Student-authors want to help save the world
Two local students, one from Wesley Chapel and one from Land O’ Lakes, are headed to Los Angeles for a share of $250,000 in prizes at The Paradigm Challenge’s annual awards ceremony. Co-authors Catie Tomasello, 13, and Paige Atkinson, 12, created their children’s book, ‘Sophia Saves the World,’ with a message of collaboration, kindness and saving the planet.
Students ages 4 to 18 from 173 countries participated in this year’s competition, which challenged students to come up with new ideas to reduce waste in homes, schools, communities and the world at large.
Tomasello’s and Atkinson’s book tied for first place in the 9 to 13 age group.
Every year, the Paradigm Challenge offers prizes to the top 100 finalists and their teachers. Submissions include children’s books, as well as inventions, scientific research, mobile apps, community service projects, documentaries, websites and public service videos.
The goal for Tomasello and Atkinson is to have copies of “Sophia Saves the World” in classrooms throughout the country.
The next challenge inspires students to generate new ideas to improve personal health through wellness and healing, and will launch Aug. 1. The entry for deadline is May 1, 2018.
For information on the Paradigm Challenge, visit ProjectParadigm.org.
Top AP scores recognized
River Ridge High School’s AP (advanced placement) teachers and administrative staff placed congratulatory signs in the yards of the AP students, or ‘royal achievers,’ who scored a 5 out of 5 on their AP exams.
The team event commemorates the rare achievement of a top score on an AP exam.
Backpack giveaway
Nearly 1,000 participating TCC and Wireless Zone stores are teaming up to donate 172,000 backpacks full of school supplies to children, through TCC’s annual School Rocks Backpack Giveaway.
Since 2013, TCC has donated more than 505,000 backpacks with supplies to ensure children are well-prepared for the start of the school year.
Participating TCC stores are inviting local families to bring their children to the store to pick up a backpack July 23 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be 220 backpacks available at each TCC store, and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The local participating TCC store is at 18959 State Road 54 in Lutz.
Meal applications open online
The Pasco County Schools free and reduced-price meal online application is now available for the 2017-2018 school year at PascoSchoolMeals.com.
Under the National School Lunch Act, families who are below the federal income eligibility guidelines may qualify for free or reduced-price meal benefits. A new application must be submitted at the start of each school year, and only one application can be completed per household.
Families that have received a letter indicating the student is directly certified, do not need to apply.
For information and questions, call Megan Sexton, Food and Nutrition Services finance specialist, at (813) 794-2480.
Professor receives distinction award
Susan Brown Foster, a Saint Leo University tenured professor and author, was honored by Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology with its Award of Distinction. Foster earned her doctorate from Ohio State in sport management in 1988.
The professor helped to create standards for sport management programs in higher education and developed internship standards at Saint Leo University that have been adopted by other schools.
Foster also co-authored the textbook, “Experiential Learning in Sport Management: Internships and Beyond.” The second edition was published this past April to include content about social media in sports and other developments in the field.
Foster teaches courses that include legal issues in sport.
Bishop Parkes named trustee
Saint Leo University welcomed the Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, as its newest member of the university’s board of trustees, effective July 1. Members of the board exemplify the school’s six core values, and give of their time and expertise.
Bishop Parkes was installed as the fifth Bishop of St. Petersburg on Jan. 4. He succeeded the Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, who served the diocese since 1996. Lynch, Saint Leo Class of 2017, previously served on the university’s board of trustees.
Fall registration underway
Registration for three fall sessions at Pasco-Hernando State College is underway for new and returning students.
The fall course schedule is available online at Info.PHSC.edu/course-schedule. New students should contact PHSC for admissions information or apply online at PHSC.edu/admissions.
Beginning fall 2017, students may not register for a course after the course’s initial meeting. The last day to register for online classes is the Sunday before classes begin for each term.
The application fee for new students is $25, and orientation and placement tests are free.
Nominations open for service academies
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) is accepting applications for nomination to the U.S. service academies.
Each year, Bilirakis has the opportunity to nominate high school students from Florida’s 12th District to be accepted to the U.S. Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy or the Merchant Marine Academy.
The office will accept submissions through Sept. 29, and applicants will be interviewed starting in late October.
For information or to download an application, visit Bilirakis.house.gov and click on Services.
