Education

Chalk Talk 05/31/2023

May 30, 2023 By Mary Rathman

Sarah Robison will serve on a youth council to advocate for a healthier, safer planet. (Courtesy of Sarah Robison)

Environmental youth council
Sarah Robison, of Lutz, a college sophomore and youth leader in environmental activism, has been selected to serve on Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Program’s 2023 Future Blue Youth Council (FBYC), a global group of diverse young leaders who will work together to empower peers to advocate for a healthier and safer future for the planet.

The Bow Seat Ocean nonprofit program is based in Massachusetts and its mission is to engage youth in ocean conservation and advocacy through arts.

The youth council members will mentor grantees of the international Fellowship Program, a by-youth, for-youth FBYC initiative that provides funding and guidance to young people who are addressing water-related challenges in their local communities.

Robison was selected from more than 50 applicants worldwide and will join 13 other young leaders on the 2023 Future Blue Youth Council.

Robison was awarded first place in the A Voice for Animals contest by the Humane Education Network and Animal Welfare Institution, in 2020.

Currently, she is the founder and president of the CARE Club, an international organization of high school and college students who are committed to making a positive impact on the planet.

Those interested can visit the club’s Instagram page: @careclub2023_2024.

For information about the youth council, visit BowSeat.org/get-involved/alumni/future-blue-youth-council.

Merit Scholars announced
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced this year’s National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners. The 2,500 students were chosen from more than 15,000 outstanding finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program.

The scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised information submitted by both the finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.

Each award is supported by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation’s own funds. These area students are among the $2,500 scholarship winners:

Thehan V. Atalugama, Land O’ Lakes High (Probable career field: Science/Research)
Andrews S. Domonkos, Land O’ Lakes High (Finance)
Kartikeye Gupta, Steinbrenner High (Science/Research)
Allen Ho, Land O’ Lakes High (Environmental Engineering)
Rishabh Kanodia, Land O’ Lakes High (Computer Science)
Saneyah Khan, Academy at the Lakes (Neuroscience)
Diganto N. Ray-Sarkar, Wesley Chapel home-school (Biomedical Engineering)
Joshua K. Selvan, Hillsborough High (Medicine)
Andria Wang, Land O’ Lakes High (Computer Engineering)

Commencement celebrations
More than 1,300 students participated in Saint Leo University’s commencement ceremonies on May 13, at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Students from the university’s main campus, its Florida locations, and those who study online throughout the world came together to celebrate their achievements and receive their doctoral, master, bachelor and associate degrees. University Campus undergraduate students received their bachelor and associate degrees, while graduate students in the College of Education and Social Services received their doctoral degrees in criminal justice and education, and master degrees in criminal justice, education, emergency and disaster management, human services administration, instructional design, and social work.

CSI Summer Camp
Saint Leo University will offer its CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) Summer Camp from June 18 through June 24 at the campus, 33701 County Road 52 (formerly State Road 52) in St. Leo.

The camp is open to rising high school juniors and seniors, ages 15 to 18, with parental consent.

Campers will experience hands-on and behind-the-scenes evidence collection, documentation and preservation as they work a variety of mock crime scenes.

Participants should expect to be involved in:

Practical exercises lifting fingerprints, casting foot and tire impressions, drawing and photographing evidence
Learning about types of bugs relating to crime scene decomposition
How to dig up human remains
Exercises about interview, interrogation and legal aspects of CSI, and then presenting their findings to a mock grand jury

Campers also can experience residence hall life and join other campers for meals, swimming, movies and other evening activities.

For more information, contact Nikki Heister at or 352-588-8487.

To register, visit CSICamps.totalcamps.com/shop/Event.

Student achievements

Maxwell Gebhart, Wesley Chapel: Master of Science (Biology), Minnesota State University-Mankato
Marissa Schabes, Lutz: Dean’s List, Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina
Alice Washburn, Odessa: Dean’s List, Marion Military Institute, Marion, Alabama

Online academy debuts
Covenant Journey Academy (CJA) recently made its national debut at the National Religious Broadcasters convention and at the Florida Parent Educators Association, which is the nation’s largest homeschool convention, according to a CJA news release.

The CJA is a full-service, kindergarten through 12th grade, online Christian academy available to anyone around the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It has more than 150 courses taught by certified teachers.

The academy’s mission is to offer families a biblically integrated alternative to an on-campus classroom.

In addition to homeschool, Covenant offers Christian school affiliation options.

CJA also offers six languages, including Spanish, French, Latin, German, Chinese, and American Sign Language. Students can begin Spanish as early as kindergarten.

To learn more, visit CJ.Academy online, or call 407-875-1967.

Homeschool Conference
The Tampa Bay Homeschool Conference is scheduled for July 22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at The Common at Trinity, 1540 Little Road in Trinity.

The keynote speakers will be Brenda Dickinson, founder/president, Home Education Foundation; and Nicole Thomas, founder/CEO of Nicole the Math Lady.

The conference’s mission is to inspire, educate and empower the community. Whether you are new to homeschooling, wondering if homeschooling is right for your family, or you’re a homeschooling veteran, there will be something for everyone at this event.

For details, visit TampaBayHomeschoolConference.com.

Weightman Middle School gym named for revered coach

May 30, 2023 By B.C. Manion

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, when the Pasco County School Board voted to name the gym at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School (TEMS), in honor of Thomas Mine, a longtime coach at the school.

The request for the honor came from Weightman’s Principal Donna Gricoski and the Weightman school community. The school is located at 30659 Wells Road, in Wesley Chapel.

Gricoski wrote a letter to the school board and Superintendent Kurt Browning seeking the honor for Coach Mine. She read from that letter at the board’s May 16 meeting.

Thomas Mine is surrounded by supporters on May 16, the evening the Pasco County School Board voted to name the Thomas E. Weightman Middle School gymnasium in honor of the longtime coach at the school. (Courtesy of Thomas E. Weightman Middle School)

“Coach Mine has been a teacher at Thomas E. Weightman (Middle School) since its inception 33 years ago,” Gricosi said.

“Besides being a physical education teacher at our school, he has also coached various extracurricular sports, such as football, track, soccer and basketball.

“He has won the most games in the history of Thomas E. Weightman, possibly even in the history of Pasco County.

“Coach Mine has won more than 25 district championships, in various sports. Many of his former players have gone on to play high school sports and beyond.

“In addition, some of his former students have also gone on to become coaches within our district.

“Throughout his years of service, Coach Mine has also taught the adaptive physical education classes to our students with varying special needs, held the title of athletic director for many years and ran multiple summer sports camps so that many children had the opportunity to play and try different sports.

“After 38 years of service to our district, Coach Mine continues to be a great coach and mentor to our students and community.

“He continues to share his knowledge and passion for sports and fitness daily with the students.

“If asked about his years of teaching, he will probably tell you that after all of these years, he continues to love his job.

“In recognition of his dedication and commitment to the students, staff and sports programs at Thomas E. Weightman, we request that the gymnasium at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School be named after Coach Thomas Mine,” she said.

In addition to the letter of support, a large contingent of the coach’s fans turned out at the school board meeting, in a show of affection and respect for him.

Mine was obviously touched by the tribute.

“First thank you for my friends and family for attending this evening and celebrating this very special honor,” Mine said.

He thanked the administration and his colleagues for spearheading the honor, and the school board and superintendent for approving it.

“At the end of this school year, I will have completed my 45th year of teaching — 38 in Pasco County. The last 32 at Thomas E. Weightman Middle,” Mine said.

“During this time, I have witnessed the Weightman family strive for excellence, with genuine care for each student, family and staff member.

“I have worked with awesome administrators, tremendous teachers, super students and families, and a terrific P.E. team, especially Coach (Brian) Dorkowski and Coach (Claudine) Nipps, for over 20 years.

“To put it simply, Weightman is a fantastic school. To have my name associated with TEMS is an honor and privilege for which I am sincerely grateful.

“Throughout my career, I have been supported with love and encouragement by my extraordinary family, my amazing wife Anne, and children, Jonathan, Jessica, (and) Zachary. Thank you, and I love you dearly.”

He also expressed appreciation for his colleagues at Weightman.

“I have the greatest admiration for all of you. Your dedication, commitment, professionalism and perseverance in everything you do, has inspired me to do my best each and every day.

“My years of teaching have provided me with a lifetime of friendships and happy memories that I will cherish forever.

“Thank you for this incredible honor,” Mine said.

Published May 31, 2023

Pasco School Board pays tribute to Dennis Alfonso

May 30, 2023 By B.C. Manion

At the Pasco County School Board meeting on May 16, there were flowers on the school board’s dais, in front of the seat where the board’s attorney, Dennis Alfonso, normally sat.

Alfonso, the board’s attorney for a quarter-century, lost his longterm battle with cancer, on the weekend before the board’s meeting.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning paid his respects to Alfonso during the board’s session.

“Dennis had battled cancer for a good number of years,” Browning said. “He fought the good fight, until Saturday morning, early.”

The Pasco County School Board and Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning recently paid tribute to Dennis Alfonso, the longtime school board attorney who recently passed away. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

The superintendent recalled that in his previous role, as Florida’s Secretary of State, Alfonso was one of the first attorneys to sue him, over the 2000 Election.

He characterized Alfonso as a dear friend, who was devoted to Pasco County Schools.

“He loved this district. His wife, Nancy (who also serves as the board’s attorney), loves this district. They raised their kids here and he was invested in this district,” Browning said.

The superintendent said he didn’t always agree with Alfonso, but he added that he will dearly miss him.

He recalled a phrase that Alfonso frequently used, when the attorney was about to reject one of Browning’s ideas.

“He’d say, ‘You know, I love you like a brother … But you can’t do what you want to do.’”

School board members also offered their condolences.

School board chairwoman Megan Harding began the meeting by offering a prayer for Alfonso’s family.

“Dennis has given our school district such wise counsel for over 25 years. I know, for me, he’s always been there to answer my questions, a sound mind — always made sure that we were following the law, within our district.”

Al Hernandez, the newest member on the board, said he didn’t know Alfonso as well as his colleagues, but he looked to him for guidance.

“I can tell you that as a new board member, the second phone call I got was from Dennis — talking about what I needed to do and what I shouldn’t be doing.

“He was definitely somebody I could call. Clearly, he is going to be missed.”

School board member Cynthia Armstrong said she frequently kidded Alfonso about how long it took him to answer a question.

“There was no short answer. With Dennis, what we knew is that we were going to understand every aspect of that answer and all of the nuances, and all of the different ways of looking at it. That just made it so valuable to us to have him as a board attorney.

“He was such a caring person. He cared so much for our district and for our students,” Armstrong said.

School board member Colleen Beaudoin struggled to maintain her composure, as she spoke about Alfonso’s contributions to the school district.

“Dennis was always available, to answer questions and to talk through concerns. He spent many evenings and weekends on the phone.”

He was particularly helpful during the COVID shutdown during the spring and summer of 2020, said Beaudoin, who was chairwoman at that time.

“It was a difficult time and I’m eternally grateful that he was at my side,” she said.

School board member Alison Crumbley described Alfonso this way: “He was kind and he was calm and he was great to have as our board attorney. He is going to be so terribly missed.”

Published May 31, 2023

Chalk Talk 05/24/2023

May 23, 2023 By Mary Rathman

Blake Carroll (Courtesy of Carol Carroll)

Newly commissioned officer
Blake Carroll, of Land O’ Lakes, graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, with a degree in management, and was commissioned as an officer on May 17. He also was the captain of the academy baseball team, and set season and career home run records there. Carroll is a graduate of Bishop Mclaughlin High School, Imagine Charter School, and Lake Myrtle Elementary School. His first assignment will be to serve as deck watch officer on the Coast Guard cutter, Venturous, in St. Petersburg.

Pasco Graduations
Pasco County graduation ceremonies will take place at the University of South Florida’s Yuengling Center, 12499 USF Bull Run Drive in Tampa, unless otherwise noted. For more information, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us.

May 23: Pasco eSchool, 6 p.m., River Ridge High School Center for the Arts, 11646 Town Center Road, New Port Richey

May 25: Marchman Technical College, 6 p.m., River Ridge Center for the Arts
June 1: Wendell Krinn Technical High School, 6 p.m., in the school gymnasium, 7650 Orchid Lake Road, New Port Richey

June 2: Gulf High School, 9 a.m.; Anclote High School, 1 p.m.; Cypress Creek High, 6 p.m.; Pasco High, 7:30 p.m. (Pasco High stadium)

June 3: River Ridge High, 9 a.m.; Zephyrhills High, 1 p.m.; Wiregrass Ranch, 6 p.m.

June 5: Hudson High, 9 a.m.; Land O’ Lakes High, 1 p.m.; Wesley Chapel High, 6 p.m.

June 6: Fivay High, 9 a.m.; Sunlake High, 1 p.m.; JW Mitchell High, 6 p.m.

Coast Guard appointment
The United States Coast Guard Academy has recognized Dylan J. Lolley, of Wesley Chapel, for superior academic achievement and leadership potential.

Lolley attends Cypress Creek High School and has accepted an appointment to attend the Coast Guard Academy and will be sworn in on June 26 as a member of the Class of 2027.

Fewer than 400 appointments are offered annually for admission to the Coast Guard Academy.

Cadets receive a full tuition scholarship and monthly stipend for a five-year service commitment to the Coast Guard upon graduation. All graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree and are guaranteed a position of leadership as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Robotics Teams win
The George Steinbrenner High School JROTC’s VEX Robotics teams traveled to the JROTC VEX Robotics National Championships, where 130 teams from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Command JROTC programs gathered to compete.

The Steinbrenner Warriors 1 team partnered with a team from JROTC Hawaii and finished first in their division.

The Steinbrenner Warriors 2 team partnered with a team from Indiana to finish first in their division, which set them up to face Warriors 1 in the final round for the national title.

Both alliances played a best-of-three titles match — Warriors 1 team won two out of three.

Warriors 1 earned the Divisional Champions and are the 2023 National Champions.

Warriors 2 are the runner-up in the national title, Divisional Champions, earned the Think Award for programming, and placed third in the skills competition.

Free summer program
The City of Zephyrhills Parks & Recreation will host a free summer recreation program from June 5 to July 6, Monday through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to noon, at R.B. Stewart Middle School, 38505 10th Ave., in Zephyrhills.

The program is open to students who have completed kindergarten through fifth-grade levels during the 2022-2023 school year.

Activities include art, bowling, movies, swimming, tennis, open gym activities, and more.

Space is limited to 120 students. Pre-registration is required online at ci.zephyrhills.fl.us/225/Summer-Recreation-Information.

Student achievements

Troy Bacon, Odessa: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester
Sabrina Burke, Odessa: Omicron Delta Kappa, Rollins College, Winter Park
Raul Dopico, Lutz: Omicron Delta Kappa, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg
David Hernandez, Lutz: Dean’s List, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester
Lillian Hilt, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, Tennessee
Amy Osterman, Lutz: Certificate Program, Family Nurse Practitioner, Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, Tennessee
Meredith Padellaro, Lutz: Master of Science in Nursing, Regis College, Weston, Massachusetts
Sarah Shortridge, Odessa: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester
Matthew Stewart, Odessa: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester
Steve Turpin, Lutz: President’s List, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester
Alice Washburn, Odessa: Marion Military Institute President’s List, Utah Military Academy

Best in Show
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis announced that Madeline Teague, a senior at Hernando High School, won the Best in Show at the 2023 Congressional Art Competition, in Land O’ Lakes. Teague used oil, acrylic and glitter to create her artwork entitled “Amour.” Her showpiece will be hung in the U.S. Capitol for the next year. The panel of judges, comprised of volunteers from Hernando and Pasco County Fine Arts Council, also chose a top piece of artwork from each county, which will hang in Bilirakis’ local offices for the next year.

Citrus County: Illiana Enger, Lecanto High, “Upstream”
Hernando County: Natalie Hartman, Spring Hill Christian Academy, “Faber Est Suae Fortunae”
Pasco County: Katelyn Morrison, J.W. Mitchell High School, “On Repeat”

Free art classes
The Prodigy Cultural Arts Program at Saint Leo University will offer free visual art classes for youth ages 10 to 13, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tuesday classes start on June 6 and will focus on clay work. Thursday classes start June 8 and will focus on studio art. The programs will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Saint Leo University, 33701 County Road 52 (formerly State Road 52) in St. Leo, in the Fine Arts Building, Room 107.

Prodigy is sponsored by the University Area Community Development Corp. (CDC) and the State of Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

The program uses visual arts to help youths build life skills, including communication, leadership, goal-setting and problem-solving skills.

For enrollment information and an application for the classes, contact Fignole Desir at or 813-558-5212, ext. 502; or email Lisa Rapp McCall at .

Homeschool Conference
The Tampa Bay Homeschool Conference is scheduled for July 22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at The Common at Trinity, 1540 Little Road in Trinity.

The keynote speakers will be Brenda Dickinson, founder/president, Home Education Foundation; and Nicole Thomas, founder/CEO of Nicole the Math Lady.

For details, visit TampaBayHomeschoolConference.com.

New classes at Lighthouse
Lighthouse Community School will begin offering classes for elementary school age children in the 2023-2024 school year, according to a news release. Lighthouse Preschool of Wesley Chapel already has 3- to 4-year-olds enrolled in its programs.

The community school model brings together aspects of homeschooling and the benefits of classroom learning. Students are given qualified instruction on campus two days per week. Parents are responsible for homeschooling two days per week using the curriculum and lesson plans sent home by the classroom teacher.

“After many years of requests from parents, we decided to expand Lighthouse to include these older students,” said Director Heather Olsen, in the release. “Our plan is to begin with two teachers in a combined kindergarten/first grade class and to add additional classes as more people express interest.”

Lighthouse Community School is a Christian school that meets at Grace Community Church, and is located 1.5 miles north of State Road 54, near Wesley Chapel District Park.

For information, visit LighthouseWesleyChapel.com. To schedule a tour, call 813-994-8678.

Connerton Elementary competes at world finals

May 23, 2023 By Mike Camunas

They’re set to take a real odyssey — not just one of the mind.

Connerton Elementary School’s Odyssey of the Mind team is competing at the World Finals, from May 24 and through May 27 at Michigan State University in East Lansing.

It’s a major accomplishment for a relatively new team.

Connerton Elementary’s Odyssey of the Mind team is headed to the World Finals starting May 24 in East Lansing, Michigan. The team competed in the state finals at the Orlando Convention Center in April, winning with their skit about an outer space restaurant. The team consists of students Abigail Sherburne, Alaina Marsh, Grayson Eaton, Mallory Zoller, McKinley Ruland, Noah Philpot and Riley Ruland, and coaches Krissie Marsh, Tricia Sherburne and Deidre Ruland. (Courtesy of Krissie Marsh)

Team members collaborated to use creative problem-solving to tackle a predefined long-term problem, involving many months of writing, design, construction and then, a theatrical performance.

“Usually, Odyssey of the Mind teams, they’re together for four or five years, and never make it this far (to the World Finals),” Connerton co-coach Deidre Ruland said. “For them to do this well and make it this far in the first year, we’re so proud.

“It is a pretty big deal,” she added. “They use everything they learn in school towards this and it involves a lot of thinking on their feet and problem-solving, so it just shows how well they all work together.”

The Connerton team won at the state finals at the Orlando Convention Center in April, securing a trip to the exciting event in Michigan. The team also came in third at regionals, held at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School in February.

The team is made up of five third-graders and two fifth-graders. Team members are Abigail Sherburne, Alaina Marsh, Grayson Eaton, Mallory Zoller, McKinley Ruland, Noah Philpot and Riley Ruland. The coaches are Krissie Marsh, Tricia Sherburne and Ruland

“They really had to work hard, together, to figure it out,” Krissie Marsh said. “They used it as a way to find their voices, their wits, their charm and creativity and once they did figure it all out, they did so well.

“Just seeing how they came up with making everything for the skit and all the writing, it was very creative.”

The team started on their project, or skit, back in October, with the first month dedicated to team building. During that time, they came up with a theme and plot, then started working on a script. Then, they moved on to designing the props and costumes for their skit.

Their dramatic performance is set against a rocket ship backdrop, to create a place called Zlupnark’s. There, an outer space restaurant patron is continuously ignored, unable to get what she wants from the establishment.

“The team is very theatrical, especially since we have a lot of great actresses,” Sherburne said. “I think that if the boys had their way, they would have done a lot more Lego building, but all the boys are great actors, too.

“So, as a project and as a team, they use everything from math, engineering, reading and writing, and then they’ll practice and practice and make sure all the props and costumes are done, so it’s a lot of work — and a lot of it on the weekends — all year-long.”

Odyssey of the Mind competitions, and judges, are keen on teams using creative problem-solving and on recycling materials to create sets, props, costumes and anything else their skit may need.

Connerton’s team accomplished that.

The students used Doritos bags, pool noodles, milk crates and other items “nearly considered trash” to design everything they needed — constantly refining the various elements until the next competition, the coaches said.

“All the kids, they look like aliens in their costumes,” Sherburne said. “Then they had to go online and research dramatic styles — both comedy and drama — as well as research ideas on how to use recycled materials. They did all the research and then figured it out themselves before winning the (state) competition.”

The team also must be prepared to stand in front of judges to respond to situations where they’ll need to problem solve, on the fly. That section of the competition is intended to demonstrate their ability to think on their feet.

“It’s a lot of critical thinking, but they are a very creative, quick-thinking team,” Sherburne added.

That will come in handy at the World Finals, a once-in-a-life trip for the team that needed to raise nearly $15,000 to attend.

Ruland said the achievement and the opportunity are huge.

Odyssey of the Mind is “an extracurricular activity that uses a lot of academics and problem-solving, so for a small team from Land O’ Lakes to go to the World Finals, it’s very impressive.

“Especially since they never quit, figured it all out and did it on their own.”

Odyssey of the Mind World Finals
When: May 24 to May 27
Where: Michigan State University
Details: A creative problem-solving program where team members present their solution at a competition to a predefined long-term problem that takes many months to complete and involves writing, design, construction and theatrical performance. A spontaneous portion of the competition requires the team to generate solutions to a problem it has not seen before.
Info: Visit OMWorldFinals.com.

Published May 24, 2023

Divided Pasco school board approves Patel Charter deal

May 23, 2023 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County School Board voted 3-2 to approve a partnership to advance a plan for a Patel Charter School, expected to open in 2025.

The parties making the agreement are the Pasco County School Board and Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel 2017 Foundation for Global Understanding Inc., a Florida not-for-profit corporation. The not-for-profit organization is referred to as Patel, throughout the agreement with the school board.

Under terms of the deal, the school board will donate 20 acres for the Patel charter high school and Patel will construct the school, in accordance with the state’s building code and its educational facilities standards.

As part of the agreement, at least two of the charter school’s board members will be Pasco County residents.

The school campus is planned at the school district’s Starkey/Tower site, where the school system owns 76 acres.

The district will retain 56 acres, which at some point could be used for a district school, according to information provided by district staff and background materials in the board’s May 16 agenda packet.

Patel plans to offer the Cambridge Programme, which is known for its rigor and/or a medical/health careers pathway program at a school being built for 1,000 students.

Since it is a charter school, a lottery system will be used to select students.

As part of the agreement Patel and the school board have agreed to enter into a Step-in Agreement, which gives the district the ability to step in, in the event the charter school fails for any reason.

That agreement confirms the charter school facility will be created to mitigate the educational impact created by the development of new residential dwelling units, and therefore the land will be donated to Patel. For its part, Patel will cover the costs associated with the design and construction, including reasonable costs associated with financing.

Patel also has agreed to pursue efforts to recruit Pasco students who have a free or reduced lunch status to attend the high school.

School board chairwoman Megan Harding and board members Cynthia Armstrong and Al Hernandez voted for the partnership. Board members Alison Crumbley and Colleen Beaudoin voted no.

The building design for Patel’s Pasco school will closely emulate its Hillsborough Charter Campus regarding room sizes, support spaces, building systems, and finishes, according to background materials.

School board member Armstrong made the motion to approve the partnership, citing several benefits of the deal.

She noted Patel’s “extremely good work” in Hillsborough County and expressed confidence it will provide the same quality of programming to Pasco County.

Armstrong added that the system would benefit because the charter would accommodate extra growth in an area where a new district high school is not yet scheduled.

She also noted the value of the land being donated is far less expensive than the costs associated with building the school.

Board member Hernandez, who seconded the motion, said he based his support primarily from considering the deal from a business perspective.

“We’re talking about donating 20 out of the 76 acres.

“We’re saving, potentially, $40 million in capital, here, which we can use,” he added, noting it may be possible to use some of those savings in other parts of the district.

“They (Patel) do a phenomenal job in Hillsborough County. I think it behooves us, as a business community, to actually bring the Patel family into our community, as well,” Hernandez said.

But board colleagues Beaudoin and Crumbley raised objections.

Both board members made it clear that their opposition in no way reflects on Patel.

Crumbley said she could not support giving away the land, when she voted on purchasing that site years ago to use for a district high school.

Both she and Beaudoin also object to having Patel offer the Cambridge Programme — something they believe the district should expand into Central Pasco.

Both women spoke passionately about Pasco’s great efforts and achievements with Cambridge. They want the district, not Patel, to provide the program in Central Pasco.

But Superintendent Kurt Browning said the district is not in a position to expand its Cambridge Programme until it is able to provide additional support for its existing Cambridge schools.

Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services, said she worked with Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd and Planning Director Chris Williams and Ash Bagdy, from Patel, to iron out the terms.

She also noted that school board attorney Nancy Alfonso reviewed the agreement.

Kuhn also pointed out that several provisions in the agreement protect the district’s interests.

Bagdy, who appeared on behalf of Patel, assured board members: “We are doing this for the right reasons. We have good intentions. This is our investment back into the community.

“It’s not a management company. It’s not a for-profit. None of us are on the payroll. It is truly something we want to do for the county, for the kids in that area.

“He (Dr. Kiran Patel) does not need to make money from this school.”

Published May 24, 2023

Chalk Talk 05/17/2023

May 16, 2023 By Mary Rathman

Woman’s club awards scholarships
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club announced it awarded a total of $16,000 in scholarships to students of the Class of 2023. Kelly Beilfuss and Humberto Martinez were each awarded a scholarship from the Lutz Volunteer Fire Department Endowment Fund, and Alessandra Digs, Allen Ho and Edyth Krook each received a Woman’s Club scholarship. From left: Elayne Bassinger, woman’s club president; Alessandra Diggs ($2,000), Allen Ho ($2,000), Kelly Beilfuss ($5,000), Edyth Krook ($2,000) and Lucy Albury, chair. Humberto Martinez ($5,000) is not pictured.

Student achievements

These Lutz students graduated from the University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, Kentucky: Emma Layman, Anusman Panda and Harika Yarlagadda.
Austin Sikes, Lutz: Flagler College, Bachelor of Arts in business administration
Kevin Spillane, Odessa: Dean’s List, at Berry College, Rome, Georgia

Cornhole fundraiser
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will host a PHSC Foundation Cornhole Tournament on May 20 at 11 a.m., at Backdraughts Pizza, 6351 Grand Blvd., in New Port Richey, to benefit the PHSC Foundation. There also will be a 50/50, live auction, raffles, and a guaranteed sponsor payout for first, second and third place. Participants should bring their own bags; six games are guaranteed. The cost is $25 through the Scoreholio App or the day of the tournament. For information, contact Lisa Yeager, foundation advancement coordinator, at 727-457-7888 or .

Outstanding seniors recognized
The Lexington Oaks Women’s Club bestowed merit awards to five outstanding seniors in its community, on May 1 at Bahama Breeze. Pictured clockwise, from left: Luciana Gutierrez, John Cole, Jack Carbone and Cameron Choate. Brian Roof was also honored but is not pictured.

Committee Town Hall
Pasco-Hernando State College, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey, will host a Cultural Competence Committee Town Hall on May 22 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., in Room R151. The guest speaker will be Meriel Martinez, program director at the Nonprofit Leadership Center, with a presentation on “Leading Inclusive Teams.” Registration is online at EventBrite.com.

Musicians needed
First United Methodist Church, 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will host a Community Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29 at 6 p.m., to honor those who gave their lives fighting for freedom. The event is looking for high school teen musicians to join — one or two trumpet players and two or three drummers are needed. For information, email , or call 813-575-8339.

Youth Ambassador Program
The World Literacy Foundation (WLF) is looking for young people who would like to be an advocate and changemaker for the issue of illiteracy, over the summer. The organization is accepting applications for its Summer 2023 Youth Ambassador Program, a four-month youth leadership development program that provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective advocates for literacy in their communities and around the world, according to a WLF news release. Young people between the ages of 16 and 30 are eligible to apply to the free program. Applications must be submitted through the WLF online portal before May 26. The ambassador program will begin on June 6.

Interested individuals can access the online application at WorldLiteracyFoundation.org/ambassador-program.

(Courtesy of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation)

Local student’s showpiece in museum
Savannah Gagen, a student at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, holds her artwork that will be displayed in the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. Her piece is entitled, ‘Poise of Harmony and the Absurd.’ Gagen lives in the Dade City area.

Homeschool Conference
The Tampa Bay Homeschool Conference is scheduled for July 22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at The Common at Trinity, 1540 Little Road in Trinity. The keynote speakers will be Brenda Dickinson, founder/president, Home Education Foundation; and Nicole Thomas, founder/CEO of Nicole the Math Lady. The conference’s mission is to inspire, educate and empower the community. Whether you are new to homeschooling, wondering if homeschooling is right for your family, or you’re a homeschooling veteran, there will be something for everyone at this event.

For details, visit TampaBayHomeschoolConference.com.

Lighthouse Community School is a Christian school that meets at Grace Community Church, and is located 1.5 miles north of State Road 54, near Wesley Chapel District Park.

For information, visit LighthouseWesleyChapel.com. To schedule a tour, call 813-994-8678.

Chalk Talk 05/10/2023

May 9, 2023 By Mary Rathman

West Point bound
Theodore Spiegel, of Wesley Chapel, is a 2022 graduate of Land O’ Lakes High School and he received a fully paid West Point Association of Graduates of the USMA Preparatory Scholarship in February 2022.

Spiegel was one of 35 high school students in the country to receive the scholarship. He is currently attending the Marion Military Institute (MMI) in Alabama, a prep military institute to prepare him to attend West Point. His rank at MMI is staff sergeant.

Spiegel received his congressional nomination from Rep. Gus Bilirakis this past January and his appointment to West Point in February. He is now in transition to attend West Point in the fall and will depart for cadet boot camp on June 26.

Classes will begin on Aug. 13.

Alternative Peer Group
Victory High School in New Port Richey will host an Alternative Peer Group from May 15 through July 27, for youth ages 14 to 19 who have a substance use disorder or co-occurring disorder and no sex or violent offenses. The program will run Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with two weeks off: May 29 to June 2 and July 3 to July 7.

The group will take educational field trips to discover new career options, trades, vocational opportunities and tour colleges, and it will participate in sober, fun activities in Tampa Bay. There also will be yoga, art, and sound healing sessions.

To register, visit SummerAtVictory.com.

Musicians needed
First United Methodist Church, 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will host a Community Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29 at 6 p.m. The event is looking for high school teen musicians to join — one or two trumpet players and two or three drummers are needed. For information, email .

(Courtesy of Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Student Citizens recognized
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has named its Student Citizens of the Month, for April. Students are chosen by the teachers and administration of their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. This is the 25th year for the program. Students receiving the honor were: Jeremiah Andino, Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Arianna Harris, The Broach School; McKenzie LaHaye, The Broach School Elementary Campus; Violet Barton, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School; Odessa Benton, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Jules Wright, Heritage Academy; Vivianna Santos, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Lillian Burton, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Wyatt Cooner, Woodland Elementary; and Yaxiel Nieves Natal, Zephyrhills High

The cost is $25 through the Scoreholio App or the day of the tournament. For information, contact Lisa Yeager, foundation advancement coordinator, at 727-457-7888 or .

Youth Ambassador Program
The World Literacy Foundation (WLF) is looking for young people who would like to be an advocate and changemaker for the issue of illiteracy, over the summer.

The organization is accepting applications for its Summer 2023 Youth Ambassador Program, a four-month youth leadership development program that provides participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective advocates for literacy in their communities and around the world, according to a WLF news release.

Young people between the ages of 16 and 30 are eligible to apply to the free program.

Applications must be submitted through the WLF’s online portal before May 26. The ambassador program will begin on June 6.

Interested individuals can access the online application at WorldLiteracyFoundation.org/ambassador-program.

Student achievements
These local students were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most-selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines:

Grace Ackerman, Lutz – Elon University
Zachary Board, Lutz – University of North Florida
Brody Grissom, Odessa – University of Florida

The Alexander Graham Bell Honor Society at Curry College, in Milton, Massachusetts, welcomed Angelo Sardegna, of Lutz, for academic excellence.

Stepping up for Maniscalco
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club stepped up when Lutz Guv’na Atlas Cortecero brought to its attention Maniscalco Elementary School was in urgent need of a secure, locked and mobile medical cabinet for its nurse’s office. The club wasted no time in donating $1,450 toward the purchase of a suitable cabinet. From left: Atlas Cortecero; Maniscalco staff and Trish Long (holding check); woman’s club president Elayne Bassinger; and club members Linda Buzzee, Linda Mitchell and Pam Blumenthal.

Homeschool Conference
The Tampa Bay Homeschool Conference is scheduled for July 22 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at The Common at Trinity, 1540 Little Road in Trinity.

The keynote speakers will be Brenda Dickinson, founder/president, Home Education Foundation; and Nicole Thomas, founder/CEO of Nicole the Math Lady.

The conference’s mission is to inspire, educate and empower the community. Whether you are new to homeschooling, wondering if homeschooling is right for your family, or you’re a homeschooling veteran – there will be something for everyone at this event.

For details, visit TampaBayHomeschoolConference.com.

New school projects coming, using Penny for Pasco tax proceeds

May 2, 2023 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County Schools is planning two elementary school renovation projects and two athletic facility renovation projects using proceeds from Penny for Pasco, a sales tax approved by voters.

Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services, told the Pasco County School Board recently that the district has prioritized renovation of West Zephyrhills Elementary School and Cypress Elementary School, as two of the newest projects to use Penny for Pasco proceeds.

Pasco County Schools plans to use a portion of the Penny for Pasco proceeds to build new schools, including one in the Bexley area, off State Road 54. (File)

The district also has selected Pasco and Land O’ Lakes high schools for its first athletic renovation projects, Kuhn told the school board, during its April 18 meeting.

The Pasco High project also includes a classroom wing and the renovation and expansion of the school’s kitchen and cafeteria.

The elementary school projects will be in design during the coming school year and then construction will begin after that, Kuhn said.

West Zephyrhills Elementary School was originally built in 1958. Cypress Elementary School was built in 1973.

Penny for Pasco is a 1-cent government infrastructure sales tax initially adopted in March 2004, and was in effect from Jan. 1, 2005 through Dec. 31, 2014.

Voters then extended it for 10 years, with that renewal going from Jan. 1, 2015 through Dec. 31, 2024.

In the November 2022 general election, Pasco voters overwhelmingly voted to extend the tax, this time for 15 years, beginning Jan. 1, 2025 and running through Dec. 31, 2039.

The extension was approved by 64.7% of the voters. It is expected to yield about $1.9 billion in revenues, which will be split between the school district, the county and the county’s municipalities. The school district and county each would receive 45% and the municipalities would share the remaining 10%.

Before the tax was adopted, the school district identified a number of new schools that will be supported by the 15-year extension of the tax. The district also uses state funds and impact fees to help pay for new school construction.

Some of the new schools expected to use Penny proceeds include:

A new elementary school near the Bexley development, off State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes
A K-8 school in the State Road 52 corridor, in an area known as the Central Pasco Employment Village, also in Land O’ Lakes
A K-8 school, in the State Road 54 corridor, near Ballantrae
A K-8, or whatever is needed, in the Villages of Pasadena Hills, between Wesley Chapel and Dade City

But those are just some of the projects the school district expects to support with Penny funding.

It also is planning school expansions and upgraded athletic facilities, and it expects to add computers in schools, enhance the district’s computer network, fortify the safety on its campuses, improve safety at driver pickup locations at schools, and address other needs.

Published May 03, 2023

Chalk Talk 05/03/2023

May 2, 2023 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Mary McCoy, Saint Leo University)

A collaborative effort
Members of the public and Saint Leo students and alumni attended a Community Expo presented by Saint Leo University and Moffitt Cancer Center on April 14, as the two institutions partnered to offer job and education opportunities to area residents, students and alumni. Moffitt is building a medical research and innovation center on 775 acres in Land O’ Lakes in Pasco County, and Saint Leo is helping to educate students and provide a talent pipeline. Both institutions are collaborating to support substantive social and economic impact, noted Dr. Mark Gesner, vice president of community engagement and communications, in a news release.

A look at Dylan Zuccarello’s design rendering selected to win new furniture for his classroom. (Courtesy of Alden Iaconis, Keybridge Communications)

Teacher wins furniture
First-year math and science teacher Dylan Zuccarello of Lawton Chiles Elementary School in New Tampa is one of three winners in a national classroom furniture giveaway from furniture-maker KI. He was selected from nearly 500 entries and won in a poll of nine finalists, according to a news release.

After submitting his classroom design, Zuccarello was awarded $40,000 worth of furniture to bring his vision to life.

The teacher wanted his classroom to make students excited to come to school and make it easy for kids to connect and interact with each other, something he said he would have loved to have had back when he was a student.

His design focused on creating different zones to ensure his students would be comfortable no matter their communication or learning style.

Literacy for Families
PBS Kids will present “Literacy for Families” on May 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa.

Participants can discover a variety of pre-reading/reading/language-based games, crafts and other suggestions that promote literacy.

The program is designed for families and their children ages 3 to 5. A family is considered a parent/guardian plus one or two children.

Registration is required. For information, call 727-815-7126.

Student achievements
• Emily Flinter, of Lutz, was initiated into the Emory University Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society.
• Payton VanNort, of Lutz, is a member of the production crew for Marietta College’s (Ohio) performance of “Spring Awakening.” VanNort is majoring in theater-directing and is working as an assistant stage manager in the production.

Summer Open House
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of South Florida (OLLI-USF) will host a Summer Open House on May 11 at 10 a.m., at the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club, 200 Inverness Ave., in Temple Terrace.

OLLI is a member-based learning community of adults age 50 and older. It offers classes, workshops, lectures, events and social networking, and provides high-quality, low-cost learning opportunities for adults. Visit USFSeniors.org for more information.

The open house will highlight the 100 liberal arts and technology classes and lectures that will be offered both in person and online, and guests can meet the faculty.

The keynote speaker will be retired professor Howard Kerner on the topic of “History: Why Don’t We Know the Names of the Good?” Kerner researches and shares uplifting and inspiring stories of human goodness during the Holocaust.

To RSVP for the event, call 813-974-5848.

Alternative Peer Group
Victory High School in New Port Richey will host an Alternative Peer Group from May 15 through July 27, for youth ages 14 to 18 who have a substance use disorder or co-occurring disorder and no sex or violent offenses.

The program will run Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with two weeks off: May 29 to June 2 and July 3 to July 7.

The group will take educational field trips to discover new career options, trades, vocational opportunities and tour colleges, and it will participate in sober, fun activities in Tampa Bay.

There also will be yoga, art, and sound healing sessions.

For more information, visit FloridaRecoverySchoolsOfTampaBay.com.

Spirit Night
Pasco County Schools will celebrate education with a Spirit Night at the Tampa Bay Rays’ game on May 20 at 4:10 p.m., at Tropicana Field.

Lower-level seating is $19. The deadline to purchase tickets is May 8. A portion of each ticket purchased will benefit the Pasco Education Foundation.

For tickets, visit tinyurl.com/3w8ram5k.

There also will be a 50/05, live auction, raffles, and a guaranteed sponsor payout for first, second and third place.

Participants should bring their own bags; six games are guaranteed.

The cost is $25 through the ScoreHolio App or the day of the tournament.

For information, contact Lisa Yeager, foundation advancement coordinator, at 727-457-7888 or .

Lighthouse Community School is a Christian school that meets at Grace Community Church, and is located 1.5 miles north of State Road 54, near Wesley Chapel District Park.

For information, visit LighthouseWesleyChapel.com. To schedule a tour, call 813-994-8678.

Athletics director recognized for his loyalty

Steve Winterling (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Steve Winterling, athletics director for Pasco-Hernando State College, has received the NJCAA Loyalty Award, an honor awarded only 22 times in the history of the National Junior College Athletic Association, according to a news release.

Winterling is the first in Florida and FCSAA Region 8 to receive the award.

The Loyalty Award is given to an active athletic director in the NJCAA that has worked to uphold the ideals of the organization. Significant to this award is leadership in an athletic program exemplifying excellence both on the field or court and in the classroom.

“I think being there for our student-athletes and their academic success is very important and has always been a high priority for us,” said Winterling, in the release.

Winterling has served as the athletics director at Pasco-Hernando State College since 2018 and was the head baseball coach for the Bobcats for 27 years prior.

He started Pasco-Hernando State’s first intercollegiate baseball team in March 1991 and in 1994 took the Bobcats to its first FCSAA State Tournament, finishing as state runner-up.

In 1995, the program won the Suncoast Conference and made its second appearance in the state tournament. He built the Pasco-Hernando State College athletics program by recruiting quality student-athletes to play against top competition throughout the state of Florida. More than 30 players have signed professional contracts and many others have gone on to four-year institutions.

Winterling also is heavily involved on the national level as the chair of the NJCAA Division II Softball Committee and a member of the NJCAA Division II Volleyball Committee. In 2021, Winterling was selected into the FCSAA Hall of Fame, and in 2022 was inducted into the Paso-Hernando State Walk of Fame.

“I enjoy watching them compete, but mainly getting to see their journey and know them as people,” said Winterling.

Principal Chris Dunning accepts the National Demonstration Magnet School award on behalf of Wendell Krinn Technical High. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

High honors for tech school
Wendell Krinn Technical High School (KTech) has been awarded the designation as a National Demonstration School by Magnet Schools of America (MSA), according to a news release.

This rare distinction means the school has met MSA standards at the highest levels and can now serve as a model for schools around the nation interested in establishing successful magnet schools and magnet programs.

The A-rated school in New Port Richey offers technical programs that prepare students for college and careers in biomedical science, cybersecurity, automotive maintenance, culinary arts, welding, robotics, and other fields.

“This says a lot about the high level of the programs and instruction we offer our students,” said Krinn Principal Chris Dunning, in the release.

“It is truly a collaborative effort involving all the teachers, staff and administrators at KTech and at Marchman Technical College,” said Dunning.

Some Marchman instructors teach KTech students.

Superintendent of the Year
Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning has been named Superintendent of the Year by Magnet Schools of America, a national honor that acknowledges Browning’s commitment to expanding school choice in Pasco, according to a news release.

Browning was elected as superintendent in 2012, identifying a need to expand opportunities and choices for students and families in Pasco County.

At that time, the school district had two International Baccalaureate magnet programs.

These three programs have since been implemented: Cambridge Programme, STEAM/STEM, and the expansion of International Baccalaureate, each of which has a K-12 feeder pattern in designated pathways in the school district.

Over the course of the last 10 years, the district has implemented 26 new magnet schools and programs with topics and fields of study based on community need and student interest.

“This national recognition says a lot about our district’s laser focus on expanding choices for families,” said Browning, after receiving the award, the release said.

“We have been determined to provide world-class programs that prepare students for college, career and life. …Everyone shares in this honor: our teachers and students, our administrators, our school board, and our entire school community for really embracing this effort,” said Browning.