The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Mary Rathman

Chalk Talk 03/28/2018

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(Courtesy of Jennifer Craven)

Student-athletes are all-academic
Thirteen players of the Land O’ Lakes Lady Gators soccer team were awarded the Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Academic Soccer Team at its year-end banquet. The award defines the title of student-athlete, with ‘student’ coming first. To earn the honor, a player must have a cumulative 3.5 GPA and have started in at least half of the games during the season. Back row from left: Kylie Denney (freshman), Morghan Craven (senior), RaeAnna Casler (junior), Avery Wild (sophomore), Emma Skantze (senior), Haley Terwilliger (senior), Kelly Hutson (senior) and Nisa Cahoon (sophomore). Front row from left: Taylor Denney (freshman), Brooke Hannigan (senior), Ashley Doers (sophomore) and Macie Harlan (senior). Roxy Miltenberger (senior) is not pictured.

Job Shadowing Day
Gulf Middle School student council members from seventh and eighth grade will participate in a Job Shadowing Day with city officials on March 29.

The students will work alongside various New Port Richey city leaders, including the city manager, and those from police and fire administration, to learn the ins and outs of local government service.

There will also be a luncheon where the council members can discuss what they learn.

For information, call Liz Kuhns at (727) 774-8018.

Campus open houses
Pasco-Hernando State College will host open houses at each of its five campuses. High school seniors and prospective students seeking higher education opportunities can attend.

  • April 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at North Campus, Building A, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Brooksville
  • April 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City, in A240
  • April 5 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel, Conference Center, B303
  • April 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey, Conference Center, R151
  • April 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court, Conference Center, B105

Participants can learn about certificate, associate and bachelor degree programs, as well as financial aid, scholarships and opportunities for involvement with more than 50 student clubs and organizations.

There will be campus tours.

For information, visit PHSC.edu/open-house.

Free prom dresses
The Belle of the Ball Project will once again offer free prom dresses to in-need high school girls April 7 and April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 1210 Holt Ave., in Clearwater.

Dresses will be available for prom, homecoming and military balls.

No appointment is needed.

Donations of dresses and accessories can also be made at the boutique.

For information, call (727) 386-4502, or visit BelleOfTheBallProject.com.

Saint Leo continues to offer aid
Saint Leo University again will offer assistance for college students in Puerto Rico who have had their education affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

Saint Leo first offered assistance for the Spring semester.

For the Fall semester, starting in August, Saint Leo will provide these students with free room and board, as well as a discounted tuition rate.

While the students will be responsible for the cost of books, the school will waive the student fees to further aid in their ability to continue their educations.

Federal financial aid and other private scholarships may be used to help pay the discounted tuition rate.

For information, contact the Office of Admissions at , (352) 588-8283 or (800) 334-5532.

Foundation receives $10,000 gift
The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation received a $10,000 gift in honor of the 75th birthday of Norman J. Pingley, the first intramural athletic director at PHSC.

The gift, donated by the family of Norman and Gretchen Pingley, established a new endowment scholarship fund, which will be available to graduates of Hernando High School who are pursuing a degree in a health and wellness field and/or are members of the PHSC athletic team.

Norman Pingley was an admission specialist at PHSC for nearly 30 years. He taught in the physical education department, started the intramural athletic program, and coached the North Campus basketball team and the first women’s softball team.

He retired from PHSC in 2005.

Health News 03/21/2018

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Hospital appointments
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has appointed Susan Cooper as director of the SICU and Trauma Stepdown Unit.

Susan Cooper

Cooper returns to Regional Medical from her position as vice president of Cardiac Services at Oak Hill Hospital. She has been with HCA for 18 years and served as a nurse for 25 years.

Cooper has a Master of Science in nursing leadership from Walden University and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of South Florida. She is board-certified in cardiovascular nursing.

Sharon D. Hayes

Sharon D. Hayes has been appointed CEO for Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, replacing Shayne George, who has transitioned to another HCA hospital executive role outside of Florida.

Hayes has more than 35 years of experience in numerous health care management settings, including Edward White Hospital in Pinellas County; Chippenham Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia; CJW Medical Center, also in Richmond; and King Fahad Hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Hayes’ degrees include a Master of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Tennessee.

Nutrition Month
The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County celebrates March as National Nutrition Month, sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s theme is “Go Further with Food.”

The academy suggests these tips to choose more nutritious food options:

  • Include a variety of healthful foods from all food groups on a regular basis.
  • Consider the foods you have on-hand before buying more.
  • Buy only the amount that can be eaten or frozen within a few days, and plan to use leftovers later in the week.
  • Be mindful of portion sizes. Eat and drink the amount that is right for you. Visit ChooseMyPlate.gov.
  • Practice food safety.
  • Find activities that you enjoy and be physically active most days of the week.
  • Consider consulting with a registered dietitian nutritionist.

To learn more about nutrition and National Nutrition month, visit EatRight.org.

 

Chalk Talk 03/21/2018

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Saint Leo names new military director
Saint Leo University has named Retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Fanny Wright as its director of Military Affairs and Services.

Fanny Wright

Wright served 20 years on active duty in the Air Force in fields such as client systems support, information management, and knowledge/cyber operations; and has had positions as a professional military education instructor and executive administrative assistant.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Park University and is working on a Master of Arts in communication and leadership.

Wright also has an associate degree in information system technology and an associate degree in instruction of technology and military science, both from the Community College of Air Force.

 

Student vigil
Students and staff at Crews Lake Middle School in Spring Hill hosted a vigil March 14 to stand against school violence and honor the lives lost at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Students discussed why such events are needed to protest school violence, had a moment of silence, sang the song “Lean on Me,” and gave closing remarks.

Students were encouraged to wear orange to represent gun safety.

Crews Lake also is collecting donations for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School GoFundMe page at GoFundMe.com/cause/stoneman-douglas.

For information, call (727) 246-1600.

Trustees appointed by governor
Gov. Rick Scott announced the reappointment of Dr. Rao Musunuru, and the appointments of John Mitten, Raymond Gadd Jr., and David Garcia to the Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees.

Dr. Musunuru is the current chair and has been a member of the board since 1999. He is a practicing board-certified cardiologist affiliated with Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Pasco County since 1981, and serves as a member of its board.

Mitten has been the owner of Chik-fil-A of Hernando County since 2003. He received his bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State University, and is a board member and past chair of The Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce; member of the board and past chair of United Way of Hernando County; and chair of Bible Basics International since 2002.

Gadd is deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools, and oversees administration, operations, teaching and learning, and student support services. Previously he served as president of CEO of Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services. Gadd received his bachelor degree and master degree from the University of South Florida.

Garcia has been the lead pastor of Grace World Outreach Church in Brooksville since 1988. He is a missionary in New York City and Zimbabwe, Africa. Garcia received his bachelor degree from International Seminary, and his master degree and Doctor of Ministry from Life Christian University.

Scholarship applications
Hillsborough County Social Services has partnered with the Community Action Board to offer scholarships for up to $5,000 to eligible students who want to continue their education at an institution of higher learning.

Scholarship applications for the 2018-2019 school year will be accepted through March 30.

Recipients will be notified, in writing, prior to the start of the fall semester.

Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 24, and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; reside in Hillsborough County; have a minimum GPA of 2.5; and, household income must fall within 125 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Additional criteria used to evaluate applicants will be community service and school involvement; application and letters of recommendation; academic record (transcript); essay response; and, panel interview participation.

Application materials and detailed instructions can be found at tinyurl.com/ybnr7fnd.

Fall VPK program
Primrose School at Collier Parkway, 23021 Weeks Blvd., in Land O’Lakes, will offer free summer and fall VPK (voluntary pre-kindergarten) programs for eligible families and their children.

Primrose has earned an accreditation with AdvancEd, a Balanced Learning curriculum, and enrichment programs for children to ready themselves for kindergarten.

Summer VPK will run Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 4 through Aug. 3.

There are various fall sessions to choose from, including classes that start Aug. 13 and Aug. 20.

For information, call Angella Hart, school director, at (813) 242-7800.

Honor society inductions
Nova Southeastern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has initiated Ariatna Gonzalez and Michelle Jackson, both of Lutz, into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most-selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Membership is by invitation only, and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible to be members.

 

Spring cleaning: Don’t forget the medicine cabinet

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Gearing up for Spring usually involves a good sprucing up of our homes.

And, it’s a good time to clear out the bathroom medicine cabinet, too.

Many people accrue a collection of leftover drugs —as a result of quick-healing injuries or medications that are no longer needed as new ones have been prescribed in their place.

Most people don’t give their unwanted drugs a second thought, but there are sound reasons to rid the cabinet of medication clutter.

Here are a few of them:

  • Safeguarding children: A curious child could look through the cabinet and wonder why there is colorful “candy” in the bathroom, and may even want to sample a few pieces. This can lead to poisoning and even death.
  • Stopping drug abuse: Someone seeking a ‘high’ may check the cabinet for pain medications or other substances, assuming the owner will not miss pills from a forgotten container.
  • Sharing isn’t caring: Giving unneeded or unused pills to a friend or relative can be harmful, especially when the dosage is higher than intended or the medication has expired.

When disposing of your unwanted drugs, don’t flush them down the toilet because that can contaminate the water supply. Instead, drop them off at a drug-take-back program site. Many counties and municipalities have them, and the process is usually simple.

Each program is different, so consumers should find out whether the plan accepts both prescription and over-the-counter medications, and liquids or syringes.

Also, before disposing of any drugs, be sure to black out or remove all personal information.

In Pasco County, visit the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention at PascoASAP.com. In Hillsborough County, visit the Hillsborough County Anti-Drug Alliance at HCSO.tampa.fl.us, and search for “drug take-back.”

Published March 14, 2018

Health News 03/14/2018

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(Courtesy of Kirsty Churchill)

Hospice benefit raises more than $10,000
At least 125 bikers cruised across Pasco County to raise more than $10,000 for Gulfside Hospice at the sixth annual Hittin’ the Road for Hospice. The Golden Eagles Motorcycle Club received the Wings & Wheels Fundraising Award for the club that raised the most money, and for having the most club participation. Grant Hile, Golden Eagles’ club president, left, accepts the award from Carla Armstrong, Gulfside’s director of philanthropy.

 

 

 

New surgical services manager
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point has promoted Evangeline “Vangie” Pagulayan as manager of surgical services, where she will oversee pre-admission testing, same-day surgery, the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, EBCD education (evidence-based clinical documentation), and the entire OR patient experience.

Pagulayan started at the hospital in 1983 serving on the medical/surgical unit, and later worked in the surgical intensive care unit before joining the post-anesthesia care unit.

Chalk Talk 03/14/2018

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Sunlake High’s Grace Carter won first place overall with her recycling project, ‘In the Eyes of the Turtle.’ (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Students awarded for ‘going green’
Pasco County Schools’ Recycling Operations Department, and Pasco County Recycling and Education have named 13 “Art of Recycling” contest winners.

Grace Carter, Sunlake High School, placed first overall with her project entitled “In the Eyes of the Turtle.” Anna Scarone won second place with “Bee Green, Bee Pollution Free,” and Holly Denette placed third with “Bleached Life.” Both are from Ridgewood High.

The following students won special category awards:

  • Meagan Reiss, Sunlake High, Best Use of Materials for “Rainbow Fish”
  • Wesley Womack, Sunlake, Best Use of Plastic for “Waves of Plastic”
  • Sarah Wasley, J.W. Mitchell, Best Artist Expression for “Afghan Girl – Steve McCurry”
  • Alexys Armentrout, Wiregrass Ranch, Best Use of Aluminum for “We Can Save Our Birds”
  • Brittany Stumpf, Gulf High, Best Environmental Concept for “Turtle Trouble”
  • Felicitee Bly, Wiregrass Ranch, Most Innovative for “Worlds”
  • Kiersten Houck, Genesis Prep, Covanta Award for “Recycling is a Piece of Cake”
  • Faith Graves, Ridgewood, AOR Award for “Light the Way”
  • Hannah Farrell, J.W. Mitchell, People’s Choice Award for “Sisters in Solidarity”

The 13 winning pieces are on display inside the lobbies of Building 3 and Building 4 at the Pasco County Schools District Office Complex, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., through the end of March.

Students celebrate Catholic Schools Week
The students at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School in Lutz celebrated Catholic Schools Week by taking part in a variety of enriching activities.

The “Serve Without a Cent” activity taught the students that kindness is priceless. Each student selected a kind act or deed to perform during the day, and learned that a simple smile can make a big difference.

The fifth-grade students headed up the “Penny Drive for Catholic Charities,” by placing penny jars in each class and managing the donations.

For information about the school, call (813) 933-4750, ext. 105.

Imagine School fundraiser
Imagine Land O’ Lakes Charter School will host the Imagine Marketplace Fundraiser Event on March 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Local vendors and merchants will include hot air balloon rides, home, bakery, health and beauty, Tupperware, gourmet cookies, crochet items, and more.

The school’s eighth-grade students and their parents are hosting the event to help the students raise money to attend a school trip to Washington D.C.

For information, email Elisa Nieves at , Graciela Hernandez Ward at or Liska Garcia at .

Enrollment information
Pasco-Hernando State College will host information sessions for current and prospective dual-enrollment students and their parents.

  • March 20 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd.
  • March 20 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., North Campus in Brooksville, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
  • March 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., East Campus in Dade City, 36727 Blanton Road
  • March 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road

For information, visit PHSC.edu.

Scholarships
The Rotary Club of Trinity is accepting applications for the organization’s Al Arzu Scholarship.

Applicants must be a high school senior, and reside in and attend school in Pasco County to be eligible.

Applications must be postmarked by March 31.

For information or to get a copy of the scholarship application, email Candace Glewen at .

Fall VPK program
Primrose School at Collier Parkway, 23021 Weeks Blvd., in Land O’Lakes, will offer free summer and fall VPK (voluntary pre-kindergarten) programs for eligible families and their children.

Primrose has earned an accreditation with AdvancEd, a Balanced Learning curriculum, and enrichment programs for children to ready themselves for kindergarten.

Summer VPK will run Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 4 through Aug. 3.

There are various fall sessions to choose from, including classes that start Aug. 13 and Aug. 20.

For information, call Angella Hart, school director, at (813) 242-7800.

Call for nominations
John Long Middle School in Wesley Chapel is calling for nominations for the John Long Middle School Parents, Teacher, Students Association Executive Committee 2018-2019.

Positions available are president, treasurer and recording secretary.

Any persons willing and interested in serving should email .

 

A surprise visit

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(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Connerton)

The staff at Florida Hospital Connerton Long Term Acute Care Facility in Land O’ Lakes arranged a surprise for patient Christine Carbonneau. Carbonneau’s longtime partner thought a visit from her horse, Ireland, would help to lift her spirits. Staff members were able to get Christine outside so she could visit eye-to-eye with Ireland.

Chalk Talk 03/07/2018

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(Courtesy of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Citizens of the Month
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized students chosen by teachers, administration at their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. Students honored for the month of February were: Elijah Kellerman, The Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Drew Sinclair, The Broach School; Cylee Laclair, Chester Taylor Elementary School; Sarai Guzman, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Dylan VanCuren, Heritage Academy; Michael Barnes, Hope Ranch Learning Academy; Sophie Graziano, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Sam Pertel, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; Noah Porter, Woodland Elementary School; and Cartrell Strong, Zephyrhills High School.

Local student achievements
These local students have been named to honor lists at their respective schools for the fall semester:

Dean’s List

  • Matthew Berube, of Lutz, Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania)
  • Kelsey Bognar, of Lutz, Hofstra University (New York)
  • Caleb Brian, of Lutz, Tallahassee Community College
  • Rachel Carlson, of Lutz, University of Maine
  • Amanda Clifford, of Lutz, University of Alabama
  • Mackenzie Morgan Cuffe, of Odessa, Clemson University (South Carolina)
  • Nicole Elizabeth Davis, of Lutz, Tallahassee Community College
  • Seriah Groen, of Odessa, Wheaton College (Illinois)
  • Gabrielle Harrison, of Lutz, University of Alabama
  • Stuart Hernandez, of Lutz, Florida Institute of Technology
  • Clare O’ Keefe, of Lutz, Endicott College (Maine)
  • Grace Kortz, Mercer University, Stetson School of Business and Economics (Georgia)
  • Katie McCleese Law, of Odessa, Tallahassee Community College
  • Garren Lewis, of Lutz, Seton Hall University (New Jersey)
  • Rachael Theresa Martin, of Odessa, Tallahassee Community College
  • Julianna Mitten, of Odessa, Cedarville University (Ohio)
  • Alwina Mohamadali, of Lutz, Lincoln Memorial University (Tennessee)
  • Sydney Briana Navarro, of Lutz, Tallahassee Community College
  • Julia Elizabeth Peacock, of Lutz, University of the South/Sewanee (Tennessee)
  • Vinayak Ruia, of Lutz, Georgia Tech
  • Andrew Schwitzgebel, of Lutz, University of Alabama
  • Nathan Shane, of Lutz, The Citadel (South Carolina)
  • Daniil Shcherbinin, of Lutz, Wittenberg University (Ohio)
  • Jolene Swift, of Lutz, University of Alabama

President’s List

  • Alexia Acebo, of Lutz, University of Alabama
  • Kelly R. Barry, of Odessa, Clemson University (South Carolina)
  • Natalie Dambrosio, of Lutz, Tallahassee Community College
  • Ashley Kubel, of Odessa, Georgia Southern University
  • Elizabeth Moore, of Lutz, Tallahassee Community College
  • Emma Williams, of Land O’ Lakes, Mercer University, Stetson School of Business and Economics (Georgia)

Students display talents
Sanders Memorial Elementary School, 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes, will present “Design on Display” March 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Students created an array of community-conscious research projects, in an effort to improve the environment.

Using a design process to identify a problem in the community and solve it, presentations will include a Special Olympics Village and surfboards that repel sharks.

For information, call Steven Garrett at (813) 794-1500.

Cinderella Project
Pasco County high school students who do not have a budget for prom can take part in the Cinderella Project, which provides free new and gently used prom dresses and accessories to young ladies with financial need.

Students can try on and pick out an ensemble March 12 and March 13 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Wesley Chapel High School, 30243 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

Signs will be posted at the entrance with directions to the boutique.

The project also accepts donations of contemporary prom-style dresses, and shoes, purses and costume jewelry, in excellent condition. Cash donations are used to purchase brand-new dresses and shoes, when sizes are not available in the inventory.

For information, visit The Cinderella Project Pasco County on Facebook.

STEAM Night
Wiregrass Elementary School, 29732 Wiregrass School Road in Wesley Chapel, will host a STEAM Night March 13 at 6:30 p.m.

There will be various STEAM programs, as well as student’s talents on display through performances and exhibits, including a kindergarten and first-grade concert, a musical theater preview of Willy Wonka, and a K-5 art exhibit.

For information, call (813) 346-0700.

 

Health News 02/28/2018

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(RIchard K. Riley)

Gratitude for those who help save lives
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Bayfront Health Dade City showed its appreciation to local EMS for their dedication to providing day-to-day lifesaving services. Doughnuts were handed out, along with comfort bears, made by the East Pasco Quilters, for pediatric patients. From left: Tim Reardon, Pasco County fire chief; Jan Eichenberger, Roxanne Ritter and Sue Sereti, East Pasco Quilters; Becky Murphy, ER manager; Amanda Martin, chief nursing officer.

 

 

 

Gulfside launches new website
Gulfside Hospice & Palliative Care has launched a new, redesigned website.

The new site is mobile friendly, easy to navigate and a resource for those looking for local hospice and non-hospice palliative care.

New features include a “Frequently Asked Questions” video library, virtual tours of the Gulfside Centers for Hospice Care, a Griefwords Library with articles about coping with loss, streamlined online donation process and event registrations, and more.

Users also can submit online referrals for hospice and palliative care, download a digital version of the company’s brochure and download volunteer applications.

Gulfside can still be found at the same website: GHPPC.org.

Veteran health services
The Pasco County Vet Center and the Mobile Vet Center offers counseling for readjusting to civilian life, military sexual trauma, bereavement, post-traumatic stress disorder, and marriage and family. Also available are resources for benefits information and suicide prevention referrals.

All services are confidential and free for veterans and family members.

The center is at 5139 Deer Park Drive in New Port Richey, and is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

For information or to tour the facility, call (727) 372-1854.

Hospital welcomes new doctor
Oak Hill Hospital has welcomed Dr. Jon Chadwick, board-eligible otolaryngology, to its medical staff.

Chadwick completed his residency and internship at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and received his medical degree from Penn State College of Medicine.

For information, call (352) 688-0800, or visit SuncoastENTSurgery.com.

Chalk Talk 02/28/2018

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Bridge-breaking contest
Saint Leo University’s Department of Mathematics and Science will host its annual Bridge-Breaking Competition March 6 at 6 p.m., in Selby Auditorium, Lewis Hall.

Dr. Tom Ricard adds strain to a bridge to see how sturdy it is, in last year’s competition. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

The competition includes teams of college students that constructed model bridges from lightweight wooden sticks and glues, following strict rules on materials and dimensions.

Once the competition opens, the audience votes on which bridge is most attractive.

Then, faculty members test each bridge to see which one can hold the most weight before it breaks apart. The sturdiest bridge is declared the winner.

Those who want to attend may have preferred seating by contacting Dr. Tom Ricard in advance at (352) 588-8024 or .

Spring job fair
Pasco County Schools will host a Spring Instructional Job Fair March 1 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Dr. John Long Middle School, 2025 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Positions are available at elementary, middle and high school levels, for teachers and student services employees, including reading, math, science, school nurse, behavioral analyst, and emotional and behavioral disorders/autism spectrum disorder.

Applicants can get on-the-spot interviews and attend teacher certification information sessions.

For information and to preregister for a chance to win door prizes, visit bit.ly/2C3fTRR. Winners must attend to collect their prize.

For questions, contact Lori Perreault at (813) 794-2845 or .

Artist reception
Tampa Day School will host an artist reception March 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road.

The exhibit will showcase art by the school’s students in the center’s corridor gallery throughout the month of March.

Admission is free.

For information, call (813) 922-8167.

Hillel Academy fundraiser
Hillel Academy of Tampa, an accredited Jewish day school, will host its 45th annual Gift of Gold Gala fundraiser March 3 at 7:30 p.m., at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., in Tampa.

The gala will begin with a Havdalah experience, and will include dinner, a silent auction with mobile bidding, and music and dancing by DJ Staar Entertainment.

Cocktail attire and Kosher dietary laws will be observed.

Tickets are $75 per person in advance, and $85 per person the week of the event.

Tickets and sponsorships also are available at HillelAcademyTampa.ejoinme.org.

For information, call (813) 963-2242.

Gold Level award
Take Stock in Children, a need-based scholarship program with the Pasco Education Foundation, was awarded the state TSIC Gold Level award, the highest achievement within the Take Stock in Children statewide organization.

To garner the award, TSIC Pasco exceeded all key performance indicators, such as database maintenance, timely mentor matching and sessions, student visits and services, and meeting recruitment guidelines.

This is the third consecutive Gold Level award for TSIC Pasco.

Call for nominations
John Long Middle School in Wesley Chapel is calling for nominations for the John Long Middle School Parents, Teacher, Students Association Executive Committee 2018-2019.

Positions available are president, treasurer and recording secretary.

Any persons willing and interested in serving should email .

Great American Cleanup
Students and staff at Gulf Middle School in New Port Richey will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Great American Cleanup.

The Gulf Middle School Student Council, the Students Working Against Tobacco club and school staff will join forces to pick up trash around the school and promote environmental awareness on March 3.

Leadership program graduates
Members of Leadership Saint Leo’s Class of 2017 have graduated from the program, which is designed to develop and train leaders.

The program is conducted by CODA Partners Inc., a professional services firm based in Gulfport and Dade City.

The class included Amanda Black, Darcy Goshorn, Janis Prince, Susan Martin, Katrina Wahlstrom, Marcela Van Olphen, Mark Nash, Mary McCoy, Michael Godfrey, Misty Rhoden, Nicholle Renaud, Phillip Neely, Rena Thomas and Stephanie Stinski.