Fifth-graders become field scientists
APOLLO BEACH – Fifth-graders from Yates Elementary School spent a day as field scientists at The Florida Aquarium Conservation Campus in Apollo Beach.
Through the aquarium’s Watershed Investigations program, students rotated among a mangrove trail, pond and Tampa Bay dock, collecting data, testing water quality and observing wildlife.
“This is where science comes alive for students,” said Jenn Wan, learning team supervisor of experiences at The Florida Aquarium. “They’re not just learning about watersheds from a book. They’re standing in one, testing it, observing it, and understanding how their actions directly impact what they see around them.”
Launched in 2015, the program engages hundreds of Hillsborough County students annually and has been featured in the Connected Science Learning science journal.
Pepin Academies among national award finalists
NEW PORT RICHEY – Pepin Academies has been named one of four finalists for the 2025 Yass Prize for Education Freedom, a national award recognizing innovative, student-centered learning models.
The school was recognized in the Sustainability category of the STOP principles: Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless. The honor highlights its long-term operational strength and integrated, tuition-free public school model for exceptional learners.
“We are honored to be recognized among the nation’s most innovative education providers,” said Jeff Skowronek, executive director of Pepin Academies.
The $1 million grand prize was awarded to Chesterton Schools Network.
Pepin Academies serves more than 1,200 students across campuses in Tampa, Riverview and New Port Richey.
PHSC accepting scholarship applications
NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation is accepting scholarship applications for the 2026-27 academic year.
During 2025-26, the foundation awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships to over 1,000 students, many of whom are first-generation college students.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and enroll in at least six credit hours. The priority deadline is April 10, though applications are accepted year-round.
Scholarships may be used for tuition, fees, textbooks and program supplies and can be combined with other financial aid.
Visit foundation.phsc.edu/scholarships to apply.
University of Tampa releases dean’s list for fall 2025
TAMPA – The University of Tampa has honored 2,444 students who were named to the dean’s list for the fall 2025 semester. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher to be eligible for the dean’s list.
Odessa students who made the list were as follows:
- Andrea Centeno is a senior majoring in Marketing BS.
- Druss Arnold is a senior majoring in Cybersecurity BS.
- Samantha Park is a senior majoring in Communication and Media Studies BA.
- Charles Pals is a junior majoring in Cybersecurity BS.
- Kaitlin Price is a senior majoring in Allied Health BS.
Lutz students who made the list were as follows:
- Ariana Alban-Martinez is a junior majoring in Spanish BA.
- Rowdie Maloney is a senior majoring in Human Performance BS.
- Alyssa De La Sala is a senior majoring in Forensic Science BS.
- Jack Federman is a senior majoring in Communication and Media Studies BA.
- Gladys Santana is a junior majoring in Visual Arts BA.
- Trinity-Anne Santiago is a sophomore majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice BS.
- Jeffrey Smith is a sophomore majoring in Finance BS.
- Morgan Edelbach is a sophomore majoring in History BA.
- Eden Driver is a sophomore majoring in History BA.
The University of Tampa is a private university on 110 acres on the riverfront in downtown Tampa. It has about 200 programs of study and serves more than 11,500 students.
Quick Hits
- Katelyn Olstad, of Lutz, made the dean’s list at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota. Students must have a grade point average of at least 3.5.
- Zahir Orozco, of Lutz, was named to the dean’s list at Tufts University in Medford Massachusetts. Dean’s list honors require a grade point average of 3.4 or greater.
- Thalia Thai, of Tampa, made the dean’s list at Simmons University in Boston. Students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
- Alexa J. Astete, of Tampa, made the dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont. Students must achieve a grade point average of at least 3.5.
- Alyssa Bongiovanni, of Lutz, and Luca Prest, of Odessa, made the honor roll at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. Students must earn a grade point average of 3.85 or better.
