President emeritus honored
Pasco-Hernando State College honored Robert W. Judson Jr., Ed.D., PHSC president emeritus, with a Pasco Proud award during the Black History Month celebration at its East Campus in Dade City.
The award recognizes an African-American citizen of Pasco County who has made an impact in the community.
Judson holds the distinction of being named the first African-American president of a Florida community college in 1994 and served in that role for 11 years.
Under his leadership, the expansion of the West Campus in New Port Richey was completed, which included the opening of a child care center.
Judson also launched new programs, including radiography, drafting and design, and the first four-year degree program through a partnership with the University of South Florida and Hodges University.
Top Dogs recognized
The Pilot Club of Zephyrhills honored Top Dog students from Stewart Middle School. Through the program, students are recognized for academics and their leadership roles in the school.
The third quarter recipients were Cassidy Thompson, Jacob Smith, Natalie O’Donovan, Dayanora Ortega, Nic Batto, Lillian Rapp, Jacob Cruz, Ariana Stone and Chiara Antonucci.
Each student received a certificate and a gold dog tag at a Hungry Howie’s luncheon.
Student art exhibit
Pasco-Hernando State College’s Rao Musunuru, M.D. Art Gallery will exhibit “A Student Showcase” April 18 to May 16, at its West Campus in New Port Richey.
The annual event highlights diverse talent achieved without influence from staff or faculty. Visitors can experience completed works of photography, drawing and mixed media, from past and present art students.
For information, call (727) 816-3231, or visit PHSC.edu.
Friendship Walk
The Best Buddies Club of Dr. John Long Middle School in Wesley Chapel will participate in the Friendship Walk on April 21 along the Tampa Riverwalk.
For information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/yabt7qhv.
The event is free, but donations can be made when registering.
Scholarship benefit
The Amelia Foundation Benefit Concert will take place April 21 at 6 p.m., at Blanton Baptist Church, 17351 Hyland Lane in Dade City.
The cost is $10. All proceeds will go toward scholarships for graduating Pasco High School seniors.
Tickets will be available at the door.
For information, call The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at (352) 567-3769.
Pancake fundraiser
The Land O’ Lakes High School FFA will host a pancake breakfast fundraiser April 22 from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Wilderness Lakes Beef O’ Brady’s, 7040 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Suite 108.
The cost is $7 per person, and includes pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon served by the school’s FFA members.
Tickets can be purchased at Beef O’ Brady’s or through the LOLHS FFA.
For information or to make a donation, call (813) 230-2254.
College planning workshop
Thrivent Financial will offer a College Planning Strategies Workshop April 24 at 6:30 p.m., at the Oakstead Clubhouse, 3038 Oakstead Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.
This is a 90-minute presentation designed for parents and students in seventh grade and higher, to learn about academics, admissions and financial strategies to help save money on college.
There will be tips on the FAFSA; what COA, OOP and EFC are; timelines for taking the SAT/ACT; and, strategies for selecting a college.
Admission is free. Space is limited.
To RSVP, call (813) 626-5489, or email .
Essay contest
Gary Joiner, Pasco County property appraiser’s office, will accept entries, as part of the Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’ Neil’s Constitutional Officers Essay Contest, through April 27.
The contest is for Pasco County eighth-grade students of public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic and home-schools.
Students must answer the question, “What are the effects property taxes can have on schools?” and submit essays to their principals.
Students in private, parochial, nonpublic or home-schools can email submissions to .
Essays must be 500 words or less, and should include the student’s name, school, grade and contact information.
The winner will be notified by phone on May 18.
Teacher of the Year nominations
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis is accepting nominations for his annual Teacher of the Year awards, to honor the outstanding educators of Florida’s 12th District.
Teachers and educators from all schools, and all grades, in District 12, are eligible.
Nominations should be emailed to , and include the name, school and contact information of the nominee.
The deadline is April 27.
An awards ceremony will take place in May.
