The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Health & Wellness (5/21/25): Pasco observes Hospital Week

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AdventHealth leaders meet with the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

 

Pasco observes Hospital Week 

PASCO COUNTY – County commissioners proclaimed May 11 to 17, 2025, as Hospital Week in Pasco County. 

This declaration recognizes the service of the more than 3,000 physicians, nurses and staff across AdventHealth Connerton, AdventHealth Dade City, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills.

AdventHealth’s ongoing community investment, which surpassed $200 million in 2024, includes charity care, public health programs and contributions to community organizations. 

As part of National Hospital Week, commissioners encourage residents to take a moment to thank local healthcare workers for their compassion, resilience and role in protecting and advancing public health.

“We are honored to work with the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners during Hospital Week, to recognize the healthcare heroes of AdventHealth who serve our community with exceptional care and unwavering compassion,” said Mike Murrill, president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Connerton. “Every day, our team of doctors, nurses, and support staff go above and beyond to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality of care. Their commitment to health and wellness is truly inspiring.”

 

As entrepreneurs who own and operate over 245 franchises, including 100 Dunkin’/Baskin-Robbins locations throughout Florida and Alabama, Vik and Sneha Patel have dedicated the last 20 years to bettering the lives of those around them. Photo courtesy of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation

Patels give $3M to hospital

TAMPA – Vik and Sneha Patel made a $3 million gift to name the future Healing Garden at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, according to the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation.

The Patels’ gift will be part of the hospital’s new, freestanding pediatric facility, which will be named Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s. The facility is scheduled to open by 2030.

The Patels are longtime supporters of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation. They chaired the 2024 Heroes Ball, raising $1.45 million to support the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital.

“From handing out donuts to team members, to bringing smiles to families, to leading our largest community event, to giving this incredible gift – their mindset has always been about sharing extraordinary generosity,” said Kate Sawa, president of the foundation. “Their gift will help create a truly special space that brings peace, comfort and joy to families during some of their most challenging moments, which is so fitting because they are all about family.”

On the web: Give2StJoesKids.org

 

The kits include a weight scale, automatic blood pressure device, instructions for home blood pressure measurements, fluid measuring bottle, pill organizer and pulse oximeters. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Health kits help heart patients 

LAKE WALES – Heart failure patients at AdventHealth Lake Wales are taking control of their health and recovery outside of the hospital, with the help of free health supply kits. 

The kits are used to monitor patients’ progress after they are discharged from the hospital. They include a weight scale, automatic blood pressure device, instructions for home blood pressure measurements, fluid measuring bottle, pill organizer and pulse oximeters.

Before they are discharged, patients are given detailed heart failure education by the registered nurses and the heart failure team. They also get frequent calls from the heart failure team who monitor patients in the program.

 

Hospitals earn A’s

TAMPA – AdventHealth hospitals in Pasco County, which include AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, have been awarded an “A” Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group.

The Leapfrog Group assigns grades based on over 30 performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. 

“We are thrilled and honored to have all our hospitals in Pasco County receive A grades for the second year in a row, with Wesley Chapel receiving its 20th consecutive A rating,” said Dr. Rajan Wadhawan, chief clinical officer for AdventHealth West Florida Division. “This award is a testament to the exceptional work AdventHealth physicians and team members do every day to keep our patients safe and how they continue to provide exceptional whole-person care to a growing community.”

 

Get answers on Medicare

ST. PETERSBURG – SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.

Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid, and Health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

SHINE services are free, unbiased, and confidential. SHINE Counselors do not sell anything.

SHINE Counselors can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

Here are some upcoming programs: 

Medicare Basics

A SHINE Volunteer will be available to answer Medicare questions at the following times:                    

  • June 5 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St, New Port Richey. 727-853-1279.
  • June 12 at noon at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. 352-567-3576.
  • June 21 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy, Land O’ Lakes. 813-929-1214.

Medicare 101

A SHINE Volunteer will be available to answer Medicare questions.

  • June 4 at noon at the Largo Public Library, 120 Central Park Drive, Largo. 727-587-6715 ext. 2508.
  • June 18 at 11 a.m. at Pinellas Park Library, 7770 52nd St. N., Pinellas Park. 727-369-0669.
  • June 18 at 1 p.m. at Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S., Gulfport. 727-893-1073.
  • June 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. 813-788-6375.

 

Chalk Talk (5/21/25): Students meet AI chatdogs

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Scholar Education sought to uplift teachers during a surprise lunchtime visit from Bruce and Baxter. Photo courtesy of Scholar Education

Students meet the dogs that inspired their AI chatbots

NEW PORT RICHEY – Scholar Education gave teachers a moment to “paws and relax” May 8 during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Scholar Education sought to uplift teachers during a surprise lunchtime visit from Bruce and Baxter. Photo courtesy of Scholar Education

Educators at Pepin Academies met Bruce and Baxter – the Bernedoodles that inspired Scholar Education’s AI-powered avatars, PAWfessor Bruce and BaxterBot.

“It’s always relaxing to see dogs,” teacher Amy McBride said. “It’s a nice break.”

Teachers at Pepin Academies are piloting Scholar Education’s program on its three campuses. The platform uses AI chatbots designed as playful dogs to serve as virtual companions. 

Students receive personalized, real-time academic support in an engaging way while teachers gain insight into students’ questions and progress. 

Scholar Education says AI-assisted lesson planning saves an average of five hours a week.

“Embracing new technology is just one of the many ways teachers are working tirelessly to enhance learning and prepare students for the future,” Scholar Education co-founder Marlee Strawn said. “Staying ahead of the curve takes time, passion and an open mind and that’s why we’re so proud to honor and thank these inspiring educators for all they do.”

During the visit, students connected with the real-life personalities behind the digital helpers.

“Especially for our younger students, it’s a big deal to realize these AI dogs are based on real pets,” McBride said. “I tell them, ‘Someday, you could create a program based on your own dog.’”

 

Student Achievements

  • Madeline Rodriguez, of Lutz, graduated with a BFA in graphic design from Flagler College.
  • Joseph Wright, a junior engineering major from Lutz, made the President’s List at Bob Jones University. Students had to earn a GPA of at least 3.75.
  • Southern New Hampshire University said these students made the President’s List: Lutz students Kory Hilton, Holly Hsu and Nancee El-Massri as well as Odessa students Fidel Johnson and Piper Ray. Students had to earn a GPA of at least 3.7.
  • Abby Greene, of Lutz, made the Dean’s List at Pennsylvania Western University. Students must earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher.
  • Justin Matthews and Reese Nuckols, of Odessa, made the Dean’s List at Southern New Hampshire University. Students must earn a GPA between 3.5 to 3.699.
  • Anna Stout, of Land O Lakes, made the Dean’s List at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Students must earn a GPA between 3.5 to 3.99.

Business Digest (5/14/25): Pasco County chamber events

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North Tampa Bay events

LAND O’ LAKES – North Tampa Bay Chamber will host a Coffee Social and Lunch N Learn.

  • Members convene for a Coffee Social from 9 to 10:30 a.m. May 21 at Boardwalk Wealth Solutions (inside the Signature Workspace building), 28210 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. 
  • Datalis Technologies presents “Tech Made Simple: How IT, AI and Data Can Help Your Business Grow” during a Lunch N Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. May 22 at USF Credit Union, 20610 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa. Registration costs $15. Register in advance. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events.

 

Greater Pasco events

NEW PORT RICHEY – Greater Pasco Chamber members will host a Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange, Monthly Membership Breakfast and Young Professionals Group After Hours Social.

  • The chamber supports Coastal Bay Tax & Consulting with a ribbon cutting from 3 to 5 p.m. May 16 at Coastal Bay Tax & Consulting, 5709 Tidalwave Drive, New Port Richey. The ribbon cutting starts at 4 p.m. Register in advance. 
  • The Professional Women in Business Group holds its Networking Meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 21 at HCA Florida Hospital Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Trinity. Registration costs $12  for members and $15 for others. Register in advance. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

East Pasco events

DADE CITY – East Pasco Chamber members will host a Business Breakfast, ribbon cutting and Coffee & Networking events. 

  • Members learn about their memberships during Core Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. May 15 at East Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s Dade City Office, 14112 8th St., Dade City. 
  • Members meet for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. May 16 at East Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s Zephyrhills Office, 38550 5th Ave., Zephyrhills. 
  • Members meet for Coffee & Networking from 8 to 9 a.m. May 20 at East Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s Dade City Office, 14112 8th St., Dade City. 

Visit eastpascochamber.org for details about the chamber and events. 

 

Health & Wellness (5/14/25): EKG screenings bill passes

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EKG screenings bill passes

TAMPA – Florida lawmakers recently passed legislation requiring EKG screenings for student-athletes to identify hidden heart conditions. 

“Sudden cardiac arrest is the number one medical cause of death in young athletes during sports,” said Dr. Anjlee Patel, a pediatric cardiologist with AdventHealth for Children, based at AdventHealth Tampa. “An ECG is quick, affordable, and can detect serious conditions that a stethoscope can’t. We want to make it as easy as possible for families to get this testing and prevent unthinkable tragedies.”

AdventHealth for Children offers low-cost ECG/EKG screenings for children and youth, ages 10 to 25, across Central and West Florida. 

Screening ECGs are covered by most insurance providers, but AdventHealth also offers a $15 self-pay option. The initiative is designed to make heart screenings more accessible and affordable, especially for families of student-athletes.

Pediatric cardiologists interpret the screening results that same day and use them to help detect conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and electrical rhythm abnormalities.

 

Nursing organization honors BayCare for staff programs

CLEARWATER – The American Nurses Credentialing Center has designated BayCare as the first health care system in Florida to receive its new Well-Being Excellence designation.

BayCare is one of five organizations nationally to receive the new credential. 

“We are honored that BayCare has been recognized as a national leader and pioneer in promoting well-being and resilience,” said Trish Shucoski, chief nurse executive. “This award is an exciting way to demonstrate that our team members feel supported, valued and equipped to thrive.”
The designation evaluates and enhances well-being programs within health care organizations that employ nurses. ANCC created the designation in response to the need for effective well-being programs to support health care professionals. 

Nurse burnout is a significant issue in health care, with 46% of health care workers reporting feelings of burnout in 2022, up from 32% in 2018, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North excels at patient safety

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North earned a top grade for the sixth consecutive time in ratings from a national not-for-profit organization that evaluates patient safety. 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North received an A grade in the Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2025 Hospital Safety Grades released May 1. St. Joseph’s Hospital-North also earned A in grades dating back to the Fall 2022 grades. 

The six consecutive A grades has earned Leapfrog’s elite Straight A status for St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

“Our patient care practices are rooted in providing the safest and best care,” hospital president Sara Dodds said. “The Leapfrog grades are a way that our consistent quality care is illustrated publicly to the community.”

 

BayCare earns A’s for safety

CLEARWATER  – Ten of BayCare’s acute-care hospitals received an A in the Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2025 Hospital Safety Grades. 

The Leapfrog Group collects and analyzes data about infections, accidents, injuries and errors at nearly 3,000 general hospitals. In the spring and fall, the Leapfrog Group assigns them letter grades ranging from A to F.

Hospitals that earned an A include Morton Plant North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa and St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz.

“Patient safety is the foundation of care at BayCare. It is woven into our culture and the care we deliver every day,” said Dr. Laura Arline, BayCare’s chief quality officer. 

 

Hospitals across region highlight Power of Nurses

TAMPA – Several hospitals in the Tampa Bay area partnered with the American Nurses Association May 6 to 12 to  illuminate buildings as part of its #NursesLightUpTheSky initiative.

The campaign is designed to honor the more than 5 million registered nurses whose contributions power health and healing.

“Nurses are essential to the health of our families and communities-and this week, we honor the impact they make across every corner of Florida and the nation,” said Dr. Marie Etienne president of The Florida Nurses Association. “Lighting up our skyline is just one way we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible work nurses do every single day.”

Participating hospitals included Bartow Regional Medical Center, BayCare HomeCare, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, Gandy Bridge, Joseph’s Hospital-North, Madonna Ptak Morton Plant Rehabilitation Center, Mease Countryside Hospital, Morton Plant Hospital, Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, Selmon Expressway, South Florida Baptist Hospital, St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South, St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, Winter Haven Hospital, 

On the web: nursingworld.org/nursesweek

 

County celebrates 75 years of mosquito management

TAMPA – For 75 years, Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services has worked to control the mosquito population in Hillsborough County.  

Residents were scheduled to celebrate the milestone at a family-fun event with the team that works around the clock to eliminate mosquitoes and stop the spread of deadly mosquito-borne diseases. 

The event was scheduled for May 10, which is after the newspaper’s deadline, at 6527 Eureka Springs Road, Tampa.

On the web: HCFL.gov/Mosquito

 

Exec gets marketing role

CLEARWATER – Keri Eisenbeis, chief of staff and chief communications officer at BayCare Health System, is adding marketing to her role as she oversees the not-for-profit health system’s marketing efforts. 

“Keri has proven, over and over during her tenure at BayCare, her ability to take on new challenges and make a big impact for our communities,” President and CEO Stephanie Conners said. “Adding marketing to her portfolio is a natural synergy with her role overseeing our communications.”

Eisenbeis joined BayCare 16 years ago. 

“The voice of our patients and the community at large motivates me,” Eisenbeis said. “I look forward to channeling that voice in my work to ensure BayCare’s tradition of being the best place to work, provide and receive care.”

Bobcats head into tournament play with momentum

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The PHSC Bobcats are a tough draw for anyone playing them in a baseball tournament. Tim McClain photo

 

  • 001: The PHSC Bobcats are a tough draw for anyone playing them in a baseball tournament. Tim McClain photo
  • 002: Michael Savarese shows off his Most Outstanding Pitcher award. Tim McClain photo
  • 003: Juan Lopez shows off his Most Outstanding Player award. Tim McClain photo

 

Juan Lopez celebrates his Most Outstanding Player award. Tim McClain photo

The PHSC Bobcats baseball team won the FCSAA Division II NJCAA Region 8 championship on May 3. 

The team was scheduled to play at the NJCAA regional tournament from May 9 to 12 (after the newspaper’s deadline) at the NJCAA regional tournament. 

PHSC is currently ranked No. 1 in the county for the NJCAA Division II baseball teams.

The Bobcats won their first game 4-3 over Lake-Sumter State College and then defeated South Florida State College 6-5 in the next game, putting them undefeated in the championship game.The Bobcats closed out the championship May 3 with a 2-0 victory of Lake-Sumter State College, who came up from the loser’s bracket.  

Michael Savarese celebrates his Most Outstanding Pitcher award. Tim McClain photo

PHSC head coach Lyndon Coleman was named the Coach of the Year for the FCSAA Division II NJCAA Region 8.

Juan Lopez was named Most Outstanding Player and Michael Savarese was named Most Outstanding Pitcher for the tournament.

 

 

 

NFL star promotes water safety at storytime

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett read “Water Safety Adventures with Slyce” as part of the Glazer Children’s Museum’s Safer Swimming campaign. Photo courtesy of Glazer Children’s Museum
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett read “Water Safety Adventures with Slyce” as part of the Glazer Children’s Museum’s Safer Swimming campaign. Photo courtesy of Glazer Children’s Museum

TAMPA – Dozens of children packed into the Glazer Children’s Museum on May 6 to hear Super Bowl Champion Shaquil Barrett read “Water Safety Adventures with Slyce.” 

The storytime kicked off the museum’s monthlong Safer Swimming campaign, created in partnership with Watermelon Swim to mark National Water Safety Month. 

The free event took place during the museum’s popular Free Tuesday, made possible by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.

“We had a lot of safety precautions, but the main one we didn’t have was a gate that blocks the pool off from all entry points,” Barrett said. “There were so many steps that we had in place that we failed to make sure they were set that night. I just want parents to make sure every day is like a ritual: to make sure everything is locked, make sure the alarm is on, make sure everything is done. Make sure you triple check because it will save a life.”

Barrett, who lost his 2-year-old daughter Arrayah in a drowning accident in 2023, has since become a passionate water safety advocate through the Arrayah Hope Foundation. His connection to the cause added urgency and inspiration to the day’s message.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and education can save lives.

“At Glazer Children’s Museum, we believe play is powerful, and in Florida, summer play often means water,” said Sarah Cole, president and CEO. “That’s why teaming up with Watermelon Swim is a natural fit. Together, we’re helping families stay safe while making the most of every splash-filled moment.”

The event was co-led by Micha Seal, CEO of Watermelon Swim, which teaches more than 7,000 students weekly across Tampa Bay. Seal and her team have embedded drowning prevention into their core mission, contributing nearly $1 million annually in scholarships, classroom programming and community outreach.

“Formal, continuous swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. We are thrilled to partner with community leaders to spread our mission to grow a community full of safer swimmers,” Seal said. “It’s never too early – or too late – to learn how to swim. Everyone deserves access to life-saving water safety education, and we remain deeply committed to our mission of making that a reality.”

Throughout May, families visiting the Glazer Children’s Museum will encounter interactive exhibits, educational signage, themed books, and hands-on activities, all designed to teach kids and caregivers essential water safety skills in a fun and memorable way. 

On the web: GlazerMuseum.org

Richey Suncoast Theatre offers kids programming

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Richey Suncoast Theatre is turning up the spotlight on young talent this summer thanks to a grant from Duke Energy.

Programs for children and teens include Kids Night Out Parties and the RST Kids Summer Theatre Camp. 

Families are encouraged to register early as spots are limited.

 

Kids Night Out (Ages 6-12)

Kids Night Out is a series of themed one-night events designed for children ages 6 to 12. 

These supervised evening programs provide a safe, engaging space for kids to enjoy creative activities, meet new friends and experience the magic of live theatre – even when it’s not on stage.

The first event, “Party at the Movies,” is set for 6 to 9 p.m. May 22 at Richey Suncoast Theatre,  6237 Grand Boulevard, New Port Richey.

Highlights of the evening include:

  • Screenings of three short, kid-friendly films.
  • Movie-themed imagination games to spark creativity.
  • Pizza, popcorn and snack breaks.

Advance registration is encouraged, as space is limited.

Additional Kids Night Out events are scheduled for June 26 and July 24.

Each event is themed to ensure returning participants enjoy a fresh, memorable experience.

“This program isn’t just fun,” Producing Director Jess Glass said, “it helps kids build social confidence and gives parents a night off. It’s a win-win for families.”

Visit richeysuncoasttheatre.com to reserve a spot.

 

RST Kids Summer Theatre Camp

Richey Suncoast Theatre offers weekly, full-day themed camps packed with creativity and fun.

The lineup includes: 

  • Seussical Musical Theatre (ages 6–9): June 16-20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • The Little Mermaid (ages 10–12): June 23-27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • A Pirate’s Life for Me (ages 9–15): July 7-11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Beauty & the Beast (ages 13–18): July 14-18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Each week ends with a Final Friday Showcase & Pizza Karaoke Party.

Camps cost $250 per week. Limited scholarships available for those with financial hardships. Limited to 30 students per week Register at richeysuncoasttheatre.com

 

The Florida Aquarium is celebrating 30 years of animal care

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The Florida Aquarium says a green moray eel, five box turtles, a southern stingray and a Florida red-bellied turtle have been its guests for 30 years. Photo courtesy of The Florida Aquarium

TAMPA – The Florida Aquarium is shining a spotlight on eight animals that have called the attraction home since it opened its doors in 1995.

A green moray eel (Scar), five box turtles (Monica, Ross, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe), a southern stingray (Shelly), and a Florida red-bellied turtle have inspired millions of guests and are living proof of the aquarium’s commitment to animal care.

To thank the Tampa Bay community for 30 years, The Florida Aquarium is offering $30 admission tickets, Monday through Friday in May (excluding Memorial Day). 

Also, throughout May the aquarium is offering 50% off on up to four general admission tickets (per group) when guests drop off cereal boxes to help their community as part of Feeding Tampa Bay’s Cereal for Summer initiative.

Since its grand opening on March 31, 1995, The Florida Aquarium has welcomed more than 20 million visitors. 

The aquarium is undergoing a $45 million expansion that will bring even animal encounters to Tampa Bay. Here are some of those plans: 

  • Summer 2025: A new second-floor exhibit featuring animals from the rugged coastline.
  • 2026: Puffins presented by the Vinik Family Foundation, featuring a kelp forest, variety of fish, and expansive viewing windows.
  • 2027: California sea lions exhibit.

Plans are also in the works to expand the African penguin habitat presented by The Mosaic Company.

On the web: flaquarium.org

1,400+ students graduate from Saint Leo University

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More than 1,400 Saint Leo University students crossed the stage in two commencement ceremonies May 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

 

Members of Saint Leo University’s softball team celebrate at their commencement ceremony May 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

TAMPA – Saint Leo University celebrated the Class of 2025 along with some “firsts” as more than 1,400 students crossed the stage in two commencement ceremonies May 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

Twelve students proudly claimed the title of “first” as they are Saint Leo’s first graduates in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in the College of Health Professions. They participated in a pinning ceremony May 5, pledging to uphold the ethical, scientific and legal standards of their profession. 

Emma Hayhurst, of Merrimack, New Hampshire, said she chose Saint Leo because of the university’s dedication to building a new nursing program. 

“Additionally, Saint Leo’s strong values of compassion, integrity and service reflect the kind of nurse I aspire to be,” said Hayhurst, one of the first graduates.

Another student celebrating being “first” was Forgive Semackor, of Riverview, who became the first graduate in Saint Leo’s Bachelor of Arts in Music Program in 30 years. Saint Leo once again began offering a music major in fall 2023.

“I knew I wanted to be a teacher, and when I found out Saint Leo was re-introducing the major, I decided that it would be a great choice to teach a subject that I was really passionate about,” Semackor said.

The commencement ceremonies also provided an opportunity to recognize the contributions made by two longtime supporters and benefactors of the university. Edward Dadez was named president emeritus, having retired in February after serving as the university’s 11th president. Dadez also is an alumnus who earned a Master of Business Administration degree in 2002.

“During his tenure, Dr. Dadez addressed the challenges that Saint Leo University was facing, he led the faculty and staff, changing the culture of the university, and ensured that Saint Leo had a strong focus on students and their success,” said Edwin Narain, chair of the board of trustees.

Receiving an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree was trustee and alumnus John Picciano, who is the CEO of Oglethorpe Inc. As a student, Picciano served as the president of his fraternity and the Interfraternity Council. He continued a life of service to his community, making a difference in the lives of those with mental health and addiction issues. And he continued his lifelong contributions to his alma mater.

 

Morning Ceremony

Lauren Wittenberg Weiner, founder and former CEO of WWC Global, speaks to the graduates at Saint Leo University’s morning commencement ceremony May 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

Graduating during the morning ceremony were University Campus undergraduate students; master’s degree students in accounting, business administration, computer science, cybersecurity and psychology; and Doctor of Business Administration students.

Recognized as valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2025 with a 4.0 GPA was Kristina Arwady, of Altamonte Springs, who graduated summa cum laude with bachelor’s degrees in management and medical humanities: pre-med with a minor in Spanish and from the Honors Program. Arwady also was a member of the women’s soccer team.

“Over the last three and a half years, Saint Leo University has become my family,” Arwady said. “The people have made this place home, and I am so grateful for the many opportunities and experiences I have had here.” 

Jacqueline Pollok, of Dade City, was the campus salutatorian, graduating summa cum laude with bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice: homeland security and international studies. She also graduated from the Honors Program and was the recipient of the 2025 Clara McDonald Olson Scholarship Excellence Award.

Giving the morning commencement address was Dr. Lauren Wittenberg Weiner, founder and former CEO of WWC Global, an organization dedicated to helping military spouses find career opportunities. In 2018, WWC Global won the largest contract to a woman-owned business in U.S. Special Operations Command headquarters (Tampa) history — the headquarters for the U.S. Navy SEALs and U.S. Army Green Berets. Annual revenue for WWC reached $100 million before Wittenberg Weiner sold it in 2022.

Her advice to the new graduates: Don’t be afraid to take a different path. 

“In my own life, it was the times that I took a huge pivot from what everyone seemed to expect from me that I found my biggest success,” Wittenberg Weiner said. “Thanks to an amazing mentor who guided me the first time I even contemplated taking a path that was different than what was laid out for me, I realized something: Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you have to.”

Wittenberg Weiner said she gathered the information from her naysayers, weighed each decision carefully. 

“I’ll tell you that the four-word response that fueled more of my success than any other words: ‘Oh really? Watch me,” Wittenberg Weiner told the graduates.

Admitting to being a “goody two-shoes,” Wittenberg Weiner said she found ways to upend expectations without breaking the rules. 

“As a young overachiever, I got really good at knowing all of the rules and all of the expectations,” Wittenberg Weiner said. “But what I didn’t realize until later is that there is a ton of space, in both those written and unwritten rules, to find your own authentic path to your own version of success.”

 

Afternoon Ceremony

Retired U.S. Marine Maj. General James “Hammer” Hartsell, director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, speaks with graduates. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University

Graduating during the afternoon ceremony were Center for Online Learning and education center undergraduate students; World Campus students (studying internationally); master’s degree students in creative writing, criminal justice, education, education specialist, instructional design, social work, and theology; and doctoral students in criminal justice and education.

Being recognized among students from Saint Leo’s Center for Online Learning were top performers, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 cumulative GPA, were Frances Wesby from Grovetown, Georgia, who earned a bachelor’s in business administration, and Kamera Woodruff from Madison, who earned a bachelor’s in elementary education.

The top performer for Saint Leo’s graduating seniors from its education centers, with a 4.0 cumulative GPA and graduating summa cum laude, was Leslie Willis from Brooksville, who earned a bachelor’s in elementary education.

Giving the commencement address for the afternoon ceremony was retired Maj. Gen. James S. Hartsell, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Hartsell, who earned the nickname “Hammer,” leads the 1,500-member department responsible for serving the nation’s third largest veteran population. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps with honor for 37 years of active and reserve duty, beginning as an enlisted Marine in 1981 and completing distinguished and highly decorated military career as a major general. 

A native of Florida, Hartsell’s 22-year civilian career in the health care industry included serving in marketing, product management, U.S. and global business development, hospital administration and health care leadership. Upon retirement from the Marine Corps, he moved back to Florida and joined the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, where he launched the Future Operations Division.

Hartsell said his “mission will be accomplished” if the students kept a key word, key phrase and a key memory that “you can carry with you in your heart, your mind and your spirit as you embark on your exciting new life pathways as graduates of Saint Leo University.”

That key word he hopes they use for the rest of their lives is “resilience,” and the key phrase is “be the change: say ‘I will.’” The key memory is their fellow alumnus, Evin B. Hartsell, who earned a bachelor’s in psychology in 2016 and master’s in business posthumously in 2018.

Evin, the Hartsells’ second son, was born with a rare congenital neuromuscular dystrophy disease. While he was never able to walk and had to use a ventilator to breathe, he was filled with “self-generated determination to make a difference in the world by finding ways to help others to better themselves,” Hartsell said. “He did this by becoming a Big Brother counselor; an advocate by volunteering at the James R. Haley Veterans Medical Center; by helping charter the Phoenix Rising Power wheelchair soccer team; by helping to charter the Kappa Sigma fraternity at Saint Leo Leo; and by writing an autobiography that he entitled Abled in a Disabled World where he boldly shares his life’s journey of physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual challenges and discouragements and disappointments, and yet eventually his life victories.

“Graduates, like your fellow Saint Leo alumnus Evin Hartsell, regardless of what life circumstances you may find yourself in after today, you too can choose to be resilient and to be the change for the better.”

A graduate celebrates at the afternoon ceremony. Photo courtesy of Saint Leo University