Mary Rathman

New chief information officer
Saint Leo University has named Vijay Sonty as its new chief information officer, responsible for the leadership and management of the University Technology Services operations. Sonty previously served as executive director of applications and operations at Kaplan Inc., chief information officer for Broward County Public Schools, and senior vice president and chief technology officer for Foote Cone and Belding.

 

 

 

 

Denham Oaks seeking partners
Denham Oaks Elementary School, 1422 Oak Grove Blvd., has been in the Lutz area for more than 20 years and is looking for businesses to support the school.

Sponsorship opportunities start at $25, and allow the business to build its brand among local residents while supporting education.

There also are opportunities to join the School Advisory Council or serve as a judge for the student arts contest.

For information, visit DOES.my-pta.org, or email .

Chamberlain High 50th
The Chamberlain High School Class of 1966 is planning a 50-year class reunion on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. The committee needs help locating the Class of 1966 graduates.

If you graduated in 1966 and would like to have your name included for future updates and information, send your name (including maiden name), email, current address, home and/or cellphone number, and spouse’s name to

If you know anyone else in the class who has not yet been contacted, email their name and contact information to the same email address.

Job and internship fair
Pasco-Hernando State College will host the CareerSource Pasco Hernando Job & Internship Fair on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon, at PHSC East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City.

For information, contact Nathan Stevens at (352) 585-5117 or .

Sisters help kickoff school year
The Benedictine Sisters of Florida helped kickoff Saint Leo University’s new academic year with a Welcome Reception attended by more than 600 new students and their families.

The Sisters set up a booth highlighting the university’s Benedictine tradition, and students were invited to the Holy Name Monastery for prayer, Mass and volunteer opportunities.

The Sisters also introduced their aquaponics program.

Academy students receive first class honors
All 16 students from the New Tampa Piano and Pedagogy Academy who took the Royal Conservatory of Music practical examinations received the highest mark classification — First Class Honors with Distinction. Each student received an A+ grade.

The exams highlight the students’ understanding of piano study, as well as the faculty’s dedication and hard work.

Artistic vision is the differentiating factor between an A and an A+. Both grades comprise a nearly flawless execution of the performance pieces and a proficiency in musicianship aspects (such as sight reading); however, an A+ requires a student to present a truly felt expression of the repertoire, not a robotic performance.

Sponsors needed for Student of the Month program
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce has promoted the Student of the Month program for more than 20 years. Chamber businesses partner with local schools to encourage youth.

In most cases, the schools choose one student each month from September to May to be the winner of a trophy and T-shirt recognizing their achievement.

The business name is listed on the T-shirt, and the schools typically provide the business with the opportunity to visit the school each month and present the award.

The cost of a company to be a sponsor is $250 for the year.

Those interested in sponsoring a school or continuing a sponsorship from the previous year, can email the chamber office at , or fax to (813) 909-0827.

Early childhood program
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, offers an Early Childhood Center through the state funded VPK program.

This is a faith-based structured preschool learning environment. The program starts at age 2, and focuses on phonetic awareness, letter recognition, writing skills, reading strategies and problem solving activities.

There are two sessions: a morning preschool program and an afternoon program. Extended hours are offered, if needed.

For information, contact Corrine Ertl, center director, at (813) 948-5999 or .

Donate shoes and socks for students
The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office is participating in the new shoes and socks collection campaign to assist local students and families in need. A collaborative effort between Pasco County government and the school district, the “Two Good Soles” campaign, is seeking to collect as many new pairs of shoes and socks as possible.

All five tax collector’s offices will be collection sites for donations until Oct. 25, and will have a labeled collection box near the door.

For information and office locations, call Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179.