St. Petersburg, FL — In a display of community solidarity and civic education, students at Plato Academy St. Petersburg participated in a comprehensive First Responders Day celebration on Friday, February 28, bringing local emergency personnel closer to the next generation.
The event, which transformed the school grounds into an interactive showcase of public safety services, highlighted the critical roles that first responders play in maintaining community well-being while providing students with firsthand exposure to the men and women behind the uniforms.
“Today, we are celebrating First Responder Day, a day to recognize and express our deep gratitude for those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving us,” said Jessica Wiley during opening remarks. “From paramedics and firefighters to police officers and emergency medical technicians, first responders put themselves in harm’s way every single day to ensure our safety and well-being.”
Beginning at 9:45 a.m., the celebration opened with a formal ceremony featuring the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Honor Guard with Corporal Wiley in the Lead, Sergeant Cuttitta, Corporal Schilling, Deputy Diaz, Deputy Sweet and Corporal Toles presenting colors in the school gymnasium. Corporal Toles performed the National Anthem, setting a tone of respect and appreciation that would characterize the day’s activities.
Following the ceremony, students witnessed the dramatic arrival of a police helicopter on the school grounds, a rare opportunity that captivated students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The demonstration continued with presentations from various first responder units, including a K-9 demonstration that showcased the specialized training and capabilities of police service dogs.
Friendly members of the local SWAT team explained their equipment and tactics to curious students, while firefighters demonstrated safety procedures and discussed fire prevention techniques that help everyone be safe. The interactive format allowed students to ask questions directly to professionals and, and explore emergency vehicles and equipment.
The event was made possible through collaboration between the school administration and several community partners. The St. Petersburg chapter of All Pro Dads, Gratzzi Restaurant, Walker Wealth Management, and the St. Petersburg Fools charity contributed resources for a complimentary barbecue lunch served to all students and staff.
“We believe this was a wonderful opportunity for our children to learn about safety, teamwork, and community service in a hands-on and engaging way,” said the school Principal Michelle West. “These kinds of experiences create lasting impressions that textbooks simply cannot match.”
Parents received advance notice of the celebration through school communications describing it as “an engaging and educational event” designed to give students “a valuable understanding of the important work that these heroes do every day.”
Beyond entertainment value, the First Responders Day served educational purposes aligned with civic education goals. Students gained insight into career paths in public service and emergency response while developing a deeper appreciation for community interdependence.
Teachers incorporated the experience into classroom discussions about community helpers, public safety, and citizenship. For younger students, meeting first responders in a positive context helps establish trust and familiarity with authority figures they might need to rely upon in emergency situations.
For the first responders themselves, the day provided a welcome opportunity to connect with young community members and share their professional passion in a non-emergency setting.
As the event concluded around 12:45 p.m., students departed with commemorative items and, more importantly, enhanced awareness of the dedicated professionals who serve their community daily. What began as a celebration evolved into a meaningful educational experience, reinforcing the school’s commitment to community engagement and civic responsibility.
