Twins selected as scholarship finalists
Twin sisters Faith Anne Quinn and Grace Helen Quinn, seniors at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, have been selected as 2021 National Merit Scholarship finalists.
The Quinns are the only finalists in a Diocese of St. Petersburg high school and two of 12 semifinalists in Pasco County.
In addition to their studies, both Faith and Grace are active members of Bishop McLaughlin’s theater department and have played varsity basketball since freshman year.
The twins join approximately 15,000 finalists across the country in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin or religious preference.
Student achievements
These local students were named to the fall Dean’s List at Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne: Alexis Clark, Trinity; Braden Contreras, Lutz; Andrew Ekblad, New Port Richey; Jacqueline Figueredo, Lutz; Max Martino, Lutz; Tyler Vermillion, Trinity; and Zachary Watson, Trinity.
Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, recognized Molly Grace Flanagan, of Lutz, and Julliet Abel Muriel, of Spring Hill, to its fall Dean’s List.
Essay contest
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is accepting entries for an essay contest, open to high school students.
Students of Pasco’s public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic and home-schools are asked to answer the question, “When unexpected events occur, such as COVID-19 or a devastating storm, people are often negatively impacted. Some may lose their jobs, their homes or experience other setbacks in their lives. Keeping in mind that funds expended by government (local, state or federal) must come from somewhere, what do you think government should do to assist people to get through these challenges?”
Entries will be judged by a panel of directors from the tax collector’s office, and will be reviewed on how well the student communicates his or her response to the question, as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability.
Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal.
For entries from private, parochial, nonpublic or home-schools, essays should be sent directly to Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526.
Entries also can be dropped off at the New Port Richey office, 4720 U.S. 19, or sent by email to .
For information and questions, call 727-847-8179.
The deadline to enter is 5 p.m., March 12.
SAT School Day
The District School Board of Pasco County will provide the SAT School Day free of charge to all juniors on March 24, according to the Pasco County Schools Facebook page.
The district will register all juniors for the test; it is not necessary for students to register on the College Board website.
For more information, students should contact their respective school counselor.
Essay writing challenge
“Dear Evan Hansen” is a contemporary Broadway musical that had a breakout song entitled, “You Will Be Found.”
During the past year, finding connection has been more integral to our daily lives, and has also required more creativity to maintain it.
With that theme in mind, Gotham Writers Workshop is inviting students in 11th grade and 12th grade to write a college application-style essay that describes how the student has managed to ensure those around him or her were a little less alone in recent months, or, alternatively, a moment where the student has found comfort in connection.
Entries will be judged by a panel of writers and theater professionals.
The winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship from “Dear Evan Hansen” lead producer Stacy Mindich and a free six-week Gotham Writers class.
The essay must be 650 words or less. There is no entry fee.
The deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m., on April 5.
For specifics and how to enter, visit WritingClasses.com/contests.
Scholarship eligibility broadens
Hillsborough County Social Services and the Community Action Board again are partnering to offer scholarships up to $5,000 to eligible students. In response to the impact of COVID-19, the program will feature expanded eligibility criteria.
The Community Action Board Scholarship Program has broadened its household income eligibility from 125% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and lowered the GPA requirement from 2.5 to 2.0.
The changes to the program aim to help students who struggled academically because of the pandemic’s unprecedented impacts on schools, as well as students from households that saw a reduction in annual income.
The scholarships are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of college tuition, so students can focus on furthering their education, not paying bills.
The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or four-year universities.
Both first-time students and students returning to school can apply. Applications for the 2021 scholarships will be accepted through March 31.
Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the start of the fall semester.
Application materials and detailed instructions can be found at tinyurl.com/fyner9md.
Students may submit completed applications online only.
For information, call Irina White at 813-272-5074.
