Key West High School is celebrating a historic achievement as Antonio Gomez and Dereck St. Cyr become the first students in the district to earn their Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam (BACE) certification. BACE is an industry-recognized credential that validates mastery of core bioscience skills essential for entry-level technician roles. This milestone marks a significant expansion of Key West High School’s CTE Biomedical Program, preparing students for futures in science, technology, and healthcare.

Passing the BACE exam is no small feat—it requires an 80% or higher on both written assessments and laboratory skill demonstrations, testing students on complex scientific concepts and technical applications. Teacher Tara Jackson proudly celebrates Gomez and St. Cyr’s success, recognizing their dedication, hard work, and passion for the field. Their achievement sets a new standard for biomedical education in Monroe County, inspiring future students to pursue excellence in STEM and beyond.