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Snake Breeder, Soldier Among Speakers At Annual Teach-In

LOIS KINDLE/Tampa Tribune

Army Lt. Daniel Brown talks with first-graders at Gibsonton Elementary about what it's like to have a job in the military.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 21, 2007

SOUTH SHORE - Two elementary schools typified the variety of presentations that went on throughout South Shore last week during the Great American Teach-In.

Students at Summerfield were treated to a session on snake breeding complete with live ball pythons and blood bearded dragon lizards. Although some shuddered, others were eager to touch the writhing reptiles.

"What do you feed them?" asked Kalvin Valdez, 7, during Byron Ratcliffe's presentation. Emily Anderson, 9, wanted to know if the snakes could be found in a pet store.

Ratcliffe, a 16-year-old Lennard High School student and snake breeder from Balm, was among 30 presenters that included a cake decorator, firefighter and a Disney chef.

"It was a positive day for all of our students," said fifth-grade teacher Sandy Aman. "They were able to explore lots of opportunities that we will incorporate into our classroom curriculum and talk about the rest of the year."

Meanwhile, 20 speakers took center stage at Gibsonton Elementary School.

Headlining the group was jazz and gospel singer Belinda Womack, who sang and danced during her presentation. Dressed in fatigues, her son, Army Lt. Daniel Brown, talked of life in the military with his young charges.

"Why do you jump out of airplanes," one boy asked.

"Did you bring a gun?" inquired another.

Other vocations ranged from massage therapist and youth minister to magician and pro wrestler.

"I think the kids had a great experience," said Michelle Carrick, assistant principal. "They had the chance to see and hear about things they never experience in their everyday lives.

Lois Kindle

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