Alumni Spotlight

Our experiences at Pedro Menendez High School helped lay the foundation for the careers we have today. The drafting program gave our engineers and drafters hands-on experience with technical drawing, design, and computer-aided drafting, while providing an early look into careers in engineering and design. These experiences helped prepare us for college and the workforce. Today, all five members of our team—including two engineers, two drafters, and an office administrator—are proud alumni. It is especially meaningful that our company was founded by one of those alumni and now includes four more Pedro Menendez graduates.

The SAHS Teaching Academy was the first step in my journey toward my dream of becoming an educator. I fondly recall the enriching field trips to local schools, the engaging classroom activities, and the unique behind-the-scenes look into the realities of teaching.

The Criminal Justice class definitely helped me become who I am today by giving me a good foundation in the basics of law enforcement duties and furthering my understanding of the more advanced subjects within the Criminal Justice system.

It was a privilege to learn and grow for four years under Mr. Nunamaker in the PMHS Architectural Design and Technology Academy. The foundation I gained through the academy helped me land a job as a structural steel detailer, a position I held for over four years. From there, I worked my way up at VM Iron Works, a structural steel fabrication and erection company, and today I am a Project Manager.

I truly believe that without the academy, I would not be where I am today. The skills, work ethic, and opportunities it provided have had a lasting impact on both my career and my life, and I will always be grateful for the experience and the role it played in shaping my future.

Being in the Health Academy shaped my outlook on health care.  I’ve always had a passion for helping people.  The health academy opened doors for me.  It provided me with insight into what careers were available in what specialties.  Today, I am now a proud alum from the University of St. Augustine as a new Pediatric Occupational therapist.

The academy has had a tremendous impact on my career by preparing me with the tools and confidence to build a strong foundation for my business. Through its programs, I learned essential skills such as effective communication, customer relations, and business development, skills that I now use every day in my professional life. Shortly after graduating, I pursued my real estate license and began my journey in the industry. Today, I am proud to be part of United Real Estate Gallery, where I help buyers and sellers across Northeast Florida navigate the real estate market with confidence and clarity. The knowledge and experience I gained from the academy continues to guide me as I grow my business and serve my community.

Growing up in St. Johns County Schools, I had the pleasure of being poured into by so many amazing educators.  The Teaching Academy confirmed my desire to do the same for others by allowing me the opportunity to spend time in classrooms.  This experience was invaluable!

The Healthcare Academy helped solidify this dream by exposing me to real healthcare settings, teaching me human physiology early on, and even helping me secure a healthcare job after high school.

My summer internship at RS&H gave me the opportunity to work on projects with professionals at an early stage in my career development. It showed me what to strive for when taking college courses and for applying to internships.

The Sports Media program at Nease helped me to grow my passion for editing and inspired me to learn and expand my skills and knowledge in covering sports for television entertainment.  The love I found for not only sports but television and media in general has motivated me to continue learning and ultimately grow into my current role with the PGA Tour. The Communications Academy encouraged me to find a career path that I am excited to show up for every day. I honestly can’t imagine myself doing anything else.

The four years I spent at the engineering academy at Nease helped me explore the various fields of engineering and pursue my future career as an electrician. Currently, I’m working at Miller Electric at the UF Health Durbin Park Hospital as an apprentice for ETAJAX.

Being in the VyStar Business Academy has helped me grow as a leader and an entrepreneur.  It gave me the foundation to turn ideas into opportunities, like starting the Menendez Merch store in my entrepreneurship class and launching my own company, Black Diamond Coach & Limousine.

I recently graduated from Flagler College with a degree in Graphic Design and has launched a successful career as a Vertical Sales Representative with Rulon International in St. Augustine.

Although his career path changed several times throughout college, the foundation he built in the PMHS Architectural Design/Drafting Program helped prepare him for a role that combines design, architecture, and creativity. Today, he works closely with architectural drawings and helps bring innovative wood wall and ceiling designs to life across the country.

He credits the PMHS Architecture Program and Mr. Nunamaker for providing the skills, encouragement, and inspiration that helped shape his journey.

“Stay diligent, stay determined, stay humble, and the Lord will always provide a way.”

I spent 4 years in the building academy, and it has played a major role in shaping who I am – both professionally and personally. It gave me the tools and confidence to turn my interests into real opportunities.