Hardee County School District CTE

09/02/2026

Supporting students’ potential requires qualified teachers and staff, safe schools and strong educational opportunities.

This November, Hardee County voters will consider a proposed additional 1.0 mill for school operations. See how the proposed funding would be allocated, then repost this information to help others learn more. https://www.hardee.k12.fl.us/page/vote

08/26/2026

This November, Hardee County voters will consider a proposed additional 1.0 mill for school operations. The proposal is estimated to generate approximately $3.3 million annually for four years.
The district’s plan identifies:
• 55% for recruiting and retaining staff and employees
• 45% for school safety and student achievement
The ballot language also provides for a Citizens Millage Committee to review annual spending.
Learn more about the proposal on the district’s official referendum webpage https://www.hardee.k12.fl.us/page/vote

08/20/2026

07/16/2026

Proud moment for Hardee County CTE!

Hardee County School District was honored to be represented at the 2026 Florida Association for Career and Technical Education (FACTE) Conference, where CTE Director Meredith Durastanti co-presented with the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) on "Expanding Access to NHA Certifications Through Stacked Credentials."

The presentation showcased the outstanding work happening in the Hardee High School Health Science Academy, where students develop career-ready skills through a stacked credential model. Throughout their time in the program, students build the knowledge and experience needed to earn multiple nationally recognized healthcare certifications—preparing them for success in college and the healthcare workforce.

👏 During the 2025–2026 school year, Health Science Academy students earned an incredible 224 industry certifications!

A special shout-out to our amazing Health Science instructors, Peyton Godwin and Nicole Aubry, whose dedication, expertise, and commitment to student success make achievements like this possible. Their passion for hands-on learning continues to inspire students to reach their full potential.

Thank you to the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) for the opportunity to share Hardee County's success story with educators from across the state.

This is another example of how Hardee County CTE is preparing students with the skills, credentials, and confidence they need for high-demand careers. We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, and the continued success of our Health Science Academy!

06/08/2026

Hardee CTE Announces Hardee Senior FFA Degree Honorees

Hardee CTE is proud to announce that members of Hardee Senior FFA have earned prestigious FFA recognitions at the state and national levels.

Congratulations to Russell Bryant and William Cornell, who have submitted applications for the American FFA Degree, the highest honor awarded to a regular member of the National FFA Organization. This degree recognizes years of achievement, leadership, dedication to agricultural education, and excellence in Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs. Their applications will be forwarded to the National FFA Organization for consideration, and they will be recognized during the 98th Florida FFA Convention.

Hardee CTE is also proud to announce that the following Hardee Senior FFA members are among the 435 Florida FFA members selected to receive the State FFA Degree at the 98th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo:

Lanie Howell
Callie Howell
Emma Johnson
Jay Southwell

These honors represent outstanding commitment, leadership, and achievement in agricultural education and FFA. Hardee CTE and Hardee Senior FFA congratulate these students on their well-deserved accomplishments and wish them continued success.

06/02/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Hardee Junior High School and Ms. Martha Arana! 🎉

We are proud to share the outstanding achievement of our 8th-grade students who participated in the 5G EDGE Program this school year.

🌟 5G Power Skills Certification Results
✅ 63 students earned their certification
📈 81.8% pass rate

The 5G Power Skills Certification Program focuses on leadership, communication, interpersonal skills, generational intelligence, and other essential workplace skills. Students completed 20 chapters throughout the year, building skills that will benefit them in high school, college, and future careers.

Upon successful completion, students earn a digital badge that is equivalent to 2 college credits through South Florida State College if they choose to enroll with SFSC in the future.

Congratulations to our students and a special thank you to Ms. Martha Arana for her dedication and commitment to helping students develop these valuable life and career skills.

05/23/2026

Tonight, we celebrated our Hardee High School Health Science students at our CNA Pinning Ceremony! 🩺🎓

These students have worked incredibly hard throughout this program, balancing classwork, skills, and clinical experiences to reach this milestone.

What makes this group even more impressive is that our students have already earned 194 certifications this year… and we’re still not finished yet! 👏

We were also excited to see Mrs. Aubry receive her CNA pinning tonight! Mrs. Aubry and Mrs. Godwin do an amazing job leading this program and supporting our students every step of the way.

Thank you to all of the families, friends, staff, and community members who came out tonight to support and celebrate our students. Your encouragement means so much to them and made tonight incredibly special. ❤️

We are so proud of each and every student and cannot wait to watch them continue to grow and succeed in the healthcare field. The future is bright, and healthcare is gaining some amazing professionals.

05/14/2026

This morning at the School District of Hardee County School Board meeting, a Career Pathways Articulation Agreement was officially signed between the School District of Hardee County and South Florida State College! 🎉

This agreement creates even more opportunities for Hardee County students enrolled in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to transition seamlessly into postsecondary education and careers. Through this partnership, eligible students can earn college credit at SFSC for industry certifications and coursework completed while in high school — helping save both time and money as they continue their education. 🎓

The agreement also strengthens pathways in Health Science programs, including opportunities connected to Practical Nursing and Patient Care Technician certifications.

We are excited to continue building strong partnerships that support student success, workforce development, and future career opportunities right here in Hardee County! 💙💛

Representing South Florida State College were Dr. Kathleen Cappo and Dr. Bobo. Representing Hardee County Schools were Peyton Goodwin(Hardee High School Health Science Teacher), Travis Tubbs (HHS Principal), and Meredith Durastanti (CTE District Director). Also pictured are Hardee County School Board Members, along with Superintendent Sonja Bennett and Deputy Superintendent Sherri Albritton.

05/12/2026

Hardee High School CTE is proud to celebrate a major milestone as our first two students ever have earned their NCCER Welding Level 1 Certification in Mr. Cliff Whaley’s Welding Program! Congratulations to Neida Rodriguez and Antonio Ibarra on this groundbreaking achievement.

The NCCER Welding Level 1 Certification is an industry-recognized credential designed by welding experts and professionals. The program covers essential welding safety, techniques, tools, and hands-on skills, with a focus on Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), also known as “stick” welding, in multiple positions.

This accomplishment would not be possible without the outstanding work and dedication of Mr. Cliff Whaley. Mr. Whaley has worked tirelessly to build and grow the welding program at Hardee High School, giving students hands-on experiences and industry-level training that prepares them for successful careers after graduation.

To celebrate their achievement and help support them as they continue their welding journey, Mr. Whaley is sending them off with welding starter packs filled with tools, supplies, and goodies to help them take the next step toward their future careers.

We are incredibly excited for these students as they pave the way for future welders at Hardee High School. Their hard work, determination, and perseverance have set the standard for excellence in our welding program, and we cannot wait to see what their futures hold.

Congratulations again to Neida, Antonio, and Mr. Whaley on this outstanding accomplishment! 🔥🛠️

04/29/2026

Hardee High School is celebrating a HUGE accomplishment! 🎉

On Monday, 21 students took their 4th certification exam- and every single one passed! 👏 That’s a 100% pass rate across all FOUR certifications they’ve taken so far!

So far, these students have earned certifications as:
• CNA
• Patient Care Technician
• EKG Technician
• Phlebotomy Technician

Their final certification test is on May 18th, and they’re on track to complete FIVE certifications! We couldn’t be more proud of their hard work, dedication, and determination.

A special thank you to Peyton Godwin and Nikki Aubry for the incredible job they’ve done teaching, guiding, and supporting these students every step of the way. Their dedication is truly making a difference! 💙

We also have several other groups working toward their certifications, and we can’t wait to celebrate their successes soon as well!