Press Releases June 2007

    While it appears that the rainy season is right at our doorstep, there's no doubt this past spring was one of the driest southwest Florida has ever seen. Lake Okeechobee hit recordlevel lows, and fires ravaged thousands of acres of land. Weather is to blame for many of these unfortunate events, but as we all know, fires can occur regardless of the weather - so there's always a need for firefighters to ensure our safety. At 6 p.m. on Monday, June 25 th , 25 prospective firefighters will take the next step in keeping us safe when they receive their diplomas during the Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology (LWIT) Firefighter graduation. The ceremony, held at North Collier Regional Park (15000 Livingston Road) in Exhibit Room A, will recognize the January 2007 class.

    Graduating students hail from the North Naples Fire Training Center - a joint project between LWIT and the North Naples Fire Department. Recruits go through an intensive 450hour, sixmonth program to meet required state certification standards. Each class can train up to 30 students that upon graduation, typically seek local employment.

    Congratulations to the newest graduates!
    To learn more, please contact principal Jeanette Johnson at 3770900 or via email at JohnsoJ2@coller.k12.fl.us.

June 12, 2007

    Members of the West Coast Muscle Car Club of Naples, owners of classic 1960's and 1970's "muscle cars", know they need the brightest and best technicians when their cherished vehicles are in need of repair. And, finding the right technician to do the job can be somewhat comparable to choosing a child's pediatrician. To insure that their prized vehicles receive topnotch treatment while in the repair shop, club member Mark Ruset approached Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology (LWIT) Automotive Service Technology teacher Eduardo Cruz with the idea of student scholarships for personal toolboxes. The end result; four students have received checks for $250 towards the purchase of a toolbox they'll use throughout various summer internships at local car dealerships.

    These deserving students plan to stay in the community after graduation. In addition to gaining dealership experience, before they receive their automotive certification, they also intend to take the Automotive Service Excellence exam. LWIT Principal Jeanette Johnson describes the relationship between the West Coast Muscle Car Club and LWIT as, "the perfect partnership to support future technicians in this fastgrowing industry."

    To learn more, please contact Jeanette Johnson at 3770900 or via email
at JohnsoJ2@coller.k12.fl.us.

June 1, 2007