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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Education

Chalk Talk 05/22/2019

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Alumna of the Year
Pasco-Hernando State College recognized Heather Fiorentino, former Pasco County superintendent of schools, with the 2019 Distinguished Alumna Award during the Student Life and Leadership Program.

Heather Fiorentino

Heather Rose-Fiorentino (’78) was among the first students who attended the West Campus in New Port Richey, in 1976, the year the campus was established.

She co-founded the Pasco Deaf Education Center and taught sign language at the college starting in 1984, the same year she received a degree in elementary education from the University of South Florida.

Fiorentino taught at Mittye P. Locke Elementary School and was awarded Pasco County’s Teacher of the Year in 1994.

She has served on the New Port Richey City Council, served three terms in the Florida House of Representatives, and was elected Pasco’s first female superintendent of schools in 2004, a post she had through 2012.

In retirement, Fiorentino serves on volunteer boards and remains involved in civic organizations and events.

Carrollwood Day appointment
Carrollwood Day School’s Head of School Ryan Kelly announced the appointment of Sara Rubinstein as the school’s first assistant head of school for academics, beginning July 1. Rubinstein also will continue to serve as upper school head.

Sara Rubinstein

As assistant head of school for academics, she will oversee all aspects of curriculum, teaching and learning as set forth by the head of school and rooted in the school’s mission.

Rubinstein will be the school’s chief academic officer and will collaborate with other division heads to ensure Carrollwood Day is delivering academic excellence to all students.

Together with the division heads, department chairs and grade-level leads, IB coordinators and other administrators, she will have strategic oversight of the review, revision and delivery of mission-aligned curricular content; design and implementation of academic policies and practices; and evaluation of programs and activities.

Rubinstein also will be charged with oversight in collaboration with division heads of teaching practices, professional development opportunities and evaluation of faculty.

Students place in national competition
The high school students at Land O’ Lakes Christian School took part in the 42nd annual American Association of Christian Schools National Competition in Greenville, South Carolina.

Approximately 2,100 students and sponsors from 29 states participated in the competition, after capturing top honors in their state contests.

The students, representing 200 Christian high schools, competed in 76 categories in the five basic areas of Bible, music, speech, art and academics.

The winners from Land O’ Lakes Christian were:

  • Brianna Campbell, 12th grade: first place, original persuasive oratory
  • Allison Woodson, 10th grade: second place, creative writing essay
  • Orchestra/Band: third place, director, Sarah Peterson
  • Handbell Choir: third place, director, Mares Shelburne

Humanitarian efforts recognized
The Anne Frank Humanitarian Award was established in 2001 and honors outstanding humanitarian efforts by high school juniors in public and private schools throughout the bay area.

Students are recommended for the award for making a conscious decision to better the lives of other individuals or groups, both inside and outside of school activities.

These students were honored in May at the Florida Holocaust Museum:

  • Anthony Adrian Jr., Sunlake High School
  • Bayli Baker, Wesley Chapel High
  • Elijah Ferreira, Land O’ Lakes High
  • Karina Frey, J.W. Mitchell High
  • Paige Gray, Wendell Krinn Technical
  • Christina Johnson, River Ridge High
  • Madison Kachurak, Fivay High
  • Raghan Pickett, Pasco High
  • Kaitlyn Steward, Hudson High
  • Jorlyanys Suarez-Ayala, Zephyrhills High
  • Lori Tang, Anclote High
  • Tenee Taylor, Gulf High
  • Joseph Vreeland, Cypress Creek Middle High
  • Kara Weihman, Wiregrass Ranch

Science & engineering fair
Congratulations to the students who represented Pasco County Schools at the 2019 State Science & Engineering Fair.

  • Frederic Boylen, Charles S. Rushe Middle School: honorable mention, biomedical & health sciences
  • Kaori Martin, Charles S. Rushe Middle: honorable mention, biomedical & health sciences
  • Chase Olivanti, Wiregrass Ranch: Society for InVitro Biology award, plant sciences
  • Shurti Patel, J.W. Mitchell High: fourth place, plant sciences
  • Manahil Wajid, Cypress Creek Middle High: Michael J. Hansinger cash award, microbiology
  • Myka Wilks, Centennial Middle: Osceola Regional cash award, engineering

For more about the fair participants and winners, visit Smore.com/dem26t.

Saint Anthony Catholic School celebrates 135 years

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Saint Anthony Catholic School, in San Antonio, had a special celebration last week to mark its 135th anniversary.

The Most Rev. Gregory Parkes, the Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, center, blesses the Eucharist at the morning Mass, during Saint Anthony Catholic School’s 135th anniversary event. (Christine Holtzman)

The day began with the Most. Rev. Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, presiding over a celebration of the Holy Mass.

The Rev. Garry Welsh, pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church offered welcoming remarks at the Mass and, throughout the service, the bishop reminded those gathered of the many reasons to feel a sense of gratitude for the Lord’s goodness.

“As you can see, there are a lot of things to love about being a student at Saint Anthony Catholic School,” Parkes said, during the May 10 event. “Most importantly, you learn about a person, and that person is Jesus Christ. That is a special gift that you receive while here.”

Louise Traeger Clift, the oldest alumnus of Saint Anthony Catholic School, was honored during the day’s program. The 97-year-old graduated from the school in 1935, and was one of the three students who graduated in that year.

Parkes also offered a blessing for the school’s future.

And, the bishop encouraged the school’s students to “look to the past with gratitude, look at the present with joy, and look to the future with hope.”

He reminded them that as they move forward in life, their time at the school will always be part of them.

After the Mass, a program was held under a large tent on the grounds of San Antonio City Park.

Mark Anderson, the mayor of San Antonio; and, Allen Altman, a member of the Pasco County School Board, provided proclamations.

Jessica Werckman, who has two young children at the school, introduced the speakers and also read a statement from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who wasn’t able to attend the event.

John T. Vogel II, a 2002 alumnus of the school, presented the Saint Anthony Catholic School Alumni Scholarship to two students, first-place winner Adeline Shiver and second-place winner, Carys Ragsdale.  Shiver also was the second-place winner in the Catholic Foundation Essay Winner at the Diocesan level.

Lourdes Milan’s Kindergarten class is seen performing an upbeat song called, ‘Smile, Smile, Smile.’

The event also featured a ‘Reflection of History’ presented by Lynn McCaughey.

A special moment during the program came when 97-year-old Louise Traeger Clift was honored. She is the oldest-living alumnus. She graduated in 1935, and was one of the three graduates from the school that year.

During her closing remarks, Sister Alice Ottapurackal, the school’s principal, expressed her gratitude to the students and faculty. She also announced that after nine years at the school she is moving to a new assignment in New Jersey.

Following the program, children from each grade performed songs in a spring concert, conducted by Angela Kempe. To get things started, Werckman performed a heartfelt rendition of “How Beautiful.”

The festivities concluded with a picnic lunch provided in the park and an open house tour of the school.

Published May 15, 2019

The Most Rev. Gregory Parkes, the Bishop of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, center, arrives by golf cart to the outdoor program. The cart was driven by the Pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, the Rev. Garry Welsh. The Rev. Allan Tupa, of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Zephyrhills, is seen on left.
The Rev. Andrew Siasa, front, and the Rev. Kyle Smith walk down the sidewalk carrying the Eucharist, on their way to return it to the church. The Rev. Siasa is originally from Tanzania and the Rev. Smith also serves as the Chaplain of Saint Leo University.
Clutching her plush Pluto doll, 3-year-old Talya Makowiecki claps after watching Fracnesca Blocher’s first-grade students perform a cheerful song called ‘Positive.’ Her mom, Kymberly, is on her left.

 

Pasco has no plans to allow employees to carry firearms

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law a measure passed by the Florida Legislature that clears the way for classroom teachers to serve as armed school guardians, but Pasco County Schools has no intention of pursuing that option, according to a district news release.

Superintendent Kurt S. Browning

The new law implements legislative recommendations of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission.

Despite the measure’s approval, Superintendent Kurt Browning has made it clear that “there are no plans under consideration to allow any Pasco County Schools employees to carry firearms on school board property, unless they are employed for the specific purpose of protecting the security of students and staff.”

Browning issued that statement before DeSantis signed the new law, but in the statement, Browning noted that he expected the measure to become law.

Browning’s statement also noted that “no school board member has requested that the superintendent pursue allowing teachers or other non-security employees to carry firearms.

“School safety guards and the district’s director of safety and security are the only school board employees authorized to carry firearms on school board property. School resource officers, who are employees of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office or local police agencies, also are authorized to carry firearms on school board property in their official capacity,” according to the news release.

Published May 15, 2019

Saint Leo University receives grant to help students

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Saint Leo University’s Career Center has receive a $2,500 grant from Enterprise Holdings to help provide career-related advice to students.

Stephanie Seymour, talent acquisition specialist for Enterprise Holdings, and Felyce Starr, the company’s talent acquisition manager for the region, presented an oversized check to the university, representing the grant. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

The grant was presented by Enterprise Holdings Foundation on May 6, according to a university news release, and is a part of the Enterprise partnership with the university.

“Enterprise recruits [employees] heavily at Saint Leo,” said Nancy Cheek, associate director of Career Services for Saint Leo. “And, Enterprise is always willing to send representatives to share career-related advice at both campus workshops and in webinar sessions for our Saint Leo WorldWide population.

“The company is global, and the local recruiting team does a great job of providing contacts in other parts of the country to our students who are interested in a career with Enterprise but are not in this area,” Cheek noted.

Saint Leo not only educates students at its main campus north of Tampa, but also online and at its more than 30 education centers in seven states.

Jen Shaw, vice president of Student Affairs, said Career Services may use the grant to fund an Enterprise-sponsored office dedicated to helping students and employers conduct interviews by Skype and using other technology. This would allow far-away employers to interview local students, and also let Saint Leo students located anywhere to interview with local business recruiters who might come to the new office, the release said.

Published May 15, 2019

Chalk Talk 05/15/2019

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Literary support for elementary kids
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club has supported local schools for years and, in particular, those with special needs. The club recently delivered a large number of children’s books for individual classroom libraries, as well as shoes and clothing, to Shady Hills Elementary and Miles Elementary schools. Two staff members at Shady Hills accept donations from Pat Wagner (right), the woman’s club education chair.

 

 

 

 

Charity helps hungry children
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and staff raised $11,100 to benefit One Community Now’s 2019 Hunger Walk. The walk is an annual event that raises money to fund the Pack-a-Sack 4 Kids program, which distributes backpacks of food to students who need food over the weekend.

For information on Pack-a-Sack, call Patti Templeton at (727) 900-6280.

Kindergarten preregistration
Pasco County Schools’ kindergarten preregistration is May 20, at all public elementary schools. Contact individual schools for orientation activities and times.

Requirements include:
• Child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2019
• Child’s birth certificate or other proof of birthdate
• Health examination – HRS Form 3040
• Three proofs of residency such as current utility bill; lease agreement, or deed or property tax assessment; and additional documents supporting stated address, such as auto registrations, driver’s license or voter registration

For kindergarten information, call Danielle Varcardipone at (813) 794-2404, (727) 774-2404 or (352) 524-2404.

Head Start/Early Head Start applications may be submitted for infants, toddlers and children through age 5 that meet income eligibility requirements.

For information on Head Start, visit PascoSchools.org/ecp, or call Alexis Russell at (813) 794-2730, (727) 774-2730 or (352) 524-2730.

College funding seminar
The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host “College Funding Strategies” with financial specialist Erin Mollura on May 20 from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Mollura will discuss the means to provide funds to pay for an education; and tax benefits, financial benefits and planning benefits.

She also will talk about planning ideas, such as using personal savings and investment for education funding, through the use of techniques that can help you identify and try to manage risks, which can prevent you from achieving your overall savings goal.

Admission is free.

For information, call (813) 929-1214.

Course-related fees
Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its May 21 board meeting at 6 p.m., at the Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court.

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

For details regarding the proposed fees adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu.

Local student showcases research
The University of Kentucky, College of Arts and Sciences and the STEMCats Living Learning Program congratulated Samuel Herrington, of Odessa, for presenting research at the Showcase of Undergraduate Scholars in the Spring 2019 semester.

As part of the STEMCats BIO 199 research lab, Herrington conducted scientific research alongside a faculty mentor. He presented findings in the form of a scientific poster titled, “AGO1 Protein Influence on Arabidopsis Susceptibility to Cucumber Mosaic Virus.”

Home to 19 academic departments that offer major degrees in 27 disciplines and 36 minors, the College of Arts and Sciences provides education in fundamentals to every undergraduate student at the University of Kentucky and builds foundations for advanced study in every field.
Its faculty integrates innovative research with exceptional teaching and outreach, providing paths to understanding the past, solving the problems of today, and imagining the possibilities of tomorrow.

Awards of excellence
Pasco-Hernando State College announced its recipients of the annual National Institute of Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards.

The 2019 honorees include: Connie LaMarca-Frankel, professor, humanities; Jacqueline May, associate professor, English; David Sullivan, Ph.D., professor, emergency medical services; Jennifer Wiatrowski, professor, biological science; and Glynis Williams, instructor, information technology.

These NISOD awards recognize professionals each year who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues.

The PHSC NISOD Excellence Award recipients are invited to attend the 2019 International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence, May 25 to May 28, in Austin, Texas.

Mike Fasano honored
Pasco-Hernando State College’s spring commencement included honoring Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano.

Fasano was awarded an honorary Bachelor of Applied Science in supervision and management and inducted into PHSC’s Legislative Hall of Fame.

Fasano began his public service career in the Florida House of Representatives in 1994, representing parts of both Pasco and Hernando Counties, where he eventually rose to the position of House majority leader.

Following an eight-year term in the House, he served in the Florida Senate for 10 years, representing Pasco, Hernando, Citrus and Pinellas counties, and achieved the position of president pro-tempore of the Senate.

He returned to the Florida House in 2012 and remained there until he was appointed by then Gov. Rick Scott to the open seat of Pasco County tax collector in 2013. Fasano continues to serve in that capacity to this day.

The leadership and support Fasano provided to PHSC during his tenure in the Florida Legislature greatly benefitted the college.

The school was able to acquire nearly $116 million to construct two of PHSC’s campuses, the Spring Hill Campus, and the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel. Additionally, Fasano was instrumental as the appropriations chair in acquiring the funding to construct the conference center and classroom building S on the West Campus.

Fasano joins prior PHSC Legislative Hall of Inductees Sen. Wilton Simpson, Sen. Jack Latvala, and former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Will Weatherford.

During the two spring commencement ceremonies, approximately 433 degrees and certificates were conferred. An estimated 998 spring graduates were eligible to participate.

For more information about PHSC, visit PHSC.edu.

Cutting college costs
Taking more classes each semester may help you cut the cost of college, according to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). And, that’s important if you will need student loans to help pay for your education.

A full-time load for undergraduate students is usually 12 credit hours per semester. Associate’s degrees usually require 60 credit hours to finish, bachelor’s degrees, 120 hours. At 12 hours each semester, you’ll need five semesters to finish an associate’s degree and 10 semesters to finish a bachelor’s degree.

But, if you take 15 hours per semester, you’ll finish an associate’s degree in four semesters and a bachelor’s degree in eight semesters.

Most colleges won’t charge you any more for 15 hours than they do for 12 hours. That might save you thousands of dollars in tuition and fees.

When you’re planning your schedule, think about taking that extra class each semester. The sooner you earn your degree, the sooner you can start job hunting.

Saint Anthony Catholic School turns 135 years old

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The grounds of Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio are expected to be buzzing with excitement on May 10, when the school celebrates its 135th anniversary.

The Most Rev. Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, will preside over a 9 a.m. Mass, followed by speeches by dignitaries, a spring concert and lunch.

Sister Alice Ottapurackal said everyone is invited to attend May 10 festivities to celebrate the 135th anniversary of Saint Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio. (B.C. Manion)

It promises to be a festive occasion for the oldest elementary school in Pasco County and the sixth oldest Catholic school in Florida.

Sister Alice Ottapurackal, school principal, said parents, community members, faculty, staff, students and an advisory board have all played a role preparing for the occasion.

The school, at 12155 Joe Hermann Drive, has 210 students, in kindergarten through eighth grade. It emphasizes academic excellence and faith formation, the principal said.

To gear up for the anniversary celebration, each class researched a 15-year period and fashioned posters sharing facts about events in the Catholic Church, and in the world at large.

The community celebration of the school’s anniversary is fitting, in a place that shows such strong support for the school and appreciates its history, Sister Ottapurackal said.

It’s also an expression of gratitude.

“We’re so grateful for this many years of blessings that God has given us.

“We are celebrating the joy and the gratitude of the opportunity to serve the people for 135 years,” the school principal said.

In addition to blessings from God, the school has enjoyed the support of  the community, families with children at the school, the staff, the Franciscan Sisters, the Benedictine Sisters and Monks, and the Diocese of St. Petersburg, she said.

A massive crowd turned out to dedicate the new school building. (File)

“We all just come together,” she said.

“People have a special love toward this school,” she said. “Whenever we ask for help to improve this school, people are ready to help.”

The school initially opened in 1884, in a 12-foot by 24-foot schoolhouse. That was followed by a two-story frame building.

Next, came a three-story brick building, constructed in 1922, which served thousands of students over decades.

A new building was constructed in 2015, designed architecturally to match the 1922 structure. The St. Petersburg Diocese’ Forward in Faith Capital Campaign made the new structure possible. The 1922 structure was renovated in 2016, through the support of the parish community.

One of the special guests invited to the May 10 event is Mary Louise Clift, of San Antonio.

Her family, originally from Germany, came to the area in 1920, and her father helped to build the 1922 brick structure, the principal said.

Anyone who would like to attend the festivities is welcome, Sister Ottapurackal said.

“The people here are so into history and tradition. They value it. We want to celebrate with them,” she said.

Saint Anthony Catholic School turns 135
Where: 12155 Joe Hermann Drive, San Antonio
When: May 10: 9 a.m., Mass; 10:30 a.m., concert, and other festivities
Cost: Free
Details: The Most. Rev. Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg will preside over the Mass. There will be a spring concert following the Mass. Dignitaries will speak and then there will be a family lunch, with everyone treated to lunch.
Info: Call Saint Anthony Catholic School at (352) 588-3041.

Revised May 13, 2019

Published May 08, 2019

New youth website from USDA

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) celebrated National Ag Day, which highlights agriculture’s crucial role in everyday life, and honors the farmers, foresters, scientists, producers and many others who contribute to America’s harvest.

As part of the effort, the USDA launched a new Youth and Agriculture website, USDA.gov/youth, to connect young people and youth-serving organizations with department-wide resources that engage, empower and educate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Connecting with America’s youth “is a tremendous opportunity to show that careers in farming, the agricultural sciences, and veterinary medicine are rewarding, essential and profitable,” said Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky, in a release.

The USDA Youth and Agriculture website features three key components of agriculture-focused youth engagement: classroom studies, experiential learning and leadership training.

Educators can find ways to include agriculture in the classroom and beyond.

Young people can learn about USDA summer outreach programs, youth loans for business projects, and outdoor volunteering.

Community leaders can get tips on starting leadership development clubs and education programs.

The site also highlights USDA partners, such as 4-H, the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America), Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), Agriculture Future of America (AFA), and many others working with the USDA to connect young people with opportunities in agriculture.

For those interested in careers, the website provides information on internships and scholarships; USDA employment; and, information on agriculture career fields, such as forestry, robotics engineering, biochemistry, and food sciences.

Follow the conversation on USDA, youth in agriculture, and National Ag Day online at USDA.gov/youth, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Published May 08, 2019

Chalk Talk 05/08/2019

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(Courtesy of Shawn D. Saathoff)

Wiregrass drumline performs at playoffs
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s quest for the Stanley Cup wasn’t the kind of finish that fans expected after the Bolts’ outstanding regular season, but despite the team’s early elimination, the playoffs offered some exciting experiences, especially for members of the Wiregrass Ranch High School drumline. The squad, under the direction of Josh Hobbs, was selected from among several schools that submitted a video for consideration. The drum line played its cadences outside Amalie Arena before the front gates opened, while Lightning cheerleaders cheered on the arena’s steps. And, they played to kick off the first and second periods of the game, with crowds outside at the playoff watch party. Wiregrass Ranch members receiving recognition were: Joses De Carlos, Jason Garcia, Nicholas Carroll, Connor Saathoff, Amber Dickens, Kelly Griffing, Lynn Asare-Bediako, Brendan Dozier, Elijah Hernandez, Alex Lang, Nia Owens, Joel Ellis, Tristan Barber and Thomas Hoskins.

Saint Anthony school celebrates 135 years
St. Anthony Catholic School, 12155 Joe Hermann Drive in San Antonio, will celebrate its 135th anniversary on May 10. It is the oldest Catholic elementary school in Pasco County and the fourth oldest Catholic school in the state.

There will be Mass at 9 a.m., presided over by the Most Reverend Gregory Parkes, Bishop of St. Petersburg, followed by a spring concert at 10:30 a.m., performed by the students in San Antonio Park.

After the concert, guests can take part in a family picnic.

For information about the celebration or the school, call Sister Alice Ottapurackal at (352) 588-3041.

To RSVP, visit StAnthonySchoolFl.org.

Honor Day awards
Citizens Concerned for Students (CCS) will recognize the public middle and high school African-American students who have earned the Honor Roll at least once during the school year at the annual awards ceremony, known as Honor Day, on May 11 at 5 p.m., at the Pasco Schools Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.

The keynote speaker will be attorney Angel Everett, author of “Harvard & Hardship: A Beginner’s Guide to College and Law School.”

The sixth annual College and Resource Fair also will take place at 3 p.m., in the adjacent Wesley Chapel High School gymnasium, featuring a variety of schools and educational resources.

Both events are free.

For information, visit HonorDayPasco.org.

Seventh-grader wins spirit award
Selena Schulz, of Hudson, a seventh-grader at Countryside Montessori Charter School in Land O’ Lakes, will receive an engraved bronze medallion to recognize her selection as a Distinguished Finalist for Florida in the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

The presentation will be on May 14 at 3:45 p.m., at Countryside Montessori, 5852 Ehren Cutoff.

Schulz has raised more than $5,000 for animal shelters in three states and Canada by setting up a table at events and selling her trilogy of books through her organization, “A Bed A Buck A Buddy.”

For information on the awards and its honorees and finalists, visit Spirit.Prudential.com.

Food waste contest
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched “Ace the Waste!” – a student competition for food waste reduction ideas.

Students ages 11 to 18 can submit proposals on reducing food loss and waste anywhere along the supply chain, from the farm to the dinner table and beyond.

Topic ideas include: Preventing food waste; Recovering wholesome, excess food to feed people; Recycling food scraps to keep them out of landfills; and, Raising awareness.

Students may submit a one- to two-page proposal or a one- to two-minute video.

Submissions will be judged on impact potential; originality and creativity; clarity of expression; and, adherence/appropriateness to theme.

One winner will be selected from each of two categories: ages 11 to 14, and ages 15 to 18.

The deadline for proposals is May 24 at 5 p.m.

For details and to submit ideas, visit tinyurl.com/y4cj6kpr.

Youth Leadership Pasco graduates
Thirty-four outstanding students, selected from high schools throughout Pasco County, participated in the Youth Leadership Pasco program designed to inform, motivate, and increase their awareness of Pasco County through issue-oriented seminars and interaction with community leaders. The students devoted time to seven program days, which included Orientation/Teamwork, Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice, Healthcare/Government, Economic Development/ Business/Media, Education/Career Development, and Graduation.

The Youth Leadership Pasco Class of 2019 graduates were: Naomi Armstrong, Cypress Creek High School; Bayli Baker, Wesley Chapel High; Jenna Boudreau, Dayspring Academy; Yazmene Canty, Wendell Krinn Technical School; James Capogrosso, Wiregrass Ranch High; Emmersyn Chefero, James Mitchell High; Elizabeth Collier, Sunlake High; Madily Corbin, Wesley Chapel High; Bella Cortier, James Mitchell High;  Alexis Dusel, Dayspring Academy; Joseph Falcone, Cypress Creek High; Sydney Field, River Ridge High; Pedro Fonseca, Wesley Chapel High; Ryan Hamilton, Gulf High; Savannah Horseman, Wiregrass Ranch High; Evan Huff, homeschool; Joelynn Jung, Wiregrass Ranch High; Ronak Kanodia, Land O’ Lakes High; Renee Lisbon, Wiregrass Ranch High; Noel Martinez-Pla, Cypress Creek High; Katelyn McCullough, River Ridge High; Raynee Meek, River Ridge; Chase Mullins, Wesley Chapel High; Ryan Nixon, Wendell Krinn Technical; Amber Northrup, Cypress Creek High; Tanner Politi, Zephyrhills High; Katalina Romero, Gulf High; Brody Sweigart, James Mitchell High; Kodie Taylor, Sunlake High; Jordan Utterback, James Mitchell High; Joseph Vreeland, Cypress Creek High; Mackenzie Whalen, Sunlake High; Zharia Wilson, Wesley Chapel High; and, Alanna Yeo, River Ridge High.

For more information, visit LeadershipPasco.com.

New inductees
Florida State University welcomed 314 new inductees into its prestigious Garnet & Gold Scholar Society during a special ceremony on April 25. To become an inductee of the Scholar Society, students must meet the engagement area criteria and submit a synthesis reflection project before graduation.

These local students are now members of the Garnet & Gold society:

  • Valencia Beckwith, Odessa: biological science
  • Alena Harding, Wesley Chapel: management information systems, professional sales
  • Ashley Sutch, Lutz: nursing
  • Taylor Welniak, Wesley Chapel: biological science, editing, writing and media

 

Students learn the value of thankfulness

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Students of the Academy at the Lakes spent part of their school day on April 15 reflecting and sharing their thoughts on the value of gratitude.

The session was part of a daylong presentation known as “Day of Manners,” presented by Tia Young, president and CEO of her company, Tia Young Image and Etiquette LLC.

Young has been the presenter for the etiquette series hosted at the academy.

Tia Young, an etiquette instructor, explained the importance of gratitude to a room of students on April 15. It was part of a series entitled ‘Day of Manners,’ at Academy at the Lakes. (Brian Fernandes)

She asked a classroom of seventh-graders:  “What are we really grateful for?

“Just learning and understanding the thing that you’re grateful for helps you to thank those people that have helped you be successful,” Young said.

She used the analogy of a bucket to represent the emotional heart.

Compliments and positive comments add not only to the receiver’s bucket, but the giver’s bucket as well, she said.

On the other hand, negative words take away from both buckets — because no one benefits from this, she added.

As a former flight attendant, Young is well-versed in the do’s and don’ts of decorum.

Traveling to various countries and meeting people from different walks of life, she said that not everyone holds themselves to the same standards of mannerisms.

As the mother of a newborn, and having witnessed the events of September 11, Young was prompted to take a new career path.

She wanted to educate people on standards that everyone could live by, regardless of class or culture.

After receiving an etiquette certification, she began teaching her own courses on proper manners in 2002.

Her students’ age range varies from kids to those more seasoned in life, but said that even adults in her courses see the need for character growth.

“They know the importance of it, but they just want to get better,” Young explained.

This day’s class helped the middle-schoolers think about what they really appreciate in their lives.

Young handed out papers and asked the students to write down a list of words beginning with each letter of the alphabet on what they’re grateful for.

From A to Z, students revealed in a single word what was of importance to them.

Olivia Wells mentioned her appreciation for her entire family.

“They do so much for us and they sacrifice so much,” the 13-year-old said.

Friends were said to be admired as entertainment, while pets were seen as a source of comfort when sad.

“I’m thankful for my neighbors,” chimed in Kevin Crowley, varsity golf coach at the academy. “We’re all great friends and we help each other out.”

One student expressed gratitude for a good quality of life, and another voiced appreciation for having rights as a citizen.

In another exercise, Young used a stack of counterfeit money.

Students began naming various needs they may take for granted that their parents have to pay for.

For each need called out, whether pet food, a home or clothing, the instructor placed the bills inside a container – with her stack of bills slowly dwindling in size.

Young explained that this lesson aims to help students understand what parents must contribute to provide a comfortable life for them.

While the kids contemplated their privileges, Young encouraged them to write ‘thank you’ letters to their parents.

“Don’t take them for granted,” she said, handing out cards and envelopes. “Every day is not promised, so make sure you thank them for every opportunity you get.”

Before the students began writing, Young shared something quite sentimental to her. She held up a card with a drawing of herself that her daughter had made as a special commemorative.

As part of the lesson, Young instructed the students where to place their greeting and signature. She also offered ideas as to what to write, and how to properly address the envelope.

Ian Curry, 13, said that he left the presentation feeling well-informed on what it means to show gratitude.

“It’s a great review on being a good person, overall,” the seventh-grader added .

That’s the kind of response Young hopes students will take away from the session.

She noted how well-behaved the students were, and added that the training begins at home with the parents.

“Most times people think I’m helping bad kids, but it’s quite the opposite,” Young said.

“There are people who already have it (good etiquette). They just want to brush up on it.”

She hopes that the lessons on respect and compassion that she teaches will spread from one person to another, well beyond the classroom’s walls.

For upcoming courses or additional information, contact Tia Young at (813) 629-2785, visit www.TampaEtiquette.com, on Facebook at Tia Young Image and Etiquette or email .

Published May 01, 2019

Grant encourages careers in advanced manufacturing

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CareerSource Pasco Hernando and AmSkills Manufacturing Training & Apprenticeships have been awarded a $100,000 grant to encourage students to explored a career in advanced manufacturing.

The grant will benefit 16 local students, according to a news release.

It will provide hands-on skills training, exploration of multiple career tracks, tours to local manufacturers, and the opportunity for job placement or paid apprenticeship with a local manufacturing company.

The AmSkills Pre-Apprenticeship Program is designed to replicate a real working environment, to prepare students for real-world careers.

Students clock-in and out, meet attendance goals, participate in team-building exercises and complete hands-on projects in various career tracks. They also have the opportunity to tour local manufacturing companies and experience manufacturing firsthand.

The program also includes soft skills training — including communication, presentations, setting goals and others, the release says.

AmSkills has a “dual-coaching” system, which identifies mentors within participating manufacturing companies and provides a program coach.

The program coach and company mentor work together to help students develop skills needed to launch their career. Students are matched with a manufacturer whose culture and environment is complementary for both participants.

Assessing technical and soft skills prior to placement allows for greater success between the manufacturer and pre-apprentice.

At the end of the 90-day program, the manufacturer, pre-apprentice and program coach map out each students training plan, and the student may officially become an apprentice working for the manufacturer.

The Apprenticeship Program provides students with paid hands-on experiences through on-the-job training with top local manufacturers and trade businesses, which helps students gain greater insight to determine their career goals.

For more information about the program or to register, contact AmSkills at (727) 301-1282, ext. 126, or visit their website at AmSkills.org.

Published May 01, 2019