Education

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. 

 

PHSC picks interim president

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Students can get bus discounts

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

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

Find Summer Haul Passes at these locations:

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

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

 

Event delves into ministry and education

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

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

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

Guest speakers include:

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

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

 

Students meet the dogs that inspired their AI chatbots

NEW PORT RICHEY – Scholar Education gave teachers a moment to “paws and relax” May 8 during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Educators at Pepin Academies met Bruce and Baxter – the Bernedoodles that inspired Scholar Education’s AI-powered avatars, PAWfessor Bruce and BaxterBot.

“It’s always relaxing to see dogs,” teacher Amy McBride said. “It’s a nice break.”

Teachers at Pepin Academies are piloting Scholar Education’s program on its three campuses. The platform uses AI chatbots designed as playful dogs to serve as virtual companions. 

Students receive personalized, real-time academic support in an engaging way while teachers gain insight into students’ questions and progress. 

Scholar Education says AI-assisted lesson planning saves an average of five hours a week.

“Embracing new technology is just one of the many ways teachers are working tirelessly to enhance learning and prepare students for the future,” Scholar Education co-founder Marlee Strawn said. “Staying ahead of the curve takes time, passion and an open mind and that’s why we’re so proud to honor and thank these inspiring educators for all they do.”

During the visit, students connected with the real-life personalities behind the digital helpers.

“Especially for our younger students, it’s a big deal to realize these AI dogs are based on real pets,” McBride said. “I tell them, ‘Someday, you could create a program based on your own dog.’”

 

Student Achievements

• Madeline Rodriguez, of Lutz, graduated with a BFA in graphic design from Flagler College.
• Joseph Wright, a junior engineering major from Lutz, made the President’s List at Bob Jones University. Students had to earn a GPA of at least 3.75.
• Southern New Hampshire University said these students made the President’s List: Lutz students Kory Hilton, Holly Hsu and Nancee El-Massri as well as Odessa students Fidel Johnson and Piper Ray. Students had to earn a GPA of at least 3.7.
• Abby Greene, of Lutz, made the Dean’s List at Pennsylvania Western University. Students must earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher.
• Justin Matthews and Reese Nuckols, of Odessa, made the Dean’s List at Southern New Hampshire University. Students must earn a GPA between 3.5 to 3.699.
• Anna Stout, of Land O Lakes, made the Dean’s List at MidAmerica Nazarene University. Students must earn a GPA between 3.5 to 3.99.

Pasco County Schools wants to build relationships

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

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

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

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

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

 

District hires CTE director

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

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

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

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

 

Joens takes office role

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

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

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

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

 

Quick Hits

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

 

Saint Leo U hosting summer residency

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Email Gianna Russo at for details. 

 

PCS cheers STEM students

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

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

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

Winners were as follows: 

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

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

 

Grads to turn tassels

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

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

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

The top performer for Saint Leo’s graduating seniors from its education centers, with a 4.0 cumulative GPA and a minimum of at least 60 credit hours, is Leslie Willis from Brooksville, FL, who is earning a bachelor’s in elementary education.

 

AP exams go digital

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

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

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

 

Schools receive new trees

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

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

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

 

Quick Hits

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

Student artwork supports art education in schools

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Saint Leo University marks record-breaking Giving Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Students, schools recognized for civic engagement

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

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

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

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

Elementary school winners:

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

Middle school winners:

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

 

Dashow gets in honor society

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

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

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

 

Culpepper makes Who’s Who

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

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

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