Candidate: James A. Monds, Jr.

A native son of Fort Pierce, Florida, James A. Monds Jr was raised on the Northside of St. Lucie County in the Sheraton Plaza community. Mr. Monds was educated in the St. Lucie County School system and is a graduate of the Great Fort Pierce Westwood. Mr. Monds excelled in academics and athletics, where he was a member of teams such as 2002 district champions in baseball and part of the elite as a football player representing St. Lucie County. He was also a part of the Northside Little League all-stars 12 year old state runner up team in 1997. After serving as a stellar youth leader in his community and attending mentorship programs such as the Omega Psi Phi lamplighter’s organization. Mr. Monds earned a football scholarship to the Great Bethune Cookman University where he majored in Criminal Justice and Minored in Political Science. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree he attended Capella University earning his Master’s degree in educational leadership while working as a full-time educator at numerous schools in St. Lucie County including his Alma Mata of Fort Pierce Westwood. Mr. Monds has helped to inspire the minds of many youth and adults located within the St. Lucie County Community by spear heading numerous youth organizations such as Treasure Elite Youth Services, Give Back 2 Kids Inc, serving on the board of directors for the Port St. Lucie Athletic Leagues and being a member of community based organizations the promote positive interactions such as Fort Pierce Lodge #155 PHA. Mr. Monds and partners have helped over 100 students pursue their dream of becoming college graduates and he continues to mentor college graduates on the success factor of the world to ensure that every students has the capability of becoming successful. His career experience includes owning his own businesses, being a volunteer coach and mentor for many athletic leagues in the county and 10years as an educator to his current position as an assistant principal. He also initiated one of the first mentoring and educational summer camps in the county which aims to promote violence awareness, substance abuse awareness, athletic enrichment, and educational advancement. As a small business owner, Mr. Monds was an advocate for person with disabilities as well as exceptional student educator and propelled through the ranks of educator to clinical educator and went on to become a educational mentor for schools at risk. Mr. Monds is currently serves as a Vice Principal of Renaissance Charter School which is part of Charter Schools USA. Mr. Monds strives to ensure that the future of our county is bright by making sure that the youth within our county are the best equipped to go out and conquer the world. Mr. Monds, is an advocate within his community. His family has been a part of the District 1 community of St Lucie County for 75 years. He is a fourth generation Fort Pierce residence and his entire family are natives of this great county. Mr. Monds resides in Fort Pierce with his four children (3 boys and 1 daughter) age ranges 5-11. He has dedicated his adult life to the better advancement of human life and is the best candidate for the position of St. Lucie County Commissioner. This will be a homecoming for one of St. Lucie County’s native sons.