Mary Rathman

Nurses recognized for excellence

May 16, 2018 By Mary Rathman

The Medical Center of Trinity has recognized two nurses with Excellence in Nursing awards, established to honor outstanding nurses who demonstrate excellence in professional mentoring and compassionate care.

The awards honor those whose work and lives reflect patient-centered and humanitarian values.

Tracy Brown, RN, of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, received the Excellence in Nursing for Compassionate Care honor.

Brown has 30 years of experience and is dedicated to keeping up-to-date with the latest information in her field of cardiac care to ensure patients are provided with the best of care.

Sue Wegener, RN, in Behavioral Health, was given the Excellence in Nursing Professional Mentor award.

In 2017, Wegener developed and implemented a Mental Health Awareness Night for Girl Scouts, to educate Scouts and their families about mental health issues.

Wegener also is the chair for the hospital’s Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk, raising funds and spreading awareness.

She also spearheaded and integrated education pertaining to Trauma Informed Care and how it impacts the nursing practice throughout the hospital.

Chalk Talk 05/16/2018

May 16, 2018 By Mary Rathman

Jacob Spielberger

Local junior to join Naval Academy for the summer
Jacob Spielberger, a junior at Wesley Chapel High School, has been selected to join the Naval Academy Summer Seminar in June.

The U.S. Naval Academy invited a select group of about 2,550 young men and women from around the nation and internationally to attend the summer seminar. The program is a fast-paced experience for high achievers who have completed their junior year in high school and are considering applying for admission to the academy after graduation.

Spielberger has been on the varsity wrestling team since his freshman year; is a member of the National Honor Society; volunteers at Healing Horses “One Child at a Time,” and volunteers through the Family of Christ School where he attended elementary and middles school, and the Lutheran church he attends. He also offers tutoring services to friends or family in need.

For information, visit USNA.edu.

Students participate in cooking challenge
Students from Quail Hollow Elementary School are among those preparing to show off their culinary skills in the 2018 Gridiron Cooking Challenge on May 19 at One Buc Place in Tampa.

The team is going head-to-head against Lake Gibson Middle School (Lakeland), Narcoosee Middle School and Goldsboro Elementary School.

The challenge is designed and supported by the Florida Dairy Farmers, and is part of the Fuel Up to Play 60 initiative.

The Quail Hollow students will prepare a recipe for Alfredo Smothered Roasted Red Pepper & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Swirls.

The team is made up of fifth-graders Gracie Evans, Madison Gulley, Katelyn O’ Neil and Lindsey Overland.

There also will be photo opportunities with the Buccaneers’ mascot Captain Fear, the Bucs cheerleaders, an NFL player, and the Dairy Council of Florida’s mascot, Merry Moo.

The event is free and open to the public, but guests should register through Eventbrite.com.

Closing ceremonies
Ridgewood High School is looking for former faculty, staff and alumni to participate in the school’s closing ceremonies May 22 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The event will commemorate Ridgewood’s 40-year history, and trophies, pictures and other awards will be given to students and staff who have earned them.

There will be a family fun area with bounce houses and music.

Memorabilia, such as athletic and band uniforms, will be for sale at a low price.

A closing ceremony presentation will take place in the gymnasium at 7:30 p.m.

Ridgewood will be converted into a technical high school, and in August will reopen as the Wendell Krinn Technical High School, with opportunities to earn industry certification and college credits in 14 subject areas.

Former faculty, staff and alumni planning to attend should contact Cathy Tezber at (727) 774-3901 or .

An online RSVP can also be completed at tinyurl.com/ybobnw3r.

Leadership applications
Leadership Pasco is now accepting applications for the Class of 2019.

Class members participate in a 10-month course, including full-day program sessions, tours and candid conversations with community leaders, to broaden their local understanding of the ever-changing needs of Pasco County.

Topics include criminal justice, health care, education, government, infrastructure, media and business industries.

Applications are available online at LeadershipPasco.com, and are due no later than June 1.

The applications will be reviewed by the recruitment committee in mid-June and selected class members will be notified by the end of June.

Monthly program sessions begin with orientation in August and conclude with a graduation ceremony in May.

STEMagination camp
Pasco County students entering sixth grade to eighth grade in the 2018-2019 school year can sign up for the summer STEMagination Camp, taking place June 18 to June 21, at R.B. Stewart Middle School.

Students can explore science, technology, engineering and math in a fun and creative environment. The camp also encourages the development of self-esteem, confidence and independence.

Participants can learn GoPro technology, Sphero Robot programming and CrossBraining, and earn badges.

For information, contact Nikki Sundsmo at (727) 774-2791 or .

Student achievements

Mark C. Saunders, of Land O’ Lakes, graduated magna cum laude from Saint Leo University and plans to enter Duke University School of Law in Durham, North Carolina, in the fall. Saunders also was admitted to the University of Virginia School of Law.
Jasmine Warren, of Land O’ Lakes, graduated from Saint Leo University with a Bachelor of Science in biology, specializing in biomedical and health sciences, with a minor in chemistry. Warren was awarded the School of Arts and Sciences Excellence in Scholarship Award and was inducted into the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Honor Society.
Alexia Acebo, of Lutz, participated in the “(un)Wrapt: New Arts Research by Creative Campus Fellows” at the University of Alabama. The installation includes “Mixed Reality,” a collaboration between Acebo and Alex Mannings. The project explores the process of choreographed dance for 360-degree video.
Natalie Dambrosio, of Lutz, is among students whose works are showcased in the 37th edition of Tallahassee Community College’s Eyrie Art & Literary Magazine. Dambrosio’s work, “Memories Inside,” received publication in the category of nonfiction.
Caroline Meisner, of Lutz, was inducted into Greensboro College’s chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education. Meisner is a junior theatre education major.

New advanced degrees
Saint Leo University will offer two new doctoral programs with instruction starting in the fall for the Doctor of Education: School Leadership (EdD) and Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) degrees.

Both programs require 60 credit hours of advanced study, which will be accomplished through a low-residency, blended format. A limited amount of classroom time is required during the residencies, so students admitted in a given year or semester will interact with each other and with faculty members in person.

Classes are expected to begin in August, pending approval of the programs by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges.

For information, visit SaintLeo.edu.

Community service hours
Life’s Treasures Thrift Store, 4910 S. Allen Road in Zephyrhills, is looking for teens age 14 and older to join its team.

Students can acquire volunteer hours toward the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship community service requirement, as well as develop their character, add new skills and increase their confidence.

For information, contact Anne Ferrell at (813) 357-5321 or .

Health News 05/09/2018

May 9, 2018 By Mary Rathman

Derby league gives back
Revolution Roller Derby, a mixed-gender Flat-Track Roller Derby League, hosted a battle between its own Valkyries and The Bradentucky Bombers to benefit Sunrise of Pasco County Domestic & Sexual Violence Center.

The league collected goods, including all-gender clothing, toiletries, children’s books and gift card, to support Sunrise.

Revolution Derby will continue to collect donations through the month at SpinNations Skating Center, 8345 Congress St., in New Port Richey, on Mondays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

For information on the Sunrise center, visit SunrisePasco.org.

For league information, visit RevolutionRollerDerby.com, or email .

Griswold celebrates 10 years
The Tampa Office of Griswold Home Care marked 10 years in business with a series of activities targeted at organizations serving seniors and the disabled.

The office awarded grants from the Jean Griswold Foundation to both the Tampa and Pasco County Lighthouses for the Visually Impaired and Blind, and Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care.

The project theme, “Ten Years of Service, Ten Acts of Caring,” aligns with both Griswold Home Care’s mission to provide quality care for seniors and the disabled, and its late founder Jean Griswold’s compassion and empathy that drove her to start the company in 1982.

Opening in January 2008, the Tampa office expanded into Pasco County, and now covers clients from Brandon to Hudson and from Thonotosassa to Westchase.

For information, visit GriswoldHomeCare.com, or call (813) 343-0272.

Chalk Talk 05/09/2018

May 9, 2018 By Mary Rathman

Helping to relieve the plight of students
Pasco County Schools recognized Dr. Rao Musunuru and Shayne George for their contributions to its Students in Transition program, which ensures the educational rights of homeless children and youth. Both made personal donations to the Pasco Education Foundation to help the district’s program for disadvantaged children and their families. From left: Kurt Browning, superintendent of schools; Michele Overland, SSPS-SIT homeless liaison; Kurt Conover, representing Shayne George; Dr. Rao Musunuru; Stacey Capogrosso, Pasco Education Foundation executive director; Michelle Barthel, school social worker; David Chamberlin, supervisor Student Services; and Cynthia Armstrong, school board member.

Honor Day ceremony
Citizens Concerned for Students will recognize the public middle and high school African-American students who have earned the Honor Roll at least once during the current school year.

The annual awards ceremony, Honor Day, will celebrate almost 2,000 students who have earned the achievement on May 12 at 5 p.m., at the Pasco Schools Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.

The fifth annual College and Career Fair also will take place at 3 p.m., in the adjacent Wesley Chapel High School gymnasium.

The fair will feature schools and career resources, including Florida State University, Pasco-Hernando State College, the United State Coast Guard, St. Petersburg College and more.

A voter registration booth also will be available.

Both the awards ceremony and fair are free.

For information, visit HonorDayPasco.org.

Teaching excellence awards
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2024, there will be more than 1.5 million skilled trades job openings as Baby Boomers retire.

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools “Teaching Excellence” will award a combined $1 million in cash prizes to 18 outstanding public high school skilled trades teachers and programs.

Three first-place winners each will receive $100,000, with $70,000 going to the high school skilled trades program and $30,000 to the individual teacher or teacher team.

The 15 second-place winners each will be awarded $50,000, with $35,000 going to the program and $15,000 to the teacher/team.

Applications are open until May 16 and are due July 6.

Semifinalists will be announced on Aug. 15, and the first- and second-place winners will be announced on Nov. 15.

For information and to register, visit HFTForSchoolsPrize.org.

Community service hours
Life’s Treasures Thrift Store, 4910 S. Allen Road in Zephyrhills, is looking for teens age 14 and older to join its team.

Students can acquire volunteer hours toward the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship community service requirement, as well as develop their character, add new skills and increase their confidence.

For information, contact Anne Ferrell at (813) 357-5321 or .

Education assessment
Thirty-five years after “A Nation at Risk” was released, student achievement is either flat or dropping for many U.S. students, according to the results of the latest National Assessment of Education Progress, known as the Nation’s Report Card.

Scores from the 2017 NAEP administration saw no significant change from the prior 2015 assessment, except for a one-point increase in eighth-grade math scores.

The results were as follows:

Reading proficiency or above: Fourth grade, 37 percent; Eighth grade, 36 percent
Math proficiency or above: Fourth grade, 40 percent; Eighth grade, 34 percent
Math proficiency declined in 10 states

Florida, in particular, did see unprecedented gains statewide and in two of its largest districts — Miami and Duval counties.

Hillsborough schools honored
The National School Boards Association’s National Black Council of School Board Members presented its Recognizing Innovative Strategies in Equity (RISE) Award to Hillsborough County Public Schools during its annual conference.

The RISE Award honors a school board for its excellence in policies, practices and strategies that promote and enhance equitable outcomes and career readiness for African-American students.

The award is sponsored by McGraw-Hill Education, a learning science company that delivers personalized learning experiences that help students, parents, educators and professionals improve results.

For information about the council, visit NSBA.org and click on “services.”

For more on McGraw-Hill, visit MHeducation.com.

Pasco-Hernando ranks fourth
Pasco-Hernando State College has been ranked fourth overall best college among 28 state and community colleges by Schools.com.

Schools.com evaluated the 28-member institutions in the Florida College System, including traditional community colleges and state colleges that provide bachelor degrees, as well as associate degrees.

Florida’s efforts to develop a more well-trained and educated workforce have garnered national attention.

The statistical methodology used to rank colleges included affordability, graduation rates, transfer rates and student-faculty ratio.

PHSC ranked fourth behind Valencia College (Orlando), followed by Eastern Florida State College (Cocoa) and Lake-Sumter State College (Leesburg), respectively.

Looking for alumni, photos
Independent Day School/Corbett Prep is turning 50 and is looking for alumni who attended the Independent Day School in Tampa, for an anniversary celebration that will take place Aug. 18.

The school is asking for stories and photos from former students who were enrolled anytime between the school’s founding in 1968 to present day.

To share your memories, help with planning or attend the event, email Lisa Herscovici at , or join the Facebook group at Facebook.com/groups/IDS50.

Independent Day School changed its name to Corbett Prep in 2012, and is located at 12015 Orange Grove Drive in Carrollwood.

For information, call (813) 961-3087.

Updated website revealed for Pasco County

May 2, 2018 By Mary Rathman

The Pasco County Government has announced the launch of its new, updated website, which offers more accessibility for its partners, customers and visitors.

A few of the website’s new features include: expanded search capabilities, streamlined menu options, mobile device compatibility, simpler navigation, and direct access to various materials.

There also is a bigger, more prominent search bar with improved functionality.

The main menu now provides access to department information and tools. Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Pasco TV also are available on the home page.

Customers can easily click on icons located in the center of the page to connect to Online Bill Pay, Transparency, Customer Service, Job and Volunteer Opportunities, and Parks and Recreation.

A ‘Tools’ icon allows users to email or print pages, translate a page into another language, view documents, and more.

Also on the updated site is a spotlight section about Pasco County departments, and a general calendar for public meetings and events.

Other helpful links include Adopt a Pet, Agendas, the Purchasing Department, Disaster Planning.

Pasco County is committed to show an ongoing effort to keep the website content compliant.

To see, and use, the new and improved website, visit PascoCountyFL.net.

Published May 2, 2018

Health News 05/02/2018

May 2, 2018 By Mary Rathman

New donor record
Donate Life Florida, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the public to save and enhance lives through organ, tissue and eye donation, announced a new donor record.

Ten million Floridians have signed up as donors through Florida’s Joshua Abbott Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, the third largest in the nation.

The strength of Florida’s donor registry is due in great part to the work of the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles and Florida tax collector offices, where residents completing driver license applications can sign up.

Because of the partnership, 95 percent of the state’s 10 million registered organ donors have come through the state’s tax collectors and DHSMV.

Since the registry was established in 1997, donors who had registered prior to death made possible nearly 37,000 life-saving transplant surgeries in the state. Donors helped even more through tissue donation.

To learn more, visit DonateLifeFlorida.org.

Lauren’s Kids charity
Lauren’s Kids, a statewide organization to prevent childhood sexual abuse through education and awareness, will be the Pasco County Tax Collector’s charity of the month.

Individuals who have vehicle registrations coming due in May can trade in existing license plates for a Lauren’s Kids specialty plate. The tags also may be purchased for newly registered vehicles.

Those that purchase the specialty tag will be entered into a drawing for a gift card.

Cash donations also will be accepted at any of the five tax collector offices.

For information, call Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

For information on the nonprofit, visit LaurensKids.org.

Treadmill challenge
The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA was the winner in the Treadmill Tuesday Tie-Breaker, an annual competition meant to inspire community members to become more physically active and adopt healthier lifestyles.

The total distance and number of local participants for the Tampa YMCA were: Bob Sierra North Tampa YMCA, 281 participants, 684.81 miles; Dade City Family YMCA, 46 participants, 75.28 miles; East Pasco Family YMCA, 131 participants, 224.69 miles; and New Tampa Family YMCA, 132 participants, 269.57 miles.

In addition to participating at a neighborhood Y, community members were also able to join via social media.

Chalk Talk 05/02/2018

May 2, 2018 By Mary Rathman

Teacher Appreciation Week
Students and the community can thank a teacher during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 7 to May 11.

“Teachers play a key role in the development of our future leaders, and they have an invaluable impact on our education system and society as a whole… Their day does not begin and end when the first and final class bells sound,” said Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, in a release.

Browning also is asking businesses throughout the community to use marquees, Facebook pages, and other social media accounts to say, ‘Thank you, Pasco County teachers.’

All-Florida Academic Team
Pasco-Hernando State College students were nominated to the 2018 Phi Theta Kappa All-Florida Academic Team.

Representing PHSC are Megan Best and Matthew Gadow, from the Spring Hill campus; and Elizabeth Merwin, from the East Campus in Dade City.

Students were selected based on outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community service, and had the opportunity to attend an awards ceremony on April 6.

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Mental health symposium
Pasco County Schools student services staff and community mental health providers will take part in a Mental Health Symposium May 4.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so the district wants to raise awareness of students’ mental health needs, build capacity of staff to respond, and increase collaboration between schools and mental health providers.

The day will include a panel discussion, and cover topics such as eating disorders, anxiety, school-based violence prevention, trauma reduction and supporting recovery, non-suicidal self-injury, and connecting mental health services.

For information, email Cassandra Hall at .

Prom & talent show
Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host the ESE Prom (Exceptional Student Education) May 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the gymnasium.

The theme will be “Hollywood Stars: A Red Carpet Event.”

Student volunteers, Best Buddies and the Special Olympics club will team up for this fifth annual event.

The prom will include a disc jockey, a prom court, and voting for king and queen.

There also will be a talent show and participants will receive an “Oscar.”

For information, email Malisa Gonzalez at .

School safety meeting
A School Safety Town Hall meeting will take place May 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Participants will include Pasco County Schools, Pasco County Council of PTAs/PTSAs, local law enforcement, mental health providers, parents, students and local elected officials.

A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. The community is encouraged to attend to give input.

Volunteer opportunity
Martial Arts Academy, 5268 Village Market in Wesley Chapel, has volunteer hour opportunities for high school students. The academy is affiliated with Global Humanitarian Resources.

To apply, visit the academy or email .

Summer registration
Registration for three summer sessions at Pasco-Hernando State College is underway.

Sessions include one 10-week term and two six-week terms, starting May 7 and June 19.

Currently enrolled and returning students should register as soon as possible.

The summer course schedule is online at PHSC.edu.

New students interested in taking summer or fall classes should visit the website for admissions information and to apply online.

Financial aid for the summer term may be available through Florida Bright Futures, Pell, Florida Pre-Paid, and Foundation Scholarships.

The application fee for new students is $25, and orientation and placement tests are free.

Kindergarten and Head Start
Pasco County Schools kindergarten preregistration for children who turn 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2018, is May 7, at all Pasco County elementary schools.

Required documentation includes: Child’s birth certificate or other proof of birth date; health examination HRS Form 3040; HRS Certificate of Immunization; and three official documents proving residency.

Those interested should contact their area school for details about orientation activities and times.

For information, call Danielle Varcardipone at (813) 794-2404.

Head Start and Early Head Start applications also are now available.

Expectant mothers, infants, toddlers and children through age 5 that meet income eligibility requirements may apply for the programs. Completing an application does not guarantee a child’s eligibility for services.

For information on minimum required documents, call Alexis Russell at (813) 794-2730.

Future business leaders
Pasco-Hernando State College students participated in the Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda State Leadership Conference and Competition.

PHSC West Campus student Charles Henderson IV placed first in Contemporary Sports Issues and second in Sports Management and Marketing, qualifying for national competition.

The Spring Hill Campus team of Rahul Kader and Mia Toner placed third in Hospitality Management. Kader also placed fifth in Computer Concepts.

Also from the Spring Hill Campus, Cameron Malone placed fourth in Impromptu Speaking.

North Campus student Emily Brock placed fourth in Desktop Publishing and fifth in Business Presentation.

The annual Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda National Competition will take place in Baltimore, Maryland in June.

Health News 04/25/2018

April 25, 2018 By Mary Rathman

New appointments at Trinity medical center
The Medical Center of Trinity has appointed Cathy Lowe, MSN, MBA, CEN (certified emergency nurse) as associate chief nursing officer.

Lowe comes from the HealthTrust Transitional Leadership program, where she served as an interim director of emergency services at multiple HCA sites for the last three years.

Lowe has a Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration from Anderson University.

She also has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University and an Associate of Science in Nursing from Fayetteville Technical Community College.

The hospital also has appointed/promoted Ankit Patel, Pharm.D., into the new position of vice president of operations. He has been the director of pharmacy services since 2014.

Patel earned his Doctor of Pharmacy at Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and completed a pharmacy residency at Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg. He also was the interim pharmacy director at South Bay Hospital.

During his tenure as director of pharmacy at Trinity, he initiated the first Pharmacy Residency Program in the HCA West Division.

Patel received the Health Trust Supply Chain Outstanding Leadership Award in 2017.

Woman’s club hosts brunch
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club hosted and served a brunch to the Hope Lodge resident patients who receive extended treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center.

The lodge provides a home away from home for patients and spouses, and it give the club a chance to prepare and serve homemade meals, along with conversation and fellowship.

The women’s club also donates puzzles, board games and other items for the residents.

For information about the club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

Battle of the Belts
The trauma center at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point sponsored the $500 prize, which went to Fivay High School, for the most-improved seatbelt use in the “Battle of the Belts.”

The competition promotes seatbelt use among teens, who have the highest fatality rate of any age group for motor vehicle crashes.

The Pasco County campaign is conducted at participating high schools with partners Safe Kids/Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.

Several award categories also included: Poster Contest won by Jessica Vernak, Anclote High School; Essay Contest won by Tyler Riccardo, J.W. Mitchell High; Public Service Announcement won by Anclote High; Campaign Book won by Mitchell High; and Battle of the Belt Champion 2018 was Land O’ Lakes High School.

Chalk Talk 04/25/2018

April 25, 2018 By Mary Rathman

Students receive citizen honors
Students from across the community were honored by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Month program. Each honoree was chosen by teachers and administration for their exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. Those recognized in April were: Nicholas Dester, The Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Jordan Parrmore, The Broach School; Christian Clement, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School; Hayden Anderton, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Sabrina Mraz, Heritage Academy; Gabriel Thomas, Raymond B. Stewart Middle; Natasha Wallinger, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Sam Levenson, Woodland Elementary; and Madison Shipley, Zephyrhills High.

School safety meeting
A School Safety Town Hall meeting will take place May 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Participants will include Pasco County Schools, Pasco County Council of PTAs/PTSAs, local law enforcement, mental health providers, parents, students and local elected officials.

A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. The community is encouraged to attend to give input.

School honors couple for devotion to the environment
Deer Park Elementary School administration, teachers and students celebrated 28 years of school beautification projects, recognizing Nancy and George Pratt for their devotion to the school and teaching students environmental stewardship.

The event included a parade of student council members wearing 29 years of Earth Day buttons, songs by the chorus, a presentation/reflection, and a butterfly release.

The Pratts created a garden in the center of the school for outdoor lessons and for families to have lunch with their children. Nancy also created a character, “Mother Earth,” to teach students to do their part in keeping the earth clean.

Other programs started were a recycling committee called “Earth Patrol” and an art competition to design an Earth Day button, which the school sells for fundraisers.

Students began fundraising last August to create a special student outdoor area to be known as Pratt’s Place. There is a shade tree with a circular wooden bench, known as the buddy bench; and four additional trees have been added to the children’s play area in the Pratts’ honor. There also is a stone dedication plaque.

Leadership seminar
Registration is open until May 31 for the 2018 Florida Student-Athlete Leadership Seminar, which is slated for Aug. 1 at West Port High School in Ocala.

The event will include keynote addresses, breakout sessions, a student-athlete panel, and presentations in competition, leadership, social media and other topics.

The first session will begin at 8 a.m., and the seminar will last until 2:45 p.m.

All registrations take place through GoFan, FHSAA’s digital ticketing provider.

The cost is $30 per student, and includes a shirt, lunch and a commemorative gift.

The seminar is open to the first 100 student applicants.

Schools may register students at tinyurl.com/y82b42yr.

For information, visit tinyurl.com/yc4tgrvx.

Musicians Association winners
The Florida Orchestra Musicians Association announced the winners of the annual Justine LeBaron Young Artist Competition, named in memory of the former principal horn of the orchestra, Justine LeBaron.

Local winners were Alexey Heroux (age 10), of Lutz, third place Junior Instrumental, violin, Seitz’ Violin Concerto No. 5, third movement; and Jithen Shriyen (age 12), of Land O’ Lakes, third place Junior Piano, Chopin’s Grand Waltz No. 4 and Biotti, “The Firefly.”

Local student achievements

Brendan Gonzalez, of Lutz, was inducted into the Western Kentucky University chapter of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. The induction confers a lifetime membership.
Em Ovalle, of Lutz, has been named to the fall Dean’s List at Centre College, Danville Kentucky. Ovalle is a graduate of Freedom High School.
Genna Aspres, of Odessa, was inducted into Phi Eta Sigma at Coastal Carolina University, South Carolina.
Loredana Di Cosola, of Odessa, has been initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at the University of Tampa.
Kristen Barry and Harrison Weeks, both of Odessa, and Alanah Cranwell, of Lutz, were inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at Florida State University.
Benjamin Brown, Aldo Colon and Taylor Masters, all of Odessa, and Sean Flynn and Jiain Xie, both of Lutz, were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at the University of Florida.

The school is asking for stories and photos from former students who were enrolled anytime between the school’s founding in 1968 to present day.

To share your memories, help with planning or attend the event, email Lisa Herscovici at , or join the Facebook group at Facebook.com/groups/IDS50.

Independent Day School changed its name to Corbett Prep in 2012, and is located at 12015 Orange Grove Drive in Carrollwood.

For information, call (813) 961-3087.

Hillel now offers preschool
Hillel Academy, Tampa’s only accredited Jewish day school, and the Tampa JCCs and Federation have announced that Tampa JCC Preschool will be offered at Hillel Academy starting this fall.

This will be the first time preschool will be offered at Hillel, which was founded in 1970 for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The Hillel Academy location, in Carrollwood, will be the third for Tampa JCC Preschool, with others located in Citrus Park and South Tampa.

The new preschool is for children ages 3 and 4, who have turned age 3 by Sept. 1, 2017.

The program will run August through May, from 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., weekdays.

For information, contact Jen Goldberg at or (813) 769-4738.

Citizens can help shape Pasco’s future

April 18, 2018 By Mary Rathman

The Pasco County Commission’s decisions are partly guided by resident responses to the annual Pasco County Citizen Survey, which officially opened April 2.

The Citizen Survey, which was first launched in 2009, is conducted every year to collect feedback on numerous topics related to Pasco County’s future. These topics include transportation, parks and libraries, emergency services, safety, growth, and the importance and quality of services.

Thousands respond to the online survey each year, which is intended to help commissioners with planning discussions and decision-making.

“We invite everyone in Pasco to participate in the Online Citizen Survey,” said Marc Bellas, organizational performance management director.

“The survey allows you to be part of the decision-making process and helps the board understand what issues are important to our citizens,” he said.

The survey will be available until May 18, and can be accessed a few ways:

Go to Pasco County’s homepage at PascoCountyFl.net, and click on the survey link.
Use the MyPasco app, by clicking on the 2018 Citizen Survey button.
Use the Pasco County Facebook or Twitter pages.
Click directly on the survey link at bit.ly/2pGs3Z6.

Results from previous Citizen Surveys are available at bit.ly/2G1DReq.

Published April 18, 2018