Education

Pasco County Schools offers opportunities in art

LAND O’ LAKES – Students from the Mittye P. Locke Early Learning Academy and Wiregrass Ranch High School performed March 4 during the Pasco County School Board meeting.

The performances were in honor of Fine Arts In Our Schools Month.

“Fine Arts In Our Schools Month is a time to celebrate the various artforms,” said Thomas Viking, fine arts coordinator for Pasco County Schools. “Fine arts study is at the heart of the music we hear, the art we see, the beauty of dance and the transcending nature of theater.”

Vikings said students average 2,000 musical performances per year and participate in more than 100 art displays and shows. And 11 schools offer dance courses to boot. 

“The arts are all around us and it’s one of the things that makes us uniquely human,” Viking said. “From the music we hear when riding elevators to the design of our cars, fine arts are woven into the fabric of our lives. The arts feed our souls like nothing else can.”

 

Employees worried about federal issues

LAND O’ LAKES – School employees are encouraged by some of the education conversations happening locally but concerned about national issues, according to Jeff Larsen, president of United School Employees of Pasco.

Larsen shared his insight with members of the Pasco County School Board on March 4 after visiting several jobs sites from the previous week. Those include Chasco Middle School, Cypress Creek Middle, Fox Hollow Elementary, Hudson Primary, Wesley Chapel High  and the central bus garage. 

Larsen said employees were encouraged by district conversations regarding homework and removing distractions from classrooms. However, staff is worried about what’s going to happen with the U.S. Department of Education. 

“Frankly, people are scared,” Larsen said. “I know that parents are concerned that important programs and services may be cut or even eliminated. And some employees are wondering how they will be impacted and what can come of their career.”

 

Students get hands-on experience in construction

WESLEY CHAPEL – Students at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation and Pasco High School got hands-on experience during a Workforce Development Day at the Target under construction at The Groves Shopping Center. 

More than 100 students got to work with tools and interact with the team at Williams Company Management Group. Staff led lessons and activities at a series of stations at the worksite.

“This provided students with hands-on career exposure and interactive learning experiences like we’ve never seen,” said Lori Romano, assistant superintendent for support services for Pasco County Schools. “The structure allowed students to gain knowledge and practical experience, reinforcing true workforce readiness and workplace learning.”

 

Quick Hits

• Magnet Schools of America recognized Pine View Middle School as a Nationally Certified Magnet School.
• The J.W. Mitchell High School boys soccer team won a state championship. 
• Bella Schwarz, of River Ridge High School, recently won her second state weightlifting championship. 
• Kristy More, of Sunlake High school, recently won a state wrestling championship. 
• The Rotary Club of Seven Springs donated $1,000 to the Pasco County Education Foundation to continue its William (Bill) Van Sickle Memorial Scholarship. 

Students to battle at Brain Bowl

ST. LEO, FL – Students from the area’s Catholic high schools along with one private school will compete March 26 in Saint Leo University’s annual Brain Bowl.

The trivia-type contest will test their knowledge of languages, arts, popular culture, physics, math, biology, history, and more.

The final round begins at 12:30 p.m. and is open to the public. It takes place at Saint Leo University’s Wellness Center gym, located on the lower level, 33701 County Road 52 (the address often comes up as Priory Circle in Google).

Jesuit High School  won last year’s Brain Bowl. First-time competitor Academy of the Lakes was runner-up.

Teams competing include Academy at the Lakes (Land O’ Lakes), Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School (Shady Hills), Clearwater Central Catholic High School (Clearwater), Jesuit High School (Tampa), Santa Fe Catholic High School (Lakeland), St. Petersburg Catholic High School (St. Petersburg) and Tampa Catholic High School (Tampa).

 

Primrose Schools donate books 

TAMPA – Students, families and staff at more than 500 Primrose schools collectively donated over 95,000 new and gently used books to promote childhood literacy and make a difference in local communities across the country.

Concluding on Read Across America Day each year to recognize the importance of reading and promote literacy in young children, schools host Og’s Bountiful Book Drive during February. 

The charitable giving effort is part of the Primrose Promise Corporate Social Responsibility program, which is driven by the brand’s mission to forge a path that leads to a brighter future for all children.

 

Smoke from controlled burn disrupts classes

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Southwest Florida Water Management District apologized for unexpected conditions from a 107-acre controlled burn March 11 at Starkey Wilderness Preserve that prompted schools to close. 

“The area burned had a large amount of dead trees from the 2017 wildfire in addition to hurricane debris,” according to a spokesperson for the district. “As a result this debris has taken longer to clean up than usual.”

Staff was on site mopping up smoldering debris.

River Ridge High cancelled classes March 12 due to “excessive smoke on campus today and in classrooms,” the school wrote on its Facebook page. 

“Prescribed fires such as this one are critical to help protect the community from the spread of uncontrolled wildfires like the ones recently experienced in California,” said the spokeswoman for the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

 

Campers to hunt for microbes

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University will host a Microbe Hunters Summer Camp in which students bring soil samples from home to test using lab techniques.

The camp is offered 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays June 2 to  6, 9 to 13, 16 to 20 and 23 to 27 for high school juniors and seniors. Weekly sessions cost $450. 

Students may possibly find viruses of bacteria [non-infectious to humans] never seen before and will be able to give the virus an official and permanent name. 

Students will be provided with lunch each day, safety glasses, disposable lab coat, and a  T-shirt.

Register at  microbehunterssummercamp.totalcamps.com

 

 

School choice selection window is open

LAND O LAKES – The Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice application is available for parents via the myStudent parent portal. 

Parents who don’t already have an account may establish a myStudent account by visiting pascoschools.org and clicking on the myStudent link.

This application window (Jan. 8 to 21) is for all grade levels, programs and school choice options, including STEM and STEAM magnet schools, Wendell Krinn Technical High School, International Baccalaureate, the Cambridge Programme, Angeline Academy of Innovation and the new Skybrooke K-8.

March 3 to 12 is the notification and acceptance window. 

 

Foundation to name 6 Suncoast Credit Union Scholars

TAMPA – The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation is partnering with the Hillsborough Education Foundation to offer six $2,000 scholarship awards to high school graduates in the Class of 2025.  

High school graduates in Suncoast Credit Union’s 25-county service territory have the opportunity to apply for financial support to continue their education, thanks to a $179,675 investment in scholarships by the foundation.

Applications are open until Jan. 31 at educationfoundation.com/SeniorScholarships.

The foundation has contributed over $45 million, including more than $3.1 million in scholarships, since 1990.

“Our current students are the next generation of leaders, and it’s our duty to prepare them with all the tools necessary to be successful in the classroom to set them up for a successful future,” said Bob Hyde, vice president of community impact of Suncoast Credit Union. 

 

Area students make dean’s list

Several area students made the dean’s list for the fall 2024 semester for earning a grade point average of at least 3.5.

Students, as well as their hometowns and universities, are as as follows:  

• Kali Christie, Dade City, University of Saint Mary in Leavensworth, Kansas. 
• Lillian Hilt, Land O Lakes, Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. 
• Elanah Hardeen, Odessa, Young Harris College in Young Harris, Georgia. 
• Anthony Iserino, Wesley Chapel, Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. 
• Charles King, Odessa, Georgia Southern University at Statesboro, Georgia. 
• Kevin Spillane, Odessa, Berry College in Rome, Georgia.

 

Price makes president’s list

ODESSA – Carly Price, of Odessa, made the president’s list for the spring 2024 semester at Husson University in Bangor, Maine. 

Price, who is working toward a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, earned a grade point average between 3.8 to 4.0.

 

 

Hebrew students make intergenerational connections

TAMPA – Students in first, second and third grades at Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay, along with their music and classroom teachers, made intergenerational connections by visiting residents at Aston Gardens to share in the magic of Chanukah. 

After their performance of Chanukah music, students handed out latkes and played dreidel with the residents. It was, as always, a joyous occasion.

 

Zephyrhills High valedictorian wins award

ZEPHYRHILLS – Pasco County Schools recognized Zephyrhills High School senior Joel Torres Espinoza as its United States Presidential Academic Scholar nominee. 

Jennifer Yonkof, of Zephyrhills High School, said Espinoza is not only valedictorian of the class of 2025 but he is also a player on the school’s soccer and tennis teams. 

Outside of school, Espinoza volunteers with the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Foundation. 

Angel Hernandez, program coordinator with the career technical and adult education office at Pasco County Schools, told school board members that the U.S. Department of Education has been recognizing high school seniors with this honor since 1964. 

 

Student artist already making a mark

NEW PORT RICHEY – Lela Costantino, a senior at Wendell Krinn Technical High School, was named the U.S. Presidential Scholar in Career and Technical Education nominee for Pasco County Schools. 

Linda Borne, a commercial art technology teacher at Marchman Technical College, described Costantino as a talented designer and artist. 

She has completed real world projects as well as created a mural for the Humane Society of Pasco County. 

 

Foundation hits Giving Tuesday goal

PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation surpassed its Giving Tuesday goal of $5,000 in 2024, according to Lisa Richardson, vice president of advancement, innovation and strategic partnerships. 

The post-Thanksgiving campaign raised $5,407 for the foundation, which supports the college. 

 “Your contributions make a real difference, empowering our students and strengthening our community,” Richardson wrote in the foundation’s December newsletter. 

The foundation is looking for sponsors for its annual golf tournament on March 7 at Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club in Dade City. Sponsorships are available for the awards reception, lunch, hole and foursome. 

 

Hillsborough County hosting poster contest 

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County Water Resources and the City of Tampa are encouraging students from kindergarten through 12th grade to enter the Drop Savers Water Conservation Poster Contest.

Students must create a poster depicting a water conservation idea, slogan or drawing. The goal is to educate and raise awareness about water conservation.

Schools can only submit one winning poster for each division.  Visit HCFL.gov/DropSavers to see the rules, the steps on how to submit the poster, and view the past winning posters. The deadline is Feb. 15, 2025.

 

Student Achievements

• Lutz residents Jenna Freligh and Joelle Gamble made the dean’s list for the fall 2024 semester at Belmont University. Students must have a grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C with at least 12 course hours. 
• Jett Odom, a management major from Land O’ Lakes, made the provost’s honor roll at Midwestern State University for the fall 2024 semester. Students must have a grade point average of 3.75 to 3.99 and no grade lower than C with at least 12 course hours.  
• Annelisa Russo, of Odessa, FL, made dean’s list at Lee University for the fall 2024 semester. Students must have a grade point average of 3.7 to 4.
• Sravani Gopaluni, a student in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program from Lutz, presented research, “Efficacy of Lisinopril in Hypertension: Monotherapy vs. Combination Therapy Relative to Menopausal Status and BMI,” at Des Moines University’s 2024 Research Symposium. 

Saint Leo University launching lecture series

ST. LEO – Saint Leo University and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute are launching a new outreach program designed for adult lifelong learners in Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

Topics for the lecture series will span a range of interesting subjects, including a look at the 2024 presidential election and Florida results, biblical scholarship, science fiction and pop culture, and writing your own story.

The public is invited to a free open house that will introduce the upcoming lecture series by Saint Leo University faculty members in 2025.

The open house will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 15 at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center, 33701 County Road 52, St. Leo. The center is located on the west side of campus, behind Benedictine Hall on the banks of Lake Jovita.

Registration for the open house is free. Guests should register by calling Charise Dixie at 813-974-5848.

The open house will feature brief overviews of each of the upcoming lectures by the faculty presenters and a keynote speech by Heather Parker, dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services. 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes are a network of university-based programs that offer non-credit courses and learning opportunities for people 50 and older.

 

Quick Hits

• Rowdie Maloney, of Lutz, was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, at The University of Tampa. Only the top 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership. 
• Maisha Talia Epps, of Odessa, is one of over 3,200 candidates to be recognized in the University of Georgia’s Class of 2024 fall Commencement ceremonies held this week. Epps is a candidate for MS Marine Sciences.

 

Hebrew Academy students organize Fall Festival

TAMPA – Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay hosted its annual Fall Festival on Nov. 26. 

The school-wide event was organized by upper elementary and middle school students. 

These student mentors created booths for the younger students featuring fun game booths, exciting prizes and lively outdoor music. 

The academy also enjoyed a festive Thanksgiving meal, with each class contributing a delicious dish to share.

 

Castor announces nominations to military academies

TAMPA – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced 26 Tampa Bay-area students who received nominations for admission into America’s prestigious military academies. 

Student leaders hail from more than 10 high schools in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

“Their interest in serving our country brings great pride to our patriotic Tampa Bay community,” Castor said. “I’m grateful for the service of my nomination committee, which thoroughly reviews every application and interviews interested students. I am confident that this year’s nominees will represent the Tampa Bay Area and our nation well in their future endeavors.”

Receiving a nomination to one of our nation’s military academies is an essential step towards receiving an appointment to the academies. Nominations are earned based on interviews, academic record, extracurricular activities and leadership qualities. 

Students nominated for Air Force Academy (USAFA), Naval Academy (USNA), West Point (USMA) and the Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) include:

• Quenten Erikson, T.R. Robinson High School – USAFA and USMA
• Danielle Donis, Air Force Academy Preparatory School – USAFA 
• Roman Lermer, Jesuit High School – USAFA 
• Desmond Nunez, H.B. Plant High School – USNA and USAFA
• James Riley, Lake Braddock Secondary School – USNA and USAFA 
• Jessica Grasso, St. Petersburg High School – USAFA and USMA 
• Noelle Sizemore, T.R. Robinson High School – USNA and USAFA
• Jocelyn Sheppard, Shorecrest Preparatory School – USMA
• William Cadden, H.B. Plant High School – USAFA and USMA
• Hannah Hankerson, Berkeley Preparatory School – USMA
• Xavier Terrell, Lakewood High School – USMA
• Berlin Stanton, Canterbury School of Florida – USMA
• Jada James, Academy of the Holy Names – USNA and USMA
• Trace Benn, Jesuit High School – USMA
• Rico Gordon-Dones, H.B. Plant High School – USNA and USAFA
• Carmen Rivera, H.B. Plant High School – USNA and USAFA
• Cyrus Lovell, H.B. Plant High School – USNA
• Isabella Valerio, Admiral Farragut Academy – USNA and USMA
• William Baker, H.B. Plant High School – USNA and USAFA
• Elijah Chames R., Berkeley Preparatory School – USNA
• Joseph Delucia Jr., – Jesuit High School – USMA
• Carter Ford, Shorecrest Preparatory School – USMMA
• Ava Booker, T. R. Robinson High School – USNA and USMMA
• John McGivern, Tampa Preparatory School – USNA and USMMA
• Dioz Cruz, Matanzas High School – USMMA
• Noah Deane, Jefferson High School – USMMA

 

Quick Hits

• Kevin Cravens of Lutz, graduated with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Florida Campus in Port Orange, Florida, on Sept. 27. 

Legg takes oath of superintendent 

PASCO COUNTY – John Legg was sworn in Nov. 19 as superintendent of Pasco County Schools. 

With a focus on student success, innovation and community partnership, Legg is excited to work with staff to serve the educational needs of families.

“I am honored to work alongside this incredible group of leaders,” Legg said. “Their experience and dedication to our community will be invaluable as we build a future centered on student success, both in the classroom and in life.”

Legg appointed Betsy Kuhn as deputy superintendent as well as established a Community Conversation Group composed of community leaders. 

The group will meet over the coming months, offering perspectives on educational priorities to ensure a high-quality education for all Pasco students. 

Members of the group include:

• Allen Altman, former school board member.
• Mark Barry, The ARC Nature Coast.
• Stacey Anne Capogrosso, Pasco Education Foundation.
• Jim Ciadella, retired United School Employees of Pasco member.
• Bill Cronin, Pasco Economic Development Council.
• Curtis Delaquil, ACE Mentoring Program.
• Dawn Enright, parent involvement coordinator.
• Daniel Farra, Family First Council.
• Leanne John, 2024 Teacher of the Year.
• Hope Kennedy, North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce.
• Chris Letsos, Big Brothers Big Sisters.
• Sean McGarvey, Pasco County Library System.
• Lindsay Moore, Pasco Sheriff’s Office.
• Mike Moore, Grace Family Church.
• Denise Nicholas, Pasco County PTA Advocates.
• Ray Polk, Academy of the Farm.
• Daniel Powell, Pasco-Hernando State College.
• Maria Reza, BayCare Health System.
• Jerome Salatino, Career Source Pasco Hernando.
• Eugene Scott, African American Club.
• Sally Seymour, HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital.
• Catalina Vasquez, Moffitt Cancer Center.
• MollyAnn Zimmerman, Home School/Florida Realtors/Bridging Freedom.

 

School board appoints leadership 

PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County School Board appointed District 3 representative Cynthia Armstrong as chair and District 2 member Colleen Beaudoin as vice chair during the Nov. 19 meeting. 

District 5 rep Megan Harding has chaired the board for the past two years. 

“Before I had the gavel over, I just wanted to take a moment to thank my peers for allowing me to serve in this capacity for two years,” Harding said. “I believe in the last two years we have accomplished so much for our students.” 

School board members also received their committee assignments for 2025. They are as follows: 

• District 1 – Al Hernandez – Government Relations, Pasco Education Foundation Board, Construction Management Evaluation.
• District 2 – Colleen Beaudoin – District Vision & Success Plan, Student Progression Plan/Student Code of Conduct, Early Childhood Programs – Police Council, Community Engagement Taskforce and Salary Referendum Oversight. 
• District 3 – Cynthia Armstrong – District Insurance, Architect Selection, Property Value Adjustment Board and Investment Oversight.
• District 4 – Jessica Wright – Health & Wellness Initiatives, Wellness Policy Council and Large Capital Project Review Team
• District 5 – Megan Harding – Career Education Board, Charter School Task Force, Pasco Pathways and School Site Selection Advisory.

Alternate positions are not included in this list. 

 

First Christian Academy student wins essay contest

PASCO COUNTY – Olivia Adams, of First Christian Academy in New Port Richey, won the 12th annual Clerk & Comptroller Essay Contest.

The contest tasked fifth-graders with answering the question: Why is the Constitution important?

Olivia wrote that the Constitution is important because of freedom, rights and the three branches of government. Her favorite rights are speech and religion. 

“I think it’s wonderful I can talk about Jesus without breaking a law,” she wrote. “The Consitution ensures that I’ll never have to hide my prayers.”

She also wrote how the Constitution protects our rights from government control, mentioning how amendments allowed women to have the same rights as men. 

“This is important because girls have dreams, too,” Olvia wrote. 

She won $100 for earning first place. 

“This year we had 117 entries – more than any year since I have been in office,” said Nikki Alvarez-Soules, clerk  and comptroller for Pasco County. 

Students from Kirkland Ranch K-8 and Wesley Chapel Elementary School came in second and third. 

 

Iarussi leads Shady Hills Elementary

SPRING HILL – Trish Iarussi recently took over as principal of Shady Hills Elementary School.

Iarussi has worked 21 of her 22 years in education at Pasco County Schools, according to Kimberly Poe, assistant superintendent of elementary schools. Her first job in the district was as an ESC teacher at Shady Hills.

She has served as assistant principal for Gulf Trace, Hudson, Richey and Fox Hollow elementary schools. 

“Her goal there is to continue leading and supporting the dedicated and passionate staff, students and families in their successful endeavors,” Poe said. “Trish is looking forward to the opportunity to serve Shady Hills and to continue impacting positively that student achievement.”

 

Education foundation raises $405K for hurricane relief

LAND O’ LAKES – The Pasco Education Foundation has raised $405,000 to support recovery relief for students and employees in Pasco County Schools, according to President Stacey Capogrosso.

Capogrosso said the funding has helped staff recover and build from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, ensuring they can focus on the work they do for schools.

“These efforts are already making a significant impact,” Capogrosso said. “We’ve used the funds to directly assist our schools, teachers, support staff and students.”

She credited supporters, such as the Community Foundation, Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, Duke Energy, Volunteer Florida, Helios Education Foundation, Lightning Foundation, Premier 1000, Suncoast Credit Union and individual donors. 

“This outpouring of generosity reminds us of the incredible strength we have when we unite for a common cause,” Capogrosso said.