parker Enjoy Breakfast And Lunch At Skillets Restaurant

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August 2024

volume 21, number 8 AUGUST 2024

executive editor Joshua I. Manning

Features

DECADES OF 14 THREE FOND MEMORIES

contents

A recent 30-year reunion brought together Wellington High School’s Class of 1994.

publisher

Dawn Rivera

senior graphic designer Stephanie Rodriguez

16 YEARS 18 CELEBRATING OF ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE

graphic designers

Located in the heart of the community, Dance Theatre at Wellington stands as a testament to dedication, passion and the transformative power of dance.

account managers

23 HIGHER EDUCATION FOR ALL

Nancy Pobiak Yolanda Cernicky Betty Buglio Evie Edwards Joetta Palumbo

administration Christina Charles Shanta Daibee Jill Kaskel Carol Lieberman

photography Abner Pedraza

contributors

Shannon Anastasio Matthew Auerbach Jim Barnes Erin Davisson Denise Fleischman Frank Koester Mike May Callie Sharkey Y.A. Teitelbaum

WELLINGTON Bringing You The Best Of Wellington Since 2004

THE MAGAZINE

12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33 Wellington, FL 33414 Phone: (561) 793-7606 Fax: (561) 793-1470 www.wellingtonthemagazine.com

published by

Wellington The Magazine, LLC

chairman/ceo

Barry S. Manning Wellington The Magazine is published monthly in Wellington, Florida. Copyright 2024, all rights reserved by Wellington The Magazine, LLC. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the portion of the advertisement occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.

Palm Beach State College President Ava Parker leads the largest institution of higher education in Palm Beach County. Under her leadership, the college has hit record enrollment levels and opened a fifth location. BY JOSHUA MANNING

YEAR TO 27 GAP COLLEGE FRESHMAN

Student Christina Charles writes about what it has been like heading back to school with help from Palm Beach State College. BY CHRISTINA CHARLES

31 ART FROM THE HEART

High school artist Andrea Gonzalez uses her talents to paint murals at Binks Forest Elementary School. BY MIKE MAY

STUDENTS TO 35 EMPOWERING BECOME THEIR BEST SELVES The Wellington Collegiate Academy is a beacon of education, dedicated to molding hardworking, respectable and self-reliant students. BY CHRISTINA CHARLES

from the

publisher

As summer break draws to a close, this edition we celebrate back-to-school season. On our cover, we visit Dance Theater at Wellington, which is marking 16 years of artistic excellence with a new location and new ownership. Meanwhile, for Wellington High School’s Class of 1994, it was a long time since they’ve been back to school, but they returned to make new memories during their 30-year reunion.

Also featured this issue is an interview with Palm Beach State College President Ava Parker, who leads the largest institution of higher education in Palm Beach County. We spoke with Parker about plans for the fast-growing Loxahatchee Groves campus, located just across the street from Wellington.

We also get a first-person perspective from PBSC student Christina Charles about what it’s like to head back to school after a gap year. Next, we chatted with high school artist Andrea Gonzalez about her mural work at Binks Forest Elementary School, and we visited Wellington Collegiate Academy, a faith-based private school located in the heart of Wellington.

Our Wellington Today feature by Village Manager Jim Barnes celebrates Wellington’s recent honor of being named one of the Top 50 Best Places to Live for Families. Wellington History travels back in time to the opening of the first public school in Wellington, and Wellington Table visits Skillets, which opened its third location in Palm Beach County last month in Wellington’s Courtyard Shops.

Have a wonderful end to your summer, and we’ll be back next month with the annual Our Wellington issue.

Dawn Rivera

Departments

Dawn Rivera, Publisher

WELLINGTON SOCIAL SCENE

8 Library, Butterfly Garden Bring Neighbors Together 10 Wellington Rotary Club Holds Awards Banquet 12 American Legion Holds Installation Of Officers

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14 31 41

42 2027

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39 WELLINGTON TODAY

The Village of Wellington was recently honored as one of the Top 50 Best Places to Live for Families. BY JIM BARNES

42 WELLINGTON HISTORY

Children in the fledgling community of Wellington were first bused east to attend school. However, after years of petitions, the School District of Palm Beach County opened Wellington Elementary School in 1980, led by the iconic Buz Spooner, the school’s founding principal. BY JOSHUA MANNING

47 WELLINGTON TABLE

Get a wide variety of delicious and nutritious breakfast and lunch items at Skillets, which opened last month in Wellington’s Courtyard Shops.

23

on the

cover Students from Dance Theatre at Wellington, featured this issue.

PHOTO BY ALEXA TILLER

wellington the magazine | august 2024 7

wellington | social scene PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER

LIBRARY, BUTTERFLY GARDEN BRING TOGETHER MARGATE NEIGHBORS

On Sunday, July 21, Elizabeth Mariaca hosted a community event for Wellington’s Margate Place neighborhood to continue her efforts to bring local neighbors together. Mariaca unveiled her new Little Free Library in her newly expanded butterfly garden, dedicated to the memory of her daughter Jahmila, who passed away in a tragic accident back in 2011. The library is available for all neighbors to use. Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone was in attendance for the unveiling and read a book to the children who were there. The children also had the opportunity to paint a butterfly on a rock that will be placed at the foot of the library post.

(Left to right) Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone reads a book to some of the neighborhood children; Elizabeth Mariaca and Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone with the Little Free Library; Eva and Franco Nappi look at some of the caterpillars that Elizabeth Mariaca has in her butterfly garden; and Marissa Illsley and Joan D’Hurieux explore the garden with host Elizabeth Mariaca.

(Left to right) Kids enjoy painting rocks for the butterfly garden; neighbors watch as Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone reads a book to the children; Indy Cook takes a peek at the books that are available; Elizabeth Mariaca thanks Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone for attending the dedication of the Little Free Library; and the library is dedicated to the memory of Mariaca’s daughter Jahmila.

8 august 2024 | wellington the magazine

wellington | social scene PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

WELLINGTON ROTARY CLUB HOLDS 44TH ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET

The Wellington Rotary Club held its 44th annual Awards Banquet and Installation of Officers on Saturday, June 22 at the Wanderers Club with the theme “Create Hope in the World.” Walter Imperatore was installed as president by Mayor Michael Napoleone, taking over for Scott Armand. Service Above Self awards were presented to Susan O’Dell, Jay Broder, Tom Carreras and Larry Falk. Dr. Wes Boughner received a Level 4 Paul Harris Award. The Frank T. Gladney Award went to Tom Carreras, the Rising Star Award was presented to Dennis Golub and Marc Strich was honored as Rotarian of the Year.

(Left to right) Board members Randy Pfeiffer, Jess Coburn, Tiffany Rodriguez, George Kinoshita, Andrew Burr, Maria Cruz, Don Gross, Maggie Zeller, Jim O’Neil, Scott Armand, David Berns and Walter Imperatore with Mayor Michael Napoleone; Immediate Past President Scott Armand, President-Elect Maria Cruz and President Walter Imperatore; Incoming President Walter Imperatore was sworn-in by Mayor Michael Napoleone; and Scott Armand, Randy Pfeiffer, Mickey Smith, Maggie Zeller, Don Gross and Barry Manning honor Frank T. Gladney Award winner Tom Carreras.

(Left to right) Scott Frost, Michelle Garvey, and Councilwoman Maria and Juan Antuña; Louis and Beth Eisenberg with Maureen and Don Gross; Scott Armand presents the President’s Award of Excellence to Mickey Smith; Barbara and Dr. Wes Boughner with Dennis Golub; and Alexandra and Brian Betron with Dr. Sandra and Chris Warren.

10 august 2024 | wellington the magazine

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wellington | social scene PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

WELLINGTON’S AMERICAN LEGION HOLDS INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

American Legion Post 390 in Wellington held its annual Installation of Officers on Wednesday, July 10 at the Wellington Community Center.

Outgoing Commander John Shwiner was thanked for his service, while incoming Commander Laz Sed was sworn in. Other officers include: First Vice Commander Roberto Carballoso, Second Vice Commander Anthony Tahan, Adjutant David Roman, Sergeant -at-Arms James Sparrow Jr., Chaplain Lawrence Williams Sr., Service Officer Tina Schaffer, Finance Officer Janet Scalzitti, Historian William Bartels and Judge Advocate Robert Nappi.

(Left to right) (Front row) Laurence Williams Sr., Laz Sed, Janet Scalzitti and Anthony Tahan; and (back row) Tina Schaffer, Roberto Carballoso, James Sparrow Jr., Bob Nappi, David Roman and William Bartels; 11th District Sergeant-at-Arms Ed Manak and 11th District Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Maria Brown; Jim Sackett and Al Ziker; and Michael Gauger gives John Shwiner a donation for children’s programs.

(Left to right) District 11 Commander Toni Sutherland swears in the new officers; John Shwiner and District 11 Commander Toni Sutherland; District 11 Commander Toni Sutherland swears in Commander Laz Sed; Keith and Lois Jordano; and Luis Torres with Phyllis and Michael Gauger.

12 august 2024 | wellington the magazine

Alina (Farinas) Hoge, Amit Patel and Jennifer (Sardone) Shiner.

THREE DECADES OF MEMORIES

30-Year Reunion Brings Together Wellington High School’s Class Of 1994 In the sixth grade, Jennifer (Sardone) Shiner and her cousin Melissa (Lauria) Schmidt — both members of Wellington High School’s Class of 1994 — moved from Staten Island, New York, to Wellington, Florida. Why Wellington? Jennifer’s family, who lived in Boca Raton, recommended the fast-growing community as an up-and-coming place to raise a family.

While attending Wellington Landings Middle School, Jennifer became friends with Alina (Farinas) Hoge and Amit Patel. Together with Melissa, they 14 august 2024 | wellington the magazine

recalled learning in portable classrooms.

Jennifer was a soccer player, and she, Alina and Amit sang and performed throughout Palm Beach County in the chorus under the direction of Mr. A (Richard Andreacchio).

As they looked forward to high school, they knew that the School District of Palm Beach County was building a new school, Wellington High School.

As first-year students when the school opened in 1990, they were the first class to attend all four years. Alina worked in journalism on the yearbook, while Jen-

nifer played varsity soccer and continued singing with the chorus, and Amit excelled in playing tennis and was on the debate team. Both Alina and Amit were named the “most talkative” of the class.

In high school, the students filled the halls and, with every step, created memorable moments. New friendships were established, lasting until graduation and beyond. As the four years passed, and everyone grew up, the memories of homecoming, football games, parties, sleepovers and their high school graduation lasted a lifetime.

(Above) Images from the Saturday night party at Wellington National Golf Club.

(Left) Friday night’s gathering was held at Kontiki restaurant with more than 100 people attending.

PHOTOS BY COASTAL CLICK PHOTOGRAPHY

In 1994, the class had more than 600 graduates, and the graduation ceremony was held at the former West Palm Beach Auditorium. After graduation, students went on to college, married, started working and began the next chapter of their lives.

Since graduation, Alina and Jennifer, with the help of others, have coordinated and planned reunions through the years. These events created new memories and brought back fond memories of those early years at WHS. Some of the memories they remi-

nisced about living in “Welly World” back then were the times going to Squire’s Deli for fireballs, going to the original Wellington Mall (then known as the Commons Mall), getting their first jobs, going to the Wellington pool and attending the popular Huck Finn Day celebration.

Alina and Jennifer manage the class’s Facebook page, and as the time rolled around again, they surveyed the class for the dates for their 30th reunion. The reunion weekend was set for June 21-22, 2024. Once again, Alina and Jennifer

started planning, and recruited Amit to help. A committee was formed. Their idea was to bring the class back to Wellington for this milestone 30th reunion, since many other reunions were outside Wellington.

After months of planning and more than 1,000 texts, Alina, Jennifer and Amit were excited that the weekend finally arrived. Friday was themed Flashback Friday to 1994, and the class was asked to wear clothes from the 1990s, or anything from Wellington High School. It could be a football jersey or wellington the magazine | august 2024 15

a powder puff jersey, from a sport to a club.

Friday night was held at Kontiki restaurant, and more than 100 people attended. Every face was familiar, just a little older, but time stood still on that night. It was as if they were once again in the hallways of the high school. Everyone was anxious to catch up with old friends, meet spouses, and learn about their families and jobs. As adults now approaching 50, cliques no longer existed, and everyone was just friends. Lots of photos were taken, drinks were had, sushi and appetizers were served, and there was a DJ with plenty of dancing.

Saturday was scheduled to be a pool day at the Wellington National Golf Club, but the weather was questionable.

Guys scheduled golf in the morning.

Lunch brought many together at the club for social time.

Soon, it was time for the big dinner event, held at the Wellington National Golf Club — a night the organizers and their former classmates had all waited for. The committee made sure everything was perfect. As guests entered, former high school teachers assisted with signing in. Cocktail hour was a good time to say hi to everyone and to reconnect with each other. There was a photo booth with props, a bar, passed hors Reunion attendees at Wellington National Golf Club.

PHOTO BY COASTAL CLICK PHOTOGRAPHY

16 august 2024 | wellington the magazine

d’oeuvres, a shrimp display, and tons of laughs and smiles.

Next, it was time to enter the ballroom, adorned with classic royal blue and white, representing the high school colors. The centerpieces were glittery 30s with 1994 and confetti. The dance floor had an oversized “WHS 94.” Alina created a memorabilia table filled with yearbooks, the high school newspaper The Wave and photos of old newspaper clippings from their four years in high school. The walls had programs, invitations and the traditional high school cap and gown. The photo booth had groups of people dancing with hats, props and boas.

Jennifer, Alina and Amit hosted their tables filled with friends. Following dinner, and after looking around the room, seeing everyone having a great time made all the efforts worth every second.

DJ Marcus played hit songs from the 1990s, and everyone hit the dance floor as if they were 16 again. For dessert, there was a 30-cupcake display and coffee.

During the evening, attendees took a moment to remember the five members of the Class of 1994 lost through the years — students they had known but gone too soon. There was a memorial table with their photos and candles.

Guests were invited to sign the photos

for each student, which would be given to their families as a gift.

Soon, it was time to end the evening.

Some went home and returned to their normal lives, and some went to JoJo’s for a nightcap.

The reunion committee thanks Megan (Baran) Vodar and Rob Saake for their help with the reunion. Special thanks as well to classmate Kelly O’Brien of Coastal Click Photography, who captured the photos. Finally, thanks to all the classmates who traveled from near and far to attend and help to make the 30th reunion weekend one to be remembered forever.

The committee dedicates this story to the classmates who have passed on and who will always be remembered: Melanie Miller, Scott Zurko, Carlos and Rafael Aruzza, and Bryan Wiles.

Today, 30 years after graduation, Alina lives with her husband Brian Hoge and their triplet sons in Wellington, which has remained a great place to raise a family. Amit graduated as a civil engineer and currently resides in Wellington. Jennifer lives in Stuart with her husband Scott Shiner (Class of 1993), and her cousin Melissa lives in Palm Beach Gardens with her husband Joe Schmidt (Class of 1991) and both sons are in college.

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Dance Theatre at Wellington owner Bryanna Fallen with students.

18 august 2024 | wellington the magazine

16 YEARS OF ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE Dance Theatre At Wellington Marks Milestone With Convenient New Location Located in the heart of the community, Dance Theatre at Wellington stands as a testament to dedication, passion and the transformative power of dance.

Founded in 1993 by Michelle and Randy Gerlick, this beloved institution started in Davie and has been nurturing the love of dance in students of all ages for more than 31 years. From its inception, Dance Theatre has been more than just a studio, it has been a family. In August 2008, the legacy continued when Dance Theatre arrived in Wellington.

Since that time, it has become a home for thousands of dance families.

Bryanna Fallen — known as Ms. Bry — began her journey with Dance Theatre at Wellington in 2008 as the front desk administrative assistant, a role that allowed her to immerse herself in the vibrant atmosphere of the studio. Working closely with the children, as well as her two daughters, who enjoyed dancing as part of the growing Dance Theatre community, she quickly developed a deep affection for the environment, witnessing firsthand the transforma-

tive power of dance on young lives.

“From my first moments in the studio, I fell in love. You could instantly feel the energy that surrounded you from the students and families,” Bryanna recalled. “There was an excitement in the air. Dancing was always a big part of my life growing up, and I knew that this was where I belonged. It soon became a second home to me. Both of my daughters danced at the studio, and it was such a blessing to be able to share that time with them.”

Bryanna’s passion grew each day as she supported the students and staff, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This connection to the studio’s mission ignited a dream within her to

Dancer Chelsea Hector.

PHOTO BY ALEXA TILLER

one day own and lead Dance Theatre at Wellington.

After 15 years, a significant milestone was reached when the studio’s previous owner decided to pursue a new career path.

wellington the magazine | august 2024 19

This presented an incredible opportunity for Bryanna and her husband, Howie Fallen, whose dreams of owning the studio finally came to fruition.

Her transition from manager to owner was seamless, thanks to her deep-rooted connection to the studio and its community.

On Nov. 15, 2023, after a challenging and eventful build-out at their new location in the Shoppes at Wellington Green near Panera Bread, the Fallens opened the doors as the new owners at Dance Theatre at Wellington. Their commitment to preserving the studio’s legacy while infusing it with fresh energy has been nothing short of remarkable.

“We have something for everyone,” Bryanna said. “Whether you are looking for recreational classes or looking for a competitive edge with our DTX competition team, we offer classes for students ages 2.5 to 18 years old. We offer acro, ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, poms, musical theater, tap, salsa, TikTok classes, conditioning and contem-

Dancer Chloe DaSilva.

PHOTO BY ALEXA TILLER

20 august 2024 | wellington the magazine

porary/hip hop. For our little ones, we offer combination classes, such as ballet and tap.”

At Dance Theatre at Wellington, Bryanna and Howie Fallen have cultivated an environment that is warm and inviting to anyone who enters. They welcome all families into the studio, treating every student as if they were their own. Their mission is to create a space where students not only learn to dance but also feel a profound sense of belonging and comfort from the moment they walk through the doors.

“Dance Theatre is proud to be a family-run business,” Bryanna said. “When you walk through the doors, you will instantly feel like you are part of that family. Nothing warms my heart more than when I hear a child call me ‘Mama Bry.’ Under the guidance of our experienced and dedicated staff, children learn proper dance techniques, build confidence and develop a deep love for dance.”

She added that the studio’s programs not only focus on technical skills, but also on fostering creativity, working as a team, being resilient and becoming self-disciplined. “We want to help raise students who are kind, compassionate and support one another,” Bryanna said.

“The dance world is tough, and you need that support from your fellow dancers. We are committed to nurturing each child’s potential and helping them thrive both on the dance floor and in the world.”

One of the cornerstones of Dance Theatre’s success is its staff, many of whom have been with the studio for years. These dedicated professionals are not just teachers; they are mentors who are deeply invested in the growth and development of their stu-

dents. Their goal is to instill proper technique, challenge students to reach new goals, build confidence and foster an enduring love for dance.

“There are so many life lessons from taking dance classes,” Bryanna said.

“Whether dancers are performing or mastering dance skills in the classroom, this is building their confidence and selfesteem, which will then in turn help them have a positive self-image. Every skill that is mastered builds their confidence and self-esteem. Dancers have to be resilient and persevere during difficult times. They are challenged constantly when mastering a difficult routine or overcoming the fear of being on stage.”

She added that dancers also learn the importance of time management.

“Balancing dance classes with school and other activities help children develop strong organizational and time management skills,” Bryanna said. “Dance encourages creative thinking and personal expression, allowing children to explore and convey their emotions through movement. Most importantly, they learn respect and how to work together as a team. Dancers learn how to follow instructions, respect teachers and peers, and maintain a positive attitude, which helps children understand and practice good manners and respect for others. Dance teaches discipline and commitment. Coming to class on a regular basis teaches children the importance of dedication and hard work.”

Dance Theatre at Wellington is located at 10550 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Shoppes of Wellington Green. For more information about classes and programs, call (561) 270-5678 or e-mail wellington@ dancetheatre.net. Learn more at www. dancetheatre.net/wellington.

View the schedule and register online at www.dancetheatre.net/wellington.

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HIGHER EDUCATION FOR ALL PBSC’s Ava Parker On Educating The Workforce Of Tomorrow

PBSC President Ava L. Parker in front of a four-story, 83,500-square-foot building under construction at the Loxahatchee Groves campus that will be part of the Frank DiMino Center for Medical Innovation. It will include a fully equipped dental clinic, a surgical technology suite and science labs with cutting-edge technology.

BY JOSHUA MANNING

Palm Beach State College President Ava L. Parker leads the largest institution of higher education in Palm Beach County. Under her leadership, the college has hit record enrollment levels and opened a fifth location, the fast-growing Loxahatchee Groves campus just across Southern Blvd. from Wellington.

“I am truly honored to serve as the fifth president of the college,” Parker said. “I chose Palm Beach State because of the difference that it has historically made in the lives of our students, their families and our community. We are a partnership institution and a critical part of the economic infrastructure.”

A Wellington resident, Parker holds a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the University of Florida. She came to PBSC nine years ago from Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, where

she served as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

“PBSC has the distinction of being the state’s first public community college, a legacy that underscores our commitment to providing an accessible, affordable, high-quality education that opens pathways to careers right here in Palm Beach County,” Parker said.

She is proud of the sense of community she sees in how the school’s faculty and staff work together to support more than 36,000 students.

“Our focus on innovation, coupled with our wide range of programs and resources, empowers students to achieve their career and life goals and make a meaningful impact in the communities of Palm Beach County,” Parker explained.

Looking for a centrally located home

with easy access to PBSC’s five campuses — Boca Raton, Belle Glade, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee Groves and Palm Beach Gardens — Parker quickly settled on Wellington as her home base.

“I was looking for a family environment with good schools and friendly people and a place that was central to our college campuses,” Parker recalled, adding that people she spoke to often mentioned Wellington. “My husband Joe Gibbons and I were sold after our first visit. We rented here first just to be sure, and we eventually bought our home here in Wellington. It has been a great choice for us. My son Parker and daughter Bailey have enjoyed participating in recreational sports.”

Wellington also provides her family with a rich variety of family-oriented activities. wellington the magazine | august 2024 23

Ava L. Parker has been the president of Palm Beach State College for the past nine years.

“The Wellington area is horse country, and one of the things I enjoy most is attending polo matches at the National Polo Center,” Parker said. “I also enjoy the parks and participating in holiday activities with my family. The Wellington Environmental Preserve offers a beautiful respite with its nature trails and scenes of wildlife, and the Mall at Wellington Green is always a go-to destination for shopping.”

A key focus of Parker’s tenure has been the opening and growth of the Loxahatchee Groves campus, designed to serve the central western part of Palm Beach County.

“The rapid growth of this area is reflected in the numbers of students enrolling on our Loxahatchee Groves campus,” Parker said. “We first opened the campus in 2017 with some 700 students. This year, more than 6,000 enrolled on this campus alone, making Loxahatchee Groves the fastest growing of PBSC’s five campuses.”

A key reason for that success is the strong relationships that the college has built with the local community.

“We work directly with the four major high schools in the area: Wellington, Palm Beach Central, Royal Palm Beach and Seminole Ridge,” Parker said. “Be24 august 2024 | wellington the magazine

ginning this fall, we will have advisors from PBSC embedded in all these high schools who help serve students and increase enrollment. We’re also meeting students much earlier in their academic careers, introducing students as young as sixth grade to the college experience through our dual-enrollment programs.”

PBSC also works closely with major employers in the area.

“We have partnerships with businesses such as Wellington Regional Medical Center, HCA Florida Palms West Hospital and Gast Construction Group, as well as with major employers such as Florida Power and Light,” Parker added.

“Many of these partners hold educational events for our students and provide internships, as well as paid jobs.”

Parker and her team also make it a point to be active in the community.

“We regularly meet with the mayors of Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Westlake and Loxahatchee Groves, as well as their council members and chambers of commerce,” she said. “We also have a 230-seat lecture hall at our Loxahatchee Groves campus, which has become a popular venue for hosting community educational programs, events and meetings.”

The college has made health science a primary focus in Loxahatchee Groves.

“In 2020, we established the Frank DiMino Center for Medical Innovation, enabling PBSC to expand our training programs in high-demand healthcare fields,” Parker said. “Our bachelor of science in nursing program is housed at the Loxahatchee Groves campus, and by fall 2025, we will also offer programs such as surgical technology, physical therapy and dental hygiene. We also offer computing and cybersecurity, and business and accounting programs at our Loxahatchee Groves campus.”

Currently under construction there is the $50 million, 83,500-square-foot Dental & Medical Services Technology

Building. “It will feature a fully equipped dental clinic, a surgical technology suite, and science labs that incorporate cutting-edge equipment and technology for students pursuing careers as dental hygienists, dental assistants, surgical technologists and other healthcare occupations,” Parker said. “This new facility will offer virtual reality learning technology and a highly advanced 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection system for anatomy and physiology education.”

The building is set to be completed

by February 2025, and classes will begin in the fall of 2025. The new building will benefit the local community as well by providing low-cost preventative dental care, Parker added.

Other initiatives include the creation of the Construction Trades Center for Workforce Innovation on the Lake Worth campus, which expands skilled trades programming with $5 million in federal funding plus $1 million from the Lowe’s Foundation. Both the Belle Glade and Loxahatchee Groves campuses have been tapped to expand training for first responders, and the Palm Beach Gardens campus will be key to a partnership with TMRW Sports. In cooperation with the PGA Tour, TMRW has selected PBSC as the exclusive home for TGL, its new professional indoor golf league that fuses advanced technology with live action for TV audiences.

“We see our mission as educating the future workforce of Palm Beach County,” Parker said. “Thanks to the strong partnerships we have with all the constituents in our community from local schools and the school district to industry, we are ensuring that our curriculum is relevant to the needs of our county. Our students power the engine of Palm Beach County’s economic growth in sectors ranging from healthcare to information technology to construction and engineering.”

Learn more about Palm Beach State College at www.palmbeachstate.edu.

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GAP YEAR TO COLLEGE FRESHMAN Heading Back To School With Help From Palm Beach State College

PBSC student Christina Charles.

BY CHRISTINA CHARLES

As I walked off the graduation stage in May 2023, I couldn’t shake this feeling of internal dread about the future.

Despite my peers’ happy faces and their families’ enthusiasm about their upcoming move-in days, the rest of my year would include months of sheets with my punch-in and punch-out times. I smiled for the cameras, went home and got ready for work the next day.

I had pondered my entire senior year about what I wanted to do for “the rest of my life,” and by graduation, I still didn’t have an answer. I decided to take a gap year. I imagined my old schoolmates graduating together and going on to become lawyers, doctors and other useful members of society, while I’d be stuck finishing whatever degree I decided to do.

Yet as stressful as my situation was, it ended up being a year devoted to not

only saving toward college, but gaining life skills that I knew would pay off once I got enrolled. As my gap year was ending, I was beaming with excitement at the thought of all the knowledge I would earn going back to school. I have gained a positive work ethic, a solid schedule and a clear headspace, and all that was left was my education.

Picking which school I was enrolling in was a no-brainer — Palm Beach State College at the Loxahatchee Groves campus was it. It was so simple to schedule a tour online and could hardly contain myself as my tour date approached.

Finding the Loxahatchee Groves campus was extremely easy, and the directional signs made it a breeze to meet the campus recruiter.

What seemed like one the scariest times in my life turned out to be one of the most welcoming experiences I have

ever faced. As I opened the door to the clean and air-conditioned building and walked up to the student assistant, who helped check me into the office, I was greeted with hellos and warm smiles from the friendly office associates, both the students and the staff. It wasn’t too long after I had checked in that Stankeisha Burchell-Webb, outreach program specialist for Palm Beach State College, appeared. She introduced herself and told me to have a seat while she prepared for the tour.

After sitting, I nervously picked up every pamphlet I saw to get an idea of what I had to look forward to. It was all I could do to contain myself as my leg shook furiously from excitement. I looked at all the majors that were presented before me. PBSC offers 130-plus programs of study, including business, arts and communication, industry manwellington the magazine | august 2024 27

ufacturing, construction and transportation, public safety, STEM programs and more. My head started spinning at the thought of me getting my associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree and perhaps even a master’s degree in any of these fields.

There are also options of getting certificates in a trade that can help me get into the workforce faster. Could I really do that at this point?

Before I thought too hard, my name was called, and I sprang to my feet. Ms. Burchell-Webb shook my hand and looked as if she was more excited than I was. We walked out of the front office as she showed me where I’d be taking summer classes, along with the other classrooms up ahead. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, with the sunlight beaming into the modernly designed lounge areas. It contrasted with the image I had in my head of a stressful and fast-paced environment. I was in awe of the wide-open space. The campus had several seating areas that allowed students to have both down time and/ or study sessions. There were computers and books that you could borrow or work on.

I was in awe of everything I saw.

Looking into this institution, I envisioned myself working on assignments that would push me further to graduation and couldn’t help but be thrilled at the thought. I imagined all the connections and internships I’d do to build

Christina Charles is thrilled to be starting her collegiate career at Palm Beach State College.

28 august 2024 | wellington the magazine

my portfolio. This is where I would find myself! Not only do they have a wide variety of classes to enroll in, but they have celebratory events, clubs and performing art shows that enhance the college experience through making friends and connections in personal interests. I had already found myself being interested in clubs such as the Black Student Union, the Anime Club and the Math Club.

Toward the end of the tour, we stopped at the Student Learning Center, where students and supervisors worked together to explain the areas of studies where tutoring was offered for free. They offered a plethora of subjects, such as accounting, writing, math and even technology/programming. You have the option of scheduling an in-person or online tutoring session. This demonstrates the accommodations that PBSC makes for students. They explained the proficiency in optional tutoring, even if you felt confident in the subject area; the extra help to master the content that would push you ahead in your classes. I recognized the staff’s desire to help students succeed, and it gave me a sense of comfort knowing that my academic needs would be met for my learning style.

Returning to the main office, I met with Armando Carrasco, the student development advisor, who went over in-depth all the classes I would need to get my associate’s degree. He presented Palm Beach State College’s transfer pro-

gram to move to another university after completing your associate’s degree. He explained the optional part-time or fulltime classes, and the option to learn on campus or remotely. There were so many positive options on where I could take my education that it was overwhelming.

Nearing the end of my visit, I sat with the financial aid advisor, Effie Scott-Jackson, to sort out my financial circumstances. In a typically vulnerable space, she greeted me into her office and empathically allowed me to explain my situation. She asked me about my ambitions and interests. My mind was spinning again, but this time with excitement to give my answers. She took her time to describe the best possible route to financially take care of my class requirements.

Tuition at Palm Beach State College is surprisingly affordable. Ms. ScottJackson explained all the resources I could exhaust to pay for my classes. This included scholarships, grants and loans that could give me the extra leverage to afford my education. She emphasized to reach out again if I’m in need of anything, that the administrators were there to make sure I was successful. This made choosing classes a less stressful process.

After a hectic and confusing gap year, it was pleasant to come to an institution that allowed me to move at my own pace and ensure my prosperity. A few months after my tour of the campus, I am now a freshman at Palm Beach State College studying for my associate’s degree and looking forward to pursuing a degree in cybersecurity and technological advancement. I look forward to my future at PBSC, and I am confident in my ability to do well at school and create a strong foundation to excel in the workforce.

Palm Beach State College’s Loxahatchee Groves campus is located at 15845 Southern Blvd. Learn more about programs at www.palmbeachstate.edu.

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A GIFT OF ART FROM THE HEART

High School Artist Andrea Gonzalez Uses Her Talents To Paint Murals At Local School Suncoast High School senior Andrea Gonzalez at her alma mater, Binks Forest Elementary School.

BY MIKE MAY

Andrea Gonzalez, a 17-year-old Wellington resident and a rising senior at Suncoast High School, is driven by the philosophy of giving back, expressing thanks and showing appreciation. She doesn’t always express her appreciation with handwritten notes or her voice.

Instead, she often uses her artwork to give back and pay homage to those individuals, especially teachers, who have helped her progress in life.

“I’ve been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember,” Gonzalez recalled.

This past spring, and the previous spring as well, Gonzalez created murals for Teacher Appreciation Week at her elementary school alma mater, Wellington’s Binks Forest Elementary School.

She is also planning to paint another

mural for Teacher Appreciation Week at Binks Forest next spring.

Her murals in 2023 and 2024 have been quite large, and each took nearly five weeks to complete. According to Gonzalez, the murals were roughly 12 feet long and seven feet tall.

The title of the mural in 2023 was “Pyramids and Mountains,” while the name of this year’s mural was “The Clock.” Each mural followed a theme that was agreed upon by the leadership of the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

“In 2023, the PTA’s theme for Teacher Appreciation Week was the Seven Wonders of the World, and this year’s theme was Toys,” Gonzalez said.

“So, last year, my mural focused on the pyramids of Egypt and Mount Ever-

est, which is why it was called Pyramids and Mountains. This year, since the theme was Toys, my mural design was the famous clock at the FAO Schwarz store in New York.”

The FAO Schwarz clock is unique since the face of the clock has two eyes and a smile. Believe it or not, Gonzalez was able to paint “The Clock” by using only five colors.

“My primary colors this year were red, gold, black and white, along with a little bit of blue,” Gonzalez explained.

According to Veronica Zavaleta, Andrea Gonzalez’s mother, her daughter would like to motivate the next generation of young students by expressing love and gratitude through art, which is why a young artist named Claire Russell — a rising fourth grader at Binks wellington the magazine | august 2024 31

“I love the work of Monet, and I love Impressionism. I also like the art of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

My favorite color is black, using the style Tenebrism. I also like portrait work and drawing faces of people, including my own.”

— Andrea Gonzalez

Andrea Gonzalez’s 2024 mural was “The Clock” and was patterned after the famous clock at FAO Schwarz.

Forest — helped Gonzalez by making her own artistic creation this past spring to complement Gonzalez’s mural.

While Gonzalez said that she has always had an interest in art, she has benefited by learning and listening to her art teachers in school, including her current art teacher at Suncoast High School. That’s one of the many things that motivated Gonzalez to pursue the mural projects.

“My art teacher at Suncoast is Mr. [Anthony] Kopp, who genuinely gives me a solid and honest critique when I ask for it,” said Gonzalez, who plans to keep drawing and painting for the rest of her life.

In addition to her two murals, Gonzalez has already compiled a treasure chest of artistic creations.

32 august 2024 | wellington the magazine

“I have 10 art pieces in frames, and I have many more projects that I have started in my sketch book,” she said.

Gonzalez has been impressed and influenced by the work of other great artists.

“I love the work of Monet, and I love Impressionism,” Gonzalez said. “I also like the art of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. My favorite color is black, using the style Tenebrism. I also like portrait work and drawing faces of people, including my own.”

While Gonzalez is passionate about art, she’s also a great student and a member of Suncoast’s girls varsity weightlifting team.

“I’m enrolled in the school’s International Baccalaureate program, and I hope to be a co-captain of the girls

weightlifting team next year,” she said.

“I want to win a state championship next spring.”

At 154 pounds, her best clean-andjerk effort is 174 pounds. She can also bench press 155 pounds, and her best lift in the snatch is 126 pounds.

After graduating from Suncoast next spring, she plans to continue her collegiate education in Orlando. “I hope to enroll at the University of Central Florida,” Gonzalez said.

Artist Andrea Gonzalez works on one of her murals.

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EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO BECOME THEIR BEST SELVES

The Wellington Collegiate Academy Is A Faith-Based Private School Celebrated For Academic Excellence

Wellington Collegiate Academy Principal Yaa McFarlane.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA CHARLES

Nestled in the heart of Wellington, the Wellington Collegiate Academy (WCA) is a beacon of education, dedicated to molding hardworking, respectable and self-reliant students.

This K-8, faith-based private school is celebrated for its academic excellence and its dedication to instilling the enduring philosophy of Stoicism, highlighting four cardinal virtues: justice, wisdom, temperance and courage. These timeless values permeate throughout the school community and are seamlessly woven into the fabric of everyday school life.

Each day at WCA begins with a tra-

dition that sets the tone for the students.

The morning prayer, a moment of reflection and gratitude, instills peace and purpose. This is followed by a mini assembly that reinforces accountability, fostering transparency and mutual respect within the school community. Leading this assembly are owners Horatio and Yaa McFarlane, a dynamic duo whose words transcend mere motivation.

Drawing from decades of educational experience, they provide wisdom and practical advice rooted in their professional backgrounds and personal journeys.

“At Wellington Collegiate Academy, Stoic values are not just theoretical concepts, but are actively embraced by the students,” Horatio McFarlane said.

“Virtues such as temperance, wisdom, justice and courage are interwoven into daily school activities, shaping the character and responsibility of each student.

The emphasis on hard work and self-reliance extends beyond academics to extracurricular activities.”

WCA students understand that their efforts directly impact their success, both in and out of the classroom. The McFarlanes envision a holistic education that wellington the magazine | august 2024 35

Wellington Collegiate Academy Vice Principal Claudia Rodas with Principal Yaa McFarlane.

nurtures the body, mind and soul. Physical health is prioritized through daily fitness programs, teaching teamwork and perseverance. Mental and emotional well-being receive equal attention. Psychology classes explore brain function and human behavior, while art classes provide therapeutic outlets for creative expression. The school employs the faith-based Abeka curriculum, emphasizing love and kindness.

“This year, new curriculum enhancements include Ukrainian language classes alongside Spanish, with French introduced last year,” Yaa McFarlane said.

“These courses foster cultural awareness and enhance cognitive skills, helping students recognize their true potential.”

One of the most distinguishing features of Wellington Collegiate Academy is its commitment to creating a safe and 36 august 2024 | wellington the magazine

nurturing environment. The school’s dedicated teachers are not just educators but mentors who give the necessary attention to each individual child. Their genuine care and personalized approach ensure that every student feels valued and supported.

WCA offers students and their families a strong sense of community.

Students, teachers and parents work together in harmony, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the school gates. This collaborative spirit is instrumental in fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Central to its educational philosophy and embedded in the school crest are the four cardinal virtues, which serve as the moral compass guiding students on their journey toward becoming responsible, principled and resilient individuals. By

embracing and embodying these virtues, students not only excel academically but also develop into compassionate and morally grounded individuals prepared to navigate life’s complexities with integrity.

“At Wellington Collegiate Academy, we believe that every child possesses a unique constellation of gifts, graciously bestowed upon them by God,” Yaa McFarlane said. “We strive to create an environment where these gifts are discovered, nurtured and celebrated as they shine brightly.”

At WCA, the teaching approach is tailored to each child’s learning style. Visual learners benefit from lessons projected in each classroom, while kinesthetic learners engage with hands-on activities and physical experiences. Auditory learners thrive through lectures, discussions and audio materials.

Under the leadership of the McFarlanes, who took over at the long-established school last year, the academy continues to innovate and excel, nurturing the body, mind and spirit of each student. To the McFarlanes, Wellington Collegiate Academy is more than just a school; it is a nurturing environment where students are empowered to become their best selves.

Through their core guiding principles, innovative curriculum enhancements and a dedicated teaching staff, the academy provides a holistic education that prepares students for the challenges of tomorrow. Discover the difference a value-driven education can make in shaping your child’s future.

The Wellington Collegiate Academy is located in the original Wellington Mall at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 14B. To explore how your child can become a part of this unique community, contact the school via e-mail at info@gowca.org or call (561) 784-1776. Visit www.gowca.org to learn more.

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BY JIM BARNES, WELLINGTON VILLAGE MANAGER

The Village of Wellington was recently honored as one of the Top 50 Best Places to Live for Families. This listing,

by Fortune.com, highlights locations that offer long-term benefits, general affordability and diversity for families.

Fortune praised Wellington’s high quality of life, excellent schools and numerous recreational activities.

WELLINGTON AWARDED TOP NATIONAL HONOR

The Village Has Been Named One Of The Top 50 Best Places To Live For Families The Village of Wellington has been named one of the Top 50 Best Places to Live for Families by Fortune.com, ranking No. 36 on the 2024 list released in late July. Wellington is the only community from Florida to make the list, confirming what many longtime residents already knew — Wellington is a “Great Hometown.”

Fortune’s list highlights locations that offer long-term benefits, general affordability and diversity for families. Fortune praised Wellington’s high quality of life, excellent schools and numerous recreational activities.

Our high ranking as a family-friendly home speaks volumes about the quality of life that Wellington offers, and highlights our commitment to creating a sup-

portive, inclusive and thriving community. This accolade reflects the efforts of our residents, community organizations and local businesses, all of whom should be congratulated for contributing to this recognition!

Fortune’s 2024 evaluation focused on multigenerational families, considering factors on the multiple generations residing in the community. Focus ranged on the quality of local public schools, graduation rates, nearby college affordability, as well as the number of quality nursing homes, assisted living communities, home healthcare agencies, risk of social isolation among older residents and access to solid healthcare providers.

Last year, Wellington ranked eighth on Fortune’s list. While our ranking wellington the magazine | august 2024 39

wellington | today

dropped in 2024, it’s important to note the dynamic nature of the rankings due to the many data points and variables considered. In fact, the village was one of only 15 communities recognized in both 2023 and 2024. Additionally, six communities recognized in 2023’s top 10 did not make the 2024 list.

In order to compile the 2024 list, Fortune evaluated more than 2,000 cities, towns, suburbs, villages and townships with populations of at least 20,000 across all 50 U.S. states. The analysis included nearly 200 data categories across five main themes: education, resources for aging adults, general wellness, financial health and livability. Special emphasis was placed on services that support aging well, such as quality nursing homes, health providers, safety, and racial and ethnic diversity.

To ensure affordability, Fortune excluded locales with home sale prices more than twice the state median or 2.75 times the national median. Additionally, they ensured diversity by comparing the racial breakdown of each place against state benchmarks, excluding any location that was 75 percent less diverse than the state median. Socioeconomic, religious and ethnic diversity were also considered.

Data for the rankings came from various partners, including Caring.com, CVS Health, Healthgrades, Ineedana.

40 august 2024 | wellington the magazine

com, Sharecare, Witlytic, America’s Health Rankings, ATTOM Data Solutions, the Council for Community and Economic Research, the School Finance Indicators Database, Everytown Gun Law Rankings, Homeland Infrastructure Foundation-Level Data, the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, the Johns Hopkins University Data Archive, the Kaiser Family Foundation, SchoolDigger and Synergos Technologies Inc: PopStats. Fortune also utilized information from several federal agencies.

In their unwavering commitment to maintain and improve our great hometown, the Wellington Village Council has made it a goal to continue to meet the recreational and cultural needs of

our population by improving our public spaces, such as the enhancements at Town Center, Greenview Shores Park and the Wellington Environmental Preserve.

Wellington is honored to once again be named one of the Top 50 Best Places to Live for Families. This recognition is indicative of Wellington’s constant focus on tackling quality-of-life issues while encouraging community engagement across our great hometown. The Village of Wellington continues to receive recognition as a place where diverse families can find a sense of belonging and establish roots. It is a tremendous honor to be acknowledged by Fortune magazine as a preeminent location for families to reside within the State of Florida and nationwide.

Our residents, visitors and community partners play a vital role in making Wellington a great hometown where everyone can thrive. We particularly want to acknowledge the exemplary efforts of our village team, community partners, nonprofit organizations and volunteers, all of whom work tirelessly to shape this exceptional community into an extraordinary place to call home. In Wellington, our priority is the well-being and happiness of all our residents. We endeavor to cultivate an environment that not only embraces families, but also all those who live, work and visit our community.

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wellington the magazine | august 2024 41

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARRIVE IN WELLINGTON

Wellington Elementary School Opened In 1980 As A Collection Of Portable Classrooms Under The Leadership Of The Legendary Buz Spooner

BY JOSHUA MANNING

Children in the fledgling community of Wellington were first bused east to attend school.

However, after years of petitions, the School District of Palm Beach County opened Wellington Elementary School in 1980, led by the iconic Buz Spooner, the school’s founding principal.

42 august 2024 | wellington the magazine

Marketed as the perfect community for families, Wellington’s early days lacked one crucial element — schools.

Young kids were bused to Melaleuca Elementary School on Gun Club Road, while older kids made the long hike east to Forest Hill High School.

But all that began to change in 1980, when the School District of Palm Beach County opened Wellington’s first elementary school after years of petitions from area residents.

The school district owned a site at the corner of Big Blue Trace and Paddock Drive, but no building. So, when Wellington Elementary School opened in 1980, it consisted of 16 portables, with no kitchen and no cafeteria. The first PTA meeting was held at the old Wellington Country Club.

“The portables worked well, unless it was raining,” recalled the late Buz

Spooner, the school’s founding principal, during a 2001 interview.

When it opened, the school had children from grades three, four and five, as well as one class for grade six.

Kindergarten and grades one and two were first held at Greenacres Elementary School. Spooner had been the principal there before being assigned to become Wellington Elementary’s first principal.

wellington | history

A 1982 aerial photo showing Wellington Elementary School’s permanent campus under construction.

At the bottom right are the portables that served as the campus when the school first opened in 1980.

“On my first visit to the school, I got lost,” Spooner recalled. “I was looking for a school, but I found a big sandy pasture.”

Spooner took over as principal during the 1979-80 school year. “It was a challenge,” he recalled. “There were a lot of glitches you wouldn’t expect.

Each day, we had to look under the steps, because small animals nested there. We had raccoons and armadil-

los, but thankfully, nobody ever got bitten.”

During the 1982-83 school year, the students and staff of the fledgling school began moving into a permanent facility built at the site. “The kids got to attend the groundbreaking ceremony,” Spooner noted.

Spooner remained the principal of Wellington Elementary School until 1999, when he retired. He had been a

Founding Principal Buz Spooner visits the future school site when it was still an empty field. wellington the magazine | august 2024 43

wellington | history

Wellington Elementary School students join dignitaries for the groundbreaking ceremony.

part of the school system in Palm Beach County for 43 years, starting as a teacher at Greenacres Elementary School.

But his fondest memories were of his two decades of service in Wellington.

“I was able to help more children as a principal,” Spooner said. “By hiring the teachers, you can shape the kind of school you want to have.”

Spooner grew Wellington Elementary School from that cluster of portables to a full-fledged school that once taught up to 1,500 students per year as the school district raced to keep up with the area’s explosive growth.

Outside Wellington, Spooner was best known for his many years as president of the Palm Beach County Safety Patrol. It was in that role that he touched the lives of fifth graders countywide, working tirelessly to organize a massive movement of students from Palm Beach County to Washington, D.C., each year.

Spooner passed away in 2019, but he is still fondly remembered by many in Wellington.

Elaine Cittadino was Spooner’s executive assistant from the time the school opened for 16 years, before she moved 44 august 2024 | wellington the magazine

to the after-school program. She recalled how Spooner often said he never wanted to do anything but work with elementary school students. “Right from the very beginning, Mr. Spooner created his school. He interviewed and hand selected everyone at that school,” she said.

Cittadino also recalled how he was very supportive of his teachers and used to say, “I always hired people who were smarter than me and let them do their jobs.” She added that one of his favorite sayings was, “They may forget what you taught them, but they will never forget how you treated them.”

Cathy West, who has been a teacher at the school since 1982 and currently serves as the media specialist, agreed that he was a “teachers first” principal.

“Each year, he would meet with the grade level teachers and make sure they were all on the same page,” he said. “He always had an open-door policy.”

Sue Bierer was a fifth-grade teacher at the school from 1985 until her retirement in 2012.

“Any time a teacher or a class had a special program, he was always really supportive of that,” said Bierer, who

is excited that her granddaughter will be attending Wellington Elementary School as a kindergartener.

Cittadino has vivid memories of the school’s early years.

“We had 13 portables with grades three through five. Sixth grade also came in for a year,” she recalled about the school’s opening year. “We really spawned all the other schools in Wellington and beyond. H.L. Johnson started on our campus. There was lots of wildlife out there — foxes, snakes, armadillos. We were always very conscious of the environment and had many school cleanups.”

West recalled her first year working in a portable classroom that was also the school’s library, the speech teacher’s office and teacher’s lounge. There was a black indigo snake that lived under the portable. “Every so often, you would hear a scream because it startled someone,” she said.

Bierer added that the original campus often got waterlogged. “We would Founding Principal Buz Spooner loved taking part in school events. Here he is visiting a classroom dressed as Johnny Appleseed.

have to trudge through the water to get to where we were going,” she said.

Nevertheless, the fond memories outweigh the problems of the early years. “I remember all the fun we had,” Bierer said.

The three teachers are proud of how Wellington Elementary has matured through the years into the school it is today.

“We have a wonderful administration right now that tries to keep up with the traditions of the school,” West said, adding that the current administration building is dedicated to Spooner.

Cittadino is proud of the strong fine arts program at the school, and Bierer likes the new buildings on the campus, which she said are “very conducive to learning.” Bierer also loves the enthusiasm of the young teachers on the current campus.

Wellington would not get its next school until 1987, when Wellington Landings Middle School opened. Wellington High School and New Horizons Elementary School both opened

“Right from the very beginning, Mr. Spooner created his school. He interviewed and hand selected everyone at that school.”

— Elaine Cittadino in 1990, finally allowing all Wellington students to stay in the community for their entire public-school experience.

Since then, Wellington has been joined by another high school, two more middle schools and four more elementary schools — Panther Run Elementary School (1991), Binks Forest Elementary School (1999), Polo Park Middle School (2000), Palm Beach Central High School (2003), Equestrian Trails Elementary School (2003), Elbridge Gale Elementary School (2006) and Emerald Cove Middle School (2007).

Students stand by a sign announcing the new Wellington Elementary School.

wellington the magazine | august 2024 45

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wellington | table

ENJOY YOUR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH AT SKILLETS Get a wide variety of delicious and nutritious breakfast and lunch items at Skillets, which opened last month in Wellington’s Courtyard Shops. Try out the fast-growing chain’s signature skillets, or one of the many other tasty menu items.

(Top) A breakfast skillet with two eggs served on top of Skillets Potatoes with thick smokehouse bacon, and the guest favorite Reuben sandwich on seeded rye served with a Parmesan potato pancake, kettle chips, coleslaw or fresh fruit.

(Middle) The fruity chicken salad wrap features homemade chunky chicken salad with raisins, fresh strawberries, golden pineapple and romaine on a choice of flour or wheat tortilla served with coleslaw or kettle chips, and the chocolate chip pancake platter using Skillets’ signature made-from-scratch batter. (Bottom) A collage of tasty Skillets dishes.

Skillets of Wellington General Manager Marc Schwartz and CEO Joe DiGangi with staff members at the new restaurant.

Rise and shine Wellington… an iconic breakfast experience is now being served! Skillets has officially opened its 16th location in Florida, right in the heart of Wellington in the Courtyard Shops at 13860 Wellington Trace.

This is Skillets Restaurants’ third location on the east coast of Florida, joining its Boca Raton and Delray Beach restaurants. This brand-new location features Skillets’ signature homemade and nutritious breakfast and lunch items. The 4,500-square-foot restaurant seats 195 guests and has 25 dedicated employees.

“As we expand in Palm Beach County, the Wellington area is an ideal fit,” Skillets CEO Joe DiGangi said. “This equestrian and family-centric area has many early risers looking for a quality breakfast experience. Wellington will fall in love with our great breakfast and lunch food choices and seasonal menu. Skillets Restaurants become a gathering space where flavors come alive, and memories are made. We look forward to serving our guests with passion and dedication. We want to thank Wellington for graciously welcoming Skillets into the community.”

In 1995, Ross and Noreen Edlund started their first Skillets in Naples. Now, they have five locations in Naples alone and have expanded across Florida.

Their mission from the beginning has been to prepare homemade, delicious and nutritious breakfasts and lunches from scratch with top-notch, friendly and efficient service in inviting and comfortable surroundings.

“We have had great success on the west coast, with Skillets being a common household name, and we could not be more excited about the early success of our restaurants in Boca and Delray,” Skillets founder Ross Edlund said. “Wellington is a great addition to our Palm Beach expansion. We hope to become a staple in the Wellington community and look forward to feeding generations of families there.”

Skillets’ truly unique offerings make it stand out from the rest when it comes to breakfast. It is naturally most famous for its homemade, extensive choice of skillets, offering a variety of ingredients and sides crafted for the ultimate flavor experience. Guests will also find breakfast classics elevated by thoughtful sourcing and best-inclass cooking techniques on the menu, including international favorites like crepes and Skillets’ famous scones.

Skillets even offers gluten-free waffles, pancakes and other health-forward options that align with Blue Zones criteria for a better and longer life.

Leading off the menu are the restaurant’s signature skillets, in several variations, layered with Skillets Potatoes oven-baked to a golden brown, topped with two eggs and a choice of toast, scone or biscuit. Also popular are the pancakes, available in buttermilk, stoneground whole-grain or gluten-free, or the tasty potato pancakes, made from scratch and always light, lacy and crispy brown.

There are also a number of vegetarian options, such as Noreen’s Breakfast with steamed spinach, grilled tomato slices, topped with sliced avocado and chopped chives, served with a poached egg, toast and fruit.

Other popular choices are the omelets, frittatas, eggs benedict, French toast, waffles, crepes and blintzes.

Lunch offerings include an array of sandwiches, paninis, wraps and salads.

Skillets Wellington has created a charity partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs in Wellington. “This organization is not only beloved in the community but known for its outstanding work with children, and we are so excited to be able to support their club in Wellington, the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club,” Skillets founder Noreen Edlund said.

The club was the beneficiary of Skillets’ grand opening held Tuesday, July 9, which also kicked off their wellington the magazine |august 2024 47

wellington | table

(Top row) A large skillet, layered with Skillets Potatoes and topped with two eggs, served with toast and fruit; the chicken and bacon Caesar wrap with grilled chicken, smokehouse bacon, lettuce and Caesar dressing; the potato pancake platter with a potato pancake, two eggs, sausage and cinnamon apples; and the fresh berry waffle with blueberries and strawberries, served with strawberry syrup. (Second row) Huevos rancheros with three eggs over grilled corn tortillas with ranchero sauce, chorizo and cheddar jack cheese, served with black beans, salsa and sour cream; Noreen’s vegetarian breakfast with steamed spinach, grilled tomato slices, topped with avocado and chives, served with a poached egg, toast and fruit; blueberry blintzes stuffed with tangy farmer’s cheese and topped with fresh blueberries; and a skillet omelet with bacon, tomato and Swiss, topped with fresh avocado, served with potatoes, toast and fresh fruit. (Bottom row) Skillets Potatoes topped with two eggs, served with toast and fruit; the Panegger with a buttermilk or whole grain pancake, two scrambled eggs, smokehouse bacon and fruit; the grilled croissant, bacon, egg and Swiss sandwich features two scrambled eggs topped with two smokehouse bacon strips and melted Swiss, served with Skillets Potatoes; a variety of homemade artisan scones and other breads; the kids’ pancakes with a bacon strip and one egg; and a variety of waffles with different toppings to choose from.

Kids Eat Free program, available at all Skillets locations every Tuesday. Skillets Restaurants also supports the Child Advocacy Agency at all locations yearround.

Since 1995, Skillets has provided guests with delicious food and friendly service in a clean, inviting, pineaccented environment. Envisioned by Ross and Noreen Edlund, the goal was to create a restaurant that offered the local community higher quality comfort food and personal service than diners and restaurant chains. Using only premium ingredients, Skillets serves breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 16 locations in Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, Bradenton, South Sarasota, Venice, Bonita Springs, Lely, Wellington, Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Port Charlotte.

Skillets of Wellington is located in the Courtyard Shops at 13860 Wellington Trace. For more information, call (561) 660-8304 or visit www. skilletsrestaurants.com.

48 august 2024 | wellington the magazine

(Below) Skillets of Wellington staff members outside the new restaurant, located in the Courtyard Shops.

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NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

Our Wellington Awards 2024 Celebrating The Extraordinary Achievements Of Our Wellington Neighbors!

Nominate Your Extraordinary Wellington Neighbor Scan The QR Code Below

Step into a world where greatness knows no bounds and join us in celebrating the people who make our community special! Wellington The Magazine proudly unveiled the Our Wellington Awards in 2022. This award marked the first of its kind, honoring six remarkable individuals who have given of themselves and helped to shape our beloved village into one of the top places to live in the country.

Again, this year, we would like you, our readers, to assist us in choosing those we will pay tribute to this year — people who have selflessly dedicated their time and talents to uplift our community.

With immense pride, Wellington The Magazine will announce this year’s honorees, shining a spotlight on these unique individuals among us, in the September 2024 “Our Wellington” issue.

By nominating a Wellington resident who you think deserves this honor, you join us in celebrating these incredible members of our community, who have turned Wellington into not just a great hometown, but a vibrant tapestry of compassion and unity. Let us highlight their stories and ignite a spark within others, encouraging neighbors to lend a helping hand and make a difference in the lives of those around them.

As we embark on the third year of the Our Wellington Awards, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming 2024 edition, where we anticipate even more nominations and astounding stories of extraordinary individuals.

Wellington The Magazine will publish this special publication where readers will have a chance to get to know these remarkable individuals, discovering the motivations behind their journeys, and learn more about the organizations they champion. Their selfless acts and contributions are sure to inspire us all!

Together, let us continue to build a community that thrives on compassion, generosity and the spirit of making a difference. The goal is to get others involved, embrace a worthy cause and be a catalyst for positive change. Together, we can transform lives and create a brighter future for Wellington.

Please visit www.wellingtonthemagazine.com and look for the OUR WELLINGTON AWARDS tab to nominate your pick today!

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