Nature Coast Technical students recognized; high school produced video for Eastside Elementary

The Hernando County School Board recognized Nature Coast Technical High School students and staff at its Oct. 21 meeting and viewed a student-produced video created in partnership with Eastside Elementary.

Principal Brad Merschback introduced the school's Beta Club members, who led the pledge, and described Nature Coast as "a career and technical community of learners" offering multi-year programs across numerous career clusters. "At Nature Coast, we're proud to be home of the sharks where innovation meets opportunity and where students truly learn the tech way," Merschback said.

Program highlights Merschback listed include digital cinema, information technology, commercial art technology, allied health, automotive, engineering, aerospace, criminal justice, culinary arts, energy technician and performing arts. He noted the school's digital cinema students recently competed in New York, where two production teams placed in the top 10 among about 40 schools.

Collaboration with Eastside Elementary: District staff described how a community member and a Nature Coast parent provided a song and how Nature Coast students, led by media instructors, produced a music video that included Eastside students. The video drew a watch party at lunch and had attracted more than 10,000 views online before an official post, presenters said. Teacher and staff recognition: The board also recognized long-serving employees; the meeting included announcements honoring staff with 30 or more years of service.

Why it matters: The presentation illustrated connections between high school career-technical programs and younger students in the district, and showcased applied learning and community partnerships that officials said help prepare students for careers.