Mary Rathman

Students donate blankets
First- and fifth-graders from Oakstead Elementary School donated blankets (some of them handmade) to pediatric patients at Florida Hospital Tampa. Sara Frawley, child life specialist (left), stands with hospital staff members and a wagon full of blankets from the students. Eva Sanchez (in rainbow shirt) helped distribute the gifts with her mom, Lynette Sanchez (far right), a nurse at the hospital.

Open houses
Land O’ Lakes Christian School, 5105 School Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house Jan. 28 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.For information, call the school office at (813) 995-9040, email , or visit LOLCS.org.

Hillel Academy, a private Jewish community day school, will host an open house Jan. 30 at 8:30 a.m., at 2020 W. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa. Guests can hear a brief presentation and take a tour. Also, produce from the school’s hydroponic Tampa Urban Benefit Farm (TUB Farms) garden will be harvested by students, TUB Farms staff and WWII Holocaust survivors, who will be invited to take the food home. Additionally, seeds will be planted for new produce. For information, call (813) 963-2242, or email .

Saint Anthony Catholic School, 12155 Joe Hermann Drive in San Antonio, will have its annual open house Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., for kindergarten through eighth grade. For information, call (352) 588-3041, visit StAnthonySchoolFl.org, or email .

Celebrate Youth
The second annual Celebrate Youth event will take place Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Safety Town in Hudson, as part of National School Choice Week.

There will be an Education Station with information on VPK-12, Pasco district options, public school options, private school options, scholarships and more.

There also will be a petting zoo, a bounce slide, a rock climbing wall, a bungee trampoline, princesses, a safety house and a Smokey Bear cabin.

Participants can register to win a 55-inch Smart TV or an iPad.

Admission is free, but registration is required. Visit CelebrateYouth.org.

Saint Leo 1960s series
Saint Leo University’s Arts and Sciences launched the 1960s project last fall to communicate the lasting influence the decade had on American institutions and cultural attitudes.

The LED (learning, enlightenment, discoveries) Series, features creative presentations or TED-like talks and centers on the 1960s.

Upcoming sessions will be in the Greenfelder-Denlinger Boardrooms of the Student Community Center, at 12:30 p.m.

• Jan. 31: “The 1960s and the Destruction of Liberal Politics,” by Michael Novak, assistant professor of theology; and, “You Don’t Own Me: 1960s Women’s Music and the Feminist Revolution,” presented by Gianna Russo, assistant professor of English and writing, and Pam Decius, humanities instructor
• Feb. 6: “White Allies: From 1960s to Black Lives Matter,” presented by Eileen O’Brien, associate professor of sociology in Virginia; and, “Imagination (Almost) Takes Power: The Aborted French Revolution of May ’68,” by Patricia Campion, associate professor of global studies and sociology

For information, contact Megan Orendorf at (352) 588-8401 or .

Sensitivity training
Pasco-Hernando State College hosted Cole Foust, LGBTQ+ youth and transgender program coordinator for Metro Health, Wellness and Community in Tampa, for a sensitivity training session.

PHSC faculty and staff took part in the training through the college’s Faculty Development Institute Friday series, a monthly educational program to assist faculty in developing new skills and present higher education practice, research and trends.

The session was live-streamed to all five PHSC campuses and included policy discussions, appropriate language use, and issues of inclusivity and safety.

Students commit to daily fitness
Gulf Trace Elementary School students are currently running every morning before school, as part of The Morning Mile Program created by Fitz Koehler, Fitzness International LLC.

For every 5 miles a student walks or runs, he or she receives a motivational charm and is encouraged to aim to be part of the “100 Mile Club.”

The Florida Hospital West Florida Division, Tampa Bay Buccaneer Cameron Brate, and the Buccaneer mascot, Captain Fear, surprised the students at a rally Jan. 10 in recognition of their commitment to better health.

Other schools participating in the program include East Pasco Adventist Academy, Lacoochee Elementary, Anclote Elementary, Quail Hollow Elementary and Pine View Elementary schools in Pasco.

Participating Hillsborough County schools include Sheehy Elementary, Dunbar Elementary Magnet, Witter Elementary, Shaw Elementary, B.T. Washington Elementary, Forest Hills Elementary, Sligh Middle Magnet, and Apollo Beach Elementary.

 

Saint Leo appoints Jeffrey Senese
William J. Lennox Jr., president of Saint Leo University, has announced the appointment of Jeffrey D. Senese as provost and senior vice president of Academic and Student Affairs, effective Jan. 16. This is a newly created position at Saint Leo.

The position is designated as the chief academic and student affairs officer of the university, and will provide oversight of all educational programs offered on the University Campus, at centers, and online.

Included in the duties of the provost are the development, implementation, and assurance of the quality of the undergraduate and graduate programs, instruction, research and service.

Senese will provide direct, ongoing supervision of the deans of the three schools at the university, as well as the vice president of Student Affairs & Campus Operations.

He also will be responsible for overall administration of academic and student affairs of the university.

Senese earned a Bachelor of Science in the administration of justice from Pennsylvania State University; a Master of Arts in criminology from Indiana State University; and, a Doctor of Philosophy in multidisciplinary social sciences from the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University.

In addition, Senese has been a board member for the Milwaukee Urban League, a member of the Workforce Funding Alliance Leadership Council in Milwaukee, a member of the Rhode Island State Career Pathways System Task Force, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, among other roles.

Open house for new tech school
Wendell Krinn Technology High School, in New Port Richey, will host parent nights at 6:30 p.m., to showcase the school’s college and career-ready academic opportunities, on these dates:

• Jan. 17 at Fivay High School, 12115 Chicago Ave., Hudson
• Jan. 24 at Gulf High School, 5355 School Road, New Port Richey
• Feb. 1 at Marchman Technical College, 7825 Campus Drive, New Port Richey

Applications for the tech school also are now being accepted online through Feb. 8 at PascoSchools.org.

The school will offer 14 college and career-ready pathways. Course tracks have been developed for each pathway.

Examples of the college prep tracks include applied cyber security, biomedical, computer system and information technology, and robotics.

Career prep tracks that lead to industry certification include tracks for air conditioning, refrigeration and heating technology; automotive collision technology; electricity; welding technology fundamentals’ and a variety of other technical pathways.

Students accepted at the school also can earn up to 28 credit hours and credits toward a college degree.

The school will open at the current Ridgewood High School, giving students easy access to Fred K. Marchman Technical College next door for hands-on industry certification courses and Pasco-Hernando State College for dual enrollment courses.

For information, visit PascoSchools.org, and click on the Wendell Krinn Technical High School banner at the top, or call (727) 774-3900.

Nine students recognized by chamber
Students honored by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Month program are chosen by the teachers and administration for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, their family and community. The students that received recognition for the month of December were Ryan Simpson, The Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Steven Trevino, The Broach School (not present for ceremony); Kylie Strickland, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School; Leslie Owotoki, Heritage Academy; Darla Cant, Hope Ranch Learning Academy; Aaliyah Pacheco, Raymond B. Stewart Middle; Abbagail Ray, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Madelyn Holbrook, Woodland Elementary; and, Chase Booker, Zephyrhills High. Also at the ceremony were Melonie Monson, chamber executive director; Steve Spina, Zephyrhills city manager; and, Katy Boyd, chamber ambassador chairperson.

Getting to know our young adults
Gem Estates in Zephyrhills hosted ‘breakfast for dinner’ for the Saint Leo University basketball teams. After dinner, members of the boys and girls teams took seats among the senior residents to engage in conversation. Each student-athlete stood and introduced himself or herself, told where he or she is from and what career each is working toward. All the students got to fill a bag of cookies to take for another day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Literacy week
Hillel Academy, Tampa’s only accredited Jewish day school, will celebrate Literacy Week, Jan. 22 to Jan. 26, with book giving, book reading, noshing, snuggling and a parade.

Each of the students will get to participate in the activities:

• Jan. 22: Do a mitzvah, give a book.
• Jan. 23: Relaxation, snacking and reading in the “Starbooks” Café
• Jan. 24: Guest readers and visiting authors will visit with children, including Josh Gad – the voice of Olaf in the the movie “Frozen.”
• Jan. 25: Students will dress as their favorite characters for the Storybook Character Parade.
• Jan. 26: Students will wear pajamas for snuggling and reading for a Shabbat dinner event, open to families and the public.

For information about Hillel Academy offerings, financial aid and tours, call (813) 963-2242, or email .

Open house
Land O’ Lakes Christian School, 5105 School Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house Jan. 28 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For information, call the school office at (813) 995-9040.

Winter commencement
Pasco-Hernando State College hosted its winter commencement Dec. 14 at its West Campus in New Port Richey.

Two commencement ceremonies honored graduates earning bachelor and associate degrees, and certificates.

The commencement also included presentations of two $10,000 donations to scholarships provided by Dr. Rao Musunuru, PHSC District Board of Trustees and local cardiologist.

The two scholarship donations were given to the PHSC Foundation in honor of Sen. Wilton Simpson, and Pat Mulieri.

This year’s winter graduates included students in The Laker coverage area who have overcome adversity in pursuit of a higher education.

Matthew Kurtz, of Dade City, earned his Associate in Science degree in drafting and design technology. As an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) student, Kurtz found the restraint and regiment of public education did not match his way of learning. He dropped out of high school and obtained his GED, prior to enrolling at PHSC.

Tara Buzina, of Land O’ Lakes, earned her Associate in Arts and is currently working full-time as a firefighter/EMT at Tampa Fire Rescue. She plans to pursue an Associate in Science degree in paramedics, an RN degree, and a bachelor’s degree in emergency medical services at the University of South Florida.

Wislet Joseph and Wisly Joseph, twin brothers from Zephyrhills, both earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in supervision and management. Wislet’s degree has a concentration in organizational administration, and Wisly’s degree concentrates on studies in health care management.

The Joseph brothers came to the United States from Haiti. Knowing very little English, they both enrolled in the English as a Second Language program at Moore-Mickens Education Center in Dade City.

The brothers matriculated to PHSC in August 2013, and each will continue to pursue a Master of Business Administration at Saint Leo University.

Mentor training
Take Stock in Children, a program with the Pasco Education Foundation, offers Pasco County students scholarships, mentors and hope.

Female mentors are currently needed at Centennial Middle School, Hudson Middle, Mitchell High and Zephyrhills High. Male mentors are needed at Sunlake High.

Mentors meet at the student’s school two times to four times per month.

Upcoming mentor training dates are Jan. 17 at 1 p.m., and Jan. 22 at 11 a.m.

For information, contact Diane Jerome, mentor coordinator, at (813) 794-2134 or .

Open house
Countryside Montessori Charter School, 5852 Ehren Cut-Off in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house for the 2018-2019 school year Jan. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Prospective students, grades one to eight, and families can tour the campus, and meet the teachers and staff.

For information, call (813) 996-0991, or visit CMCSmontessori.com.

Students make honor lists
These local students were named to the Dean’s List at their respective schools:

• Stephen Goldman, of Lutz, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee
• Kayla Mains, of Lutz, Union University, Jackson, Tennessee
• Katelyn Prieboy, of Lutz, Belmont University
• Katie Wynn, of Lutz, Belmont University
• Summer Solovitch, of Dade City, Missouri Valley College, Marshall, Missouri

Also, Gianna Basulto, of Land O’ Lakes, has been named to the President’s List at Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia.

Saint Leo earns recognition
For the fifth consecutive year, Saint Leo University has earned recognition from Military Advanced Education & Transition as a leader in the nation for providing education to those who are serving or who have served in the armed forces.

Saint Leo University was awarded the designation of a Top School in the 2018 Guide to Colleges & Universities, measuring best practices in military and veteran education.

To be identified as a top school, Saint Leo exhibited military-supportive actions, such as having a veterans center, financial incentives for military-affiliated students, counselors for veterans, and more.

Higher education institutions also were evaluated on military culture, financial aid, flexibility, general support, on-campus support and online support services.

The guide is available online at MAE-KMI.com.

Community steps up for Pasco kids in need
Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore initiated a toy drive for Pasco County Schools children, ages 5 to 13, in need. Community members donated unwrapped toys at drop-off locations throughout the county. Toys were delivered to the district’s warehouse, and school social workers sorted through them to take back to their schools for the underprivileged students. Moore, right, stands with Superintendent Kurt Browning, center, and the social workers amid the donated toys.

Special presentation
Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield presented the R.B. Stewart Middle School football team with a proclamation on Dec. 15, in recognition of the team’s winning 41 consecutive football games and seven conference titles.

The Bulldogs were joined by other student athletes, cheerleaders, band members, school and district staff, for the presentation.

USA Football shows that only five high schools in the country have more consecutive wins, and one has the same number of wins as Stewart Middle School.

Gulf Trace holiday cheer
Santa Claus and Gulf Trace Elementary School volunteers shared holiday cheer and gifts with students Dec. 22.

Along with members of a women’s golf league, Santa and volunteer Shirley Bates delivered gifts to each Head Start prekindergarten class.

Bates has long-served as the school’s Secret Santa.

Frontier challenge winners
Frontier Communications honored the winners of the “Florida State Frontier Challenge” business case study competition during the school’s homecoming halftime show.

Senior David Walsh and junior Matthew Young received medals and prize money for placing first in the competition.

The annual competition provides students the chance to solve real-world challenges facing the telecommunications industry. This year, students were asked to help Frontier create new and original ways to engage millennial customers.

The process included written plans presented by students and in-person interviews in front of a panel of nine judges.

After presentations, teams had a chance to sit down with Frontier executives and discuss their ideas.

For information, visit FSU.edu.

Pine View joins Angus association
Pine View Middle FFA in Land O’ Lakes is a new member of the American Angus Association.

The national breed organization, with more than 25,000 active adult and junior members, is the largest beef breed association in the world. Its computerized records include detailed information on more than 18 million registered Angus.

The association records ancestral information and keeps production records and genomic data on individual animals to develop industry-leading selection tools for its members.

The programs and services of the association help members to advance the beef cattle business by selecting the best animals for their herds and marketing quality genetics for the beef cattle industry and quality beef for consumers.

Superheroes and science
The National Science Foundation and the National Nanotechnology Initiative are gearing up for this year’s Generation Nano: Superheroes Inspired by Science challenge.

Sixth-grade through 12th-grade students can compete for scholarship money and a trip to Washington D.C., to attend the 2018 USA Science and Engineering Festival.

There will be an honorarium for teachers involved with the winning teams.

Students may compete as individuals or as members of a two-person to three-person team, to create a superhero using science, or tell their story in a short comic or video.

The contest ends Jan. 8 at 11:59 p.m.

To learn more, visit NSF.gov and search “Gen Nano.”

For questions, email .

Mentor training
Take Stock in Children, a program with the Pasco Education Foundation, offers Pasco County students scholarships, mentors and hope.

Female mentors are currently needed at Centennial Middle School, Hudson Middle, Mitchell High and Zephyrhills High. Male mentors are needed at Sunlake High.

Mentors meet at the student’s school two times to four times per month.

Upcoming mentor training dates are Jan. 17 at 1 p.m., and Jan. 22 at 11 a.m.

For information, contact Diane Jerome, mentor coordinator, at (813) 794-2134 or .

Open house
Countryside Montessori Charter School, 5852 Ehren Cut-Off in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house for the 2018-2019 school year Jan. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Prospective students, Grades 1 to 8, and families can tour the campus, and meet the teachers and staff.

For information, call (813) 996-0991, or visit CMCSmontessori.com.