by: Jennifer Kittrell, Haven Schools Board Member and FSU PC Teaching Mentor

From elementary school classrooms to university lecture halls, educators across Bay County are finding innovative ways to prepare students not just for graduation but for life.

At Haven Schools and Florida State University (FSU) Panama City, recent initiatives have focused on a shared goal: helping students develop the confidence, communication skills, professionalism, and leadership abilities needed to succeed in the workforce and in their communities.

Building Confidence Early

This spring, North Bay Haven Charter Academy (NBHCA), in collaboration with Bay Haven Charter Academy (BHCA), launched its inaugural Amazing Shake competition. The event brought together more than 50 fifth-grade students for a day of real-world challenges focused on professionalism, communication, and leadership skills. Inspired by the nationally recognized model created by the Ron Clark Academy, the competition was designed to teach students the importance of manners, confidence, professionalism, and respect.

Students dressed in business attire and participated in activities such as mock interviews, public speaking, historical reenactments, and networking exercises like “Work the Room.” Representatives from 12 local businesses volunteered as judges, providing students with valuable opportunities to engage directly with community professionals.

“We commend the school’s initiative to provide students with one-on-one conversations with business professionals,” said Chris Ford, Assistant Vice President at Panhandle Credit Union. “By organizing this event, Haven Schools is helping students develop essential communication skills for future success.”

Students spent months preparing for the competition. It served as an early introduction to the soft skills employers consistently rank among the most valuable in today’s workforce.

“The goal was to help them learn how to think on BAY BIZ / SUMMER 2026 17 their feet, remain composed under pressure, engage adults confidently, and communicate clearly in unfamiliar situations,” said NBHCA Elementary Principal Mike McLaughlin. “Watching fifth graders build that level of confidence and professionalism at such a young age was incredible, and we’re excited to continue the Amazing Shake next year.”

Fifth-grader Ariah Egbert earned top honors in the competition and advanced to represent NBHCA at the Global Amazing Shake competition in Atlanta.

Creating Connections for Future Careers

Just a few miles away, Florida State University (FSU) Panama City is building on many of those same concepts at the collegiate level through mentorship and professional networking.

Inside Holley Lecture Hall, students participated in “Career Connections – Networking and Mentoring for Professional Careers,” a pilot initiative designed to connect students with local business leaders, alumni, and professionals through structured conversations and speed mentoring sessions.

The program was developed by entrepreneurship faculty member Brian Baber along with colleagues Dr. Eren Ozgen and Dr. Wendy Ritz. Rather than relying on traditional networking formats, organizers created a more intentional experience focused on meaningful conversations and long-term mentorship opportunities.

“In entrepreneurship, relationships and mentorship are everything,” Baber said. “You can learn a lot in the classroom, but one conversation with the right person can change your direction, your confidence, and your opportunities.”

Students rotated through a series of short conversations with mentors from various companies. They discussed topics such as career passions, accomplishments, personal growth, and college experiences. Organizers envision the initiative evolving into a larger regional mentoring network connecting students with professionals across Northwest Florida.

According to FSU Panama City Dean Dr. Randy Hanna, the event reflects the university’s broader commitment to preparing students for the workforce while strengthening ties with the local business community.

“We make a promise to each of our students, and part of that promise is that you will be prepared as you move into the workforce or on to graduate school,” Hanna said. “Events like Career Connections create networking opportunities and serve as experiential learning for our students to prepare them for their future.”

The event also featured keynote remarks from Allan Bense, former Florida House Speaker and longtime Bay County entrepreneur, who shared how mentorship and professional relationships helped shape his own career in business and public service. “Mentors can change a young person’s perspective on his or her future in a very positive way,” Bense said.

While students at Haven Schools and FSU Panama City are at different stages of their educational journeys, both institutions are investing in programs that build leadership, confidence, and real-world experience—helping prepare the next generation to succeed in the workforce and strengthen their communities.