Saint Leo names president
The Saint Leo University Board of Trustees has elected Dr. Edward Dadez as the 11th president of the university, following the resignation of Jeffrey Senese, according to a news release.
Prior to becoming the second provost of the university, Dadez was a visiting professor in graduate education. He also had the position of vice president in support of the school’s regional education centers, online learning program, student affairs, and campus operations.
Before coming to Saint Leo, Dadez served in administrative roles in student affairs and continuing education at The Ohio State University, University of Dayton (Ohio), Michigan State University, Bucknell University (Pennsylvania) and Chowan University (North Carolina).
“Saint Leo University’s commitment to its core values, Catholic heritage, and close-knit community make it a special place — countless students have thrived here and gone on to make an impact in our world,” said Dadez in the release.
“I am excited to work alongside students, faculty, staff and alumni to strengthen the university experience and to help make it possible for more students to pursue their educational and professional goals,” said Dadez.
Meal applications available
Pasco County Schools has announced the free and reduced-price household meal application process for the 2022-2023 school year is open.
The National School Lunch Act states that households who are below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines may qualify for free or reduced-priced breakfast and lunch benefits.
Households must complete a new application each school year. Families can visit PascoSchoolMeals.com, for a link to the online application, frequently asked questions, income eligibility guidelines, cafeteria menus and more.
All students will be served breakfast at no charge at these local schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area: Centennial Elementary, Centennial Middle, Chester Taylor Elementary, East Pasco Education Center, Lacoochee Elementary, New River Elementary, Pasco Elementary, Pasco High, Pasco Middle, Quail Hollow Elementary, R.B. Stewart Middle, Rodney Cox Elementary, San Antonio Elementary, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Woodland Elementary, and Zephyrhills High, the release said.
For additionl information and a complete list of schools, call Pasco County Schools Food & Nutrition Services at 813-794-2522, or email ">.
Campus Kickoff
Hillsborough Community College will host the 2022 Dale Mabry Campus Kickoff on Aug. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd., for students and community members. Participants can learn more about degree programs, enrollment steps, student clubs and life, and financial aid. Free snacks will be provided.
Crossing guards needed
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) school crossing guards and traffic control officers play an important role in the community — they help students and their loved ones to cross busy streets as they travel school routes safely and ensure drivers are cautious in school zones. Crossing guards are part-time positions and are available at several locations throughout Pasco County. For information, visit JoinPSO.com.
Meet the Teacher
Seven Oaks Elementary School, 27633 Mystic Oak Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host two Meet the Teacher sessions on Aug. 8, for students and families. Prekindergarten through second-grade students can attend from 10 a.m. to noon; and third-grade through fifth-grade students can attend from noon to 2 p.m. Families need to report to the cafeteria first, to pick up classroom assignments. Both sessions will provide the opportunity to get teacher assignments, meet the teacher, get transportation information, tour the campus, order a yearbook, purchase spirit gear, join the PTA, and ask questions about the school. For information, call 813-794-0700.
Meet Your Teacher
Woodland Elementary School, 38203 Henry Drive in Zephyrhills, will host a Meet Your Teacher Day on Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the school cafeteria. Members of the Zephyrhills business community will be on hand, too, with flyers, promotional items or giveaways, to share ways they can support Woodland families. For information, call 813-794-6400.
Local students honored
More than 5,200 students in June competed at the 2022 SkillsUSA Championships, a national showcase of career and technical education.
Students were invited to demonstrate their technical, workplace, and personal skills in 108 hands-on competitions including robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance, and public speaking.
Desiree Tirado, of Lutz and a student at Tampa Bay Technical High School, was awarded the high school silver medal in Pin Design.
Isabella Ruiz, also of Lutz and a student at Tampa Bay Technical, was awarded the high school bronze medal in T-Shirt Design.
The annual championship event is for students in middle or high school, or college/postsecondary programs, as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.
For information, visit SkillsUSA.org.
Workstations gifted to Pace Center
Pace Center for Girls in Pasco and Polk counties received 20 fully refurbished computer workstations from eSmart Recycling, for the girls’ at-home personal use, according to a news release.
Pace procides free year-round middle and high school academic, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma, and builds upon girls’ individual strengths, the release said.
The partnership with Pace and eSmart is designed to help close the digital divide many girls face at home.
“This contribution will help build a pathway for girls to embrace technology for personal use — opening new doors for creativity, exploration, and growth,” said Ellen Katzman, executive director of Pace Polk and Pasco, in the release.
Student achievements
• Megan Blanchard, Dade City: Bachelor of Science in Biology: Environmental & Conservation Biology from Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina
• Thais Jacomassi, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Writing, Lit and Publishing from Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts
• Thea G. Wangsness, Dade City: Dean’s List, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, College of Liberal Arts
Back-to-school fundraiser
Step up for Pasco Students! is a back-to-school fundraiser, sponsored by Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells; the YMCA of the Suncoast James P. Gills Family Branch Togetherhood Committee; educator, entrepreneur and philanthropist Jacques Hakim; and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office Charities.
Every $10 donation buys a new pair of shoes for a child in need: The goal is 5,000 pairs.
Sponsorship levels also are available.
For information or to donate, visit bit.ly/2022ShoeDrive.
