A look at future?

By DONNA WINCHESTER, Times Staff Writer
Published November 15, 2007

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Mr. Sparkle, the garbage can-clad mascot from the St. Petersburg Sanitation Department, visited Melrose Elementary School on Wednesday. The Scubanauts Team visited Largo Middle School. A retired Raytheon engineer showed Seminole High students how to solve sudoku. They all were part of this year's Progress Energy Great American Teach-In, an annual event that brings thousands of people into schools to teach kids about everything from art to zoology. Their presentations encourage students to consider possible careers and offer alternatives to possibly harmful behavior. Some presentations simply entertain.

 

BY THE NUMBERS:

14          Years Pinellas County has participated

63,115   Number of volunteers making presentations

160,659  Number of presentations made

151        Schools visited

Some participants

 

Scott Mathieson, pitcher for Philadelphia Phillies, Belleair Elementary.

Gulfcoast Oncology physicians discussing dangers of smoking, Lakewood Elementary.

Gulfport Fire Department, Boca Ciega High School.

Florida Department of Blind Services, Highland Lakes Elementary.

Organ Wise Guys, Mount Vernon Elementary.

Honeywell engineers, North Ward Elementary.

Science Center of Pinellas, Blanton Elementary.