Saint Leo honors women
Saint Leo University recently recognized the contributions of women in social work at its “Influential Women of Social Work,” on International Women’s Day.
The event not only celebrated those who give back to their communities, but it also created new legacies in social work as four students received scholarships from Leven “Chuck” Wilson, president and CEO of The Renew Group.
Wilson donated and created the scholarships for undergraduate social work students, which were presented at the event.
These students received a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) scholarship, to be used in the fall 2022 semester:
- Anne Chaves, sophomore at University Campus – $500
- Alyssa D’Aiello, junior at University Campus – $500
- Megan Rowe, junior at University Campus – $1,000
- Natalie Vega, junior at the Tampa Education Center – $500
The theme for Social Work Month is “The Time is Right for Social Work.” Christina Cazanave, chair of the National Association of Social Workers Florida Chapter-Nature Coast, presented the following awards:
- Brendan Bernsley, junior in the BSW program – Social Work Student of the Year
- Feeding Tampa Bay – Rising to the Challenge award
- Maria Santos, social worker since 2017 – Public Citizen of the Year
- Sarah Shirina, supervisor of BayCare Behavioral Health’s Mobile Response Team-Hernando and Pasco counties – Social Worker of the Year
Cazanave, herself, was surprised with the Social Work Educator of the Year, presented by Ebony Perez, chair of Saint Leo’s undergraduate social work program.
To find out more about information sessions for Saint Leo’s Bachelor of Social Work degree programs, email or .
New elected board leaders
The Pasco-Hernando State College District Board of Trustees recently elected Trustees John Mitten and Lee Maggard, respectively, as chair and vice chair of the board.
The terms for both leadership positions, to begin on July 1 and conclude on June 30, 2023, will extend through the college’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Former Hernando County commissioner Mitten, of Brooksville, owns and operates Hernando’s only Chick-fil-A franchise. He serves on the Southwest Florida Management District Board and is actively involved in service and community organizations, including the Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce, Jericho Road Ministries, Hope Children’s Home, MissioSERVE Alliance, and the Restoration Center of Florida.
Mitten is a PHSC trustee appointed in 2018 and succeeds previous chair Dr. Rao Musunuru.
Maggard, vice president/credit officer for BankFlorida in Dade City, has been employed in the banking industry for 12 years. He is a lifelong resident of East Pasco County and a PHSC alumnus.
Maggard has served on the board since 2018.
Grand opening
Saint Leo University will host the grand opening of its 59,500-square-foot Wellness Center on April 8 at 2 p.m., at 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.
The building is a physical representation of the university’s mission of serving students and the community in the growth of mind, body and spirit.
The facility is home to a fitness floor, multipurpose gymnasium, health suite, healthy café, recreational spaces, and an infinity edge pool.
Registration is required to attend the opening, at SaintLeo.edu/wellness-opening.
Partnership provides training
Saint Leo University’s East Pasco Education Center and the Center for Alternative Pathway Program (CAPP) partnered to provide professional development sessions for teachers at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in Pasco County.
Topics focused on conflict reduction and resolution techniques, as well as tools for effective parent-teacher relationships.
The CAPP at Saint Leo offers continuing professional development courses for working adults.
These courses are offered in an online format, and more recently in collaboration with the East Pasco Education Center, now are offered in person, in customized professional development sessions to meet the unique needs of businesses and organizations in Pasco and Hernando counties.
For information about CAPP, email .
Deadline extension
The Hillsborough County Community Action Board Scholarships are now available to Hillsborough County students who want to continue their post-secondary education.
The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges, or four-year universities, and are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of tuition.
Interested students should read through the full Community Action Board Scholarship Application Package (visit tinyurl.com/2p95vwc6) before applying online, to ensure all documents are complete and requirements are met.
Students can apply online at tinyurl.com/yc46uy6p, once all the information and documents have been collected.
Application deadline now has been extended to April 15 at 5 p.m.
For information and questions, call 813-272-5074, ext. 55316.
Internship program
The eight-week summer program RISE (Redefining Internships for Student Empowerment), in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools, is accepting internship applications until April 16.
Rising seniors can have the opportunity to explore career paths and earn money, while working full-time with Hillsborough County.
Interns are placed in county departments, such as Parks & Recreation, Pet Resources, Emergency Management, Library Services, and others.
The interns will work with mentors and learn professional development skills such as writing resumes, interviewing and networking.
For information and to apply, visit tinyurl.com/4we39twn.
FAFSA verifications
The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) encourages students and famlies to take the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) verification seriously, according to a news release.
The federal government requires many students who submit the FAFSA, to verify the information they report.
The U.S. Department of Education chooses the students whose FAFSA information is verified; parents also may be required to provide information, the release said.
Verification ensures that the students who really need financial aid to pay for college or technical training receive it.
Students chosen for verification must complete the process before they can receive financial aid, so families should prepare to provide the requested information as quickly as possible.
As soon as students are notified their FAFSA is being verified, they should begin the process.
Many colleges do their own verification, and others have an agency handle the process.
The KHEAA provides verification services to more than 30 colleges and universities in the United States.
For more information, visit KHEAA.com.
