BELLEVIEW, FL (352today.com) – It’s an opportunity to learn about oneself.
The Belleview High School Senior Capstone Presentations were held March 10-11 at Belleview High School. These presentations allow students to demonstrate their expertise in an area of personal interest. The school’s culinary arts program provided the dinner for the event, with Yuri Condado preparing empanadas, cheese and chicken, beans, and rice.
For over 25 years, students have undertaken projects based on themes of entrepreneurship, employment, enrollment, or enlistment. Principal Heather Guest explained students must conduct research, shadow professionals, create a product, or conduct interviews.
“They work on this throughout the year,” said Guest. “It helps build their resume, and it’s really supposed to just guide them and help them when they become graduating seniors. They have a direction to go in. It really kind of opens up their eyes on how much things cost and what the path is to get to some of these goals because even sometimes as adults, we think something is going to work one way, and it doesn’t. What I love best is the community comes out to support us. The students are so impressive, and they wow me every year. I think one of the biggest takeaways is that it really brings the community together.”
The event’s judges included former Belleview High School graduates, some of whom have participated for over two decades. Students were evaluated on content (30 points), product (30 points), delivery (20 points), impromptu skills (10 points), and dress/appearance (10 points).
Lindsey Reimsnyder showcased her pastry skills by preparing lemon mousse dessert during the presentations.
Jason Pfriender, currently Belleview High School’s media center librarian, has witnessed the growth and transformation of students through his involvement over nearly two decades. Initially an English teacher helping students prepare, Pfriender now ensures the technology runs smoothly for the event.
“It’s pretty cool because I get to go in all the rooms, see the nervous kids at first, and afterward I get to be outside and see the kids as they’re all coming out, and they’re all talking about how great they did,” said Pfriender. “Afterwards everybody is so relieved that it’s over with, and they’re happy they did it.”
Dr. Allison Campbell, Marion County Public Schools board member (District 1), has judged for several years and considers the Capstone Projects one of her favorite experiences within the district. This year, the event holds personal significance for her.
“Honestly, I wish all of our high schools did something like this giving our seniors that snapshot,” said Campbell. “My favorite thing is when they say, ‘No, I’m not going to do this as a career.’ Because it has given them the opportunity to learn everything, they needed to about the pathway, without investing the time and resources to pursue something they ultimately decided they wouldn’t want to do. I love this night my own senior will be doing this tomorrow night. I don’t know what his presentation looks like (laughs), and I won’t see it tomorrow. Hopefully, he’ll share it me, and I’ll have a chance to see what it is.”