The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Pasco County Schools names new communications director

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Pasco County Schools has hired Melanie Waxler as its new director of strategic communications.

She replaces Steve Hegarty, the district’s public information officer, who retired from the district’s top communications post on June 20.

In announcing Waxler’s appointment and Hegarty’s departure, Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning noted Waxler’s extensive communications background and said he’s excited about the positive impact he believes she will have in the district.

But he also took a few minutes to thank Hegarty, noting that he marveled at Hegarty’s impressive work ethic, his calming influence and his sense of humor.

He noted that Hegarty took over leadership of district communications at the beginning of COVID and played a key role in helping to communicate the district’s response to the pandemic.

Hegarty also was heavily involved in crisis communications, Browning said.

The superintendent said the vast majority of Hegarty’s time was devoted to dealing with crises that occurred in the district, “generally because some kid made a stupid choice and posted something very stupid on social media.”

“They should know better. It disrupts our educational environment,” Browning said.

Browning said he appreciated Hegarty’s sage counsel, noting there were times he wanted to say something, but thought better of it, after talking to Hegarty.

“I always knew that when Steve told me something, I could take it to the bank,” the superintendent said.

Published July 12, 2023

Girls giving back, globally and locally

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Tanvi Handoo doesn’t mind picking up trash at a local beach.

She knows that as she removes garbage from a sandy shore here, her actual reach is global.

From left, members of the Tampa chapter Girls Give Back organization, Land O’ Lakes High seniors Chloe Stout and Tanvi Handoo and Wiregrass Ranch High senior Meghna Manjith took part in a community service project at Ben T. Davis Beach in Tampa, as part of the chapter’s initiative. Handoo is the Tampa chapter president of Girls Give Back, a global organization that provides a platform and space for girls to become leaders by tackling social issues such as women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, human trafficking and homelessness. (Mike Camunas)

Handoo, a senior at Land O’ Lakes High, started the Tampa chapter of Girls Give Back — a global nonprofit that provides a platform and space for girls to become leaders in their communities and beyond. They raise awareness about social issues through community projects and services. They also connect throughout the world to discuss injustices, allowing these young women to cultivate skills to become  leaders in their own communities.

“We try to find an area where we can come together and say, ‘I’ve noticed this in my area and community and I want to do something about it,’” Handoo said. “(It’s) where we do projects that raise money or awareness or both — and our group gives us the platform to do this and a place for young women to come together.

“And, from a global role, to get young women from around the world to hear each other, to talk to each other and see their perspectives and voices and realize that there are other young women out there, just like them, that feel just like them and that they can connect with,” she added.

Remarkably, Handoo started her Girls Give Back (GGB) chapter when she was a freshman, during the height of the COVID pandemic. At that time, it was a lot of online meetings and discussions until she could get to community projects and build up membership.

Each chapter plans and carries out events that are tailored to address the disparities and issues in their own communities. 

Wiregrass Ranch High senior Meghna Manjith, left, and Land O’ Lakes senior Chloe Stout, right, help pick up trash during a Girls Give Back Tampa Chapter community service project on June 24.

Some events Handoo and her chapter have planned and executed include a Feminine Hygiene Drive for women and abuse victims; a “Moving FL Forward” forum with chapters across Florida; a global forum with the India chapter about the COVID crisis in India; beach cleanups; creating and mailing cards to kids at St. Jude’s Hospital; and the EQ4U series — webinars serving as a safe space for Tampa youth to discuss setbacks in mental health and learn about scientifically proven, healthy coping mechanisms.

Additionally, Handoo co-founded the India Chapter of GGB, was promoted to GGB Global Ambassador (second hand to founder, Salma Murphy) and led and participated in a multitude of events.

“A lot of us are very passionate about social justice advocacy, and we all have our range of passions,” Handoo said. “Be it mental health, feminism, climate justice — and this (group) allows them to become a leader and they don’t have to be a specific gender or identity or background to be a leader in their community or to create change.

“Anyone who is passionate about making a difference and change, can join,” she said.

As of now, the Tampa chapter has 15 members with nearly all of them coming from Pasco County schools, such as Land O’ Lakes and Wiregrass Ranch.

Girls Give Back Tampa Chapter founder Tanvi Handoo, a senior at Land O’ Lakes High, picks up trash along Ben T. Davis Beach in Tampa during a community service initiative.

Globally, GGB is trying to expand more, including creating middle-school aged chapters, she said.

Handoo only started “recruiting” new members at the beginning of 2023, however, she quickly found other like-minded young women.

“I thought it was very interesting to have a global group that focused on making change in our communities,” said Wiregrass Ranch senior Meghna Manjith, a longtime friend of Handoo. “GGB is so broad and it has all these chapters and you can reach out to members, so it’s very diverse with plenty of resources. … And with the projects, you come into the community and interact with members of the community — it’s just helping everyone out and it makes that much bigger of an impact.”

Manjith said she is passionate about raising awareness on human trafficking in her community, including running Teens Battle Human Trafficking, a student-organization at her school.

Handoo, for her part, is passionate about feminism and fighting “sexism and gender bias in my own community.”

“Especially,” she added, “with my parents being Indian immigrants, so I’ve seen it in my home country and in America and it’s something that I’ve seen from a young age and continue to see.”

Another member, fellow Land O’ Lakes senior Chloe Stout, is deeply interested in speaking up for all social injustices, as long as all women’s voices are heard.

“I think it’s important to empower women and bring light to their struggles,” Stout said. “We need to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard, so people are not made to feel less than others or inferior.

“I think, as a group, we do a good job at that and that everyone is aware of the important topics and being able to talk to other women about these topics.”

As for Handoo, and her Tampa chapter, it’s all about reaching out — to support one another.

“Honestly, I think there’s a lot of people, girls and boys, that are passionate about these types of things, but aren’t encouraged to be active in their community,” she said. “I think about all those out there, and they have no voice, but we can come together and be a part of something that supports one another and do great things together.”

Girls Give Back Tampa Chapter
Details: Girls Give Back Global (GGB) was founded in May 2020 by Salma Murphy in Boston and quickly expanded to become a national and global non-profit. GGB provides a platform and space for girls to become leaders in their communities and beyond. The girls are able to lead projects they’re passionate about that target issues unique to their community, but also are able to lead global impact projects — while connecting with other passionate young women across the globe.
For more information, or to join the Tampa chapter, contact Tanvi Handoo at and visit the chapter’s Instagram: @ggbtampa.
For more information, visit www.girlsgivebackglobal.com.

Published July 04, 2023

State budget includes $1.5 million for sidewalks near Pasco schools

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The Florida Legislature approved $1.5 million — which was preserved in the state budget — to pay for sidewalks near some Pasco County schools where parents complained about unsafe walking conditions.

The lack of sidewalks in numerous communities became more apparent last year, after Pasco County School Board dropped courtesy busing for students in grades six through 12, who live within 2 miles from school.

State budget includes $1.5 million for sidewalks near Pasco schools (Mike Camunas)

The district’s action prompted an outcry from parents, who told district administrators and the board that they are concerned about their children’s safety because they have to walk in areas without sidewalks or street lights.

They also described conditions they believe are dangerous for their children and said they can’t give their kids a ride to and from school because they have to be at work.

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman took on the issue and worked with the school district’s staff to seek funding from the legislature.

State Rep. Kevin Steele and State Sen. Danny Burgess sought $2 million in funding — and received approval of $1.5 million to provide sidewalks that will benefit students and residents living near Pine View Middle, Pine View Elementary and Denham Oaks Elementary.

During the Pasco County Commision’s June 20 meeting, Weightman expressed gratitude to the state lawmakers and the school district for helping to secure the funding.

“This is a great win for our school kids,” Weightman said.

He noted that when he was on the campaign trail, that he, along with Commissioner Gary Bradford heard the message loud and clear about sidewalks being needed.

Weightman noted that “courtesy busing is probably not coming back any time soon,” and bus drivers remain in short supply.

The county board member urged Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa to get the sidewalks built as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, Weightman is delighted that the appropriations request he made, as a freshman county board member, received funding. He thanked the county’s lobbyists and every member of the Pasco legislative delegation for helping to make it happen.

“It’s exciting. It’s exciting for me. It’s exciting for our school kids and our community,” Weightman said.

Published July 04, 2023

Chalk Talk 07/05/2023

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(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation)

Scholarship donation
Lisa Yeager, Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) Foundation advancement coordinator, recently spoke to Dade City Sunrise Rotary. Acting Club President Jennifer Ferguson, foundation events and marketing coordinator, presented Yeager with a $1,000 scholarship donation to the foundation to aid a deserving student attending PHSC’s East Campus in Dade City.

Donation Drive
Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will collect donations in July for the Pasco County School District’s ABC (Assist, Believe & Care) Program. ABC was created to provide financial assistance to students and their families who are experiencing economic hardship, especially when those needs interfere with the student’s ability to be academically successful.

“While the impact of COVID may be lessening, there are still many other challenges caused by these uncertain economic times,” Fasano said, in a news release.

“The strain can be enormous on a family, especially when a parent loses a job, or a single parent is struggling to raise children while doing all they can to make ends meet. Children without food, adequate clothing or other unmet needs often suffer academically,” said Fasano.

Cash donations go into a fund teachers can use when they see or learn of a need a student may have.

The donations can be made at any of the tax collector’s five office locations in Pasco County, or they can be mailed to: Tax Collector Mike Fasano, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526. In the check’s memo line, write “Pasco ABC Program.”

For information, call 727-847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Piano Festival
The Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival (RPPF) will launch its 11th season at the University of South Florida School of Music, now through July 17. The festival’s continuing theme is “Legacy of Piano and Planet.”

Founded by Rebecca Penneys in 2013 as her legacy project, RPPF boasts a multi-generational, internationally renowned faculty together with the most talented students from across the globe.

The public is invited to enjoy the festival including master classes, soirées, and satellite concerts at various venues throughout Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, plus two live WUSF radio performances and the “2 Piano – 8 Hand Extravaganza Event” on July 15.

All events are free and open to the public. To learn more about the festival, visit RebeccaPenneysPianoFestival.org.

Summer Reading Challenge
Pasco County Libraries has launched its Summer Reading Challenge, “All Together Now,” at all Pasco library locations, now through July 31. Requirements include 600 minutes of reading and record-keeping in the Beanstack app.

Readers who complete the challenge will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card, courtesy of Friends of the Library. Other individual prizes also will be up for grabs at all Pasco library branches.

To learn more, visit MyPas.co/SummerRead2023.

New partnership
Covenant Journey Academy (CJA), a Christian online school for kindergarten through 12th grade, announced a new partnership with America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU), to provide families with education-related financial services, according to a news release.

The partnership will allow all families enrolled with CJA to access such resources as: flexible tuition financing; Biblical financial literacy training materials; and student checking and savings accounts.

CJA is a full-service online Christian academy offering more than 150 courses, all taught by certified teachers. Its programs are designed to ensure students have the knowledge and ability to apply God’s truth to make sense of cultural issues facing the world today, according to the release.

To learn more about the academy, visit CJ.Academy, or call 407-875-1967.

For more information about ACCU, visit AmericasChristianCU.com, or call 800-343-6328.

Summer Haul Bus Pass
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) buses all summer through Aug. 31 for just $20.

The special student-rate passes can be purchased at these places:

  • GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
  • Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, East/West Pasco Government Centers
  • Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores – New Port Richey, Dade City and Wesley Chapel
  • County libraries, various locations

For more information on the pass and GoPasco bus routes and schedules, visit MyPas.co/SummerBusPass.

Library reading program
The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library will host its summer reading program with interactive events, reading challenges and prizes for all ages.

Join the Reading Challenge, through the registration portal of Beanstack, to log reading and activities to unlock digital badges and prizes. The portal includes themed suggestions for kids, tweens, teens and adults.

Reading during the school-year gap can help critical thinking skills and the ability to retain information, as well as encourage an interest in reading for pleasure.

Children can participate simultaneously in the Reading with the Rays program, too.

Pick up a Reading with the Rays game card at your library to be eligible for more prizes. Once a game card is completed, participants can turn it into their local library for a chance to win Tampa Bay Rays prizes, including tickets to a home game.

Visit MLB.com/rays/community/reading to download a game card.

Chalk Talk 06/28/2023

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Lauren’s Kids

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices have raised $24,399 for Lauren’s Kids, through donations and the promotion of the Lauren’s Kids specialty license plate.

Lauren’s Kids works with local school districts to prevent childhood sexual abuse through education and awareness. It also helps to heal survivors with guidance and support. To learn more, visit LaurensKids.org.

In addition to the funds raised, there are now 30 new Lauren’s Kids tags on the roads of Pasco County.

For information about the tax collector’s charitable giving programs, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8719.

Future Business Leaders

Steinbrenner High School’s FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) students recently attended the 2023 State Leadership Conference in Orlando and walked away with the most wins in Steinbrenner history:

  • Jacob Salmon and Tabur Salmon, juniors: first place, computer game programming
  • Kartikeye Gupta, senior: first place, cybersecurity
  • Katrina Lippert, sophomore: first place, economics
  • Alyssa Hayman, freshman, and Ryan Sumiantoro, sophomore: first place, mobile application development
  • Rahul Boggavarapu, junior: second place, advertising
  • Louis Li, senior: third place, impromptu speaking

These students will now go to Nationals. Alyssa Hayman is the only freshman and the only one in the state of Florida who was selected from hundreds of applicants as an intern at the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Piano Festival

The Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival (RPPF) will launch its 11th season at the University of South Florida School of Music, now through July 17. The festival’s continuing theme is “Legacy of Piano and Planet.”

Founded by Rebecca Penneys in 2013 as her legacy project, RPPF boasts a multi-generational, internationally renowned faculty together with the most talented students from across the globe.

The public is invited to enjoy the festival including Master Classes, Soirées, and Satellite Concerts at various venues throughout Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, plus two live WUSF radio performances and the “2 Piano – 8 Hand Extravaganza Event” on July 15.

All events are free and open to the public. To learn more about the festival, visit RebeccaPenneysPianoFestival.org. 

New partnership

Covenant Journey Academy (CJA), a Christian online school for kindergarten through 12th grade, announced a new partnership with America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU), to provide families with education-related financial services, according to a news release.

The partnership will allow all families enrolled with CJA to access such resources as: flexible tuition financing; Biblical financial literacy training materials; and student checking and savings accounts.

CJA is a full-service online Christian academy offering more than 150 courses, all taught by certified teachers — its programs designed to ensure students have the knowledge and ability to apply God’s truth to make sense of …the cultural issues facing the world today, the release said.

Founded by pastors in 1958, ACCU currently serves more than 75,000 Christian ministries and individuals across all 50 states. From basic checking accounts to adoption loans to church construction financing, ACCU gives Christians a high-quality alternative to financial institutions that champion causes contrary to biblical values, the release said.

To learn more about the academy, visit CJ.Academy, or call 407-875-1967.

For more information about ACCU, visit AmericasChristianCU.com, or call 800-343-6328.

Summer Reading Challenge

Pasco County Libraries has launched its Summer Reading Challenge, “All Together Now,” at all Pasco library locations, now through July 31.

Requirements include 600 minutes of reading and record-keeping in the Beanstack app.

Readers who complete the challenge will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card, courtesy of Friends of the Library.

Other individual prizes also will be up for grabs at all Pasco library branches.

To learn more, visit MyPas.co/SummerRead2023.

Summer Haul Bus Pass

Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) buses all summer through Aug. 31 for just $20.

The special student-rate passes can be purchased at these places:

  • GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
  • Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, East/West Pasco Government Centers
  • Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores – New Port Richey, Dade City and Wesley Chapel
  • County libraries, various locations

For more information on the pass and GoPasco bus routes and schedules, visit MyPas.co/SummerBusPass.

Library reading program

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library will host its summer reading program with interactive events, reading challenges and prizes for all ages.

Join the Reading Challenge, through the registration portal of Beanstack, to log reading and activities to unlock digital badges and prizes. The portal includes themed suggestions for kids, tweens, teens and adults.

Reading during the school-year gap can help critical thinking skills and the ability to retain information, as well as encourage an interest in reading for pleasure.

Children can participate simultaneously in the Reading with the Rays program, too.

Pick up a Reading with the Rays game card at your library to be eligible for more prizes.

Once a game card is completed, participants can turn it into their local library for a chance to win Tampa Bay Rays prizes, including tickets to a home game.

Visit MLB.com/rays/community/reading to download a game card.

An A-Plus for this bus

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Marla Scaglione had never driven a bus before — but was pretty sure she would enjoy it.

“And I did!,” the Lutz resident and occupational therapist said. “People don’t pull out in front of me anymore! (laughs).”

Scaglione is the owner and operator of the A+ Handwriting Therapy Bus, or, as she calls it, Miss Dot.

Owner and operator of A+ Handwriting Therapy Bus, Lutz resident and occupational therapist Marla Scaglione works with Peter Bassil, 7, during an occupational therapy session in front of Lutz Preparatory School. Scaglione refurbished an old shuttle bus to convert it into a moving occupational therapy clinic. She travels to a handful of local schools to meet with young clients who have been diagnosed with such conditions as dyslexia, dysgraphia and autism. (Mike Camunas)

The bus is a 1999 shuttle bus that Scaglione refurbished and repurposed to create a mobile occupational therapy clinic that she takes to a handful of local schools. She provides therapy sessions for young clients who are diagnosed with conditions including dyslexia, dysgraphia, autism and others.

The bus had about 80,000 miles on it when she bought it, and with the help of her husband and family, they ripped out the 26 seats, put in new flooring, added another A/C unit and installed swings. They also added a whiteboard, a bench, a desk and other learning tools — and turned her dream into reality.

The name Miss Dot comes from a quote from the artist Paul Klee — “A line is a dot that went for a walk.”

With Miss Dot, Scaglione can provide her services without having to worry about having space for sessions, or finding a permanent home for a clinic.

Scaglione, who has been a therapist for 30 years, said Miss Dot provides a practical solution to a common issue.

“See, with clinics or therapy at home or even having to have therapy in school, the problem everyone has always talked about is they don’t have time to bring their children to therapy — that they have to drive across town or sit in waiting rooms or how do they juggle siblings.

Lutz resident and occupational therapist Marla Scaglione holds up Sensorsy Sid, a puppet she uses in her therapy sessions.

“So, kids don’t always get the therapy they need for some of these reasons,” she said.

Also, if therapy is scheduled, it might occur during school hours — but many schools lack the space to accommodate the session, she said. Plus, if the session is held in a school, it costs more for parents who are often paying out-of-pocket for the much-needed therapy.

When Scaglione can bring the bus to the schools — the four she currently visits regularly with clients are Lutz Prep, Learning Gate Community School, Tampa Torah Academy and Corbett Prep — it costs parents less.

Miss Dot also provides a more private and sensory-friendly environment to work one on one with the patient.

“(Kids) love the bus because it’s something different about being on the bus and not some classroom or therapy room,” Scaglione said. “It’s usually something they’ve never seen before, so when they work, it doesn’t feel like work.

“I always like to make (therapy) fun,” she added. “That’s the No. 1 thing. If there’s no fun, especially when it comes to handwriting, then it just feels like school, and they might not pick it up as well. Therapy can and should be fun.”

Scaglione started seeing clients on the bus starting in August for the 2022-2023 school year, and will continue to hold sessions throughout the summer. 

Marla Scaglione’s A+ Handwriting Therapy Bus, Miss Dot, is a refurbished and repurposed 1999 shuttle bus.

She mostly works with students to help them improve their handwriting ability, which is important for them to have success in schoolwork activities and to prepare them for life.

In traditional school settings, Scaglione says, there is less focus on proper handwriting technique nor the underlying motor and sensory skills required for success. Children then develop foundational skills for handwriting during their formative years as they play and explore while engaging their sensory awareness, gross motor skills and fine motor abilities.

That’s why it’s important to work with children at a young age, especially if they are diagnosed with dyslexia or dysgraphia, Scaglione said.

“When it comes to OT, it’s mainly about catching them up to where they need to be or what they need to do,” she said. “And then use creative ways to get (the therapy) to them.”

And Scaglione does get creative.

Miss Dot includes several swings, which are sensory-friendly, but she uses lessons more as games or fun activities to keep the children on track. She uses puppets such as Magic C Bunny or Sensory Sid, along with a fun voice, to help convey lessons.

Occupational therapist Marla Scaglione has repurposed a 1999 shuttle bus into a moving occupational therapy clinic.

“I do the voices, but it’s helpful in terms of (getting) kids talking,” she added. “(The puppets) can be strict when I can’t, and they’ll listen to (the puppets).”

Working on the bus is showing improvements in its young clients, such as Peter Bassil, a 7-year-old Carrollwood resident that attends Lutz Prep.

“My son has been working with Marla for about five months now,” Peter’s mom, Livia Fernandes, said. “The biggest thing, to me, was being able to come to you, because, first off, that’s genius — you skip the bureaucracy with the school, and I would have been charged for her to come into the school and every time there was OT (in school), it would charge her an extra 20% of what she’s charging me, so then I would get charged.

“But he needs the therapy,” Livia continued. “Working with Marla, we’ve seen the improvements in a short time. It’s a process and a journey.

“But he loves it! And as long as it works, I’m at the point where we will take anything that works, but this really does and he, again, loves it.”

Seven-year-old Peter Bassil, who lives in Carrollwood, is all smiles as he works through a therapy session with Marla Scaglione in her A+ Handwriting Therapy Bus, parked at Lutz Preparatory School.

Peter wholeheartedly agreed.

“It is a lot of fun seeing Ms. Marla,” Peter said. “I like seeing her because she has swings and because she has prizes that she gives me. I like getting those, but I like it when I get to get on the bus.”

A-Plus Handwriting Therapy Bus
Details: Meet Lutz resident Marla Scaglione and Miss Dot. Scaglione is an occupational therapist and Miss Dot is the 1999 shuttle bus she converted into a mobile occupational therapy (OT) clinic. She travels to a handful of local schools to offer her services. A+ Handwriting aims to help students improve their handwriting ability for success in schoolwork activities and life and other therapy services. Scaglione is a Gardiner/FEZ-UA Direct Bill Provider through Step-Up-For-Students and AAA scholarships. She doesn’t accept insurance at this time, but can provide OT services that can be submitted to insurance companies for reimbursement, if applicable.
Info: Visit APlusHandwriting.com.

Published June 21, 2023

Chalk Talk 06/21/2023

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(Courtesy of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union)

Credit Union awards $15,000 in scholarships
San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union (SACFCU) presented 10, $1,500 “Be the Difference” scholarships to its members who graduated from local high schools this year. From left: scholarship recipients Alexander Gard, Caitlin Eudy, Anna Anderson, Makaelynn Cameron, Jacob Partain, Scout Newlon, Jillian Payne, Belal Mansour and Adeline Shiver; SACFCU leaders Tony Coleman, board of directors; CEO Patty Sarne; John T. Vogel, chairman of the board; and Jay Vogel, supervisory committee chairman. Not pictured is scholarship recipient Effie Tillack.

Lauren’s Kids
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices have raised $24,399 for Lauren’s Kids, through donations and the promotion of the Lauren’s Kids specialty license plate. Lauren’s Kids works with local school districts to prevent childhood sexual abuse through education and awareness. It also helps to heal survivors with guidance and support. To learn more, visit LaurensKids.org.

In addition to the funds raised, there are now 30 new Lauren’s Kids tags on the roads of Pasco County.

For information about the tax collector’s charitable giving programs, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8719.

Student achievements

  • Evan Cuervo, Lutz: Dean’s List, Presbyterian College, Clinton, South Carolina
  • Hannah Houser, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Jack Houser, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Peter Katsaros, Odessa: Master of Science, The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Carly Price, Odessa: President’s List, Husson University, Bangor, Maine
  • Leia Randall, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Scholarship winners
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced more than 3,000 winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. Officials of each sponsored college selected their scholarship winners from among the finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program who plan to attend their institution. These local students were named as recipients:

  • Isabel A. Bequer, Lutz (Academy of the Holy Names, Tampa): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Salpriya Gande, Lutz (Academy at the Lakes, Land O’ Lakes): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Louis F. Li, Lutz (Steinbrenner High, Lutz): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Andrew J. Maroun, Lutz (Steinbrenner High, Lutz): National Merit University of South Florida Scholarship
  • Lily A. Taylor, Lutz (Hillsborough High, Tampa): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Kaitlyn H. Tran, Lutz (Hillsborough High, Tampa): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Leina E. Owens, Odessa (Blake High, Tampa): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Anastasia Bogdatova, Wesley Chapel (Cypress Creek High, Wesley Chapel): National Merit University of South Florida Scholarship
  • Jenna Ly, Wesley Chapel (Wesley Chapel High): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
  • Megha Mano, Wesley Chapel (King High, Tampa): National Merit University of Florida Scholarship

Creative Writing course
Saint Leo University will offer a creative writing micro-credential, open to anyone who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in any subject or from any university or college who loves to write. This includes graduates of Saint Leo’s Master of Arts in creative writing or other creative writing programs.

The summer residency will run July 8 to July 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the school campus, 33701 County Road 52 (formerly State Road 52) in St. Leo.

The residency is an immersive and community-oriented retreat with daily morning workshops, afternoon craft talks, and opportunities to share and receive feedback on writing in progress. Students will submit original creative writing in either fiction, creative nonfiction, or poetry for a small workshop group; however, throughout the week, students also will learn about all three genres, as well as the editing and publishing world of creative writing.

The deadline to enroll is June 30.

For more information, requirements and cost, email .

Pasco Schools offers free food program

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Pasco County Schools’ Summer Food Service program will provide breakfasts and lunches, Monday through Thursday, to anyone age 18 and younger, now until July 28, according to a news release.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School year programs at the various participating schools will receive their meals on campus while attending the program.

Meals will be available at the following schools:

  • Central Pasco: Crews Lake Middle; Dr. Mary Giella Elementary; Shady Hills Elementary
  • East Pasco: Centennial Elementary; East Pasco Education Academy; New River Elementary; Pasco High; Pasco Middle; Quail Hollow Elementary; R.B. Cox Elementary; R.B. Stewart Middle; San Antonio Elementary; Woodland Elementary; and Zephyrhills High.
  • West Pasco: Anclote Elementary/High; Chasco Elementary; Cotee River Elementary; Dayspring Academy (Harmony location); West Pasco Education Academy; Fivay High; Fox Hollow Elementary; Gulf Highlands Elementary; Gulfside Elementary; Gulf Middle; Hudson Primary Academy; Mittye P. Locke Elementary; Moon Lake Elementary; Richey Elementary; Schrader Elementary; Sunray Elementary; Wendell Krinn Technical High; and West Pasco Education Academy.

Additionally, buses will stop to provide lunch, Monday through Thursday, at these locations:

  • Hilltop Landings Apartments, 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City
  • Resurrection House Park, 37124 Lock St., Dade City
  • Trilby United Methodist Church, 37504 Trilby Road, Dade City
  • Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
  • Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills

For information and questions, email .

Published June 14, 2023

Chalk Talk 06/14/2023

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A presentation was made to the Hillsborough County School Board of total funds raised through this school year’s Kids Tag Art Program. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office)

Tag art reaps rewards
Forty-three Hillsborough County schools participated in the Kids Tag Art Program for the 2022-2023 school year, yielding more than 1,000 plate design entries. The Kids Art Program is a creative fundraiser that allows students to showcase their artistic abilities by designing front license vanity plates in art class.

The plate designs are printed on metal plates and sold to family, friends and the public. Proceeds from the plate sales and sponsorships go back to the participating schools to help support their arts program. This year the program raised more than $37,800, and to date, the program across the state of Florida raised more than $2 million.

Top honorees this year were Aaliyah Greene-Walker from Dunbar Elementary School, who received the Sponsor’s Choice Award; and Katilyn Pace from McDonald Elementary, who received the Tax Collector’s Choice Award.

For a complete list of each school’s winner and artwork, visit https://www.hillstax.org/kids-tag-art/tag-art-winners-2022-2023/.

For information about the Kids Tag Art Program and other initiatives by the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office, visit HillsTax.org.

Flag Day lesson
Wreaths Across America (WAA) has announced the addition of new Flag Day lesson plans to its TEACH Program, which provides free access to curriculum and educational resources for all, according to a news release.

Flag Day is celebrated on June 14 and commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States. The new lesson plans are designed for all grade levels and learning abilities, and have an objective for civic ideals and practices.

“An understanding of civic ideals and practices is critical for full participation in society and is an essential component of education for citizenship,” said Cindy Tatum, WAA curriculum developer and Gold Star mom, in the release. “This theme enables students to learn about the rights and responsibilities of citizens of a democracy, and to appreciate the importance of active citizenship.”

To learn more or to download the plans, visit WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/teach.

Summer break tips
With schools in ‘recess’ for summer break, Dr.  Tammy Lowery Zacchilli, a professor of psychology at Saint Leo University, offers these useful tips to help avoid your children having meltdowns or experiencing boredom.

  • Consider your own schedule for the summer and try to take some time off to spend with your children this summer.
  • Take a vacation or staycation. Take a road trip or make quick trips to the beach, park, zoo, aquarium or amusement park.
  • Check out camps offered in your area. Some local elementary schools offer camps, but there also are programs for dance, music, gymnastics, art, and more. Visit Fun4TampaKids.com/Camps/Variety-Camps/. Saint Leo University also offers camps ranging from athletics to robotics and more. Visit SaintLeoCamps.com.
  • Plan activities for days at home. Break out board games, make chalk drawings in the driveway, make crafts, paint pictures with the kids, play outside, check out books from the library.

Student achievements

  • Tiana Alfsen, Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Emersen Angel, Lutz: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Anthony Rocco Becht, Wesley Chapel: Dean’s List, Iowa State University-Ames
  • Camryn Bliss, Lutz: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
  • Cameron Douglas Coughlin, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, Iowa State University-Ames
  • Caitlyn Culpepper, Odessa: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
  • Gabrielle Fontanez, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, Saint Leo University, and inductee into and board secretary of the PSI CHI International Honor Society for psychology
  • Angelica C. Gonzalez, Lutz: Dean’s List, Iowa State University-Ames
  • Abigail Greene, Lutz: Dean’s List, Pennsylvania Western University, California, Pennsylvania
  • Madeline Griggs, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Christian Hewett, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Logan Hinsberg, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Graydon Horn, Odessa: President’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Igor Christian Ibaka Kabasele, San Antonio: Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas
  • Noah Kilpatrick, Odessa: Dean’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa
  • Charles King, Odessa: President’s List, Georgia Southern University-Statesboro
  • Alexis Leighty, Lutz: Dean’s List, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee
  • Midhun Raj, Lutz: Bachelor of Science, Computer Science, Oregon State University-Corvallis
  • Kaitlyn Ryan, Lutz: Chancellor’s Honor Roll, University of Mississippi
  • Christiana Till, Odessa: President’s List, University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa

Truck driver partnership
FleetForce Truck Driving School and Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) have launched a partnership to recruit commercial truck drivers in West Pasco and surrounding areas, according to a FleetForce news release.

PHSC’s West Campus is now home to one of FleetForce’s six new locations statewide. This partnership helps generate an additional 3,000 commercial truck drivers annually, helping to alleviate the critical need for commercial drivers. The partnership, with assistance from the State of Florida and CareerSource Pasco Hernando includes testing and on-site training, the release said.

FleetForce training programs are designed to teach all the mandatory skills drivers need to obtain a Certified Driver’s License (CDL). It offers a variety of options to help people enroll as soon as possible, including a Pre-Hire Program, created in collaboration with the Florida Trucking Association, to match qualified drivers with potential employers who may sponsor them. FleetForce offers training opportunities for Class A, B, and C licensees, and students can graduate in as little as one month after enrollment, training and passing the CDL exam.

To learn more, visit FleetForceTruckDrivingSchool.com. For information about the college, visit PHSC.edu.

Essay winners
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club sponsored an Essay Contest for fifth-graders at Lutz Elementary School, to encourage and reward students’ writing skills. First prize received a $100 Barnes & Noble gift card; second prize, $50 gift card; and two third prizes, $25 gift card. Two Honorable Mention certificates also were awarded.

Board meeting
The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) District Board of Trustees will meet on June 20 at noon, at the PHSC East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, Building A, in Dade City. Visit Policies.phsc.edu/district-board-trustees/agenda to see a copy of the agenda. For information, email Rhonda Dodge at .

HERricane Summer Camp
Pasco County Emergency Management invites high school students to take part in its inaugural HERricane program from July 17 to July 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Pasco County Emergency Operations Center, 8744 Government Drive, Building A, New Port Richey. The free, weeklong program gives young women in ninth through 12th grades the opportunity to explore emergency management-related careers.

The program includes multiple sessions and activities with guest speakers. Each student will receive Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certification upon completion. The program will count toward the student’s volunteer hours.

Incoming ninth-grade students can apply. Students younger than age 18 will need a parental/legal guardian’s signature.

Interested students should apply no later than June 16 by filling out an application that includes a short essay question, online at tinyurl.com/mw625fe8.

Summer Reading Challenge
Pasco County Libraries has launched its Summer Reading Challenge, “All Together Now,” at all Pasco library locations, now through July 31. Requirements include 600 minutes of reading and record-keeping in the Beanstack app.

Readers who complete the challenge will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card, courtesy of Friends of the Library. Other individual prizes also will be up for grabs at all Pasco library branches.

To learn more, visit MyPas.co/SummerRead2023.

Summer Haul Bus Pass
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) buses all summer through Aug. 31 for just $20. The special student-rate passes can be purchased at these places:

  • GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
  • Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, East/West Pasco Government Centers
  • Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores – New Port Richey, Dade City and Wesley Chapel
  • County libraries, various locations

For more information on the pass and GoPasco bus routes and schedules, visit MyPas.co/SummerBusPass.

Chalk Talk 06/07/2023

By

(Courtesy of Melody Floyd)

Students recognized for community service
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce recognized its Community Involvement & Service Scholarship winners, all from Pasco High School. Sister Roberta Bailey, left, education committee chairperson, and Carolyn Hodges, right, education committee co-chairperson, congratulate Oliva Krol, Maggie Mashke, Gabriela Perez, Frida Rodrigues, Susanna Rom and Jordan Ware.

Water Awareness contest
More than 1,300 local students used their creativity to promote water conservation during the 14th annual Water Awareness Poster Contest. Students from 15 Pasco County elementary schools created artwork with the theme “We Need Water, Water Needs Us.”

Pasco County Utilities and the Florida Governmental Utility Authority, in collaboration with Pasco County Schools, hosted the competition. Judges use science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) learning standards when choosing the top posters. Winners receive trophies and gifts from the event sponsors.

Pasco County commissioners will recognize first-place students, in kindergarten through fifth grade, at their June 20 meeting. Winning posters will be on display in the lobbies of the West and East Pasco Government Centers through mid-August.

To learn more about next year’s program, visit WaterContest.org.

(Courtesy of Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Student Citizens honored
The East Pasco Chamber Foundation in partnership with The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has recognized 10 students Citizens of the Month, for May. Students are chosen by their teachers and administration of their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. The students honored were: Iva Kellerman, Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Dakota Shattuck, The Broach School; Alexander Sosa Cuza, The Broach School Elementary Campus; Ashley Montoya, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School; Jayci Hoogewind, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Nehemiah McClammah, Heritage Academy; Jordan Mitsch, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Christopher Le, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Evelyn Kamau, Woodland Elementary; and Siya Patel, Zephyrhills High.

Board meeting
The Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) District Board of Trustees will meet on June 20 at noon, at the PHSC East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, Building A, in Dade City. Visit Policies.phsc.edu/district-board-trustees/agenda to see a copy of the agenda. For information, email Rhonda Dodge at .

HERricane Summer Camp
Pasco County Emergency Management invites high school students to take part in its inaugural HERricane program from July 17 to July 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Pasco County Emergency Operations Center, 8744 Government Drive, Building A, New Port Richey.

The free, weeklong program gives young women in ninth through 12th grades the opportunity to explore emergency management-related careers.

The program includes multiple sessions and activities with guest speakers. Each student will receive Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certification upon completion. The program will count toward the student’s volunteer hours.

Incoming ninth-grade students can apply. Students younger than age 18 will need a parental/legal guardian’s signature.

Interested students should apply no later than June 16 by filling out an application that includes a short essay question, online at tinyurl.com/mw625fe8.

Summer Haul Bus Pass
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) buses all summer through Aug. 31 for just $20. The special student-rate passes can be purchased at these places:

  • GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
  • Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, East/West Pasco Government Centers
  • Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores – New Port Richey, Dade City and Wesley Chapel
  • County libraries, various locations

For more information on the pass and GoPasco bus routes and schedules, visit MyPas.co/SummerBusPass.

Scholarships awarded
The Knights of Columbus San Antonio Council 1768 awarded four $1,000 scholarships to one senior from each of the council’s four member parishes. The recipients were: Anna Anderson, Saint Anthony Parish; Maggie Mashke, Sacred Heart Parish; Frida Rodriguez, Saint Rita Parish; and Adeline Schiver, Saint Joseph Parish.

Student achievements

  • James Cook, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts
  • Hannah Drielick, Lutz: Dean’s List, Northern Illinois University-DeKalb
  • Daniel Higgins, Odessa: Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois 
  • Mykayla Christine King, Lutz: Dean’s List, Mars Hill University, North Carolina

Library reading program
The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library will host its summer reading program with interactive events, reading challenges and prizes for all ages. Join the Reading Challenge, through the registration portal of Beanstack, to log reading and activities to unlock digital badges and prizes. The portal includes themed suggestions for kids, tweens, teens and adults.

Reading during the school-year gap can help critical thinking skills and the ability to retain information, as well as encourage an interest in reading for pleasure. Children can participate simultaneously in the Reading with the Rays program, too.

Pick up a Reading with the Rays game card at your library to be eligible for more prizes. Once a game card is completed, participants can turn it into their local library for a chance to win Tampa Bay Rays prizes, including tickets to a home game.

Visit MLB.com/rays/community/reading to download a game card.

Sonic donates to teachers
In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Month (May), Sonic Drive-In’s Sonic Foundation donated $1.5 million to match all public contributions made to requests on DonorsChoose, a national nonprofit that allows individuals to donate directly to public school classroom requests submitted by teachers, according to a news release.

Sonic helped fully fund nearly 15,300 projects from teachers and schools across the country, including two in Holiday that received a combined donation of $857. Gulfside Elementary School received funds for two projects: “Wiggle Seats for Wiggly Seats” and “First Year in First Grade…For All of Us!”

To donate to one or more of the public school teacher requests, visit DonorsChoose.org.

Ye Mystic Krewe scholarships
Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla announced it awarded 10 high school seniors from the Tampa Bay area with $120,000 in college scholarships.

Known for their pirating ways and stealing the key to the City of Tampa, the krewe has awarded $1,346,000 to students in Hillsborough County over the past 26 years through its community fund, according to a news release.

Tampa Bay area high school principals nominate one student for every 100 students or a fraction thereof in its graduating class. Nominees complete a comprehensive application, which then goes to a panel review. Finalists participate in face-to-face interviews before scholarship recipients are selected.

For more information, visit YMKG.com/ymkg-community-fund/.