Rasmussen changes its name
Rasmussen College on Feb. 18 completed its transition to Rasmussen University. The Central Pasco campus, 16418 State Road 54 in Odessa, opened last December, with classes beginning in January. The new campus is a result of merging the New Port Richey/West Pasco and Land O’ Lakes/East Pasco campuses into one centralized location. Rasmussen features new health sciences and nursing labs, simulation equipment, and expanded offices, lounges and study spaces – both indoors and outdoors.
Catholic school enrollment
Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School, 17524 Lakeshore Road in Lutz, has started new student enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year.
Mother Teresa is an elementary and middle school for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.
The school’s mission is rooted in the Catholic Faith. Students attend weekly Mass with student-led liturgies, attend spiritual retreats, learn about the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching, discover and explore vocations, and participate in service projects.
For information or to make a virtual appointment with the admissions director, visit MTCTampa.org, or call 813-933-4750, ext. 105.
Board appointments
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the reappointments of Lee Maggard and Robin Schneider to their existing terms on the Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees. Both terms will run through May 31, 2022.
Maggard, of Zephyrhills, is an associate vice president and commercial relationship manager with CenterState Bank. He has been involved with the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills and serves on the board of the Academy at the Farms.
Schneider, of Spring Hill, is the marketing coordinator at the Medical Center of Trinity. Previously, she was director of marketing at Spring Hill Regional Hospital.
Both reappointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.
School lunches
MealViewer is a tool to stay informed about school lunches. Those interested can locate a school and see what is on the menu at Schools.mealviewer.com.
Students also can use their meal account at school vending machines, to conveniently grab a variety of snacks and beverages, by using their student ID and PIN number — no cash is needed.
To learn more and add funds to an account, visit tinyurl.com/tnxnh69v.
Saint Leo food truck
Saint Leo University is taking dining services on the road, as it has officially opened its new food truck, The Hungry Lion.
University President Jeffrey Senese was looking for a way to not only help students, but to be a community service – and spread the word about Saint Leo University, according to a news release.
The 33-foot truck features photos of University Campus in St. Leo and a distinctive logo featuring a lion, Saint Leo’s mascot.
Presently, The Hungry Lion is open to students, faculty and staff at lunchtime on Tuesdays through Thursdays, with the goal to offer night-time dining for students, too.
Future plans call for the food truck to frequently be stationed at Saint Leo’s Tampa Education Center, 1403 N. Howard Ave., to be there for events that are open to the public.
When fully staffed and operational, The Hungry Lion will begin serving at community events.
To learn more and to inquiry about availability, email .
Prodigy showcases
The University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) will present Prodigy Showcases, both virtually and in person, safely and social distanced, throughout March.
Youth in grades one through 12 from the Area CDC’s Prodigy Cultural Arts Program in several counties (including Hillsborough and Pasco) will showcase dance, music, fine arts, theater, and spoken word presentations in free events. This year’s theme is “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.”
Many students will be performing for the first time.
Additionally, visual art by Prodigy students will be on display at selected locations.
A full schedule can be viewed online at UACDC.org/prodigy.
Host an exchange student
The nonprofit organization International Student Exchange (ISE) is looking for volunteer families to host international high school students in the coming academic year.
Host families can expect to gain a new family member, experience a new culture, create lifelong friendships, and make a positive impact, locally and globally.
The exchange students are between the ages of 15 and 18, and come from countries such as Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Norway and more.
The deadline to match students with families is Aug. 31.
Families can select a student based on shared interests, hobbies, gender, etc.
Family screenings include a background check, an in-home interview, and a verification of personal references.
International students are English-speaking and have their own spending money.
Families will provide a caring environment, a room and daily meals.
Those who host ISE students are eligible to claim a $50 charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a student.
For information, call 727-237-1885, or visit ISEusa.org.
SAT School Day
The District School Board of Pasco County will provide the SAT School Day free of charge to all juniors on March 24, according to the Pasco County Schools Facebook page.
The district will register all juniors for the test; it is not necessary for students to register on the College Board website.
For more information, students should contact their respective school counselor.
Essay writing challenge
“Dear Evan Hansen” is a contemporary Broadway musical that had a breakout song entitled, “You Will Be Found.”
During the past year, finding connection has been more integral to our daily lives, and has also required more creativity to maintain it.
With that theme in mind, Gotham Writers Workshop is inviting students in 11th grade and 12th grade to write a college application-style essay that describes how the student has managed to ensure those around him or her were a little less alone in recent months, or, alternatively, a moment where the student has found comfort in connection.
Entries will be judged by a panel of writers and theater professionals.
The winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship from “Dear Evan Hansen” lead producer Stacy Mindich and a free six-week Gotham Writers class.
The essay must be 650 words or less. There is no entry fee.
The deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m., on April 5.
For specifics and how to enter, visit WritingClasses.com/contests.
Scholarship eligibility broadens
Hillsborough County Social Services and the Community Action Board again are partnering to offer scholarships up to $5,000 to eligible students. In response to the impact of COVID-19, the program will feature expanded eligibility criteria.
The Community Action Board Scholarship Program has broadened its household income eligibility from 125% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and lowered the GPA requirement from 2.5 to 2.0.
The changes to the program aim to help students who struggled academically because of the pandemic’s unprecedented impacts on schools, as well as students from households that saw a reduction in annual income.
The scholarships are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of college tuition, so students can focus on furthering their education, not paying bills.
The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or four-year universities.
Both first-time students and students returning to school can apply. Applications for the 2021 scholarships will be accepted through March 31.
Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the start of the fall semester.
Application materials and detailed instructions can be found at tinyurl.com/fyner9md.
