Clearwater Maritime Students Invited To Steer Tall Ship At Festival

CLEARWATER, FL — More than 50 Clearwater Fundamental Middle School students who have applied to take the school’s new maritime engineering elective next year had the opportunity to get a hands-on experience aboard the Jolly II Rover during the St. Pete Tall Ships Festival on Friday.

“This was such a great opportunity for our students,” Principal Stephanie Joyner said while at the helm of the ship. “The students were selected because they have a background or specific interest in maritime engineering and how it ties to aerospace. And they’re just great kids.”

The group set sail, and even had the opportunity to steer the ship, along with their principal, engineering teacher Richard Preil and Erin Phelps, the PCS executive director of middle school education.

An additional 1,500 students from Baypoint, Carwise, Dunedin, Sanderlin, John Hopkins, Lealman, Madiera Beach Fundamental, Meadowlawn, Morgan Fitzgerald, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs and Tyrone middle schools also toured the Tall Ships Festival, thanks to a private fundraising campaign that provided tickets free of charge.

Marc Jensen, a volunteer with Tall Ships America and a sailing enthusiast, became involved with Tall Ships back in 2014. When he found out they would be visiting his hometown of St. Petersburg, he was determined to add an educational component. A phone call to Superintendent Kevin Hendrick got the job done.

“It was wonderful for me to hear that Pinellas County School is constantly working toward a more hands-on curriculum,” said Jensen, who raised nearly $20,000 to provide admission for the students. “This is something that touches on so many different subjects and just makes learning more interesting.”