New Business Group To Assist Suncoast Community High School
Suncoast High School Foundation, the non-profit organization that raises funds to support and enhance academic excellence at Suncoast Community High School, has formed a Council of Business Advisors comprised of a diverse group of influential business leaders in central and northern Palm Beach County. The mission of the new group is to enable key area businesses to partner with Suncoast to bring unique mentoring and learning opportunities to Suncoast students, while also providing significant financial support through annual member dues. Funds will be used for specialized teacher training, additional resources for the college guidance department, IT and A/V equipment, and more.
“Our goal is to have the exceptionally talented students who graduate from Suncoast return to our area and use their skills and abilities to expand and enhance our business community,” said Carrie Hanna, Director of the new council. “Our members offer mentoring and internship opportunities that will give Suncoast students a distinct edge on their college applications, as well as provide practical insight into the type of business and professional opportunities available at Palm Beach County companies such as NextEra Energy, Lockheed Martin, Florida Crystals, BE Aerospace, and others.”
Suncoast has placed among the top ten public high schools in the nation since 2006 on the prestigious annual Newsweek rankings. Suncoast ranked 6th among magnet schools in US News’ 2012 report on the country’s best high schools, and ranked 12th in the Washington Post’s 2012 national High School Challenge index. It has been an A-rated school since 2002, and in 2007, earned the NCLB Blue Ribbon School of Excellence from the U.S. Department of Education. Among the 94 faculty members, more than 65 percent hold advanced degrees. Suncoast teachers include a 2011 Dwyer Awards finalist; 23 National Board Certified teachers; seven College Board Readers for advanced placement exams; four International Baccalaureate Assistant Examiners; two National Teacher Hall of Fame semi-finalists; and the 2010 Hispanic Teacher of the Year.
The Council is currently recruiting new members and will hold its second breakfast meeting at Suncoast Community High School on October 30 at 8:00 am. The inaugural meeting in June 2012 drew over 25 people representing dozens of area companies. The Council offers three levels of membership and associated benefits with annual dues of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000.
For information on the Council of Business Advisors or breakfast attendance, please contact Marie Silvani at 561.371.4517 or msilvani01@comcast.net.
