Education
Dan McCarty Middle School Rewards 6th Graders With Supplies, Lunches Through PBIS Program
Students redeem Eagle Bucks earned for good behavior and academic effort at a school store stocked with supplies and special perks
Elena Vasquez
Staff Reporter
Covers: education, family_money, obituaries
Community-focused reporter covering education, family finances, and local economy for eight years. Grew up in Port St. Lucie, graduated from IRSC. Empathetic and thorough. Parents trust her. Teachers return her calls.
“Warm but professional. Humanizes data and policy through personal stories.”
Stories by Elena Vasquez
Education
St. Lucie Students Get Inside Look at Marine Science Careers Through Smithsonian Visit
Treasure Coast High and St. Lucie West Centennial students toured the Smithsonian Marine Station as part of the district's Classrooms2Careers program
Education
St. Lucie West Centennial NJROTC Places at Florida State Drill Championships
The "Black Talon" unit competed against 18 squads statewide; one cadet ranked third in the state on the academic test
Education
Historian Examines Black History Narratives in Weekend Lecture
Dr. J. Michael Butler challenges historical misconceptions in community discussion series
Education
Fort Pierce Central Bands Nab Superior Ratings at District Assessment
Director Stephen Gabin guided the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band to top honors at the FBA District 13 event on March 6, boosting St. Lucie County pride during Music in Our Schools Month.
Education
Fort Pierce Central's Ambassador Choir Earns Superior Rating at District Assessment
Directed by Elker Harris, the St. Lucie County ensemble highlighted student dedication and teamwork, gearing up for April's Heritage Festival in Atlanta.
Education
Oak Hammock K-8 Students Meet Holocaust Survivors in Port St. Lucie
Sixth graders heard personal stories from Palm Beach County survivors, while eighth graders attended an immersive theatrical performance for Holocaust Remembrance.
Education
St. Lucie Parent Academy Files 2024 IRS Return on Sept. 14
The nonprofit, dedicated to educational fundraising and parent engagement in St. Lucie County, has submitted Form 990 annually since 2011, federal records indicate.
Education
St. Lucie Education Foundation Files 2024 Tax Return
The nonprofit supporting local schools submitted its Form 990 on April 18, 2025, maintaining over two decades of transparent financial disclosures.
Education
Martin County Elementary Students Shine in Kids Tag Art Contest; Winning Designs Now for Sale
Tax Collector Ruth Pietruszewski and district officials surprised winners at schools like Bessey Creek Elementary, with proceeds from license plates and keychains funding local art programs.
Family & Money
St. Lucie County Fair Opens 60th Year With 45 Rides, Rodeo and 130,000 Expected Visitors
The annual event is a major economic draw for local vendors, many of whom are multi-generational fair fixtures
Education
St. Lucie West K-8 Third Graders Learn Fractions With Chocolate Bar Lesson
Hands-on activity uses a Hershey's bar to make equivalent fractions click for young learners
Education
Port St. Lucie High JROTC Cadets Recruit 24 New Members at Freshman Open House
Fourteen cadets led the event's color guard, staffed an info table, and managed parking — and left with a full class of future enrollees.
Education
Fairlawn Elementary Caps Literacy Program With Community Movie Night
Families gathered for an outdoor screening of 'Nim's Island' to close out the school's One School, One Book reading journey
Education
Fort Pierce Central High Marks Black History Month With Luncheon, Dance Performance
The annual Cobra Café celebration brought together students, faculty, and staff through food, culture, and performance.
Family & Money
Martin County Median Home Value Hits $386,500, Census Data Shows
New ACS estimates put median household income at $80,701 for county's 160,464 residents
Family & Money
St. Lucie County Median Household Income Sits at $69,027, Home Values at $305,800
Census ACS 2023 five-year estimates paint a detailed picture of economic life in a county of 346,237 residents
Family & Money
Martin County Median Home Value Hits $386,500, Nearly 5 Times Median Household Income
Census Bureau ACS 2023 data shows a widening gap between what residents earn and what housing costs — a critical signal for buyers and renters.
Education
Centennial High Legal Students Get Real-World Clinic at Law Library
St. Lucie West students heard from attorneys and a law librarian on careers, AI, and what employers want
Education
Port St. Lucie High Culinary Students Serve Up Community Pride at PSL Citizen Summit
Jag Chefs showcased tacos, empanadas, and banana cream dessert at the Feb. 7 event
