Tuesday, February 28, 2012 was an exciting day for the Island Schools. Gulf Shores High School hosted a showcase for the Island Schools Learning for Life Plan and Gulf Shores High School's Career-Themed Academy and Internship Program.

The morning events included four sessions in which eighth though eleventh grade students were introduced to the eight broad Career-Themed Academies. These Academies include:

· Law and Education

· Arts, AV Technology & Communication

· Business and Finance, Hospitality and Tourism

· Engineering

· Health Sciences

· Information Technology

· Architecture and Construction

Students were offered an opportunity to visit each of the Academy tables, which were hosted by that Academies Lead Teacher. Students could ask questions at each table and pick up flyers and course descriptions/grids for each academy.

A team of Career Academy students and instructors along with their principal, Mr. Don Hulin from Hoover High School also attended the day to help host the event and answer questions. These students shared their Academy experiences with the Gulf Shores High School students.

At the evening Showcase, various supporters of the Learning for Life and Academy Programs spoke to the parents and students while presenting a PowerPoint program highlighting the process and plan. Speakers included, Baldwin County Board of Education Superintendent, Dr. Alan Lee, Baldwin County Board of Education President, Ms. Angie Swiger, Gulf Shores High School Principal, Dr. Ernie Rosado, Dean of Workforce Development and Technology at Faulkner State Community College, Ms. Patty Hughston, and Gulf Shores High School Career Academy Coordinator, Ms. Charlene Hoffman. The principal of Hoover High School, Mr. Don Hulin also spoke along with the Hoover High School Career Academy students. Parents and students were then able to visit rooms to ask the Academy teachers as well as The Hoover Academy students and instructors, questions and gather available information.

The Island School's Learning for Life Project includes the Island Schools Digital Renaissance with a plan for 1:1 MacBooks for all students grades 4-12, project-based and collaborative learning, wireless schools, Internet-based learning, introduction to conversational foreign language beginning in Kindergarten, and a personal finance course for all high school students. A team of the four Island School principals and Ms. Angie Swiger were also available for the parents at the evening showcase.