Local student receives award
Each year, the City of Tampa Water Department recognizes outstanding STEM Fair projects at the elementary, junior and senior school levels with the Drinking Water Award. Lilienn Carpenter, a fifth-grade student at Sunlake Academy of Math & Science, in Lutz, this year received the award in the Hillsborough County elementary division, presented by Mayor Jane Castor. Carpenter competed with 1,800 other elementary students in Hillsborough County.
Student achievements
- Andrea Denton, of Wesley Chapel, was recognized to the Provost’s Honor Roll at Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas. Denton is majoring in respiratory care.
- Timothy John Elko, of Lutz, was named to the University of Mississippi, Oxford spring Dean’s Honor Roll.
Local graduates
The University of Tampa (UT) hosted a virtual ceremony on May 8 to honor 1,781 degree-seeking candidates at the school’s 152nd commencement.
The event was viewed online by the students, family members and friends, UT faculty and staff, and the general public.
Graduating students in The Laker/Lutz News area include:
- Alex Prendes, of Odessa, Bachelor of Arts – history
- Alex Riccio, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – accounting
- Breanna Sumner, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – criminology and criminal justice
- Brieanna Rekow, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – human performance
- Emalee Jansen, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – accounting
- Hayley Jewett, of Odessa, Bachelor of Arts – psychology
- Kaitlyn Thomas, of Odessa, Bachelor of Arts – design
- Kaylyn Burroughs, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science – nursing
- Lisa Jungmann, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – criminology and criminal justice
- Olivia Trinder, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science – nursing
- Spender Anderson, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science – cybersecurity
- Sydney Milton, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – education, elementary
- Terese Okulski, of Odessa, Bachelor of Science – nursing
- Trevor Toma, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science – cybersecurity
Each graduate received a personalized video commemorating their achievement.
College transfer tips
The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) offers these tips for students who plan to transfer between colleges this year.
Talk to a financial aid officer at your current school to ask if you owe anything or to find out if you can get a refund. Also make sure you have done everything you need to do to get financial aid when you transfer.
In addition, students should contact the registrar’s office at their new school to find out which current school credits and grades will transfer.
Each college should have a contact person who can answer any questions to help make the transition.
For more information, visit KHEAA.com.
Community service
The Goodwill-Suncoast volunteer program for high school students has pivoted to a virtual format this year.
Students in J.A.G. (Junior Ambassadors of Goodwill) can earn up to 25 hours of community service.
The virtual program allows students to volunteer on their own, at the direction of Goodwill Volunteer Services. Each program activity supports a different aspect of Goodwill’s mission.
To learn more, visit Goodwill-suncoast.org/junior-ambassadors.
