Future engineers
First-graders Lia Bensimon and Karissa Basham of Hillel Academy take part in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) challenge by trying to construct the tallest cup structure in a limited amount of time.
John Long Middle carnival
The 10th annual John Long Middle School Round-up Carnival will be April 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the school, at 2025 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.
Proceeds from the carnival will benefit the children at John Long and to build a community in the public school sector.
There will be a dunk tank, a mechanical bull, a cliff hanger, a wrecking ball, a joust, a rock wall, a quad jump, a bungee run, live disc jockey and entertainment, food, drinks, a live and silent auction, prizes and giveaways, and free parking.
For information, call Denise Nicholas at (813) 205-1436.
After-School Conference
The sixth annual After-School Conference, “Soaring to New Heights,” will take place April 8 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at River Ridge High School, 11646 Town Center Road in New Port Richey.
The keynote speaker will be Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Rob “Waldo” Waldman.
Waldman will teach professional leaders how to build trusting, revenue-producing relationships with employees, partners and customers.
Participants also will join an array of after-school providers during a full day of comprehensive professional development opportunities, food and door prizes.
Tickets to the event include breakfast and lunch.
To purchase tickets, visit conta.cc/2mhDQth.
For information about the event, call Dorcia Bartenope at (813) 794-2215.
Brooke Gonzalez fund established
Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation has established the Brooke Gonzalez Softball Fund, in memory of the former student-athlete, with an initial donation from her family.
Last year, Gonzalez was killed while returning to her apartment after jogging.
Gonzalez was an honors student and vital to the PHSC softball team’s success, hitting .415 as the team qualified for the 2016 Regional Tournament.
The Brooke Gonzalez Softball Fund will provide resources to support the women’s softball program at PHSC.
Contributions to the fund may be made through the PHSC Foundation office at PHSC.edu/foundation.
For information about the softball program, visit PHSC.edu/athletes.
Rotary Club accepting scholarship applications
Rotary Club of Trinity is accepting applications for the organization’s 2017 Al Arzu Scholarship.
Applicants must be a high school senior, and reside in and attend school in Pasco County.
Applications must be postmarked by April 14.
For information, or to get a copy of the application, email Candace Glewen at .
Pasta dinner fundraiser
The third annual pasta dinner fundraiser for the Sean Bartell Memorial Foundation will be April 29 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Trinity Church of Wesley Chapel, 33425 State Road 54.
There will be a special ceremony and announcement at 5 p.m.
The dinner will be prepared and donated by Carl and Jessica Myers, of Little Italy’s Family Restaurant and Catering.
The Magic of Scott Barhold will provide entertainment. Local vendors will be on site.
The cost is $10. Kids ages 4 and younger are free.
To-go boxes will be available.
To purchase tickets, contact Paul Bartell or Jamie Bartell via IM on Facebook, or email .
Columbiettes’ scholarship
The Columbiettes 8104, of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Land O’ Lakes, is sponsoring a scholarship for one or more selected OLOR women who are college bound in the fall of 2017.
The application deadline is May 1.
For information, and where to get an application, call Jo Tambone at (813) 235-3448.
Free summer VPK program
Primrose School at Collier Parkway, 23021 Weeks Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will offer a Summer VPK (voluntary pre-kindergarten) program for eligible families and their children.
The free program is for children who have not yet used their VPK voucher, and turned 4-years-old before September 2016.
Classes begin on June 6 and run through Aug. 3.
VPK hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with lunch/rest time from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
For information about the school and enrollment, contact Angella Hart, school director, at (813) 242-7800.
