Mary Rathman

Pasco native fulfilling his dream
Pasco County native and first-generation student Jacob Browne has graduated in three years from Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program, according to a news release.

At 9 years old, Browne knew exactly what he wanted to become – a broadcaster, and was inspired by Joe Buck’s play-by-play of the 2009 World Series, the release says.

As a member of the Emerging Scholars Program, Browne earned a Bachelor of Arts in multimedia studies, and served as the voice of FAU baseball and football, eventually becoming the sports director for the station.

Browne also had the opportunity to work in NFL Super Bowl Radio Row in Miami in 2020 and in Tampa in 2021, interviewing players and media sportscasters.

He also launched his own show, Strictly Sports on Owl Radio, and interned at SiriusXM PGA Tour Sports Programming.

Browne now is the play-by-play broadcaster for the Forest City Owls in Forest City, North Carolina, where he announces every baseball game, hosts the pre- and post-game shows, and conducts interviews with players and coaches.

New staff member
Victory High School in Pasco County has welcomed a new teacher, Melissa Curtis, to its team.

Curtis is a Tampa native who relocated to Pasco County a year ago.

She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of South Florida and has completed graduate coursework toward obtaining a master’s degree in English education.

Curtis’ favorite subjects to teach are English and culinary.

She also volunteers in the community for Meals on Wheels.

Dental office looking for students in need
Navarro Orthodontics in Land O’ Lakes is asking local schools to participate in its quest to commit $50,000 of orthodontic treatment to students in need.

Teachers can help to identify students in need of orthodontic care, who may not otherwise be able to afford or have access to treatment.

Once candidates are identified, the student must write an essay stating who they are, what their dreams are, how they will contribute to the community in the future, and why they need or want orthodontic treatment. Written consent from the parent of the student will be required, too.

For information and questions, email , or call 813-321-0084.

New board member
The Florida Recovery Schools of Tampa Bay Inc. Board of Directors has welcomed Victor Lupis, owner and CEO of Dynasty Building Solutions, as a new board member.

When Lupis is not working, he spends time with his family and friends, on his boat fishing in the Gulf, or at church.

“The way to success is not by material, not by money, but making the people around you achieve their goals and ambitions,” said Lupis in a news release.

Fee adjustment meeting
The Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its Jan. 18 board meeting.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing.

Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu, and click on Policies and Procedures, Public Disclosure.

A simple comfort can go a long way
Saint Leo University presented nearly 250 teddy bears and stuffed animals to the Tampa Police Department (TPD), at the school’s Tampa Education Center. The bears were donated by students, faculty and staff, and the public. The TPD’s Behavioral Health, and the Major Crimes, Sex Crimes and Domestic Violence units will carry the bears in their vehicles as part of a ‘comfort squad’ to help children in stressful, crisis situations. Law enforcement members are shown loading the numerous bears and stuffed animals into a vehicle.

Dental office looking for students in need
Navarro Orthodontics in Land O’ Lakes is asking local schools to participate in its quest to commit $50,000 of orthodontic treatment to students in need.

Teachers can help to identify students in need of orthodontic care, who may not otherwise be able to afford or have access to treatment.

Once candidates are identified, the student must write an essay stating who they are, what their dreams are, how they will contribute to the community in the future, and why they need or want orthodontic treatment. Written consent from the parent of the student will be required, too.

For information and questions, email , or call 813-321-0084.

Dean’s list
John Martinez, of Dade City, has been named to the Union University Dean’s List for the fall 2021 semester.

Founded in 1823 and affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, Union University is characterized by quality Christ-centered teaching and learning. Union offers liberal arts training in more than 100 majors and programs of study, along with professional programs in business, education and nursing.

Bridging the gap
Most college-bound students qualify for financial aid to help pay for their education, such as federal and state grants, scholarships and federal loans.

Some students may find that these programs do not cover all the costs of college, according to a Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) news release.

Because interest rates on private loans depend on the borrower’s credit rating, students may have to pay higher rates than they would on federal student loans.

In addition, many lenders require students to have a cosigner, and most require the college to certify that the student needs the loan, the release says.

Students and parents should compare the private loans offered by various lenders to find the best possible deal.

For information about KHEAA services, visit KHEAA.com.

Student aid options
Veterans and members of the U.S. armed forces and National Guard may be able to take advantage of numerous student aid programs to help pay for college or technical training, according to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA), in a news release.

The federal government offers programs for the dependents of veterans and service members, too. These include:

• GI Bill benefits, first passed for veterans of World War II. There are several versions, and more changes are coming as a result of the Forever GI Bill passed in 2017, the release says. Visit Benefits.va.gov/gibill/ for options and information.
• Federal Tuition Assistance, for active duty members of all branches of the armed forces, including the Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves. For information, contact the college financial aid office or unit education officer.
• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, for students who had a parent or guardian die as the result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 10, 2001. For information, visit StudentAid.ed.gov/sa/, and look under “Types of Aid.”

Fee adjustment meeting
The Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its Jan. 18 board meeting.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing.

Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu, and click on Policies and Procedures, Public Disclosure.