App to highlight theology professor
ST. LEO – Thomas Humphries, professor of philosophy, theology and religion at Saint Leo University, will be featured Feb. 23 on the Ascension App as part of the Lenten season.
His reflection will premiere on the first Monday of Lent and be available worldwide through the Catholic Bible and Catechism mobile app’s daily Scripture readings.
“On the first Monday of Lent we read from Leviticus in Mass: ‘Be holy, as I the LORD your God am holy!’ This kind of holiness means nothing less than entering the mystery of God Himself,” Humphries said. “It is a blessing that we get to invite our students and those who use the Ascension App to a deeper relationship with Christ through Scripture and the Sacraments this Lent.”
Humphries teaches theology and emergency management at Saint Leo and is active in Campus Ministry. He is the author of two theology books.
Learning Gate to host EcoFest
LUTZ – Learning Gate Community School will host its annual EcoFest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 25 at the Hanna Campus, 16215 Hanna Road.
The free, family-friendly event celebrates Earth Day with live music, local artisans, workshops and food trucks. The Green Ribbon School uses EcoFest to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship throughout the community.
Organizers are accepting applications from local vendors, artisans and nonprofits, particularly those aligned with a “green” mission.
Admission is free. Visit learninggate.org/ecofest for vendor applications and event details.
Kids Tag Art Store opens for 2025-26
TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Kids Tag Art online store is now open, featuring more than 2,700 original designs created by fifth-grade students from over 55 schools for the 2025-26 school year.
Proceeds directly benefit participating schools’ art programs, funding classroom supplies and resources. Since launching, the program has raised more than $149,000 for school art education.
“These talented fifth-grade artists have worked hard to create unique designs, and now it’s our turn to show them support,” said Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan, who is partnering with Hillsborough County Public Schools on the fundraiser. “Every mug, keychain, or license plate you purchase isn’t just a beautiful piece of student art. It’s an investment in arts education.”
Shoppers can filter by school and choose from products including vanity license plates, mugs and keychains.
Browse designs at HillsFaxFL.gov/shop.
Quick Hits
- Scott Brewer, of Lutz, made the provost’s list for fall at Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions in Athens, Ohio. Students must have at least a 3.5 grade point average to qualify.
- Sarah Caudill, of Lutz, made the president’s list for fall at Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions in Athens, Ohio. Students must earn a 4.0 grade point average to qualify.
- Blake Graham, of Odessa, made the dean’s list high honors for fall at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Woods, Indiana.
- Zayne Jack, of Lutz, graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering in the fall. Jack received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
- Trevor Mayberry, of Odessa, made the dean’s list for fall at Mississippi State University. Students must have a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.79 to qualify.
- Naila Schoefberger, of Lutz, was among nearly 1,400 students graduating from Mississippi State University in fall 2025. Schoefberger received the Bachelor of Science from MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences.
