Education

Greater East Pasco Chamber gives $12K in scholarships 

ZEPHYRHILLS – The Greater East Pasco Chamber Foundation awarded a total of $12,000 in scholarships to high school seniors May 28 during its annual Academic & Vocational Scholarship Breakfast. 

Recipients include six students from Zephyrhills High School and six from Pasco High School.

Winners included Bailey Cross, Madison Gocsik, Sophia Gomez, Federico Gonzalez Reyna, Jenna Goodman, Amara Hays, Heer Patel, Jason Sherman and Tristan Simons.

The breakfast honors students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, strong character, a commitment to community service and professional presentation. 

Recipients are required to attend an accredited community college, university, vocational school or pursue an approved apprenticeship or internship program in Florida. 

Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 or meet all requirements for high school graduation. 

Candidates submit two essays. One is focused on their career goals and life experiences. Another reflects on the impact of community service in the Dade City area. 

They must also document at least 100 combined hours of community service or work experience.

The program is part of a broader effort to encourage educational advancement and workforce readiness across East Pasco County.

 

IDEA Public Schools serves summer meals

TAMPA – IDEA Public Schools will provide free breakfast and lunch from June 9 to 27 to all children 18 and under  through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

Meals must be eaten on-site Monday through Friday at IDEA Hope (5050 E. 10th Ave.) or IDEA Victory (11612 N. Nebraska Ave.) campuses in Tampa. The schedule is from 7:30 to 9 a.m. for breakfast and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch, except for federal holidays. No enrollment is required. 

On the web: ideapublicschools.org

 

Nominate a student for the 2025 YEA! Awards

TAMPA – Hillsborough County is accepting nominations through Aug. 15 for the 2025 Youth Excellence and Achievement (YEA!) Awards. 

The awards recognize the positive contributions made by young people in the community.

Honor outstanding middle and high school students in Leadership, Success Despite Difficult Odds, and Volunteer or Community Service categories.

County commissioners will announce winners in October. 

Submit nominations at HCFL.gov/YEA.

 

Student Achievements

• Scott Abramson, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Anna Adcock, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. 
• Abigail Flanagan, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Nazareth University in Rochester, New York for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Joelle Gamble, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
• Jennifer Gilmore,  of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
  • Tanya Hallowell, of Odessa, made the spring president’s list at Georgia State University at Atlanta, Georgia for earning a GPA of 4.0 or higher,
• Dylan Heck, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Nazareth University in Rochester, New York for earning a GPA of 3.5 or above.
• Lillian Hilt, of Land O’ Lakes, made the spring dean’s list at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee for earning a GPA from 3.5 to 3.9.
• Patty Labutis, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri for earning a GPA of 3.6 or higher.
• Naila Peken, of Lutz, was elected to The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at University of South Florida.
• Drew Pitts, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee for earning a GPA from 3.5 to 3.9.
• Annelisa Russo, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee for earning a GPA from 3.7 and 4.0.
• Chase Thurber, of Odessa, made the spring chancellor’s list at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina for earning a GPA of 3.8 or higher. 
• Kelli White, of Odessa, earned Part-Time Honors at SUNY Canton in Canton, New York for earning a GPA of 3.25 or higher in six to 11 credit hours of coursework.

 

Posters promote water

PASCO COUNTY – More than 1,100 elementary students participated in the 16th annual Water Awareness Poster Contest hosted by Florida Governmental Utility Authority and Pasco County Utilities. 

Students submitted posters around the theme, “Mission Possible: Water for Tomorrow.” 

Matt Rihs, community service manager at FGUA, said the art project empowers children to  understand the value of water and champion conservation in their communities. 

Eighteen winners were chosen from 60 finalists. Winning posters will be displayed at the West Pasco and East Pasco government centers.

On the web: WaterContest.org

 

Students net $37K+ for arts

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office raised $37,778 for elementary school art programs through its 2025 Kids Tag Art Program.

Sixty-five schools participated, each receiving more than $580. 

“We’re thrilled to see the program grow year after year, fostering creativity in our youngest residents while providing much-needed funding for art education,” Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan said. 

Since launching in 2021, the initiative has raised over $141,900 and involved more than 6,300 students. 

The community can buy student-designed plates at hillstaxfl.gov/shop. 

 

Activity center coming to A Kid’s Place campus

BRANDON – Hillsborough County and A Kid’s Place broke ground April 29 on a 13,000-square-foot activity center to serve foster children. 

The new center will be located on the nonprofit’s five-acre campus. It will include classrooms, a computer lab, therapy rooms and areas for mentoring, family reunification and independent living skills. Outdoor amenities will feature a multisport court, pool and exercise room. 

Hillsborough County contributed $933,000 in grant funding to the project.

 

PHSC adds to admin team

NEW PORT RICHEY – Kristi Williams began her tenure March 24 with Pasco-Hernando State College as part of the president’s administrative leadership team.

Williams joins the college as the associate vice president of finance. She has recently served as the vice president of finance and administration at Mountwest Community and Technical College since 2021. 

Prior to MCTC, Williams served as the assistant vice president of business and finance and then interim vice president of business and finance at West Virginia State University from 2014 to 2020.

Williams has over 29 years of experience in finance and operations management within higher education. 

 

5 make president’s list

MANCHESTER, NH – A handful of students from Lutz and Odessa made the spring semester president’s list at Southern New Hampshire University. 

Lutz residents Kory Hilton, Holly Hsu and Nancee El-Massri made the list. So did Odessa residents Fidel Johnson and Piper Ray.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade point average of 3.7 and above for the reporting term are named to the president’s list. 

 

Student Achievements

• Sravani Gopaluni, of Lutz, was one of the 160 students awarded a Student Service Award from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in West Des Moines, Iowa.  Sravani is a member of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.
• Kevin Spillane, of Odessa, earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Berry College in Rome, Georgia. Spillane also made the spring semester dean’s list, earning a grade point average of 3.5 or better.
• Mykayla Christine King, of Lutz, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, N.C. 
• Joseph Pesansky, of Odessa, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. 
• Faith Quinn, of Wesley Chapel, graduated Summa Cum Laude with bachelor degrees in astronomy, chemistry and physics from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.
• Grace Quinn, of Wesley Chapel, graduated Cum Laude with bachelor degrees in astronomy, physics and chemistry from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.
• Natalie Stenman, of Odessa, graduated with a Master of Architecture from The University of Texas at Austin.

Quick Hits

• The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation recently received donations from VITAS Healthcare ($75,000) and the Rotary Club of Dade City Sunrise ($1,000). 
• Pasco-Hernando State College named Heidi Sievers as Distinguished Alumna of the Year.
• ”Once a Firehawk, always a Firehawk” read the inscription of a cake marking the closing of Calusa Elementary School. The school closes at the end of the year after 46 years of service. 

 

PHSC picks interim president

NEW PORT RICHEY – Eric Hall is expected to start June 9 as interim president of Pasco-Hernando State College.

The board of trustees decided on the appointment May 20 following trustee interviews with two of the finalists from the previous presidential search conducted in 2023. 

Hall was raised in Pasco County. He has more than two decades of experience serving in executive leadership, with extensive expertise in the fields of education, public safety and public policy. 

He currently serves as the secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, where he was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in November 2021.

Prior to his appointment, he served as the state’s first senior chancellor at the Florida Department of Education, where he oversaw multiple divisions, including the Florida College System. 

He serves on several boards and councils, including the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet, CareerSource Florida Board of Directors, and Special Olympics Florida, among others.

 

Students can get bus discounts

PASCO COUNTY – Students can spend the summer hanging out with friends  and avoid spending a lot of money getting there. 

With a valid student ID, they can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) buses all summer for $20.  This special student rate runs through June, July and August 2025.

Find Summer Haul Passes at these locations:

• GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
• Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, East/West Pasco Gov’t Centers
• Select Pasco County Libraries, Various Locations.
• New Port Richey Public Library, 5939 Main St, New Port Richey

Visit GoPasco.com for details about the student Summer Haul Pass or GoPasco bus routes and schedules.

 

Event delves into ministry and education

TAMPA – Saint Leo University is hosting an evening of reflection and learning for those involved in ministry and education in the Tampa Bay area. 

Those serving in the Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg are invited to attend this retreat to join in discussion and prayer with the guest speakers.

Ministry & Education: Synodal Reflections will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 4 at Saint Leo University’s Tampa Education Center in historic former Berriman-Morgan Cigar Co. building, 1403 N. Howard Ave.

Guest speakers include:

• Ben Moore, principal, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, Spring Hill;
• Father Zach Brasseur, parochial vicar, Our Lady of Lourdes parish, Dunedin;
• Carmen Cayon, director of Faith Formation, St. Paul parish, Tampa;
• Hector Rios, deacon and Youth Ministry, St. Mark the Evangelist parish, New Tampa; and,
• Parker Plante, retired U.S. Air Force colonel, St. Jude the Apostle Cathedral parish, St. Petersburg.

Participants are asked to register by emailing Randall Woodard, . Woodard chairs Saint Leo University’s Department of Philosophy, Theology, and Religion.

 

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.

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.

Pasco County Schools wants to build relationships

LAND O’ LAKES – Superintendent John Legg said Pasco County Schools has launched a new initiative to meet with city councils across its service area to explain what the district is doing. 

Pasco County Schools launched the initiative a few weeks ago with the New Port Richey City Council. Legg said the meetings are about relationship-building and informing leaders what’s going on in schools. 

“I am convinced to my bones that strong schools equal strong communities and strong communities equals strong schools,” Legg said. “We can’t do this alone. We want our cities engaged with us in open dialogue.”

Legg told the school board that staff will reach out to Dade City, Zephyrhills, Port Richey and St. Leo to provide updates and inquire about potential partnerships. 

“There’s lots of partnerships that we can develop, that they can offer, that we can collaborate on,” Legg said. “All these city council members and staff are our friends and neighbors. Sometimes, government works in silos. We want to kind of break that down. 

 

District hires CTE director

LAND O’ LAKES – Rob Aguis returns to Pasco County Schools as director of career technical and adult education, effective June 1. 

Aguis takes on the new role after working as deputy director for career and technical education with the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. He previously was an administrator with PCS.

He is also involved with the Florida Association of Career, Technical Education.

“He is a well-respected leader recognized for his professionalism, technical knowledge and community connections,” said Monica Ilse, deputy superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

 

Joens takes office role

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools has appointed Jason Joens to serve as assistant superintendent of high schools. 

Joens has served as principal at River Ridge Middle School, Gulf Middle School and Fivay High School. 

Monica Ilse, deputy superintendent for curriculum and instruction, credited Joens for turning around Gulf Middle and Fivay. 

“He continuously seeks for ways to improve the system and wants the best for Pasco students,” Ilse said. 

 

Quick Hits

• The University of Georgia celebrated more than 8,000 candidates for graduation, including Lutz residents Adam Derby and Nathanael Stokes, in the Class of 2025 during upcoming Commencement ceremonies. 

 

Saint Leo U hosting summer residency

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University’s two-year, low-residency Master of Arts in Creative Writing Program is accepting applications until June 15, in fiction, nonfiction or poetry for the university’s upcoming cohort. 

The annual summer residency will take place during Summer 2 Term, July 14 to 19 at University Campus, 33701 County Road 52.

The master’s in creative writing is completed online with the exception of the two-week summer residency.

Information about the master’s degree program and graduate applications can be found at saintleo.edu/creativewriting.

Saint Leo is offering a creative writing micro-credential, which includes one summer residency, and not the full master’s curriculum, so participants can join in this year’s summer offering at a fraction of the price. The micro-credential in creative writing is open to anyone who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in any subject, from any university or college, who loves to write.

Register for the micro-credential through Saint Leo’s Skills Academy at  https://skillsacademy.saintleo.edu/creativewriting. 

Not only will participants in the master’s program and micro-credential program learn from Saint Leo faculty, but they also will have the opportunity to work with four visiting writers: Phillippe Diedrich, Asa Drake, Heather Sellers, and Chrissy Kolaya.

Email Gianna Russo at for details. 

 

PCS cheers STEM students

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools recognized three students for their selection into the 2025 Pasco County Sunshine State Scholars program. 

Mark Butler, of the district’s Office for Teaching and Learning, explained that Florida districts pick their top 11th grade students in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.

Students must have at least a 3.9 grade point average, 25 hours of community service and experience with advanced STEM courses. 

Winners were as follows: 

• Lucy Kossoff, of Wendell Krinn Technical High School, not only takes Advanced Placement courses but she’s also a leader on the school robotics team. 
• Tana Pinilla, of Land O’ Lakes High School, has a 4.667 GPA and 107 community service hours.
• Ryan Mizeski, of Hudson High School, has a 4.6744 GPA with 265 community service hours.

Each had the opportunity to attend a two-day program to network with peers, colleges and employers.

 

Grads to turn tassels

ST. LEO – More than 1,400 Saint Leo University students will participate in two commencement ceremonies May 7 at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

There will be 839 undergraduates (bachelor’s and associate degrees) participating and 581 master’s and doctoral degree recipients crossing the stage.

Being recognized among students from Saint Leo’s Center for Online Learning, are top performers, graduating with a 4.0 cumulative GPA and a minimum of at least 60 credit hours:  Frances Wesby from Grovetown, GA, graduating with a bachelor’s in business administration, and Kamera Woodruff from Madison, FL, graduating with 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 a minimum of at least 60 credit hours, is Leslie Willis from Brooksville, FL, who is earning a bachelor’s in elementary education.

 

AP exams go digital

NEW YORK – Students will power up their computers instead of sharpening pencils this May as Advanced Placement Exams go digital, which officials say offer a more secure, streamlined and student-friendly testing experience.

Standard paper testing has been discontinued for 28 of the 36 AP subjects with end-of-course exams.

Exams for these 28 subjects are moving to the Bluebook digital testing application – the same platform used for the SAT and will be either fully digital or hybrid digital with a course-specific paper component for subjects that require graphic or symbolic notation.

 

Schools receive new trees

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Environmental Science Division helped three schools add to their tree canopy through a hands-on educational opportunity in celebration of Arbor Day and Earth Month. 

Frost Elementary, Giunta Middle, and Lamb Elementary (in Palm River and Progress Village) received donated trees as part of the county’s second annual Classroom to Canopy Tree-Planting. 

Students had a chance to assist in the tree planting as the tree’s new home was refilled with soil to promote strong, resilient roots.

 

Quick Hits

• The Florida Department of Education celebrated District Teacher of the Year on social media, including Pasco County Schools winner Elizabeth Skoglund, of Land O’ Lakes High School.
• Maddison Bradford, of Cypress Creek High School, won the Pasco Young Entrepreneurs Competition.
• Lacoochee Elementary School students qualified for the Odyssey of the Mind World Championships in Michigan.
• Caitlyn Culpepper, of Odessa, was among the over 100 University of Mississippi students inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, an undergraduate honors organization. Culpepper majors in biochemistry and Spanish.
• Dawn Stickle of Odessa, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Student artwork supports art education in schools

TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office celebrated the talents of fifth-grade students across the county at the annual Kids Tag Art Awards Ceremony on April 16 at Jefferson High School. 

The event recognized young artists while raising money to support art education in Hillsborough County schools.

The 2024-25 program saw participation from a record-breaking 65 schools, with over 3,100 student artists submitting original designs for specialty license plates. The event has raised over $104,000 for Hillsborough County school art programs since its inception four years ago.

“These young artists continue to amaze us with their creativity and talent,” Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan said. “The Kids Tag Art program not only showcases their artistic abilities but also provides essential funding for art teachers to purchase much needed art supplies for the classroom.”

The program expanded its product offerings to include mouse pads, keychains and ceramic mugs featuring the students’ artwork, in addition to the metal license plates. The community can buy student-designed license plates and other products at hillstaxfl.gov. 

Proceeds from sales go back to school art programs to buy classroom art supplies, with participating schools receiving an average of $800 each.

 

Saint Leo University marks record-breaking Giving Day

SAINT LEO – Saint Leo University raised a record-breaking $1.2 million in 24 hours from more than 1,000 donations, making this its largest Giving Day in history. 

The funds will support more than 40 university programs and student-focused initiatives, including scholarships, academic departments, campus life programs and key athletic programs. 

“These contributions will directly support our efforts to provide rewarding educational experiences and expand access to students who are eager to make a difference in the world,” said Stephen Kubasek vice president of University Advancement.  

Daniel DuBois, honors program director, said the university will be able to support experiential learning for 290 honors students and instructors in the honors program

“Honors students will now be able to join the National Collegiate Honors Council, a nationwide organization of Honors programs, that will give our students conference presentation opportunities plus access to scholarships, fellowships, and educational travel opportunities.” 

The university accepts donations at your.saintleo.edu/donate.

 

Students, schools recognized for civic engagement

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer recognized VoteHillsborough Art and Voter Registration contest winners during the April 22 school board meeting.

The Supervisor of Elections Office holds voter registration drives in high schools every fall and spring semester. The five schools recognized for having the most successful voter registration drives this academic year were Sumner High School, Durant High School, East Bay High School, Gaither High School and Newsome High School.

Supervisor Latimer challenged elementary and middle school students to design a new Future Voter’ sticker to

encourage young people to learn more about voting and elections. The first-place stickers will be handed out during community outreach events.

Elementary school winners:

• First place: Gabriel Angeli, Lowry Elementary School.
• Second place: Ayaan Sangomola, Chiles Elementary School.
• Third place: Sahana Venkatesh, Pride Elementary School.

Middle school winners:

• First place: Lauren McGee, Randall Middle School.
• Second place: Mahi Patel, Liberty Middle School.
• Third place: Gabriela Sanchez, Randall Middle School.

 

Dashow gets in honor society

BATON ROUGE – Ariele Dashow, of Odessa, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at University of South Florida.

Dashow is among approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. 

Only the top 10% of graduate students, 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership. 

 

Culpepper makes Who’s Who

UNIVERSITY, Miss – Caitlyn Culpepper, of Odessa, was recognized in the 2024-25 class of Who’s Who Among Students at the University of Mississippi.

Culpepper, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, was among 200 Ole Miss students who were honored with the distinction during a ceremony on April 4 at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.

The honor program recognizes seniors who excel academically and demonstrate leadership and community service.

Tellez wins CTE award

WESLEY CHAPEL – Pasco County Schools recognized Jacqueline Tellez, of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, as the CTE Teacher of the Year.

Deedra Mitchell, of the district’s Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education, read a letter from Kirkland Principal Danielle Castro during the April 15 school board meeting. 

“Her unwavering focus on doing what is best for her students is truly inspiring and sets a remarkable example for all educators,” Castro wrote of Tellez. “Her ability to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of her students is commendable. By tailoring her teacher methods she ensures that each student has the opportunity to succeed and pass their industry certifications.”

Backed by family, Tellez explained how much she loves teaching. 

“I’m so honored and humbled by this amazing honor,” Tellez said. “I can not thank Pasco County Schools enough for all the leadership opportunities that I’ve had throughout my career. I am just humbled and I love my students.”

 

ESE teacher gets kudos

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County Schools recognized teacher Renee Angilella on April 15 for her contributions to Richey Elementary School. 

Tammy Berryhill, principal of Richey Elementary, spoke very highly of Angilella, who teaches exceptional students and serves as a team leader for Exceptional Student Education staff.

“Her hard work, her sensitivity to both those students in need and adults and her ability to put others at ease with her kind and compassionate nature has made a significant impact on our school environment,” Berryhill said. “She has a talent for creating a supportive and nurturing atmosphere that fosters growth and learning.”

Berryhill also compliments Angilella on her “unparalleled” attention to detail and documentation.

“I was talking to someone the other day and i said, ‘we do what we do because we love it and it’s an honor.’” Angilella said. “I stand for all the other teachers and educators and people that support all of our students in Pasco. No matter the job capacity that you do, you’re making a difference everyday and our students are truly blessed to have all of us.”

 

FBLA team strikes gold

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College’s Future Business Leaders of America won multiple awards and placed in several competitions at the State Leadership Conference on March 20 to 23 in Orlando. 

PHSC’s FBLA team won key awards: 

• Pasco-Hernando State College won Chapter of the Year and Gold Seal Recipient.
• West Campus Advisor Curtis Scaglione won Adviser of the Year.
• Emmalise Feliciano won the Whose Who, Rob Kelleher Scholar Award.
• Krista Knowles won the Christopher Heider Scholar.

Several students also placed in competitions: 

• Emmalise Feliciano, Caleb Grossenbacher and Kiara Carlos won state of the chapter.
• Kevin Backitis placed second in computer applications and cybersecurity.
• Emmalise Feliciano placed second in future business leaders executive.
• Matthew Gerlack placed third in computer applications.
• Krista Knowles placed second in business communications.
• Isabella Vullo placed fourth in job interviews. 
• Michael Widman placed second in impromptu speaking and fourth in organizational leadership and management.

“So many students in technology, business, accounting and public speaking categories do especially well, year after year,” said Curtis Scaglione, FBLA club advisor for West Campus and assistant professor for information technology programs at PHSC. “A lot of this is the hard work and dedication of our students, but a part of their journey is the amazing faculty they interact with and learn from. It’s no wonder both Misty Price and Danita have been named Katherine M. Johnson Excellence in Teaching honorees. As Dr. Pisors often reminds us, what is most important is what happens in the classroom, and we begin to see that idea and spirit spread in moments like these.”

 

PHSC hosting art exhibit 

SPRING HILL – Pasco-Hernando State College is hosting a student-led exhibit with the theme of student identity and growth. 

“The Creative Roots: Cultivating Personal Meaning” exhibit features students of Julie Lovero-Fox, an adjunct art instructor who’s been with PHSC for nearly 20 years.

Students were asked to explore and visually express how individuals shape and reshape their identities over time, influenced by their surroundings, experiences and inner desires.

Catch the exhibit from noon to 7 p.m. April 24 in the Rao Musunuru, M.D. Conference Center at Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court, Spring Hill. 

 

Students join Phi Kappa Phi

BATON ROUGE – The following people recently were elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi:

• Tyler Tyson of Lutz, at University of Florida.
• Zoe Poulsen of Lutz, at The University of Alabama.

They are among 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. 

Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10% of seniors, 7.5% of juniors and 10% of graduate students are eligible for membership. 

 

Quick Hits

• Pasco County Schools has been recognizing assistant principals from various schools on social media in honor of Assistant Principals Week. The district is also recognizing April as Autism Awareness Month.
• Quail Hollow Elementary School was scheduled to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a celebration open to the community. Festivities included an art show, ice cream social and rock painting.