Education

Pasco County Schools cheers on student historians

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools recognized students that won Florida History Day and National History Day competitions during the July 22 school board meeting. 

Tina Stavrou-Klem, senior instructional specialist, at Pasco County Schools, credited county coordinators, community partners and Pasco Education Foundation for helping these history programs flourish.

“Pasco County Schools is well known and is respected both at the state and national competition,” she said.  “The students’ hard work and dedication, along with the support of their families, teachers and school administrators, have led them to be recognized not only at the district level but at the state level where they competed alongside 902 students in the theme of ‘rights and responsibilities in history.’” 

Some of the Florida History Day winners recognized during the July 22 meeting were as follows:

• Devansh Dhavale, of Wiregrass Ranch High School, won first place in the Senior Individual Documentary category with the entry, “The Geneva Conventions: Rights and Responsibilities to Protect Vulnerable Soldiers, Innocent Civilians and Selfless Aid Workers.”
• Liam Scanlan, of Starkey Ranch K-8 School, placed second in the Junior Individual Exhibit category with the entry, “Protecting Life at Sea: How the SOLAS Treaty Became an International Life Preserver.”
• Breanna Hewitt and Aleisa Swing, of Pine View Middle School, placed second in the Junior Group Exhibit category with the entry “The Dakota people’s rights during the 1826 Dakota war and the responsibilities of the U.S government when dealing with the Dakota people.”
• Aiden Haston and Nhi Le, of Springs Middle School, won first place in the Junior Group Website category with the entry, “A Silence Heard Across America: Tinker v. Des Moines and the Fight for 1st Amendment Rights in Schools.”

 

Pasco-Hernando State College board elects new leaders 

DADE CITY – The Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees elected new board leaders July 15 at the college’s East Campus.
Nicole Newlon, partner at Johnson, Newlon and DeCort, P.A. in Tampa, succeeds Marilyn Pearson-Adams as board chair. Newlon served as a Dade City commissioner and attended PHSC (formerly known as Pasco-Hernando Community College) as a dual enrollment student in 1990-1991.  Newlon served as vice chair in 2024-25.

John Allocco Jr., a Realtor for Home-Land Real Estate Inc., will take over as vice chair.  Allocco is a member of the Hernando County Board of Commissioners, CareerSource Pasco-Hernando Executive Board, National and Florida Associations of Realtors, and the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce.

“Their leadership and dedication to our college’s mission will be invaluable as we continue to focus on student success and serve the community,” said Eric Hall, PHSC president. “I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Marilyn Pearson-Adams for her outstanding service and steadfast leadership during her term as board chair.”

The board recognized Pearson-Adams, for her leadership through her 2024-2025 term. She has served as a trustee since 2014.

 

BBB Theatres throwing Back to School Bash

WESLEY CHAPEL – BBB Theatres Wesley Chapel is hosting The Fantastic Back to School Bash & Food Truck Rally from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 2 at the movie theater. 

Families can get free school supplies, resources, games, activities and a food truck rally to benefit the Mahogany Arts Foundation. 

BBB Theatres Wesley Chapel features a Grand Screen, Screen X and Marquee Suites, as well as a Backstage Pass program, where tickets cost $6 on Tuesdays. 

 

Student Achievements

• Robby S. Burton, of Lutz, was named to first honors on the Clark University dean’s list. Burton earned a GPA of 3.8 or above at the Worcester, Massachusetts-based college. 
• Colton Ash, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Youngstown State University in Ohio for earning a GPA of 3.4 or higher. 

Scholarship increases access to Angeline Country Day

LAND O’LAKES – Angeline Country Day School is now an approved provider for the Step Up for Students scholarship program.

The scholarship reduces the cost of tuition, typically offering up to $8,000 per student per year, and is now open to all Florida residents under expanded eligibility requirements.

Now enrolling students ages 2 through fifth grade, the private school offers a blend of challenging academics and hands-on learning. Rooted in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, the school fosters critical thinking and global awareness while staying connected to the community.

Students engage in a range of programs, including a Farm-to-Table Program, Hydroponics STEM Innovation Lab and Collaborative Art Studio.

“Our mission at Angeline is to provide a transformative learning environment that is both innovative and inclusive,” school leader Brenda Garcia said. “Accepting the Step Up for Students scholarship allows us to extend that mission to more families in our community.”

Families are encouraged to schedule a tour and speak with the admissions team about the Step Up scholarship. 

On the web: angelinecountryday.org and stepupforstudents.org

 

Students make dean’s list at University of Tampa 

TAMPA – The University of Tampa honored 2,340 students who were named to the dean’s list for the spring 2025 semester, including several from Lutz and Odessa.

Students must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher to be eligible for the dean’s list.

Dean’s list honorees from Odessa included: 

• Druss Arnold, a junior, is majoring in cybersecurity.
• Andrea Centeno, a senior, is majoring in marketing.
• Timothy Chen, a junior, is majoring in sport management.
• Alyssa Gomez, a senior, is majoring in entrepreneurship.
• Natalie Katsaros, a senior, is majoring in management.
• Charles Pals, a sophomore, is majoring in cybersecurity.
• Zoe Papageorgiou, a senior, is majoring in finance.
• Samantha Park, a senior, is majoring in communication and media studies.
• Kaitlin Price, a senior, is majoring in allied health.

Dean’s list honorees from Lutz included: 

• Gavin Cooper, a senior, is majoring in biology.
• Robert Cooper, a senior, is majoring in management.
• Alyssa De La Sala, a senior, is majoring in forensic science.
• Tanner Dishman, a senior, is majoring in finance.
• Eliza Fox, a junior, is majoring in biology.
• Margret Gudmundsson, a senior, is majoring in management.
• Rowdie Maloney, a senior, is majoring in health science.
• Echo Prescott, a senior, is majoring in film and media arts.
• Gladys Santana, a junior, is majoring in visual arts.

 

Deadline extended for YEA! Awards nominations

TAMPA – Hillsborough County has extended the nomination deadline for the 2025 Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards). 

Nominations are now being accepted through Sept. 17 (the previous deadline was Aug. 15). 

YEA! Awards nominations can be submitted for both middle and high school students in each of the following categories:  leadership, success despite difficult odds and volunteer/community service. 

The nomination form is available for submission online at  HCFL.gov/YEA. Nominations will be reviewed by the Hillsborough County Commission on the Status of Women. 

The YEA! Awards were created in 2010 to recognize Hillsborough County students for making a difference in the community. The awards will be presented by county commissioners in October. 

 

Student Achievements

* McKenzie Erin Kane, of Lutz, earned a bachelor’s degree at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. Kane majored in strategic communication.

• Annabelle Korta, of Wesley Chapel, made the spring dean’s list at Shorter University in Rome, Georgia for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Korta majors in business.

* Evan Forrest Novak, of Tampa, earned a bachelor’s degree at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. Novak majored in physics.

• Emara Saez, of Lutz, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Spanish degree from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. Saez also made the spring dean’s list for earning a GPA of 3.4 or higher. 
• Gordon Watson, of Lutz, was named to the 2024-25 Old Dominion Athletic Conference All-Academic Team. Watson attends Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. 

McDonald’s Golden Grants fuel education programs

TAMPA – Applications are open for the 2025 McDonald’s Golden Grants program. 

McDonald’s owner/operators will be selecting programs that fuel the imagination, education and growth of students in Central Florida, including Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Hillsborough counties.

The grant program has awarded $400,000 in its first four years. This year, grants will be awarded in the amounts of $10,000, $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 based on creativity and hands-on application of projects. 

Qualifying activities include after-school, arts, community service, education, empowerment, mentorship, sports and technology.

Recipients will be announced in November. 

Apply through Oct. 10 at https://mcdgoldengrants.com/florida/.

 

Student Achievements

• Jillian Abarca, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• David Alejandro, of Land O’ Lakes, made the dean’s honor roll at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas for earning a GPA of 3.6 or higher. 
• Alexa J. Astete, of Tampa, made the spring dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
• Anthony Becht, of Wesley Chapel, made the spring dean’s list at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa for earning a GPA from 3.5 to 4.0. Becht majors in communication studies.
• Alyssa Bongiovann,i of Lutz, made the spring honor roll at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee fo earning a GPA of 3.85 or higher. 
• Caitlyn Culpepper, of Odessa, made the spring chancellor’s honor roll at University of Mississippi for earning a GPA from 3.75 to 4.0. Culpepper majors in biochemistry.
• Lyla Gardner, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s honor roll at University of Mississippi for earning a GPA from 3.5 to 3.74. Gardner majors in allied health studies
• Isabella Gurau, of Dade City, made the spring dean’s list at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa for earning a GPA from 3.5 to 4.0. Gurau majors in animal science.
• Jessica Loyal, of Egypt Lake, graduated with a degree from Des Moines Area Community College in Des Moines, Iowa. Loyal studied homeland security.
• Trevor Mayberry, of Odessa, made the spring president’s list at Mississippi State for earning a GPA of 3.8 or higher. 
• JoAna Mucklow, of Odessa, made the spring chancellor’s honor roll at University of Mississippi for earning a GPA from 3.75 to 4.0. Mucklow majors in finance. 
• Gennaro Scarfogliero, of Odessa, ,made the spring dean’s list at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Brady Stauffer, of Land O’ Lakes, made the spring semester dean’s list at Des Moines Area Community College in Des Moines, Iowa for earning a GPA from 3.5 to 3.99. Stauffer studies exercise science.
• Adia Symmonds, of Lutz, made the spring president’s list at Mississippi State for earning a GPA of 3.8 or higher. 
• Kelli White, of Odessa, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from SUNY Canton in Canton, New York.

 

Quick Hits

• Pasco County Schools is registering people through July 22 for its Citizens’ Academy, an eight-session program that shows what goes on at the district. 
• Fred K. Marchman Technical College students Nina Austin and Dallas Raymond were among medalists at the National SkillsUSA Championships, according to Pasco County Schools.
• Victory High Schools is looking for players and sponsors for its annual charity golf tournament Nov. 17 at  Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club in Palm Harbor. 

 

PHSC wins at FBLA conference

NEW PORT RICHEY – Students from Pasco-Hernando State College’s Future Business Leaders of America won top prizes at the National Leadership Conference. 

The conference provided business-related education, competition and networking opportunities from May 31 to June 2 in Dallas, Texas.

More than 890 students from nearly 150 schools in 27 states and territories competed in 38 business-related events for cash prizes totaling over $45,000. 

PHSC’s FBLA chapter earned the following awards and placements:

• Distinguished Chapter – Ranked third in the nation and top-ranked Distinguished Chapter among state/community colleges in the nation.
• Future Business Leaders of America Gold Seal Chapter.
• Curtis Scaglione – Outstanding Local Adviser.
• Krista Knowles – Third Place – Business Communications.
• Kevin Backitis – Fifth Place – Computer Applications.
• Emmalise Feliciano – Seventh Place – Future Business Leaders Executive.
• Matthew Gerlack – Eighth Place – Computer Applications.
• Emmalise Feliciano, Kiara Carlos, and Caleb Grossenbacher – Ninth Place – State of the Chapter.
• Samantha Mutter (University of South Florida, PHSC alumna) – Ninth Place – Emerging Business Issues.

PHSC’s FBLA co-advisors Ron McCullough and Curtis Scaglione were proud of the students.

“I always knew you were all destined to become great leaders,” Scaglione said. “I never could have imagined it would happen so soon. I see it from you all every day.”

 

Student Achievements

• Tiana Alfsen, of Wesley Chapel, made the spring semester dean’s list at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, Wisconsin.
  • Kenza Brown, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Kennesaw State University at Kennesaw, Georgia for earning a 3.5 GPA or higher. Kenza majors in psychology.
• Jace Druschel, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list Baldwin Wallace University at Berea, Ohio for 3.8 GPA or higher. 
• Luke Jackson, of Tampa, earned a juris doctor from Mercer University’s School of Law  in Macon, Georgia. 
• Owen Libby, of Wesley Chapel, graduated from Loras College  in Dubuque, Iowa.
• Rachael Plunk, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphia, Maryland for earning a 3.5 GPA or higher. 
• Olivia St. Clair, of Lutz, earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. 
• Jalen Stevens, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphia, Maryland for earning a 3.5 GPA or higher. 

 

Quick Hits

• Shawn Millard, of Land O’ Lakes High School, earned Tampa Bay Buccaneers Girls Flag Coach Of The Year, according to Pasco County Schools.
• Seven Springs Middle School announced that Alyssa Quina is the new principal and Ruth Jackson and Kailin Montgomery are new assistant principals.
• Pasco-Hernando State College observed its 50th anniversary on June 19. 
• The Rotary Club of New Port Richey donated to the PHSC Foundation for the Dr. David Garner Shelton and Family Memorial Scholarship. 
• The Brooksville Rotary Club donated to the PHSC Foundation for the Dr. Richard Trump – Rotary Club of Brooksville Scholarship. 

 

Grant funds education for part-time students, parents

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation has received a $40,000 grant from the Edward K. Roberts Community College Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

The funds will support scholarships for PHSC students during the summer term and upcoming academic year, with preference given to part-time students and student-parents. 

Since 2011, the fund has awarded over $670,000 to PHSC students. 

Edward K. Roberts overcame early challenges to become a successful philanthropist and lifelong donor to PHSC. Upon his passing in 2009, he established the fund to continue supporting community college students in need.

 

Construction begins on new Catholic school

ST. PETERSBURG – Bishop Gregory Parkes led a groundbreaking ceremony June 13 and blessed the site of a new Catholic school, Mater Dei, to be built next to St. Anne Catholic Church in Ruskin.

The school will serve 300 students from Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Gibsonton and nearby areas when it opens in fall 2027.

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg spent over six years planning the project in response to the area’s rapid growth. 

It will be the first Catholic school in Ruskin, where the nearest one is 40 minutes away. 

“Anybody who drives through here or spends any time here can see how many homes are being built here and how many new families are moving into this community,” Parkes said. 

 

Kroh earns Champion title

LUTZ – Stanley Kroh, a governing board member at Learning Gate Community School in Lutz, has been named a 2025 Charter School Champion of the Year by the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools. 

Kroh is one of three board members honored for contributions to their schools during the 2024-25 school year.

Champion charter school governing board members “are those, who, through their service on their boards, have contributed significantly to the success of their charter schools,” according to nomination materials.

“Each of the winners helps to deliver quality education to Florida’s charter school students,” FCPCS President Robert Haag said. “They are important contributors to Florida’s hugely successful charter school movement.”

 

Hall gets new PHSC contract

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees voted to award Eric Hall a one-year contract to serve as president from June 17, 2025 to June 30, 2026. 

The contract supersedes the full interim contract signed by Hall and trustees on May 20, 2025. 

The decision was made at a board meeting June 17 at the Instructional Performing Arts Center. Hall was

selected unanimously by trustees as interim president during the May board meeting. 

He assumed the interim president role on June 9.

 

Alabama students do well

TUSCALOOSA, Ala – Several area students made honors lists during the spring semester at The University of Alabama.

Lutz residents Emersen Angel, Renata Blatt, Danielle Kanas and Zoe Poulsen made the president’s list for earning a 4.0 GPA. Graydon Horn, of Odessa, also made the president’s list.

Madeline Griggs, of Odessa, made the dean’s list for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

 

Student achievements

• Jillian Abarca, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia for earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Froohar Barekat, of Lutz, was elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at University of South Florida.
• Salvador Antonio Castellanos, of Zephyrhills, earned a master’s degree in plant breeding at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
• Sietske Drijvers, of Wesley Chapel, made the spring dean’s list at Mercer University in Macon Georgia.
• Isabella Ann Gurau, of Dade City, earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.
• Ben Graziano, of Lutz, graduated magna cum laude from the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, New York with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
• Riley Hall, of Wesley Chapel, made the president’s list at Mercer University in Macon Georgia.
• Shannon Kendall, of Land O’ Lakes, made the spring dean’s list at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Gennaro Scarfogliero, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia for earning a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Joshua Smart, of Lutz, made the spring president’s list at Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi for earning a GPA of 4.0.
• Laura Vigna, of Wesley Chapel, made the dean’s list at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.

 

PHSC using automation tools for student retention

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College has launched a new vision focused on academic program expansion and student retention through collaboration, technology and automation. 

PHSC will use Banner Enterprise Resource Planning and Slate Customer Relationship Management systems to streamline communication, track student progress and promote new programs via targeted outreach. 

Strategies include personalized advising alerts, progress updates and interactive student engagement tools. 

 

Harrington rejoins PHSC board

NEW PORT RICHEY – Jeffrey Harrington rejoined Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees on May 20, after being reinstated to the board by Gov. Ron DeSantis. He represents Pasco County. 

Harrington initially departed from the board in May 2024 after serving the college since 2017. Harrington retired from being the chief deputy sheriff at the Pasco Sheriff’s Office in May 2024. 

Previously, he was the chief of police at the New Port Richey Police Department and served on the board of the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association.

 

PHSC welcomes trustees

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College recently welcomed two new Hernando County trustees to its District Board of Trustees. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Gene Bell and Kirk Wilson.

After an honorable discharge from the Vietnam War in August 1971, Bell joined his in-laws’ insurance business, Snow & Bell Inc., where he has served as the president since 1983. Bell was a member of the college’s first class to begin studies in 1972.

Wilson moved from Ohio to Brooksville in 1984, starting out in the Automotive Industry before establishing his first vending business across Pasco, Hernando, Citrus and Marion counties. After selling the vending business in 2001, he shifted to outdoor power equipment. Wilson serves as a managing partner at Green Acres Outdoor Power Equipment.

 

Shaw named chairman of education foundation

TAMPA – Sean Shaw has become chairman of the board of the Hillsborough Education Foundation.

Shaw is an attorney and a former state representative. He made history as the first African American nominee for Florida Attorney General. 

“Sean brings a strong and steady voice to our mission, rooted in integrity and a deep belief in the power of public education,” said Anna Corman, president and CEO of the Hillsborough Education Foundation. 

The foundation awarded over $1.4 million in scholarships in 2023-24 and continues expanding its student-focused programs.

“Public education shaped my life, and I believe every student deserves the same chance to succeed,” Shaw said. 

 

Saint Leo University hosting CSI Summer Camp

1. LEO – Saint Leo University will host its CSI Summer Camp from June 23 to 26 for middle and high school students at its Pasco County campus. 

Campers will explore crime scene investigation with hands-on activities like lifting fingerprints, casting impressions, photographing evidence and learning about bugs tied to decomposition. 

Faculty and criminal justice experts will guide campers as they dig into mock crime scenes and forensic techniques. 

The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes lunch. 

Register at https://csicamps.totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT.

 

Students earn degrees from University of Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Over 6,000 degrees were awarded during The University of Alabama’s spring 2025 commencement ceremonies at Coleman Coliseum. 

Local students earning degrees include:

• Abigail Elliott, of Lutz, earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration.
• Teresa Ford, of Lutz,  earned a Bachelor of Science in Education.
• Madeline Griggs, of Odessa,  earned a Bachelor of Science.
• Jensyn Nixon, of Odessa,  earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences.
• Zoe Poulsen, of Lutz,  earned a Bachelor of Arts.

 

Student Achievements

• Scott Brewer, of Lutz, made the spring provost’s list at Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions in Athens, Ohio for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
• Keenan Cruz, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at The University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio for earning a GPA of 3.550 or higher with no letter grade below a B.
• Ariana Freedman, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s and president’s lists at Shenandoah University at Winchester, Virginia for earning a GPA of 3.9 or higher. 
• Blake Graham, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list high honors at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College at Saint Mary Of The Woods, Indiana.
• Tanya Hallowell, of Odessa, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. 
• Anthony Iserino, of Wesley Chapel, made the spring dean’s list at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
• Zayne Jack, of Lutz, made the spring honors list at Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for earning a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
• Kierra James, of Odessa, a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree with a concentration in media entrepreneurship at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. 
• Mark Lucas, of Lutz, graduated with a Master of Business Admin – General Business from Troy University in Troy, Alabama. 
• Kaly Nguyen, of Wesley Chapel, earned a Bachelor of Arts at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Nguyen made the spring dean’s list for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
• Khushboo Patel, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• Destiny Sanchez, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont for earning a GPA of 3.40 or higher. 
• Vincent Michael VerPault, of Land O’ Lakes, made the dean’s list at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Georgia for earning a GPA of 3.6 or higher.
• Madelyn Watson, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s list at Shenandoah University at Winchester, Virginia for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. 
• Harley White, of Dade City, earned spring semester high honors at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Stevens Point, Wisconsin for earning a GPA of 3.75 to 3.89. 

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.