Mary Rathman

Touring Russian administrator visits Saint Leo
Saint Leo University recently hosted a higher education professional from St. Petersburg, Russia, visiting to learn the best practices used by American colleges that offer international programs for students or faculty.

Dr. David Felsen (right), executive director of Saint Leo’s Office of International Affairs, coordinated the visit for Maria Kuznetsova, a specialist at the International Office of St. Petersburg University of Management and Economics.

At Saint Leo, Kuznetsova met with professionals in areas including multicultural and international student services, business affairs, and learning design. She also visited an introductory Russian language class.

Her United States tour also included Indiana, Ball State, DePaul and Syracuse universities.

Young student helps K-9 funds
Eight-year-old Sophia Contino, a Wesley Chapel resident and Sand Pine Elementary student, set out to raise money through lemonade stands and online fundraising, in an effort to raise money for local K-9 units that lacked proper protective equipment.

In recognition of the second-grader’s efforts to help fund K-9 bulletproof vests, Novus Medical Detox Center contributed $2,400 to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office for the purchase of additional vests.

The Sand Pine student also was given an award ceremony at the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, where Kent Runyon, Novus’ vice president of community relations, and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco presented her with awards to honor her for raising awareness for the county’s four-legged crime fighters.

Wharton newspaper earns gold status
The staff of Wharton High School’s newspaper, the Predator, earned gold status from the Florida Scholastic Press Association, after receiving 22 out of 25 points on the association’s critique.

Evaluators gave the newspaper special distinction in its coverage of news, feature and sports stories that affect its audience.

Out of a possible 5 points in each category, the staff received 5 in coverage, 4.5 in reader aids, 4.5 in layout and design, 4 in sound writing/editing, and 4 in photography/visuals.

The Predator staff missed receiving All-Florida honors by just one point.

More than 2,000 high school newspapers from across Florida entered newspapers for critiques this year.

Thursday Musicale concert
The final concert of Thursday Musicale’s season will be on April 7 at 2 p.m., at Trinity Presbyterian Church of Seven Springs, 8928 Cypress Lakes Blvd., in New Port Richey.

The guest artists will be the scholarship winners for this year: Kristin Nelson, Wiregrass Ranch High School, vocalist; and Kyle Schroeder, J.W. Mitchell High School, jazz saxophonist.

Admission is $5 to benefit the group’s scholarship program for graduating high school seniors entering musical careers.

For information, call (727) 807-3023.

Campus open houses
Pasco-Hernando State College will host open houses at all five of its campuses in April. The events are aimed at 2016-2017 high school graduates who are undecided on college plans and any potential students seeking higher education opportunities.

Attendees can learn about the variety of certificate, associate and bachelor degree programs offered through the college. There also will be opportunities for campus tours and information on admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and more than 50 clubs and organizations available.

Open house dates and locations include:

• Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel: April 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• North Campus, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., in Brooksville: April 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (financial aid workshop included)
• West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey: April 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court: April 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (financial aid workshop included)

For information, visit PHSC.edu/calendar.

Round Up at John Long Middle
Dr. John Long Middle School, 2025 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host the annual PTSA “Round Up” on April 8 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This is its largest community event to support the continued A-rated education needs of the students. There will be games, prizes, food and a disc jockey.

For information, visit JohnLongPTSA on Facebook, or call (813) 346-6200.

Chamberlain High reunion
Chamberlain High School Class of 1961 will celebrate its 55th year of graduation with a reunion on April 9 at 10 a.m., at Lowry Park Pavilion 115. Classmates should bring a lunch.

For information, call (813) 949-3074, and leave a message.

Jazz concert fundraiser
James Wall, a student at Steinbrenner High School, will host a benefit concert to collect food for a local food pantry, as a Boy Scout Eagle project. The traditional jazz music concert will be on April 10 at 4 p.m., at Messiah Lutheran Church, 14920 Hutchison Road in Tampa.

Musicians include Chuck Berlin, a pianist who has played in New Orleans for nearly 40 years, and John Lamb, a former bassist with the Duke Ellington Jazz Orchestra. Admission is free, but guests are asked to bring a food donation.

For information, contact James Wall at (813) 347-8111 or .

Homeschool Day at Cracker Country
Cracker Country, a rural Florida living history museum at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. 301 in Tampa, will host Homeschool Day on April 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Students can learn about the lives of settlers in rural Florida before the turn of the 20th century through hands-on activities. The theme for the day is “Make and Take Crafts.”

Educators in historic dress will be on hand at the 1885 Carlton House, railroad depot, general store, church and other authentic structures. Participants can make toys, dolls and helpful items for the household, and can also learn to operate an early 20th century printing press and make postcards.

Admission is $8 per person, ages 4 through adult. Children younger than age 3 are free. Tickets can be purchased online at CrackerCountry.org.

For information, call (813) 627-4225.

Head Start applications being accepted
The Pasco County Schools Early Childhood Programs Department will have open application days across the county for Head Start and Early Head Start for 2016-2017.

Expectant mothers and parents/guardians of infants, toddlers and children through age 4 may apply. Eligibility is based on family need and income.

Locations, dates and times are as follows:

• RCMA-The Stallings Building, 15029 14th St., Dade City, on April 20 and May 17, from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Lacoochee Elementary School, 38815 Cummer Road in Dade City, on April 20 and May 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Alice Hall Community Center, Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills, on April 26 and May 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• District Office Complex, Portable 23, 20425 Gator Lane in Land O’ Lakes, on April 28 and May 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

For required documents and information, visit PascoSchools.org/ecp, or call Alexis Russell at (727) 774-2730 or (813) 794-2730.