Wesley Chapel native serves in Navy
Submariners make up only 10% of the U.S. Navy’s personnel, but they play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense Department’s most important missions: strategic deterrence, according to a news release from the Navy Office of Community Outreach.
Seaman Kyson Huang, a native of Wesley Chapel, is one of the sailors continuing a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety. Huang joined the Navy one year ago and today serves as an electronics technician aboard the USS Indiana.
“I joined the Navy to see the world and because I have always wanted to serve,” said Huang in the release.
“I also joined because I was always interested in the nuclear field and I wanted to work in a cool environment,” he said.
Growing up in Wesley Chapel, Huang attended Wiregrass Ranch High School and graduated in 2019.
Skills and values similar to those found in Wesley Chapel are similar to those required to succeed in the military, Huang said.
“I learned in my hometown to be less dependent on others and to be self-sufficient,” he said. “If you depend on other people too much, then you get disappointed when they don’t meet those expectations. I also learned to not avoid problems because the problem will always catch up to you.”
Community Newsletter
Pasco County Schools invites families to view its Back to School edition of the Pasco Post, at https://www.smore.com/dpkt5, that is filled with news and updates as the 2023-2024 school year begins. The first day of school is Aug. 10.
The newsletter contains district calendar events; Parent Portal updates; myStudent application; cellphone usage policy; food and nutrition services; school health updates; navigating elementary, middle and high school; Early Childhood opportunities; new transportation tool; and more.
Robotics Camps draws skills
Saint Leo University’s NAO robots were the star teachers during summer robotics camps hosted for high school and middle school students. Each camp was designed for each age/skills level.
High school students were able to learn Python programming and try it out in the school’s Robotics Lab, using the NAO programmable robots.
Students in middle school used Lego Mindstorms kits to learn how to build and program robots.
Dr. Monika Kiss, chair and professor of mathematics in Saint Leo’s College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science (CARDS), has hosted and taught the camps since 2015. She started the “Girls Can!” camps aimed at exposing more girls to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) experiences.
Free school meals
Pasco County Schools will be implementing the Community Eligibility School Program for the 2023-2024 school year, which means that all breakfasts and lunches served to the public school district’s students will be free, according to Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services in Pasco County Schools. No further action will be required on the family’s part for the students to receive the free meals, Kuhn said.
Student graduates
Georgia Institute of Technology:
- Daniel Castro, Odessa
- Jameson Miller, Lutz
- Peng Zhang, Odessa
- Tariq Zidan, Lutz
The University of Tampa:
- Hunter Balistreri, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Finance
- Camille Gammage, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Sociology
- Alexander Gonzalez, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Finance
- Julianne Grega, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Design
- Elis Jones, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Music
- Jayakrishna Kappaganthula, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Applied Sociology
- Andrew Kimball, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
- Jordan Lala, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Sociology
- Julia Madore, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Mitchell Miller, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
- Emma Morrison, Lutz: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
- Michael Neff, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Management
- Victoria Nelson, Lutz: Bachelor of Music in Music Education
- Sara Nemat, Odessa: Master of Science in Finance
- Emma Puleo, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- Gage Robinson, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in English
- Adachi Selas, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Zachary Simone, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Ankur Singh, Lutz: Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Adrienne Villanueva, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Maxwell Winston, Odessa: Bachelor of Arts in Applied Sociology
Back To School Bash
The Gentlemen’s Quarters, 38435 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills, will host its sixth annual free Back To School Bash on Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for kindergarten through 12th grade. The event will include free haircuts, school supplies, food trucks, arcade games, and bounce house. For information, call 813-715-2039.
FAA Training Program
Pasco-Hernando State College has been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for participation in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems-Collegiate Training Initiative program, according to a news release.
This program recognizes institutions that prepare students for careers in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones.
In order to qualify for the initiative, schools must offer a bachelor’s or associate degree in UAS or a degree with a minor, concentration, or are working toward a certificate in UAS.
Schools also must provide curriculum covering various aspects of UAS training, including hands-on flight practice, maintenance, uses, applications, privacy concerns, safety, and federal policies concerning UAS.
The program provides graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to become industry leaders in a variety of unmanned systems-related fields, including UAS and ROV pilots, sensor operators, mission planners and ground technicians, the release said.
The program focuses on problem-solving skills with unmanned systems, provides technical skill proficiency, and practical competency applied training that contributes to the academic knowledge, work attitudes, technical skills and occupation-specific skills in various industries.
For more information about PHSC’s Unmanned Vehicles Systems Operation program, visit PHSC.edu/academics/programs/transportation/unmanned-vehicles.
Make a pencil case
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a craft class on Aug. 12 at 10 a.m., for kindergarten through third grade. Kids can make their own one-of-a-kind pencil case to show off this school year. Participants will use fabric markers and paint, so they should dress in clothing that can get stained. Registration is required. For information, call 727-815-7126.
Class Registration Open
The Straz Center Patel Conservatory’s registration is now open for dance, music and theater classes. Fall classes will begin Aug. 28. Patel offers more than 100 classes, ranging from tap dance to musical theater to improv to trumpet ensemble, for students of all ages and experience levels.
New classes this year include Scene Study and Yoga for the Performer. Homeschool classes such as Homeschool Theater and Homeschool Performing Arts are held on Wednesdays.
Some classes require auditions. Registration for auditions can be done online at StrazCenter.org/auditions or by calling 813-222-1040.
Registration for fall classes is online at PatelConservatory.org, through email , in person at the Patel Conservatory Admissions Office, or by calling 813-222-1040.
To arrange a tour, call 813-222-1029 or email .
Stuff the Bus Drive
The Brandon Mall in partnership with Metropolitan Ministries will host its fourth annual “Stuff the Bus” Drive, designed to provide free school supplies, backpacks, uniforms, shoes and other necessities to students and families in need. Supplies can be donated at the mall, 459 Brandon Town Center Drive in Brandon, at Center Court near Bath & Body Works. Monetary donations can be made online, at tinyurl.com/2p9xv37m. Stuff the Bus will accept donations through Aug. 31.
Summer Haul Bus Pass
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (GoPasco) buses all summer through Aug. 31 for just $20. The special student-rate passes can be purchased at these places:
- GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
- Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, East/West Pasco Government Centers
- Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores – New Port Richey, Dade City and Wesley Chapel
- County libraries, various locations
For more information on the pass and GoPasco bus routes and schedules, visit MyPas.co/SummerBusPass.
