Mike Camunas

An egg-cellent Easter event

April 19, 2022 By Mike Camunas

A helicopter drops about 2,000 colorful plastic eggs onto a field next to New Walk Church in Zephyrhills during the church’s annual Egg Drop on Easter Sunday. The egg drop added to the 20,000 eggs already on the field. (Mike Camunas)

The children cheered before they saw it. The blades whipping in the distance until the helicopter rose from behind Dollar General. It flew by, circled around New Walk Church in Zephyrhills twice and the children cheered some more.

At the church’s annual Egg Drop, the pilot dropped about 2,000 eggs onto a field as hundreds of children awaited to scramble after and grab as many eggs as they could on Easter Sunday.

Already on the field: another 20,000 eggs for children, ranging in ages from 1 to 10 years old.

The prizes inside? Candy, stickers, tattoos, even money.

In all, the church held seven egg drops over the three-day weekend and each one had hundreds of kids, the largest being at 12:45 p.m., on Easter Sunday, with about 600 sprinting for colorful plastic eggs.

New Walk Church is nondenominational, at 35008 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills. For more info, log onto NewWalk.church.

Published April 20, 2022

Hundreds of children rush to gather eggs on the field next to New Walk Church in Zephyrhills just moments after a helicopter dropped about 2,000 colorful plastic eggs from about 50 feet high.

Lauren Maiorano, of Wesley Chapel, carries her young son, Connor, back to the car after the two scrambled to get some of the 22,000 colorful plastic eggs available on the field next to New Walk Church in Zephyrhills, following the church’s annual Egg Drop.

Zion Johnson, an 11-year-old volunteer at New Walk Church in Zephyrhills, helped ready the field on Easter Sunday despite having a broken foot.

Parish helps others through its weekly food pantry

April 19, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Saint Joseph is known as the patron saint of workers, among other things.

So, it seems apt that the Food and Baby Pantry at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 5316 11th St., in Zephyrhills is managed and run by hard-working volunteers.

Sandy Wheeler helps provide a bag of food and other items for Luis Cruz at St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, as Maggie Seranic looks on. (Mike Camunas)

The volunteers only mission is to help feed those who can use a hand.

The pantry volunteers are essential, said Beverly Burgess, the church’s business manager.

“It wouldn’t run without them,” Burgess said. “They give that work with all their heart. (The food pantry) is something we wouldn’t be able to do, without them.”

They selflessly give of their time, every week.

The Food and Baby Pantry at St. Joseph’s has been available for years, but for the past three years has been run and managed by husband and wife parishioners, Steve and Maggie Seranic.

Each Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., anyone from the community can come receive a bag full of food and other essentials — all donated by St. Joseph parishioners when they attend Mass on Sundays.

St. Joseph’s Food Pantry manager Maggie Seranic picks through donated materials to give to a patron who came by on a Wednesday to pick up a completely free bag of food and other essentials.

“We have one couple that on the dot brings in four cases of food — every week,” said Sandy Wheeler, a pantry volunteer.

“It’s 100% donated from our parish,” added Maggie Seranic.

People who stop by for help typically are from Zephyrhills, Dade City and other nearby areas.

But Maggie Seranic said: “Sometimes we get people who come all the way from Tampa. We don’t turn anyone away. However, I keep a list to help them find a closer food pantry.”

While Saint Joseph’s food pantry day is on Wednesdays, Burgess said exceptions can be made to help on other days.

“We won’t turn anyone away, but we will remind them that we usually can only do it Wednesday,” Burgess said. “If someone comes, we’ll go into the pantry and make them a quick bag of food.”

Steve Seranic, left, and Diane Albring prepare bags of food at St. Joseph’s Food Pantry in Zephyrhills.

While the Food Pantry is much sought after, the Baby Pantry is quite busy, too.

It also is well-stocked with all the essentials, from diapers to formula.

Becky Finley and Peg Blum-Rollins are two volunteers who help run bags of children’s essentials out to the cars of parents and families. COVID regulations are in place, so volunteers meet the parent at the car and take “an order” of what he or she needs.

“It’s very helpful, and I know there are people out there who need it more than me,” said Kassey Williams, a mother of three who lives in Zephyrhills. “I don’t go to this church, but it means a lot to me, it means a lot to other people, and I know a lot of those people are very thankful for them, just like I am.”

Zephyrhills resident Kassey Williams, a mother of three, looks over some of the donated baby clothes with Becky Finely just outside St. Joseph’s Baby Pantry.

The Baby Pantry also is very good at providing clothes and other items for children, many of which are gently worn, returned and donated out again.

Sometimes, the timing is divine.

Blum-Rollins shared this example: “One time we had a mother come in and ask for a stroller, and as she was (asking), another woman came in and wanted to donate a stroller! They just transferred it right into the other car. It’s great to see the community helping each other out in a different way.”

“We want to be able to support those women and to do so is very rewarding,” Finley said.

Just as gratifying is the way the parish supports the pantries, and the generosity of the parishioners to stock them, Burgess said.

“All we have to do is ask,” Burgess said.

“For as long as I’ve been coming to this church, everyone will donate or get what we say is the most needed. People just respond and it is amazing — just amazing to see it happen at our church,” she said.

Published April 20, 2022

The Edwinola celebrates 110 years in Dade City

April 19, 2022 By Mike Camunas

It would be highly unusual for any resident of The Edwinola to be older than the grand lady herself.

After all, the historic structure at 14235 Edwinola Way, is set to turn 110.

A big community party is being planned to celebrate.

An exterior view of The Edwinola, which has been remodeled and reopened as a senior living community, in 2017. (Mike Camunas)

The former hotel that’s now an assisted living facility will host a Southern-style picnic block party on April 23.

The gathering will be at Agnes Lamb Park, across the street from The Edwinola, and festivities will include a live band, games and activities for kids, raffles and more.

Of course, residents of the facility and their families will be there, as well as members of the public.

The celebration is set for 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“I think that it’s a great thing to be part of the community, especially as one of the oldest buildings in Dade City,” said Tony David, The Edwinola’s interim executive director. “There’s a lot of history and a lot of families’ memories and loved ones here at The Edwinola, and we’ve never really celebrated The Edwinola like this. We’ve had grand openings when we opened our floors or renovations, but never like this.”

Originally constructed as a hotel in 1912, The Edwinola’s name stems from a combination of the original owners’ names, Edwin and Lola Gasque.

The building’s use didn’t convert into a retirement community until the 1980s.

The three-story structure has gone through a number of renovations, including the latest in 2017, but it still features its iconic Doric columns, wrap-around porches and Mansard roof.

Besides enjoying the party outdoors, The Edwinola is offering tours that day, for folks who want to take a look around.

David is enthusiastic about the upcoming event.

“It looks like we’re having a really good response and we’re excited for everything — the community seems excited, too,” David said. “I really believe that it will really bring the community closer to The Edwinola and absolutely give our residents something to do, which they might not always get to. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

The Edwinola’s 110th Celebration
Where: Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St., in Dade City
When: April 23, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: Southern-style picnic block party featuring live music, games, raffles and more. Open to the public.
Info: Call 352- 567-6500, or visit TheEdwinola.com.

Published April 20, 2022

First Baptist of Lutz to get a new look

April 19, 2022 By Mike Camunas

From left to right: retired Senior Pastor Charles White, Senior Pastor Scott Talley’ Senior Administrative Pastor Paul Vahue, Worship Pastor Steve Biles, Next Gen Pastor Tanner Biles, Chairman Campus Revitalization Committee member Kevin Sturgill, Rob Glisson, AIA of ROJO Architecture and Barry Henderson of Wilson & Co., hold a ceremonial groundbreaking at First Baptist Church of Lutz, at 18116 U.S. 41 North. The church, which was built in the 1940s, is getting a $3-million modern renovation, expected to be completed by May 2023. (Courtesy of Kim Seymour)

One of Lutz’s oldest buildings is getting a makeover.

The First Baptist Church of Lutz, originally built in 1944 (and rebuilt in the early 1960s after a fire), is set to get a $3 million renovation, expected to be completed around May 2023.

“This church was started in a member’s living room in the 1940s and it’s just been adding buildings over time,” Administrative Pastor Paul Vahue said. “The church is looking tired and old, so it’s getting a facelift. We’ll give the church a brand new modern glass entrance and we’re all really excited about it.”

An artist rendering of the $3 million update of the First Baptist Church of Lutz

With the renovation, the entire front of the church will be enclosed with an entirely new look.

The church also will add an atrium that will be the centerpiece and will connect the sanctuary to the fellowship hall.

The atrium will be a large open space for welcoming guests, checking in children to the children’s wing, and hosting events.

There also will be new, larger, handicap-accessible restrooms at the front of the fellowship hall, on both the first and second floors.

During the renovation, the main sanctuary will be unaffected, so services will remain there.

The construction work, however, will require several community groups, such as home-schooled students and Boy Scouts who meet at the church, to relocate their meetings to other buildings on the church campus.

So the upcoming year is expected to have a hectic look at the First Baptist Church of Lutz, but it will be a most welcome one.

“Many parents didn’t want to bring their kids to this aging building where it just looks like a blast from the past,” Vahue said. “People like stuff that is new and we want to get modern here. The church isn’t going anywhere — it’s just going to get modern and new.”

Published April 20, 2022

Voters decide outcome in municipal races

April 19, 2022 By Mike Camunas

There will be mostly familiar faces on elected city government boards in East Pasco, following the April 12 municipal elections.

Dade City Commissioner Scott Black held onto his seat by defeating challenger Kelly Smith. Black received 471 votes to Smith’s 259.

Joining Black on that board will be Ann Cosentino, who was elected to fill an opening created by Mayor Camille Hernandez, who retired from her seat on the board.

Commission Group 2 winner Ann Cosentino and her supporters wave to passing cars on Meridian Avenue on April 12, as the newly elected official defeated opponent Keeley Karatinos. (Mike Camunas)

Cosentino received 432 votes; Keeley Karatinos received 285.

Cosentino was impressed by the turnout.

“There was a rolling amount of people coming in and it felt like record numbers to me,” she said.

The candidate had placed signs up and down Meridian Avenue and pitched a tent with her supporters at 6:30 a.m., in front of Precinct OO1, at the First Baptist Church of Dade City, at 37511 Church Ave.

Karatinos did the same thing.

Commission Group 1 winner Scott Black retained his seat by receiving 64% of 730 votes over opponent Kelly Smith on April 12.

Both candidates were out waving as drivers passed — with some motorists responding by honking their horns.

Before the votes were tallied, Cosentino was ready for whatever the outcome would be.

“I’ve always been surrounded by people and a team that really support me and believe in me, and that has made running really worth it,” Cosentino said. “I’ve done all the hard work and I’ve worked as hard as I possibly can, so I’ve been at peace no matter what the result will be.”

Incumbent Black also was at Precinct 001, waving to passersby, on Election Day.

Precinct 001 Supervisor Robert McConathy said the enthusiastic voter turnout is a sign of the pivotal time that Dade City is experiencing.

“Lots of things have been taking place in the city and a lot of people want to see change.

“When that happens, you see high voter turnout.”

The Town of St. Leo also had a contested seat, where voters selected William Hamilton to fill Seat 5 on its commission. Hamilton secured 30 votes; opponent Susan Lashlee received 9.

Some municipal leaders were reelected without challenge.

Winning their seats unopposed were Alison R. Cagle, Sarah E. Schrader and John T. Vogel, in the City of San Antonio; Donna H. DeWitt and James E. Hallett, in the Town of St. Leo; and, Lance Smith and Ken Burgess, in the City of Zephyrhills.

Dade City Commission

Group 1 results
Scott Black: 471
Kelly Smith: 259

Group 2 results
Ann Cosentino: 432
Keeley Karatinos: 285

St. Leo Town Commission
Seat 5
William Hamilton: 30
Susan Lashlee: 9

UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES

San Antonio City Commission
Alison R. Cable
Sarah E. Schrader
John T. Vogel

Saint Leo Town Commission
Seat 1: Donna H. DeWitt
Seat 3: James E. Hallett

Zephyrhills City Council
Seat 1: Lance Smith
Seat 4: Ken Burgess

Published April 20, 2022

Having fun throwing flags, in football

April 19, 2022 By Mike Camunas

This ain’t no Powder Puff game.

These athletes bring talents to the football field, passing and running the ball, pulling flags and scoring touchdowns.

And, yes, this is technically a non-contact sport, but these athletes also aren’t pulling any punches. Contact may happen occasionally during this 7-on-7 format because it’s inevitable. And it’s because these teams are good.

Hillsborough County has produced several state champions in this full, varsity sport, regulated by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA).

Flag Football district tournaments start on April 25.

For now, we’re going to take a look at the four teams in our coverage area and see just how they are set up this season.

Patriots senior Ceniya King (Mike Camunas)

Carrollwood Day
Mascot: Patriots
Coach: Todd Broyles
Division: Class 1A-District 6

Outlook: The Patriots are a young team predominantly made up of freshmen, with just three seniors. However, that hasn’t stopped this team with a hot 4-0 record that outscored its opponents 96-6. The team with its great start looks to continue its winning ways deep into the postseason.

Player Rylee Texter says: “Our defense is pretty on point. Playing flag football is fun and competitive, and it’s not too serious where we get down on each other – we can uplift each other and just have fun.”

Coach Broyles says: “It’s a little cliche, but we’re getting better with every practice and every game. We may be a very young team, but they’re fast learners, very tenacious and quick to the ball. This is a great team.”

Freedom High
Mascot: Patriots
Coach: La’Shae White
Division: Class 1A-District 6

Outlook: The Patriots were a young team last year under coach La’Shae White, who was in her first season at the helm. And it showed, as they only won two games. This year, they have doubled that total, just five games into the season. Freedom put in a lot of offseason work and conditioning, and are out to show off its vast improvement from last season.

Player Ava Hanzelka says: “Compared to last year, we are doing great. We’ve made a lot of progress as a team and our relationships with one another. We’re a lot closer and we have a lot more fun together.”

Coach White says: “We were really locked in to get better in the offseason and so far its showing. Our girls are very competitive, but this is also fun for them. I think that’s very important to have out here.”

Steinbrenner High
Mascot: Warriors
Coach: Greg Puskas
Division: Class 2A-District 7

Outlook: The Warriors are generally one of the better teams in the area, usually getting into some of the rankings. However, Puskas and company have a bit of a youth movement, and are adjusting to new faces. Steinbrenner is a very athletic team and will use several running plays with Kyra Patterson, a speedster that also runs track and field.

Player Elyse Thornton says: “We haven’t started as strong as we normally do, but we’re pushing through. Each game we’ve made progress and sometimes the results don’t show it, but we see how better we’re getting each time we come out.

Coach Puskas says: “We have a really young group, but I think we’re a really good-looking group, too. We’re looking to make a few moves, win some games and get some really good momentum headed into the playoffs.”

Wharton High
Mascot: Wildcats
Coach: Dylan Shearon
Division: Class 2A-District 6

Outlook: The Wildcats, arguably, have one of the toughest schedules, especially since they faced Newsome in their first week, then Alonso and Robinson, respectively. That’s a tough stretch to open the season, but it better prepares Wharton and its players for the postseason.

Player Kassidy Russell says: “People underestimate the sport because they think it’s just pulling a flag, when really it’s a lot more technical skills and a lot of hard work — but still a lot of fun.”

Coach Shearon says: “Our team has a tendency to focus on the negatives, which we need to stop. We started off on a tough patch, but we got through that, and we’re talented enough to not focus on negatives and be just as good a team as we know we are.”

Published April 20, 2022

Longtime coach retires

April 19, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Wharton boys basketball coach Tommy Tonelli on the night of his 500th win in his coaching career. (File)

Wharton boys basketball coach Tommy Tonelli, who started the program in 1997 and won more than 500 games with the Wildcats, announced his retirement from the coaching position on April 8.

Tonelli, who turns 58 in May and is a former University of South Florida point guard, will remain at the school as a guidance counselor, but leaves a program that has seen 12 district titles, two region championships and two Final Four berths. This past season, the Wildcats were 28-3, but eventually fell to Class 6A champ Stuart Martin County in the semifinals.

This high school will open doors to new possibilities

April 12, 2022 By Mike Camunas

This has been a long time coming.

Since 2018, to be exact.

Ever since Wendell Krinn Technical High opened in New Port Richey — replacing Ridgewood High — there’s been a need for a technical school on Pasco County’s east side.

Soon, that need will be served.

Pasco County Schools is spending $70 million on Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, a school that will feature leading-edge programs on an ultra-modern campus.

Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, at 32555 Innovation Drive in Wesley Chapel, is a state-of-the-art $70-million high school set to open in August. It will provide an array of technical program options for students. (Mike Camunas)

Being built in the rapidly growing community of Wesley Chapel, the new high school is set to open this August, for the 2022-2023 school year.

The STEM (science, technical, engineering and mathematics) high school will feature a curriculum that allows students to earn a standard diploma, while having the opportunity to earn industry certifications.

Dee Dee Johnson, Kirkland Ranch’s inaugural principal, said this type of school has been needed on the east side of the county for a long time.

The campus gives students a chance to attain a well-rounded education, while also exploring programs that might not be their exact focus.

Students will have access to trade and technical programs such as automotive maintenance and repair, including diesel; biomedical sciences; building trades and construction technology; cybersecurity; digital media and multimedia design; engineering and robotics, welding; electricity; and, patient care technology.

Kirkland Ranch is opening with freshmen and sophomores, but will be adding junior and senior classes.

Both school and district leaders are enthused about the new opportunities that Kirkland will provide.

“We’re excited about the whole experience for those students,” said Dr. Kim Moore, assistant superintendent for Career and Innovative Programs.

The school’s STEM focus “is integrated into everything because STEM is a mindset. The programs will all have interconnection,” Moore said.

Kirkland Ranch has been designed to foster collaboration among students.

Several programs are deliberately located close to each other to make it easier for students from various programs to bring their work together.

“Engineering needs to understand the trades of building and construction, just like electrical needs to, as well,” Johnson said. “Honestly, we’re excited about how all of the programs can collaborate and work together. I think that’s really cool because that’s how it will work in the real world. We’re excited to see what every program can build and create.”

The school district also is excited to have a diesel automotive program, one that can and will work on its school buses.

A construction welder works on the campus of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, a $70-million project to bring a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) high school to the east side of Pasco County.

“They’ll be able to service our own vehicles — which is just about one of the coolest things the school system will have,” Moore said.

Pasco County Schools is taking full advantage of the county’s unprecedented growth, especially in the Wesley Chapel area.

With the abundance of nearby construction projects — on buildings, roadways and other infrastructure — there’s plenty of opportunity for technical jobs. Those are the kinds of jobs that will be easily accessible to students who receive training and can become certified before leaving high school.

“Think about it,” Moore said. “Large employers like the hospitals coming in right there in Wesley Chapel will need everything from doctors to nurses to biomedical to technicians. But those large businesses will need buildings; jobs that will go to welders and construction and engineers. Those businesses might have vehicles, in which our students will be prepared to work on those mechanically.

“A lot of strategy went into selecting career fields and programs at Kirkland Ranch — that way it would meet the needs locally,” Moore said.

“We took a comprehensive local needs assessment that focused on the jobs needed in Pasco, especially right nearby in Wesley Chapel. We’ll have ready a pool of employees right here in Pasco County that will attract even more businesses.”

Kirkland Ranch is set to be completed this summer, with students expected to have a chance to tour the building sometime in July, Johnson said.

“Everything is on track, which is amazing in what we’re facing (with supply chains) at this time,” Johnson added.

Anticipation is growing and the excitement is palpable, as school and district leaders prepare to welcome the first students to Kirkland Ranch.

“If I was in high school again, I would have gone to this school,” Moore said, with a laugh. “I would have loved to have gone to a school like Kirkland Ranch.”

Interested in enrolling?
The Pasco County Pathways second enrollment period runs through April 18. For more information on Kirkland Ranch, its programs and enrollment, visit KRAI.pasco.k12.fl.us/.

Published April 13, 2022

New Kirkland Ranch principal described as ‘a blessing’

April 12, 2022 By Mike Camunas

It surprised Dee Dee Johnson.

The longtime Pasco County Schools teacher and administrator was named 2021 Principal of the Year in November and all of it came as a shock, especially when Superintendent Kurt Browning showed up with a bouquet of flowers.

Dee Dee Johnson was named Pasco County School District’s 2021 Principal of the Year and is now principal of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation. The new high school is set to open in August. (Mike Camunas)

“Oh, it was very unexpected,” said Johnson, who has been with Pasco County Schools for 18 years. “It was pretty cool that my peers nominated and voted for me. There are so many great leaders in the area and so many great leaders that I’ve learned from and still reach out to. I felt great that everyone recognized that I worked hard and want to do what is best for the kids.

“I was very surprised to get the award.”

Those who know Johnson and her work, however, weren’t as surprised. As someone who worked her way up from math teacher to principal of the soon-to-be-opening Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, it was a long time coming. Especially to one of those leaders who has witnessed Johnson’s career firsthand.

“We are just blessed beyond blessings to have her,” said Dr. Kim Moore, assistant superintendent for Career and Innovative Programs. “She is a phenomenal leader with a proven track record. Every school she has gone to has improved because she is that phenomenal leader.”

Johnson is a product of the school system where she works. She attended Quail Hollow Elementary, Weightman Middle and Zephyrhills High.

At Zephyrhills High, she was a soccer star — earning a scholarship to Florida Atlantic University, where she graduated in 2000.

“She is from the community and knows the community,” Moore said. “So everyone knows her and she’s earned that trust as a person from the community.”

Johnson began her career as a mathematics teacher at Centennial Middle and then moved on to her alma mater, Zephyrhills High. Next, she became assistant principal at Wesley Chapel High, where she was named principal in 2017.

In the 2018-2019 school year, she became principal at Pasco Middle.

Superintendent Browning named her Kirkland Ranch’s first principal in September.

“I couldn’t think of a better person to be that school’s principal,” Moore added.

Johnson’s ties run even deeper with Pasco County’s school system, as her husband, Mike, is the football coach at Cypress Creek High in Wesley Chapel.

Now, Johnson’s days are filled with planning to open Kirkland Ranch, which includes visits to the construction site until the work is finished this summer.

“I’m ready for August,” Johnson said.

“But the kids will come and tour it in July, so I really just can’t wait until then,” she said.

Published April 13, 2022

Holding court after school

April 12, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Like a volley, these tennis players are ready to return to the court.

Ava Sambrano smiles as she coaches students during the after-school tennis program at Stewart Middle in Zephyrhills. The Sarah Vande Berg (SVB) Tennis Foundation sponsors the program, which meets twice a week. (Mike Camunas)

The Stewart Middle School students are taking part in an after-school tennis program put on by the Sarah Vande Berg (SVB) Center and Foundation.

The youths spend afternoons twice a week doing their homework and then heading out to the school’s tennis courts to learn the fundamentals of the sport. Plus, they get some exercise, too.

“They embrace getting the work and homework done, and then they pressure us, ‘OK, we’re done. Let’s go out to the court,’” coach Ava Sambrano said with a smile. “And, that’s because we keep it very fun. We teach them different drills, the different types of strokes with the racquets — we work on footwork, hand-eye coordination and keep it all fun because that’s what they look forward to.”

Sambrano is a coach from the SVB Center, which will provide this program twice a week through nearly the rest of this school year at Stewart Middle, 38505 10th Ave., in Zephyrhills.

The program, presented by the SVB Foundation’s Play Days program, explains tennis basics to many who have not been exposed to the sport.

It’s a way to provide those students with access to lessons and tennis equipment.

“Tennis can be a very expensive sport,” said Sambrano, who played college tennis and was a JuCo national champion. “It’s free (thanks to the Center and Foundation) for them to participate, so we try to bring a sport that they can do and enjoy. I think it’s great we can try to pass on these skills and some values that might prepare them for not only tennis, but in life, as well.

“Parents want them to do an activity,” she added. “A little after-school thing to do before they can be picked up. Many are from low-income homes, so we try to promote physical activity and fitness, and have a better focus on their life.”

And, it’s easy to see the kids are all on board, as Sambrano pointed out. The program has nearly 25 kids and each is eager to grab a racquet after school.

Zachary Causey, 13, returns a volley during the after-school tennis program at Stewart Middle in Zephyrhills.

“I’ve learned a lot here playing tennis,” student Charles Irving said. “It’s a lot of fun. I’m always looking forward to getting my work done, so we can get on the court.”

Trey Hochstetler, another student, said: “I really like tennis a lot. And I like tennis because it’s a sport I’m actually good at, and I plan on playing in high school and going to the (SVB) Center.”

Stewart Principal Joshua Borders hopes this tennis program will pave the way for additional after-school programs.

The school has athletic teams, but Borders wants to add other sports that offer similar after-school programs.

The programs can be a pipeline to high school teams, Borders said.

By getting an early start, the athletes will be better prepared if they would like to keep on playing, he added.

“We want to do more after-school programs with other spots, so, hopefully, with this success, we’ll be able to do that in the future,” Borders said.

Published April 13, 2022