But even the most skeptical of judges enjoyed the presentation by high school senior Chas Creamer. But he played some pieces I really liked. Creamer was one of about 90 students at Tarpon Springs High School who had to make a presentation to complete his senior project. The program, which is unique to Tarpon Springs in Pinellas County, allows students to select a topic and research it during the marking period. Students in the class have to write a paper and, at the end of the period, make a presentation to a panel of judges, including school district officials and city leaders.
Topics range from wakeboarding and fishing to information about diabetes and how to become a chef.
The idea behind the projects is to ensure that students are fully involved in their education. People learn better when they are engaged in a project than when they are lectured to, principal John Nicely said. The focus is on whether learning actually takes place when students do something. Some students made their final presentations Wednesday, and others will make them today. By the end of the school year, Nicely said, most of the senior class will have completed a project.