Florida student’s art wins Best of Show in Fish Art Contest
TAMPA – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in collaboration with Wildlife Forever, recognized Sebastian Romo for his submission in the 2026 Fish Art Contest.
Sebastian was named the Florida freshwater winner for grades 7-9 in April and advanced to the national competition, where he earned second place in the national grades 7-9 division before going on to receive Best of Show. Best of Show is the contest’s highest overall honor, recognizing the most exceptional artwork submitted across all grade levels.
The contest invites students in kindergarten through 12th grade to create illustrations of native fish species in their natural habitats. Participants learn about the fish they depict, including their habitat, diet and role in Florida’s aquatic ecosystems, to develop a deeper appreciation for the state’s fisheries and natural resources.
Follow Sebastian’s work on Instagram @sebastianinthewild and on his website, Sebastianinthewild.com.
On the web: MyFWC.com/Education.
Kiddie Academy opens in Land O’ Lakes
LAND O’ LAKES – Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care celebrated the grand opening June 6 of a new franchise location at 17881 Aprile Drive.
Murali and Sireesha Katipalli own and operate the location. They have provided care and education to more than 1,000 families in five years at the Westchase location, Sireesha said.
“We’re excited to bring that same vision to Land O’ Lakes, providing a nurturing, high-quality learning environment for children while creating more opportunities to employ local educators,” Sireesha said.
Kiddie Academy of Land O’ Lakes will serve about 205 children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old and bring 30 jobs to the area.
The 11,300-square-foot location features 11 classrooms, a large outdoor learning center equipped with turf and a splash pad for water play, a multimedia room, Zono disinfecting cabinets and security cameras throughout.
On the web: kiddieacademy.com/landolakes
Odessa students graduate from the University of Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Four students from Odessa earned degrees from the University of Alabama’s spring 2026 commencement at Coleman Coliseum in May.
Local graduates include:
- Logan Hinsberg received a Bachelor of Arts.
- Graydon Horn received a Bachelor of Arts.
- Avy Trevethan received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences.
- Bo Welch received a Bachelor of Science.
Some 7,000 degrees were awarded during the ceremony.
Student achievements
The following students earned honors during the spring 2026 semester:
- Jackson Behuniak, of Lutz, was named to the Dean’s Honor Roll at University of Mississippi. Jackson, who is in the B.A. in History program, earned a semester GPA of 3.50-3.74.
- Makenna Bellaire, of Lutz, was named to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi. Makenna, who is in the B.A. in Political Science program, earned a semester GPA of 3.75 to 4.00.
- Robert S. Burton, of Lutz, was named to first honors on the Dean’s List at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Students must have a GPA of 3.8 or above for first honors.
- Caitlyn Culpepper, of Odessa, was named to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi. Caitlyn, who is in the B.A. in Biochemistry program, earned a semester GPA of 3.75 to 4.00.
- Lillian Hilt, of Land O’ Lakes, made the Dean’s List at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Lillian earned a GPA of 3.5 to 3.9.
- Anthony Iserino, of Wesley Chapel, made the Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. This honor recognizes students who have achieved a grade-point average of 3.5 or above.
- Drew Pitts, of Lutz, made the Dean’s List at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee. Drew earned a GPA of 3.5 to 3.9.
