CAREER DAY

Key Largo School welcomes hot air balloon and local professionals

Coral Shores Student Wins American Legion Oratorical Contest

Simon Gutierrez of Islamorada recently won the Post level of the American Legion Oratorical Contest. Gutierrez was required to present several timed speeches from a random selection of four topics to a panel of judges and an audience of family, the public and Post 145 Legion members. Gutierrez was awarded $550 in scholarship funds from his sponsor, Post 145. Judges were school board member John Dick, Special Operations Lieutenant Paul Bean and former supervisor of children family services Stacey Swain. Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. James Hager served as coach for Gutierrez. Oratorical chairs for the contest were Post 145 adjutant Angie Glover and first vice commander Kim Dipre. Pictured from left are John Izanec, Gutierrez, Angela Glover, Kim Dipre and Mike Ehlers. AMERICAN LEGION POST 145/Contributed

Key Largo School students broke away from their books and lessons to meet law enforcement, local mosquito control, coral restoration practitioners and other professionals during Career Day on Feb. 10. Students were wowed by a RE/MAX hot air balloon that was made possible thanks to local real estate agent Kelly Randin. School principal Darren Pais was scheduled to go for a ride in the hot air balloon, but gusty winds kept it grounded. Pais said many students had their parents come in to talk about their careers. “We want the kids to be proud of what their parents do and let them know that there are careers out there that aren’t just focused on college,” Pais said. “They need to know what’s there for their options.” KLS’ Career Day was made possible by Eva Brown and Tiffany Zepeda.

— Jim McCarthy