The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

New addition planned at Starkey K-8

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The Pasco County School Board has approved an architectural services contract with Harvard Jolly Architecture for a new classroom wing at Starkey K-8, a school in the Starkey development, at 12200 Lake Blanche Drive, in Odessa.

Residential growth has been booming and Pasco County Schools anticipates adding new schools in a number of locations to accommodate the growth.

Several schools are included in the school district’s plan for how it would spend proceeds from the extension of the Penny for Pasco 1-cent surtax, should voters approve the 15-year tax extension in November. This project is not on that list.

Starkey K-8, which is in Central Pasco, opened in the 2021-2022 school year.

The agreement with Harvard Jolly, adopted by the school board as part of its consent agenda, calls for reusing a design for a two-story classroom building addition the architecture firm designed for Sumner High School in Hillsborough County.

The planned classroom wing, estimated at $9.5 million, will involve adding 20 classrooms.

Starkey K-8 is the district’s first school designed to serve as a kindergarten through eighth grade school. It is within a public-private partnership project which includes a public library, with shared use by the public and Starkey Ranch K-8 students, a cultural arts theater and an adjacent district park.

Published June 15, 2022

Chalk Talk 06/08/2022

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A line of 55 pictures of students from Country Walk splits in the intersection of Country Point Boulevard and English Turn Way. It resumes with high school graduates and others. (Fred Bellet)

Country Walk celebrates Class of 2022
Motorists entering Country Walk had a chance to celebrate graduates of all ages, with signs bearing photographs of their favorite graduates.

The tradition got its start during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to George O’Connor, a resident there. The parents and grandparents purchase signs with their favorite graduate’s photo, which are then put on display, he said.

Mindy Gammage placed the signs in the median of the community’s main entrance.This year, 55 graduates were featured.

(Courtesy of Shantel Meyers)

Woman’s club awards scholarships
The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Cub presented its 2022 scholarship winners with certificates of congratulations. One of the scholarships was a generous donation from a supporting couple of the woman’s club, and was named in honor of the wife’s father who was a school teacher for more than 30 years. The A. Joseph DeGennaro scholarship was awarded to Lana Guzman. From left: Marie Ambrosino, club scholarship chairman; and scholarship winners Brianna Harris, Isabella Villegas-Lombeyda and Lana Guzman. Harris will be attending Saint Leo University, and Villegas-Lombeyda and Guzman will be attending the University of Florida.

 

 

 

Summer meals program
Pasco County Schools Summer Food Service program began June 6 and continues through July 29.

Breakfasts and lunches will be provided Monday through Thursday to anyone age 18 and younger, at various West Pasco, Central Pasco and East Pasco schools.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs will receive meals on campus while attending the program.

For school locations, visit Connectplus.pasco.k12.fl.us/summerfoodpasco/site-locations/.

Additionally, buses will be available at these locations, also Monday through Thursday:

  • Hilltop Landings Apartments, 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City
  • Resurrection House Park, 37124 Lock St., Dade City
  • Trilby United Methodist Church, 37504 Trilby Road, Dade City
  • Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
  • Crystal Springs Community Center, 1655 Partridge Blvd., Zephyrhills

For questions and information, email .

Summer Haul Pass
Students can ride GoPasco County Public Transportation buses on regular routes all summer, for just $20. The special rate is effective June, July and August 2022.

Summer Haul Passes are available at these locations:

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

For more information, visit bit.ly/SummerBusPass.

Student achievements

  • William Brockman, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • Austin Brown, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • Hannah Coleman, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • Kassidy Gordon, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College
  • John Martinez, of Dade City, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Management, from Union University (Jackson, Tennessee)
  • Ryleigh McElroy, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Talllahassee Community College
  • JoAna Mucklow, of Odessa, Chancellor’s Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi. Mucklow is majoring in general business.
  • Mykayla Christine Parise-King, of Lutz, Honor Roll of the Academic Dean at Mars Hill University (North Carolina)
  • Brynnan Popper, of Odessa, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College

Fee adjustment meeting
Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its board meeting on June 21 at 6 p.m., at the North Campus.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing. Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu, and click on Policies and Procedures, Public Disclosures.

Hats off, grads!

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The Laker/Lutz News salutes grads of all ages!

There were lots of big moments being celebrated around our coverage area in recent weeks, and there will be more before Graduation Season 2022 concludes.

Whether your favorite graduate was making the transition from prekindergarten, finishing up a doctoral degree, or progressing at any stage in between — it was a time to pause and celebrate.

We invited you to share photos of your favorite graduates, and you responded.

Here’s a look at the gallery of photos we compiled.

Alexandra Paige Hendrix is a member of the Land O’ Lakes High School Class of 2022. Her mother, Lara Hendrix Brennan writes: ‘She loves God, family, friends, playing golf and animals. Alexandra will be attending Pasco-Hernando State College in the fall.’ (Courtesy of Lara Hendrix Brennan)
Cannon Frisco is a member of the Sunlake High School Class of 2022. Tammy Frisco writes: ‘Cannon will graduate with cum laude honors. He also won the Senior Superlative for Best Smile.’ Cannon plans to pursue the path to become an emergency medical technician/paramedic and firefighter. (Courtesy of Tammy Frisco)
Daniel Urbonas is the IB Valedictorian of the Class of 2022 at Land O’ Lakes High School. He is a National Merit Scholar and will attend the University of Florida, studying in the College of Engineering, Honors Program. (Courtesy of Pam and Allan Urbonas)
Ellie Guglietta graduated from voluntary pre-kindergarten at Kids’ Stuff Preschool, in Lutz. Jessie Guglietta writes: ‘When asked, Ellie wants to be a dog sitter, and singer and songwriter when she grows up. But for now she enjoys school, swimming and Disney!’ (Courtesy of Jessie Guglietta)
Nathan Christ is a graduate of Discovery Point Terra Bella in Land O’ Lakes. Victoria Christ writes: ‘He is very excited to graduate VPK (vol- untary pre-kindergarten).’ (Courtesy of Victoria Christ)
Trinity Swets is a member of the Class of 2022 at Land O’ Lakes High School. Katy Swets writes: ‘In this photo, she is at her annual dance banquet, for Contempo School of Dance. She currently is a dance student at Contempo, as well as a teacher.’ Trinity plans to continue to teach dance at Contempo and to attend Pasco-Hernando State College, in the fall. (Courtesy of Katy Swets)
Andrea Burgess is a graduate from Steinbrenner High School. She is the great-niece of Mary Jane Weeks, an account manager for The Laker/Lutz news. Mary Jane writes: ‘She graduated with a 6.04 GPA and will attend the University of South Florida this fall, working toward a double major in computer science and music. I am so proud of her.’ (Courtesy of Mary Jane Weeks)
Ethan Carnahan, of Lutz, graduated with honors from Hillsborough Virtual K-12. He will be attend- ing Florida Polytechnic University in the fall. (Shana Carnahan)
Katilyn Tawzer poses on her big day. Terry and Carroll Carpenter, longtime residents of Lutz, submitted this photo of their grand-daughter, Kaitlyn Tawzer, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. Her grandparents were there to see their first grandchild to graduate from college. Kaitlyn is a graduate of Blake High School. Her family lives in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Terry and Carroll Carpenter)
Lutz resident Mariah Tirado is a member of the Gaither High School Class of 2022. Her mom, Carolann Newsome, writes: ‘We are so proud of Mariah, she is truly one of a kind. She loves cowboy boots and rac- ing. Mariah races go-karts at Dirt Devils Speedway in Land O’ Lakes. She plans to become a Realtor.’ (Courtesy of Carolann Newsome)
Tracy Gaschler, who describes her- self as a super-proud momma, writes: ‘Rebecca Gaschler, of Lutz, graduat- ed with honors from the University of Central Florida Burnett Honors College with degrees in political sci- ence, pre-law and psychology. The National Merit scholar is the 2022 Austyn White Memorial Award recipi- ent for her contributions to the UCF Moot Court team, She placed in nationals this year.’ (Courtesy of Tracy Gaschler)
Daniella Gutiérrez graduated from Wesley Chapel Elementary School and will attend Thomas Weightman Middle School. Karem De La Hoz writes: ‘Good luck in middle school and remember, a positive mindset brings positive things.’ (Courtesy of Karem De La Hoz)
Kelsey Strigler, a graduate from Wiregrass Ranch High School, is heading to Florida State University. (Courtesy of Tara Strigler)
Kylie Strigler, left, and Delaney Strigler are both graduates of eighth grade at John Long Middle School, in Wesley Chapel. They’ll be attend- ing Wiregrass Ranch High School. (Courtesy of Tara Strigler)
Sebastian Gutierrez is a graduate of the Class of 2022 from Wesley Chapel High School. Karem De La Hoz writes: ‘Sending warm congratu- lations today and wishing you all the best at Wittenberg University. We are so proud of you!’ (Courtesy of Karem De La Hoz)
Nicole Sanchez is a graduate of the Class of 2022 from Saint Leo University, in St. Leo. She’s the digital content assistant for The Laker/Lutz News. The Laker/Lutz News staff says to Nicole: ‘We’re proud to salute our very own graduate! Congratulations, Nicole. We’re happy you’re part of our team.’ (Courtesy of Nicole Sanchez)
Rielly Perez, who played varsity baseball, and Brooke Lea, who played varsity softball, are both graduates of the Zephyrhills High School Class of 2022. Hiedi Perez writes that Rielly and Brooke have been friends since elemen- tary school and both are big believers in giving back to the community. Rielly will attend Nova Southeastern University. Brook will
attend the University of Central Florida. (Courtesy of Heidi Perez)
Everett Walker graduated from kinder- garten in Alpine, Wyoming. He lives with his mom, dad and little brother, Evan. He attends Thayne Elementary School. He is the great-nephew of Mary Jane Weeks, account manager for The Laker/Lutz News. (Courtesy of Mary Jane Weeks)
Kaylee Grace Billek is a volunteer prekindergarten graduate from The Cherry Tree. Shannon Billek writes, ‘I can’t believe your VPK year is over! Kaylee girl, you are the answer to my dreams. I am so proud of you and beyond excited you are now a Wildcat! Kindergarten here she comes!!!’ (Courtesy of Shannon Billek)
Luna Mistretta, 5, graduated from VPK at Temple Terrace Presbyterian Weekday School in Temple Terrace on May 26. She said she wants to be “a copy editor like Mama” when she grows up. She is the daughter of Ashley and Matthew Mistretta, art director of The Laker/Lutz News. (Courtesy of Ashley Mistretta)

Pasco School Board identifies how it would spend ‘Penny’ proceeds

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Woodland Elementary School’s cafeteria is now more spacious, allow- ing more children to eat at the same time. It also has a new stage, enabling the school to hold larger events. Those improvements were done using proceeds from the Penny for Pasco surtax. (FILE)

The Pasco County School Board has identified how it would spend its share of proceeds from a proposed extension of the Penny for Pasco surtax.

Voters will decide in November if they favor extending the tax. The special 1-cent sales tax initially was adopted in March 2004, and was in effect from Jan. 1, 2005 through Dec. 31, 2014. Voters extended it for 10 years, with that renewal going from Jan. 1, 2015 through Dec. 31, 2024.

Now, voters are being asked for another renewal — this time for 15 years, from Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2039.

The school district, Pasco County and the county’s municipalities share the proceeds, with the school district and county each receiving 45% and the municipalities splitting 10%.

The school board adopted a resolution listing specific projects, as well as spending categories, for the estimated $1 billion that it would receive in additional revenues.

The proposed list includes numerous new schools.

Those new schools on the list include a new elementary in the Bexley development and a K-8 in the Ballantrae area. Both of those developments are off State Road 54, in Central Pasco.

The district is proposing a K-8 in the emerging Central Pasco Employment Village, off State Road 52, west of Interstate 75. Another K-8 is expected in the Village of Pasadena Hills, which is between Wesley Chapel and Dade City.

The district also would use Penny for Pasco funds to add computers in schools, upgrade the district’s computer network, fortify the safety on its campuses, upgrade athletic facilities and improve safety at driver pickup locations at schools, among other things.

The county proposes to spend its portion of the tax revenues this way: 40% for transportation, 20% for economic development, 20% for public safety; and, 20% for environmental lands, as well as park infrastructure.

The chart below is a look at the Pasco School Board’s proposed list of projects, based on a resolution the board approved on May 17.

Proposed Penny for Pasco projects*

SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

  • Gulf Middle School new construction: $67.3 million
  • New Elementary School, Bexley area: $43.1 million
  • New K-8 School, Central Pasco Employment Village: $97.3 million
  • New K-8 School, southwest Land O’ Lakes: $71 million
  • West Zephyrhills Elementary new school: $38.4 million

School Complex,Villages of Pasadena Hills: $97.3 million

SCHOOL RENOVATIONS

Calusa Elementary: $8.6 million
Chester W. Taylor Elementary: $20.8 million
Cypress Elementary: $25.3 million
Dr. Mary Giella Elementary School: $20.4 million

Fox Hollow Elementary School: $26 million

J.W. Mitchell High: $35.8 million
Pasco High: $28.6 million
San Antonio Elementary: $33.1 million
Wesley Chapel High School: $35.8 million
River Ridge High: $40.5 million
River Ridge Middle: $43.3 million
Pine View Middle: $38.2 million

ATHLETIC FACILITY RENOVATIONS

• Hudson High: $4.8 million

• J.W. Mitchell High: $1.8 million
• Land O’ Lakes High: $9.4 million
• Pasco High: $10.5 million
• River Ridge High: $9.2 million
• Wesley Chapel High: $1.7 million • Wiregrass Ranch High: $1.8 million • Zephyrhills High: $5.2 million

CAFETERIA RENOVATIONS

• River Ridge High: $5.3 million
• Wesley Chapel High: $2.7 million

DISTRICT-WIDE PROJECTS

• Furniture replacement: $40.2 million
• Replacement of physical education equipment: $4.4 million
• Early Childhood Literacy Center: $2 million
• Energy Marine Center: $17.8 million
• Increase in student computers/devices: $45 million • Network infrastructure: $29 million
• School Safety & Security Equipment: $33 million
• School Safety & Security Hardening: $16.5 million • School Traffic Improvements: $11 million
• Transportation Depot – Alternative Energy: $14 million

* Figures are rounded
Source: Pasco County Schools

Published on June 8, 2022.

Air Force graduate earns her ‘wings’

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(Courtesy of Ken Duncan)

Abbey Duncan, a 2017 graduate of Wesley Chapel High, graduated from the Air Force Academy on May 25.

She was nominated and recommended to the academy by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis. Nominees to the academy undergo rigorous medical and physical testing, have their academic credentials reviewed and have to score a minimum of 26 on the ACT, as well as go through a series of interviews.

Athletics, extracurricular activities and community service also are considered. Abbey’s favorite training at the academy was jump school, of which she did all her jumps solo and earned her jump wings.

Abbey is the daughter of Denise Duncan, retired Shriners Hospital nurse, and Ken Duncan, retired teacher and coach.

Published on June 8, 2022.

Talent abounds in this competition

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(Courtesy of Heritage Arts Center Association)

The Heritage Arts Center Association (HACA) produces “Spotlight on Talent,” a regional performing arts competition for young students up to high school seniors. There are $4,000 in prizes and trophies, in addition to a $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship.

This year, the scholarship was awarded to Faith Phaller, a Blackwood Studios dancer.

Heritage Arts also gives the Nereim Visual Arts Award to aspiring artists, in honor of the late founding board members Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Nereim.

Erin Caffarelli, a graduating senior at Zephyrhills High, was selected for this recognition. She shared her sculpture of a dramatic fox-like creature — realistic but completely imaginary — with the HACA Board. Her work can be viewed on Heritage Art’s Facebook page, as well as its website at HeritageArts.org.

Caffarelli will attend Pasco-Hernando State College and plans to study mechanical engineering and robotics at Florida Polytechnic.

Published June 8, 2022.

Chalk Talk 6/08/2022

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SUMMER HAUL PASS

Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation buses on regular routes all summer, for just $20.The special rate is effective June, July and August 2022.

Summer Haul Passes are available at these locations:

• GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey

• Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, East/West Pasco Government Centers

• Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores, in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel

• County libraries

For more information, please visit bit.ly/SummerBusPass.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

• William Brockman, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College

• Austin Brown, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College

• Mya Cobb, of Lutz, Diversity Scholarship at Appalachian University (Boone, North Carolina)

• Hannah Coleman, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College

• Jaelyn Evans, of Odessa, Dean’s List at Mississippi College (Clinton, Mississippi)

• Kassidy Gordon, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College

• Jenny Han, of Odessa, President’s List at Georgia State University

• John Martinez, of Dade City, Dean’s List and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Management, from Union University (Jackson, Tennessee)

• Ryleigh McElroy, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College

• JoAna Mucklow, of Odessa, Chancellor’s Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi. Mucklow is majoring in general business.

• Mykayla Christine Parise-King, of Lutz, Honor Roll of the Academic Dean at Mars Hill University (North Carolina)

• Brynnan Popper, of Odessa, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College

SUMMER MEALS PROGRAM

Pasco County Schools Summer Food Service program began June 6 and will continue through July 29.

Breakfasts and lunches will be provided Monday through Thursday to anyone age 18 and younger, at various West Pasco, Central Pasco and East Pasco schools.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs will receive meals on campus while attending the program.

For school locations, visit Connectplus.pasco.k12.fl.us/summerfoodpasco/si te-locations/.

Additionally, buses will be available at these lo- cations, also Monday through Thursday:

• Hilltop Landings Apartments, 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City

• Resurrection House Park, 37124 Lock Street, Dade City

• Trilby United Methodist Church, 37504 Trilby Road, Dade City

• Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills

• Crystal Springs Community Center, 1655 Partridge Blvd., Zephyrhills

For questions and information, email .

FEE ADJUSTMENT MEETING

Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its board meeting on June 21 at 6 p.m., at the North Campus.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories and program testing. Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu, and click on Policies and Procedures, Public Disclosures.

Published June 8, 2022.

Pasco Schools’ employees to receive a 4% supplement

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Pasco County Schools’ teachers and non-instructional staff have ratified a contract resulting in one-time supplements.

Under the agreement, teachers will receive a one-time lump sum supplement equal to 4% of their salary, and the base teacher salary will be raised to $45,200 in accordance with state statute, according to information posted on the union’s website.

The non-instructional personnel also will receive a 4% lump sum payment. But the agreement also sets minimum amounts of the supplements for non-instructional staff. For those working six hours or more per day, the minimum supplement would be $700; for those working fewer than six hours per day, the minimum would be $350.

Additionally, the agreements include increases to the district’s contributions toward employee health insurance and Florida Retirement System benefits for the 2021-2022 school year, and nominal salary adjustments to teacher salaries based on a small increase to the state’s Teacher Salary Increase Allocation (TSIA) categorical, according to the district’s news release.

The United School Employees of Pasco (USEP) and the school district also have agreed to return to the bargaining table immediately, to begin negotiating additional salary improvements for 2022-2023.

On the Instructional contract, out of the 2,686 votes cast, 92% favored the contract. On the non-instructional side, 91% of the 1,998 votes cast favored the contract, according to the USEP website.

Pasco County School Board members approved the agreement in their May 17 meeting, taking action then to avoid a delay in issuing the supplements to employees.

Employees are expected to receive the supplements on June 17, according to a school district news release.

“This is very good news for thousands of employees who have been waiting to receive these supplements,” Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, said in the release. “This is extremely well-deserved.”

In addition to the supplements that were approved this year, the Pasco County School Board is pursuing a ballot initiative asking voters to improve a property tax increase to support pay raises.

The school board voted on May 3 to place the initiative on the Aug. 23 primary ballot.

The referendum question asks voters to approve up to a maximum of 1 mil in funding to be designated for improving pay for teachers, bus drivers and other district personnel, except for administrators.

At an April 5 school board workshop on the topic, it was estimated that a 1 mil increase would yield an average instructional boost of $4,000; for non-instructional, $1,700.

District calculations show that Pasco’s median home cost of $325,000, and assuming a $25,000 homestead exemption, a property owner would pay $300 more per year, if the increase is 1 mil.

Specifically, the ballot question asks for a yes or no vote on whether to levy an additional tax, not to exceed 1 mil, beginning July 1, 2023 and ending no later than June 30, 2027.

The proceeds, according to the ballot question, will be used “for essential operating expenses to maintain salaries competitive with the market, attract and retain high-quality teachers, bus drivers and other non-administrative school support employees.”

There also is a requirement for “annual reporting to Pasco County taxpayers for transparency of the use of these funds.”

The board’s vote to pursue up to a full mil, followed persistent requests by Don Peace, president of USEP. The union leader has repeatedly cited the loss of personnel to other districts that pay better.

Peace said the district also needs another source of money to fill vacancies, to reduce the burden on existing staff, and to attract quality personnel to the district.

The union leader also has pledged USEP’s full support in efforts to secure passage of the referendum and, during a recent school board meeting, assured taxpayers that if the referendum is successful, the union will be paying close attention to how the proceeds are spent.

Published June 01, 2022

In a class of his own

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His grade point average is anything but average.

Then again, there’s nothing average about Gaither High valediction Dylan Mazard and his off-the-charts intelligence.

“When he was just 2 years old, I would come home from work, exhausted. He would read to me — just climb into bed and read to me before bedtime, said his father, Thomas Mazard, who has been a guidance counselor at Gaither High School for 13 years.

He’s amazed at his son’s accomplishments.

Gaither High valedictorian Dylan Mazard set a county and state record for the highest grade point average (GPA) ever, posting an 11.84 weighted GPA thanks to honors and Advanced Placement courses. He will continue his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), already having earned his associate’s degree through dual enrollment. (Mike Camunas)

“I still don’t know how he was able to do it — just finding the drive and time to do all (the classes). We weren’t looking to break any records,” he said.

But that is exactly what Dylan did.

When the 17 year old graduated with nearly 500 of his classmates on May 23 — he did so with an 11.84 grade point average — the highest ever, not only in the county, but in Florida, too.

It’s a remarkable feat — one that started back when Dylan was in eighth grade and was already taking college-level courses.

“It wasn’t planned, the record,” Dylan said. “These classes, to me, are fun. So, why not take them and experience any class to see if I want to take that a higher level later?”

That higher level for Dylan is now the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),  beginning in the fall. As he enters, he already will have an associate’s degree that he received from Hillsborough Community College on May 6.

However, Dylan plans to take every course he can en route to earning his major in what MIT calls 6-3: Computer Science and Engineering

“I want to enjoy it,” Dylan said. “I know it’ll be a lot harder, too, but the first semester at MIT is pass/fail only, that way students can get used to the rigors of MIT, know what is expected of them and how to balance school life.

“I love the campus and I’m ready to get up there.”

The fact that Thomas Mazard doesn’t know how his son pulled off his GPA feat is not hyperbole.

“I’m inspired by my son,” Thomas said, “Everything I’ve done for him, I’ve done for all of my students. I have top kids going to Yale and produce Ivy Leaguers almost every school year. Everything that he did at school, every kid here at Gaither has the opportunity to do that, it’s just the will and desire to go do that.

“We’re grateful for the school district to provide these opportunities and get such an impressive GPA. (Hillsborough County School Board) Superintendent (Addison) Davis has done a great job of making parents aware of these available opportunities.”

Dylan loves being in class, he also enjoys a social life that includes friends, movies and working out. He’s also belongs to so many clubs that it would make any college admissions advisor drool.

Dylan is president of National Technical Honor Society and also in the Robotics and Engineering Club at Gaither, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), National Honor Society Beta, Sandy Hook Promise Club, and a Parent Teacher Student Association Board Member as the voice for his class and students when they want to express an opinion at meetings. He also works at the Humane Society, as well as tutor at Gaither, where he logged more than 200 hours with Credit Recovery, which helps high-risk seniors graduate.

Dylan’s teachers have taken notice, not only because of his high GPA, but also to his dedication to education.

“It is amazing because (toward the end of their high school time), many students give up a little — he never gave up,” ” said Gaither engineering teacher Ibrahim Ayoub, who taught Dylan in Applied Engineering and Technology and Advanced Engineering Application.

“He is going to have an amazing career and be one of the kids that we’ll be looking forward to seeing in the future,” Ayoub added.

Dylan knows this wouldn’t have been possible without his supportive family.

“I wouldn’t say (learning something new) just clicked, but it definitely came to me a lot easier than you would expect at that age,” he said.

“I had a huge support system, especially my parents who were always proactive, not reactive — staying one step ahead at all times, so if I ever stumbled, they would check to see if I needed anything,” he added. “I just wanted to work hard and take advantage of everything high school had to offer.”

GPA explained
Gaither High valedictorian Dylan Mazard has now posted the highest grade point average (GPA) ever, not only in Hillsborough County, but in the state of Florida. This is his weighted GPA, which means more rigorous courses receive higher point values, increasing a student’s potential GPA. There have been some high GPAs in Hillsborough County.

Here are a few:
2022 – Dylan Mazard – Gaither – 11.84
2019 – Katherine Metheny – Newsome – 10.58
2014 – Dhara Patel – Plant City – 10.03
2012 – Ravi Medikonda – King – 9.30

Published June 01, 2022

Pasco County Schools announces bell times for 2022-2023

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Pasco County Schools has announced its planned bell times for the coming year — as it continues struggling with a bus driver shortage.

In the school year that just wrapped up, the district changed its bell times at mid-year because it couldn’t attract enough drivers to cover all of its routes.

It was a massive shuffle, affecting schools across the district.

Some of the shifts were relatively minor, but there were 24 elementary schools that didn’t begin the school day until 10:10 a.m.

In the coming year, six elementary schools and two other schools will have that 10:10 a.m. start time.

At a May 17 school board meeting, the board adopted next year’s bell schedule.

They did so, after Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services, recapped why the start and end times had to be shifted across the district in the 2021-2022 school year, which concluded last week.

“At the beginning of this school year, transportation had 420 routes,” Kuhn said. “As you are fully aware, we did make some significant changes for second semester, beginning second semester with 367 routes. At this point in time, we have 353,” Kuhn said.

Changes have been made for the coming year with the goal of creating the most efficient plan  possible, while ensuring that students can be transported to and from school safely. The district also made significant efforts to reduce the number of schools with 10:10 a.m. start times, she said.

“We went from 24 elementary schools to a proposal of six elementary schools and then two additional schools, East and West Pasco Education Academy, starting at that time.

“This proposal is certainly not perfect, but we believe it is a big improvement and will allow us to take the steps that we need to, to be as efficient as we can, given our driver shortage,” she said.

Kuhn also told board members: “It is important to note that even with this very efficient plan, we will be starting the school year down 22 drivers, if we have everyone currently employed with us, staying with us.

“We will be focusing efforts again and continuing on recruitment and, very importantly, retention this summer and throughout the next school year,” Kuhn said.

School board member Colleen Beaudoin also noted that the district will revisit the issue, should the district’s bus driver situation improve significantly.

Kuhn confirmed potential changes could occur, but noted that even if the district added a several drivers, they would need to be in the right area of the district in order for changes to work.

However, Kuhn said the district is open to making changes, if they are possible, and will bring a proposal forward if that happens.

Board Chairwoman Cynthia Armstrong told Kuhn: “We know you’re working hard on that and we also know how important it is to our parents that we get it right, so we’re going to keep working on it and do the best we can.”

School board member Megan Harding said she understands “how frustrating this (10:10 a.m. start time) can be to our families, and our school teachers and staff.”

But Harding added: “It does come down to the number of buses. (Kuhn) did explain to me that determining which schools are in which tier — I thought she put this perfectly — is like a puzzle.”

The district needs to balance the number of buses evenly, so that it does not have more buses in one tier, compared to the other, Harding said. It also has to look across six bus garages.

“Additionally, even when the tiers are balanced, with the number of buses per tier, transportation staff has to look at the routes to make sure they fit together.

“Given our driver shortage, we have to be as efficient as possible, so students arrive to school on time and are picked up on time,” Harding continued.

Besides being short on regular drivers, the district also is short on relief drivers, Harding noted.

To find out the bell times for your school next year, visit the district’s website, Pasco.k12.fl.us.

Published June 01, 2022