Winter commencement
Pasco-Hernando State College hosted its winter commencement Dec. 14 at its West Campus in New Port Richey.
Two commencement ceremonies honored graduates earning bachelor and associate degrees, and certificates.
The commencement also included presentations of two $10,000 donations to scholarships provided by Dr. Rao Musunuru, PHSC District Board of Trustees and local cardiologist.
The two scholarship donations were given to the PHSC Foundation in honor of Sen. Wilton Simpson, and Pat Mulieri.
This year’s winter graduates included students in The Laker coverage area who have overcome adversity in pursuit of a higher education.
Matthew Kurtz, of Dade City, earned his Associate in Science degree in drafting and design technology. As an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) student, Kurtz found the restraint and regiment of public education did not match his way of learning. He dropped out of high school and obtained his GED, prior to enrolling at PHSC.
Tara Buzina, of Land O’ Lakes, earned her Associate in Arts and is currently working full-time as a firefighter/EMT at Tampa Fire Rescue. She plans to pursue an Associate in Science degree in paramedics, an RN degree, and a bachelor’s degree in emergency medical services at the University of South Florida.
Wislet Joseph and Wisly Joseph, twin brothers from Zephyrhills, both earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in supervision and management. Wislet’s degree has a concentration in organizational administration, and Wisly’s degree concentrates on studies in health care management.
The Joseph brothers came to the United States from Haiti. Knowing very little English, they both enrolled in the English as a Second Language program at Moore-Mickens Education Center in Dade City.
The brothers matriculated to PHSC in August 2013, and each will continue to pursue a Master of Business Administration at Saint Leo University.
Mentor training
Take Stock in Children, a program with the Pasco Education Foundation, offers Pasco County students scholarships, mentors and hope.
Female mentors are currently needed at Centennial Middle School, Hudson Middle, Mitchell High and Zephyrhills High. Male mentors are needed at Sunlake High.
Mentors meet at the student’s school two times to four times per month.
Upcoming mentor training dates are Jan. 17 at 1 p.m., and Jan. 22 at 11 a.m.
For information, contact Diane Jerome, mentor coordinator, at (813) 794-2134 or .
Open house
Countryside Montessori Charter School, 5852 Ehren Cut-Off in Land O’ Lakes, will host an open house for the 2018-2019 school year Jan. 18 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Prospective students, grades one to eight, and families can tour the campus, and meet the teachers and staff.
For information, call (813) 996-0991, or visit CMCSmontessori.com.
Students make honor lists
These local students were named to the Dean’s List at their respective schools:
- Stephen Goldman, of Lutz, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee
- Kayla Mains, of Lutz, Union University, Jackson, Tennessee
- Katelyn Prieboy, of Lutz, Belmont University
- Katie Wynn, of Lutz, Belmont University
- Summer Solovitch, of Dade City, Missouri Valley College, Marshall, Missouri
Also, Gianna Basulto, of Land O’ Lakes, has been named to the President’s List at Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia.
Saint Leo earns recognition
For the fifth consecutive year, Saint Leo University has earned recognition from Military Advanced Education & Transition as a leader in the nation for providing education to those who are serving or who have served in the armed forces.
Saint Leo University was awarded the designation of a Top School in the 2018 Guide to Colleges & Universities, measuring best practices in military and veteran education.
To be identified as a top school, Saint Leo exhibited military-supportive actions, such as having a veterans center, financial incentives for military-affiliated students, counselors for veterans, and more.
Higher education institutions also were evaluated on military culture, financial aid, flexibility, general support, on-campus support and online support services.
The guide is available online at MAE-KMI.com.
