Mary Rathman

Citizens of the Month
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce has named the September Citizens of the Month. The students recognized were: Sara Newsome, Academy at the Farm; Carys Johnson, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Catherine McCaughey, Saint Anthony Catholic School; Lykin Stephens, Centennial Elementary School; Carmen Estrada Miranda, Lacoochee Elementary School; Alexia Perez, Pasco Elementary School; Chloe Slone, San Antonio Elementary School; Richard O’ Dette, Centennial Middle School; Harland Brackin, Pasco Middle School; Reynah Carriera, James Irvin Education Center; and, Sarah Welbourn, Pasco High School.

Crusader for a day
Tampa Catholic High School, 4630 N. Rome Ave., in Tampa, will offer “Crusader for a Day,” an eighth-grade shadow program, Oct. 18, Oct. 25 and Nov. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The program provides a child the opportunity to learn about the Tampa Catholic student experience.

For information, call (813) 870-0860, ext. 232, or visit TampaCatholic.org.

Berkeley Prep open house
Berkeley Preparatory School, an independent Episcopal day school for boys and girls, will host two open houses, at 4811 Kelly Road in Tampa.

• Oct. 28 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., for grades six to 12. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m., followed by a program at 2 p.m., in the Lykes Center for the Performing Arts.
• Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., for prekindergarten through fifth grade. Registrations begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by a program at 9 a.m., in the Seivold Center for Early Childhood Education, Casper Family Piazza.

For information, visit BerkeleyPrep.org/openhouse.

Poster and poem contest
Paralyzed Veterans of America has launched its 15th annual Veterans Day National Poster and Poem Contest, to showcase the artistic talents and patriotic pride of young students for disabled veterans in their communities.

The theme for this year’s contest is “Help Our Veterans Be UnstoppABLE in Your Community.”

Participants are asked to draw a poster or write a poem showing or telling how they can help make their community more accessible for veterans who use wheelchairs.

The poster contest is open to students in first grade to fourth grade. The poem contest is open to students in grades five to eight.

Entries must be received by 5 p.m., on Oct. 29.

For information, including guidelines and how to enter, visit PVA.org/posterpoem.

Library system offers new diploma program
The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will offer scholarships to Career Online High School, a vocation-based high school completion program for adults.

In addition to earning an accredited high school diploma, students have the added bonus of career training – whether it’s a continuing education, or landing a job after completing the program.

Students can graduate with career certificates in a wide variety of high-growth, high-demand areas, ranging from child care, to food and hospitality, to commercial driving.

Scholarship recipients have up to 18 months to complete their education.

A limited number of scholarships are available for Hillsborough County residents, age 19 and older.

Applicants must have a library card or sign up for one, be able to dedicate about eight hours a week to coursework, and have access to a computer and the internet.

Students who don’t have a computer at home can use one for free at a library.

For information about the scholarship program, call (813) 273-3652, or visit HCPLC.org/hsdiploma.

Merit scholarship semifinalists
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has named approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 64th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

To be considered for the Merit Scholarship award, students must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition.

Merit Scholar designees are selected based on their skills, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference.

Local area students who have been named as semifinalists include:

• Academy at the Lakes: Roshan Warman
• Carrollwood Day School: Ammar S. Ali
• Gaither High School: Olivia C. Ratliff and Alani M. Seaman
• Land O’ Lakes High School: Armen Brotgandel, Edward Brotgandel, Komal Handoo and Summer R. Wylie
• Wharton High School: Victoria C. Bell
• Wiregrass Ranch High School: Chin-Chin Choi, Nalin Mehra and Neil Rupani

National Merit Scholarship winners of 2019 will be announced in four nationwide news releases next spring.

These recipients will join 338,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title.

Saint Leo named best value
Saint Leo University was named as one of the best regional universities and best values in higher education in the 2019 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges, released in September.

The university was No. 14 among Best Value Schools in the South. U.S. News takes into account both academic quality and cost.

This year, Saint Leo claimed its spot in the top 50 Best Regional Universities and ranked 47th among Southern universities, up from last year’s 61st ranking.

Regional universities offer a full range of undergraduate programs and provide graduate education at the master level. Saint Leo also offers three doctoral programs.

In addition, the school also was named one of the Best Colleges for Veterans among regional universities in the South, ranking 31st.

Schools named to the list participate in federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay for their degrees.

For information about Best Colleges 2019, visit USNews.com/best-colleges.

Ten students awarded citizen honors
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized 10 students as Citizens of the Month for September. The students were: Ari Kellerman, The Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Samuel Geist, The Broach School; Laniya Constant, Chester Taylor Elementary School; C.J. Pelto, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Cyhlas Davis-Payden, Heritage Academy; Abbygail Johnson, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Kendra Carter, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; Justin Negron, Woodland Elementary School; Nyjohn Moody, Zephyrhills Christian Academy; and Sophia Martin, Zephyrhills High School.

Crusader for a day
Tampa Catholic High School, 4630 N. Rome Ave., in Tampa, will offer “Crusader for a Day,” an eighth-grade shadow program, Oct. 4, Oct. 18, Oct. 25 and Nov. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The program provides a child the opportunity to learn about the Tampa Catholic student experience.

For information, call (813) 870-0860, ext. 232, or visit TampaCatholic.org.

Student achievement
The Tallahassee Community College Foundation has awarded Megan Everett, of Lutz, with the TCC STEM Council Scholarship.

The TCC Foundation will award more than $250,000 in scholarships to students based on merit, need and other factors during the fall 2018 semester.

New administrators
Pasco-Hernando State College recently named the following people to new administrative positions.

• Lisa Richardson succeeds recently retired William Shustowski as executive director, PHSC Foundation.

Richardson began her new role as associate vice president of alumni and college relations/executive director in August. Most recently, she served as provost at the East Campus in Dade City.

Richardson received a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from Argosy University in Phoenix, Arizona; a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from National-Louis University in Evanston,  Illinois; and a Bachelor of Arts in education from the University of Florida, Gainesville.

• Ed Goolsby is now provost of the East Campus. He has served in various capacities at the college since 2007, including associate dean at North Campus; interim dean, arts and sciences, West Campus, and most recently, dean of workforce development.

Goolsby earned a Doctor of Management in organizational leadership, specializing in information systems technology, at the University of Phoenix; and a Master of Business Administration, Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in management information systems from the University of South Florida.

• Marcia Austin was selected as the new dean of workforce development, care and technical education.

Previously, Austin was employed with Hernando County Schools for 28 years, serving in a variety of positions. She also was an adjunct professor at PHSC for more than seven years.

Austin earned a Doctorate in education leadership and an Education Specialist in education from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale; a Master of Science in education from Fordham University, Bronx, New York; and a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from St. Francis College, Brooklyn, New York.

• Gerene Thompson began her new role as dean of arts and sciences. Previously, she was the associate dean of academic affairs at Polk State College in Lakeland.

Thompson earned a Doctor of Philosophy in higher education, graduate certificates in leadership in higher education and college teaching, and Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from the University of South Florida; a Master of Arts in history from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas; and a Bachelor of Arts in pre-law/history from Barry University in Miami Shores.

Donations help elementary students
Businesses and citizens in Wesley Chapel came together to donate more than $2,000 worth of food to support local elementary students in need for the 2018-2019 school year.

Full Circle Food Outreach hosted and benefited from a Stock-the-Pantry Food Drive over the summer.

Raffle tickets also were sold and generated another $250 in donations and raffle items.

Food and donations generated from the food drive and after-party at Country Walk Clubhouse in Wesley Chapel will fill weekly food bags for students who are dependent on free or reduced school meals, or identified by school staff as food insecure.

Students enrolled in Full Circle’s program receive a bag filled with two breakfasts, two lunches and snacks each Friday during the school year.

For information about Full Circle Food Outreach, call (813) 619-8009 or email .

Pasco Schools enhance event security
Pasco County Schools has installed new safety procedures for all sporting events, as of Sept. 14.

From now on, only clear plastic, clear vinyl and clear Ziploc bags will be permitted.

No other bags of any kind will be permitted, including backpacks, fanny packs, purses and duffle bags. Some exceptions will be made for diaper bags, medically-necessary bags, and school/professional photographers’ camera bags.

Meanwhile, no re-entry will be allowed into games if a patron leaves, and no tickets will be sold after the beginning of the fourth quarter for football and basketball.

Parking lots will be cleared immediately after games, and no loitering or after-parties will be allowed.

The rules were developed in conjunction with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office after violence occurred at two Florida high school football games this season, and after surveying other school districts that are implementing similar procedures.

For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ybsfgloo.

Be a Bexley sponsor
Bexley Elementary, off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes, is looking for business sponsors for the 2018-2019 school year.

A Silver Paw Partnership sponsor will have its business cards displayed in the front office, and a business recognition on the school’s website and Facebook page, as well as the PTO Facebook page and newsletter. The silver sponsor also will receive a Certificate of Sponsorship and a Paw Partner car magnet.

A Gold Paw Partnership sponsor will include everything in the Silver level, plus: a business banner displayed outside the school for the 2018-2019 school year, and a complimentary booth space at the annual Bexley Elementary School Carnival, in the spring.

For information, contact Kathy Hrach at (813) 382-3138 or .

Services offered help school athletic department
Dr. Michael W. Higgins, board certified in orthopaedic surgery at Hernando Orthopaedic & Spinal Surgery, was recognized by Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School for providing physicals to its students at a reduced rate. The fees collected were donated back to the high school’s athletic department. More than 30 physicals were provided, which raised more than $300. Also participating, from left: Dr. Ross Currier and Mary Cunningham, alongside Dr. Higgins.

Learning center open house
Eye Level Learning Center, 33905 State Road 54, Suite 102, in Wesley Chapel, will host an open house Sept. 29 from noon to 2 p.m.

Guests can learn more about the math and English program, “Eye Level,” meet the teachers and let the kids play. Light refreshments will be offered.

A free diagnostic test will be available with a reservation.

For information, call (813) 670-5000.

Saint Leo open house
Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo, will host an open house Sept. 29 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., for students of all ages and their families and friends.

Guests can get acquainted with the academic programs by talking to the faculty, through resource fairs, and a variety of academic presentations and demonstrations.

Visitors also can tour the campus, chat with current students, learn about clubs and organizations, meet with financial aid representatives, talk with admission counselors, and more.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Admission is free.

To register, visit SaintLeo.edu/open-house.

For help with registration, or for questions, contact the Office of Admissions at or (352) 588-8283.

Performing Arts College Fair
Students interested in pursuing a college degree in dance, theater or music are encouraged to attend the Straz Center’s inaugural Performing Arts College Fair on Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 1010 N. MacInnes Place in Tampa.

There will be morning workshop rotations that include master classes and audition prep taught by Patel Conservatory faculty.

In the afternoon, guests can meet with representatives from schools known for their performing arts programs, including:

Carnegie Mellon School of Music; The American Musical Dramatic Academy; Boston Conservatory; Flagler College; Greensboro College; Stetson University; Florida College; Butler University; University of North Florida; Lynn Conservatory of Music; Florida State University College of Music; Valdosta State University; University of South Florida; Florida Southern College; Savannah College of Art & Design; Manhattan School of Music; The New School; and, the University of Florida.

Admission is free . Lunch will be available for purchase.

Reservations are required at PatelConservatory.asapconnected.com/#EventDetail=177547.

For information, call the Patel Conservatory Student Affairs office at (813) 222-1029.

PHSC names campus building
Pasco-Hernando State College hosted a dedication ceremony to name the Rao Musunuru, M.D. Conference Center at its Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court.

Community members, faculty, staff and students attended the event recognizing Dr. Musunuru’s service as a dedicated PHSC trustee since 1999, including four terms of service as board chair, as well as his significant contributions to the PHSC Foundation.

The tribute honors the cardiologist’s commitment to the college and support of the Foundation, which includes the establishment of numerous student scholarships and the purchase of state-of-the-art instructional medical equipment for the college’s health care programs.

Be a Bexley sponsor
Bexley Elementary, off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes, is looking for business sponsors for the 2018-2019 school year.

A Silver Paw Partnership sponsor will have its business cards displayed in the front office, and a business recognition on the school’s website and Facebook page, as well as the PTO Facebook page and newsletter. The silver sponsor also will receive a Certificate of Sponsorship and a Paw Partner car magnet.

A Gold Paw Partnership sponsor will include everything in the Silver level, plus: a business banner displayed outside the school for the 2018-2019 school year, and a complimentary booth space at the annual Bexley Elementary School Carnival, in the spring.

For information, contact Kathy Hrach at (813) 382-3138 or .