The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk (10/29/25): Pepin Academies named Yass Prize Contender

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Pepin Academies named Yass Prize Contender

TAMPA – Pepin Academies, a Tampa Bay-based network of public charter schools for students with learning disabilities, has been named a 2025 Yass Prize Contender.

The network was one of 23 organizations nationwide recognized for innovation in education. 

The Yass Prize honors programs that are sustainable, transformational, outstanding and permissionless. 

Pepin Academies serves more than 1,200 students in grades 3-12 across campuses in Tampa, Riverview and New Port Richey, plus a Transition Program for students ages 18–22 focused on life and workforce readiness.

“Every child has dreams and potential, and our job is to remove the barriers that stand in their way,” said Jeff Skowronek, executive director of Pepin Academies.

If selected as the $1 million Yass Prize winner on Dec. 4, Pepin Academies plans to expand its therapeutic education model, enhance staff development and strengthen programs that prepare students for life after graduation.

 

Students win YEA! Awards

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners honored six students with Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards) on Oct. 15. 

The awards recognize middle and high school students who show leadership, perseverance and community service. 

This year’s recipients were as follows: 

  • Leadership: Arin Jadhao of Williams Middle Magnet and Ainara Gomez of Sickles High  
  • Community Service: Tritiya Rajagopal of Williams Middle Magnet and Suma Gadde of Hillsborough High
  • Success Despite Difficult Odds: Alidy Clark of Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy and Malia Kirschman of Steinbrenner High

 

Schools earn grants for water resources education

BROOKSVILLE – The Southwest Florida Water Management District awarded $113,138 in Splash! school grants to 52 educators. 

The program provides up to $3,000 per school for K-12 projects that teach students about freshwater resources. Grants promote hands-on STEM learning and community engagement through water education activities focused on the water cycle, ecosystems, water quality and conservation. 

Winners included Chris Anzalone (Dayspring Academy), Keri Helmus (Wendell Krinn Technical High School), Dennis Koslin (J.W. Mitchell High School), Shamsher Lamba (West Pasco Education Academy) and Jose Olmo (East Pasco Education Academy).

On the web: WaterMatters.org/SchoolGrants

 

Quick Hits

  • Jace Druschel, of Lutz, earned the David R. & June Demmerle Scholarship this fall at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. The George M. Steinbrenner High School graduate is majoring in exercise science. 
  • Florida Recovery Schools of Tampa Bay holds its Golfing for Victory charity golf tournament Nov. 17 at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club. Register at golfingforvictory.com. 
  • Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation received $35,000 from the Hernando Healthcare Foundation for health programs and more thana $34,500 from the Florida College System Foundation for scholarships. 

 

Chalk Talk (10/22/25): PHSC offers apprenticeship programs

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Pasco-Hernando State College honored recent apprenticeship graduates Aug. 13 during an alumni dinner. Eugene Figueroa, a graduate of the apprenticeship program, said he’s very grateful to the college for the “opportunity to excel and gain experience and guidance.” Photo courtesy of PHSC

PHSC offers apprenticeship programs

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College’s construction technician worker and apartment maintenance technician programs have made an impact on the workforce since their launch in 2022.

As of fall 2025, PHSC enrolled 64 apprentices in total, with 21 graduates having completed both the Related Technical Instruction and On-the-Job Training components of their programs. An additional 20 apprentices are currently active, working with local partners and gaining hands-on experience in their respective fields.

“We’re hoping to expand both of the programs as we enter the 2026 spring term,” said Wendy Villa, associate director of workforce development. “We currently have over 60 interested applicants for the AMT program and over 85 applicants for the CTW program. For this upcoming semester, we’re hoping to increase the program to allow for two cohorts of each program, doubling the number of current spots.”

PHSC’s overall job placement rate for apprenticeship graduates is between 80% and 85%, thanks to strong partnership with local companies in Pasco and Hernando counties. 

Many students transition directly from apprenticeships into full-time roles with these companies.

On the web: phsc.edu/academics/job-training/apprenticeships

 

Support helps at-risk freshmen stay the course 

SAINT LEO – Saint Leo University is celebrating a boost in student success, thanks to the generosity of alumnus Jody “Allan Joseph” Luihn and the Taco Bell Foundation.

Their support has helped provide direct aid to at-risk first time-in-college freshmen through the university’s Retention Task Force.

Through the Access to Excellence Fund, more than $50,000 in one-time scholarships are distributed annually, including Taco Bell Foundation contributions that also support student success in areas of financial literacy, advising and career readiness. 

While the Retention Task Force serves students across multiple groups, the Taco Bell Foundation grant was directed specifically to at-risk freshmen on campus.

In the 2024-25 academic year, 43 at-risk freshmen received critical support to stay enrolled. The program expects to reach more than 130 students facing similar challenges this year. 

Saint Leo’s retention rate jumped 7 percentage points in one year, from 59% to 66%, outpacing the national average for private nonprofit universities.

“This partnership directly impacts our most vulnerable students, providing the confidence and resources they need to succeed,” said Stephen Kubasek, vice president of University Advancement.

 

Turning Point USA launches pilot chapter

LAND O’ LAKES – Turning Point USA has launched a Middle School Pilot Chapter.

The new chapter will bring middle school students and parents together to learn about the values that have shaped America, such as freedom, community, civic engagement and faith. 

The 501c3 nonprofit strives to inspire the next generation to become informed, engaged and responsible citizens.

Email or search for TPUSA Junior Patriots on Facebook for more information. 

 

Chalk Talk (10/15/25): Saint Leo hosting open house Oct. 25

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Saint Leo University will host an open house Oct. 25 for prospective students at its Pasco County campus.

Saint Leo University hosting open house Oct. 25

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University will host a fall open house for prospective students.

High school and transfer students and their families can explore academic programs, campus life and university resources from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25 at 33701 County Road 52. They are also eligible for a $250 microscholarship if they enroll for spring or fall 2026. 

The event begins with a welcome session at the Wellness Center, followed by campus tours, a free breakfast during check-in, and lunch in the Dining Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Guests can meet current students, learn about clubs and organizations, and connect with faculty at a resource fair featuring degree programs, majors, and minors. 

RSVP by Oct. 22. For details, contact the Office of Admissions at 352-588-8283 or . 

 

Restauranteur helps first-generation students thrive

  1. LEO – Saint Leo University students have until Oct. 15 to apply for the Richard & Melanie Gonzmart Endowment, an annual scholarship created to support first-generation undergraduates with financial need. 

The scholarship, funded by Tampa Bay philanthropists Richard and Melanie Gonzmart, ensures future Lions have the resources to pursue their degree.

For Richard Gonzmart, fourth-generation caretaker of Tampa’s iconic 1905 Family of Restaurants, the endowment reflects his lifelong belief in the power of Catholic education and the importance of helping others.

“It grounds you,” he said. “At Jesuit, the motto was, ‘Men for others.’ That belief in service is what inspired us to support Saint Leo students, especially those who are the first in their families to go to college.”

Recipients must be full-time undergraduate students at Saint Leo’s University Campus, at least rising sophomores, first-generation in college, demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

 

PHSC earns Purple Star Campus Designation

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College has been designated as a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus by the Florida Department of Education for its support of military-connected students and their families.

The designation is awarded to colleges that support the needs of veterans, active-duty service members and their families. PHSC met several key criteria, including maintaining a veterans services office to assist with GI Bill education benefits, academic advising, enrollment and transition support.

PHSC serves 587 veteran and military-connected students across seven locations. This past academic year, 45 veteran and military-connected students graduated from PHSC.

“Since starting as a coordinator of veteran services three years ago, the team and I have been working together to create new ideas and processes to strengthen and expand our services to military-connected students,” Shelly Beardenn said.

On the web: advising.phsc.edu/resources/veterans

 

Quick Hits

  • Andrew Surin, of Lutz, was among over 500 first-year students who earned more than $9.4 million in merit scholarships to attend Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio this fall. Surin, a graduate of Tampa Catholic High School, majors in psychology. He earned an $18,000 Dean’s Scholarship based on outstanding academic achievements in high school.
  • Jillian Rameau, of Lutz, made the summer 2025 dean’s list for earning a grade point average of at least 3.5 at University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, Maryland. 
  • Dr. John Long Middle School defeated River Ridge to win the county middle school volleyball championship.
  • Pasco County Schools appointed Erin Phelps as assistant superintendent for middle schools. 
  • Hillsborough County commissioners congratulated Webb Middle School student Alfredo Castenada Martell for winning the Anti-Bullying Recognition Team Award. 

Chalk Talk (10/1/25): Saint Leo fast-tracks MBA degrees

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Saint Leo fast-tracks MBA degree

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University’s Tapia College of Business is offering three MBA pathways streamlined from 36 credits, making it possible to complete a graduate degree more quickly, affordably and with greater specialization.

  • 30-credit MBA in Management: This pathway teaches analytical and strategic skills for business management, helping students build on their professional experience to accelerate career growth. “This program offers a convenient and affordable way for working professionals to advance in their careers without putting them on hold,” said Pamela Lee, MBA program director.
  • 30-credit Flexible MBA: This pathway allows students to customize their degree with electives from varied fields, including human resources, project management, health care management, marketing and supply chain management. Students gain broader exposure to multiple business fields, helping them become more well-rounded and acquire skills beyond what a traditional MBA offers.
  • 33-credit Specialized MBA: Students can choose from specializations that align with the demand from fast-growing industries, including accounting, cybersecurity, data analytics, finance, marketing and health care management. “While we offered a specialized MBA in the past, this year we’ve updated it with new specializations that meet workforce demand in fewer credit hours,” Lee said.

 

PHSC Foundation offers concerts

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation has announced concerts for its 2026 Performing Arts Series. 

Concerts are as follows: 

  • Jan. 9 – Yacht Rock (late 1970s and early 1980s light rock)
  • Feb. 6 – Dwight Icenhower (Elvis Presley tribute)
  • Feb. 27 – Crystal Stark: Divas of Disco (disco hits)
  • March 20 – The Edge Effect (a capella group)
  • April 10 – Honky Tonk Chicks (country hits)

Single and season ticket packages are available. Buy them at phsc.tix.com

 

Student Achievements 

  • Tahlia Reynolds, of Lutz, graduated with a master’s degree in philosophy from Georgia State University in Atlanta. 
  • Jackson Preacher, of Lutz, made the spring 2025 president’s list and dean’s list as well as earned gold stars at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. 
  • Jackson Reese, of Odessa, made the spring 2025 dean’s list and earned gold stars at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.

 

Chalk Talk (9/24/25):University points to resources for birthworkers

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Raising Phoenix Temple University points to resources

WESLEY CHAPEL – Raising Phoenix Temple University held a free public workshop Sept. 16 at SMARTstart – The Grove at Wesley Chapel to help residents secure tuition support for doula certification and other vocational training programs. 

“People with a calling to serve as birthworkers or community wellness professionals often assume education is out of reach,” said Sheree D. Williams, principal chief and founding mother of RPTU. “Our goal is to show them that practical funding paths exist and how to use them.” 

RPTU is recognized by the Florida Department of Education’s Commission of Independent Education and accredited by the International Metaphysical Practitioners Association. 

The university offers live, online, and on-demand programs designed to provide flexibility for modern learners. 

Both RPTU and Williams are active members of SMARTstart, Pasco County’s entrepreneur and business incubator program, furthering their commitment to local economic development and community education. 

On the web: therptu.com  

 

Venue welcomes field trips

LAND O’ LAKES – Looking for a fun and engaging field trip where your students can discover a world of sustainable innovation and sustainable living, witness regenerative agriculture, renewable energy and recycling? Consider Rosebud Continuum, located at 22843 Hale Road. 

Rosebud Continuum provides an environmental science-focused field trip for students in grades K-12, where they learn about diverse topics regarding sustainability. Demonstration projects are available for each topic.

Rosebud’s living laboratories provide students with authentic learning experiences that connect academic concepts to real-world environmental challenges and solutions.

Field trips can be tailored to specific topics to enhance a grade’s curriculum. 

Email for details.

On the web: rosebudcontinuum.net

 

Students can enter Florida Bar competition

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Bar has launched its annual High School Appellate Brief Writing & Moot Court Competition, giving students a chance to gain firsthand experience in law and advocacy. 

Sponsored by the Bar’s Law Related Education Committee, the event is open to teams statewide who draft briefs and present arguments on a fictitious case. 

“This event not only provides an in-depth understanding of legal processes but also enhances critical thinking, research and public speaking skills,” said C. Erica White, competition subcommittee chair. 

Top teams will argue before the Florida Supreme Court.

Register at floridabar.org/flmootcourt

 

Student Achievement

  • Oumoukalcoum Seini Tahirou, of Lutz, earned the Master of Science in Psychology from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia. 

Chalk Talk (9/17/25): University designated as veteran-friendly

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University designated as veteran-friendly

ST. LEO – U.S. Veterans Magazine recently recognized Saint Leo University as a Veteran-Friendly Yellow Ribbon Program school.

Saint Leo was assessed on key criteria such as offering veteran resource centers, student-veteran organizations, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs certifying officials, academic credit for military training or experience, and career services tailored to veterans’ needs.

Saint Leo was one of the first universities to bring college degree programs to military bases so that active duty personnel and veterans could study on base. Now, Saint Leo offers degrees as well as support services at University Campus, online, and at regional education centers including MacDill AFB and Naval Air Station Key West.

“Our mission is to foster an environment where veterans as well as service members and their families thrive academically and personally,” said Anthony DeSantis, director of the Office of Military Affairs & Services. “We want to make their transition to the classroom easy, affordable, fun and life-changing.”

 

Tax office finds that generosity adds up

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office collected 34,221 supplies for students through its July school supply drive. 

The donated supplies, collected at all tax collector locations throughout July, will be distributed through the Hillsborough Education Foundation’s Teaching Tools Store. The store provides free resources to teachers to ensure every student has the tools they need to be successful.

“When we come together to invest in our students’ education, we’re investing in our community’s future,” said Nancy Millan, Hillsborough County tax collector. “Every pencil, every notebook, and every backpack donated represents our collective commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of their economic circumstances, have the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive.”

 

SNHU names president’s list

MANCHESTER, NH – Southern New Hampshire University named students from the area to its summer president’s list. 

The following students earned a grade point average of 3.7 or higher: 

  • Odessa: Piper Ray and Braxton Smith.
  • Lutz: Cortni Coffin, Leanne Hayes and Holly Hsu.

The summer terms run from May to August.

 

Quick Hits

  • Hillsborough County Public Schools shared moments Capt. Edwin Smith reunited with his children at York PreK-8 and East Bay High School after being deployed with the Navy for 18 months. 
  • Tampa Bay Rays players delivered school supplies to students at Tampa Bay Boulevard Elementary School. 
  • Coach Andy Schmitz (Head Coach) and defensive coordinator Justin Fenton tallied their 100th win with the J.W. Mitchell High School football program.
  • Arshiya Ghosh, of Starkey Ranch K-8, made the Top 300 in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
  • River Ridge Middle School’s 2025 yearbook won awards from the Florida Scholastic Press Association and National Scholastic Press Association.
  • Matthew Higgins, of Lutz, made the summer dean’s list at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire. Higgins earned a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.699.
  • Grayson Gilmore, of Lutz, has enrolled at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia for the fall semester. Gilmore is majoring in kinesiology.
  • Kevin Perez, a University of South Florida student and a member of the Suncoast Battalion of Army ROTC, finished first in the In Their Honor 5K on Sept. 8 at Saint Leo University. Austin Curtis, a USF student and ROTC member, finished second.

Chalk Talk (9/12/25): Hebrew Academy holds BBQ

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More than 150 people attended the Back to School BBQ on Aug. 24, including Matthew and Harrison Leskowitz. Photo courtesy of Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay

 

Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay holds Back to School BBQ

Organizers say the Back to School BBQ felt like a family gathering for attendees sharing their Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay connections. Pictured are Avital & Hadassah Shimonov. Photo courtesy of Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay

TAMPA – Hebrew Academy hosted its annual Back to School BBQ on Aug. 24, marking a new school year, continued growth and a milestone in its building expansion. 

Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay is a nationally accredited Jewish Montessori Day School imparting Judaic and general studies education to Jewish children of varied backgrounds. 

Older children took on the role of mentor as they guided younger peers through activities that included a bounce house, basketball throw, Arty Faces by Lutz face painting, and a cotton candy and popcorn station. 

Partygoers were also treated to a tour of the building that was announced at Purim Sunday Funday on March 5, 2023. At that time, Sulha Dubrowski, head of school, told those in attendance that Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay would be expanding to accommodate its growing student body. That dream is coming to fruition with the construction of four new classrooms for the upper elementary and middle school, an outdoor learning deck and new bathrooms.

 

Bishop talks about Minneapolis Catholic school shooting

  1. PETERSBURG – Bishop Gregory Parkes issued this statement on Aug. 27, in response to the shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis:

Today, we are confronted with a heartbreaking act of evil and violence at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The tragedy is made even more painful by the fact that the victims were innocent children, and the adults caring for them, who were attending the celebration of the Holy Mass, a sacred time when the faithful gather in prayer and communion with God.

The Catholic community of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg mourns this tragedy with all of the victims and their families. We extend our heartfelt prayers and express our deepest sorrows to the students, families, faculty, parishioners and all who have been shaken by this violence.

May God’s consolation bring comfort in the midst of unspeakable sorrow. I invite all people of faith to unite in prayer for the victims, for their loved ones, and for the healing of the Annunciation community.

Let us entrust all victims of violence to the loving care of our Blessed Mother Mary, who stood at the foot of the Cross and who intercedes for all who are grieving.

 

Student Achievements

  • Andrew Surin, a graduate of Tampa Catholic High School, is one of 87 football newcomers to continue their career at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. 
  • The University of North Georgia welcomed 242 new cadets, including Ana Gonzalez Rodriguez from Lutz, during Freshman Recruit Orientation Group Week, held Aug. 3 to 9 at UNG’s Dahlonega Campus.
  • Blake Graham, of Odessa, achieved Dean’s List Highest Honors for the summer 2025 semester at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana. 
  • Rodney Maxime, of Zephyrhills, made the dean’s list at Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. He earned at least a 3.5 grade point average. 

 

Quick Hits

  • Pasco County Schools will partner with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a program that will recognize principals, teachers and support staff at school board meetings. 
  • Vicky King, a soccer coach at Land O’ Lakes High School, was inducted into the Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame. 
  • Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player William Gholston is serving as a defensive line coach for Sickles High School. 

Chalk Talk (9/3/25): PHSC Foundation receives $60K donation

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PHSC Foundation receives $60,000 donation

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation will use a $60,000 gift from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation for scholarships, the Bobcat Pantries and events.

The pantries, located at five campuses, provide supplemental food and various hygiene products to ensure students who need assistance have their basic needs met. The gift will also provide sponsorship support for several PHSC events, including All College Day, the foundation’s Performing Arts Center Series and the annual Golf Tournament.

“The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation’s generosity directly supports student success, and investments like these reflect a deep commitment to student well-being and the transformative power of higher education,” PHSC President Eric Hall said. 

Suncoast Credit Union founded its foundation to promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children in the community. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, the credit union donates two cents to the foundation to fund local initiatives. The foundation has donated over $45 million since its inception in 1990.

“Being able to support education, which is the root of our long credit union history, is a privilege as well as our mission,” said Jeff Kunberger, executive director of Suncoast Credit Union Foundation.

 

SGU president offers advice to new Lions

  1. LEO – As a senior and Student Government Union president, Luigi Meschino shared some tips for newcomers at Saint Leo University. 

“Let your guard down and get to know the faculty and staff who make this place special,” said Meschino, a political science major. 

As someone who is involved on campus, he encouraged new (and returning) students to participate in events, clubs and organizations. 

“Try new and different things,” he said. “You may be shy or too occupied doomscrolling on Instagram but join your community by attending an athletics event or come to an SGU meeting. Lastly, but the most important thing I had to learn on my own is that being human is hard. You must find time to balance your health, relationships, and academics; otherwise, you will burn out. I pray you enjoy your time here, and I wholeheartedly wish you all the best.”

 

Quick Hits

  • The Florida Association of School Counselors named Debbie Painter as the School Based Administrator of the Year.
  • Hillsborough County Public Schools has named the new technical college in Plant City. It is now called Rick Lott Technical College after the former mayor. 
  • Hillsborough County Public Schools paid tribute to the late Tony Saladino, a longtime educator and baseball ambassador in the Tampa Bay area. Saladino passed away at age 89 on Aug. 19. 

 

Chalk Talk (8/27/25): Land O’. Lakes native graduates from academy

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Land O’ Lakes’ Syversen graduates from academy

KINGS POINT, NY – Jacob David Syversen recently graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Syversen earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the Armed Forces. He also earned a Merchant Marine officer license. 

Syversen, a graduate of Academy at the Lakes, is the son of Troy and Melissa Syversen, of Land O’ Lakes, 

The United States Merchant Marine Academy is one of five U.S. federal service academies. It educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers to serve the nation during peace and war. 

In addition to the rigorous academic and physical requirements for admission, applicants must be nominated by their congressman or senator. Syversen was nominated by Congressman Gus Bilirakis.

 

Trustees to review course-related fee adjustment 

DADE CITY – Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees will consider approving a proposed adjusted course-related fee at its Sept. 16 board meeting.

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

Visit policies.phsc.edu/policies-and-procedures/public-disclosure for details regarding proposed fees adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details. 

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. All fees charged by vendors are negotiated by the college, with additional fee increases and decreases expected in the coming academic year.

PHSC has not raised tuition since the 2012-13 academic year.

 

PHSC receives $500,000 from Orlando Health 

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement addresses workforce shortages in nursing and allied health fields within the region. 

Housed at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, the collaboration brings together educational institutions and healthcare organizations.

“At a time when our communities face urgent health care staffing shortages, PHSC is proud to lead the way in developing collaborations that will work to increase the pipeline for both highly qualified faculty and expertly trained employees in the nursing and allied health care fields,” President Eric Hall said. 

Orlando Health recently established a fund to support nursing and health care services with a gift of $500,000 to the PHSC Foundation. Andy Gardiner, an executive with Orlando Health, described the contribution as an investment into the future of nursing and healthcare throughout the region. 

 

Saint Leo offers new business programs

ST. LEO – The Tapia College of Business at Saint Leo University is introducing some new minors, a new MBA specialization in finance, and a new bachelor’s degree in business administration that includes three specializations.

New minors are business analytics and sport business communication and broadcasting.

The sport business communication and broadcasting minor will explore how to deliver content and stories across various platforms. The business analytics minor provides insight and experience in the application of data analytics principles within a business context. 

The new Bachelor of Arts Business Administration Triad Program combines three specializations within the business administration major: management, marketing and communication.

Also being offered this year is a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in finance.

 

College offers IT program online

ST. LEO – The College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science (CARDS) at Saint Leo University will offer its Master of Science in Computer Science Degree online to make it more accessible to students.

The master’s degree has been offered at University Campus since 2021.

“The course content translates easily to a virtual platform, where it can be updated to keep up with current tech,” said Derek Mohammed, dean of the College of CARDS. “Since Tampa Bay is an emerging area for IT, this program is great for people looking for IT credentials to make a career change or advance their careers.”

 

Quick Hits

  • Chao Wang, of Tampa, received the doctor of chiropractic degree from National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois. 
  • GTE Financial recently recognized 54 local students with $3,000 scholarships. This investment totaled $162,000.

 

Chalk Talk (8/13/25): University to welcome students

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University to welcome students

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University will begin to welcome more than 850 new full-time students for the fall semester on Aug. 16 with most new undergraduate students moving to campus on Aug. 22.

Returning students will move in Aug. 23 and 24. Classes begin Aug. 25 at University Campus, online and at the Center for Adult Education locations.

Students and their families will receive help from other students, faculty and staff volunteers as they haul clothes, belongings, and all the necessities of college life into their residence halls. On the Aug. 22 move-in day, new and transfer students may move to their “home away from home” by appointment beginning at 9 a.m. 

Admitted students can find a check list of things to complete before arriving at https://www.saintleo.edu/admissions/admitted-students-checklist.

 

13,000 students return to Catholic schools

ST. PETERSBURG – More than 13,000 students are enrolled in 46 Catholic schools and early childhood centers in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.

These schools, located in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties, were scheduled to welcome back students on Aug. 11.

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg ranks 39th largest out of 196 for Catholic school enrollment in the United States. While Catholic school enrollment nationwide has declined by 13.2% over the past decade, the Saint Petersburg diocese has grown by 7.7%. Most schools have waitlists at one or more grade levels. 

“As we begin this new school year, we celebrate the growth, excellence and faith that define our Catholic schools,” said Chris Pastura, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. 

 

Pilly joins PHSC leadership team

NEW PORT RICHEY – Prashanth Pilly began his tenure with Pasco-Hernando State College on Aug. 4 as the vice president of academic affairs/chief academic officer.

Pilly brings over 28 years of industry and higher education experience to PHSC. 

He previously served as the associate vice provost of academic affairs at Indian River State College, where he led initiatives in program review, industry-focused curriculum, articulation agreements and secured more than $10 million in grants to advance key workforce and academic programs.

Pilly serves as immediate past co-chair of the Florida Department of Education’s Council on Workforce Education as well as a board member with the Florida Chamber’s Future of Work Initiative, CareerSource Research Coast and the Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County. 

 

Survey: Parent demand for choice reaches new high

MIAMI – Nearly 74% of U.S. parents considered switching their child’s school in the past year, the highest level ever recorded by the National School Choice Awareness Foundation. 

The June 2025 survey, based on 3,214 responses, found 28% made a change, while 46% explored options but stayed. Interest was highest among Asian and Black parents, urban families and younger parents. 

Common barriers included social disruption, transportation and limited local options.

See full results at myschoolchoice.com/survey-june-2025.

 

Foundation expands SCOPE initiative

TAMPA – Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools are expanding the SCOPE initiative to all 29 high schools. 

Launched in 2022, SCOPE (Student Center of Postsecondary Exploration) provides students with one-on-one college and career planning, application and financial aid support, and guidance toward technical and workforce pathways. 

The program ensures equitable access to postsecondary resources across the district. 

Hillsborough Education Foundation will continue as a strategic partner, helping maintain consistency and grow community support as the program transitions to district leadership.

On the web: EducationFoundation.com

 

Student Achievement

  • McClellan Creek, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham Campus in Madison, New Jersey. He earned a GPA of at least 3.2.
  • Odessa residents Ronak Agarwal and Austin Dean as well as Lutz resident Vibha Thirunellayi Gopalakrishnan earned degrees at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.