Saint Leo discusses Benedictine education
Benedictine Catholic higher education leaders, faculty and staff gathered at Saint Leo University for the Association of Benedictine Colleges and Universities’ (ABCU) annual conference. The week of events also included the Benedictine Leadership Formation Institute and Benedictine Pedagogy Conference, according to a news release.
Saint Leo University was founded in 1889 by sisters, priests and monks of the Order of St. Benedict, and the university’s core values are based on the Rule of St. Benedict and the 10 hallmarks of Benedictine education, focusing on the development of mind, body and spirit.
“Benedictine education is akin to ancient wisdom and traditions in that it stresses the education of the whole person rather than the intellect alone,” the ABCU stated in the release.
This conference differed from traditional academic conferences in that it was organized so that everyone is invited to listen not only to respected elders in the community, but also to listen to the liturgy, said Dr. Thomas Humphries, professor of theology and religion.
“We pray together, eat together and speak together. These are elements of genuine community,” said Humphries in the release.
It was the first time in 24 years that Saint Leo hosted the conference.
Mental health partnership
Hillsborough County Public Schools is partnering with Hazel Health to offer free, virtual mental health services at home and school to all K-8, middle and high school students, with parental consent, as well as free physical health services from home. Hazel Health is a service that connects students with licensed, bilingual, culturally competent therapists for virtual counseling appointments.
The service can help a student build coping skills for a short-term challenge or act as a bridge until students are successfully connected with longer-term resources. Services will be available from home starting Aug. 10, and in-school sessions will roll out in schools from the end of August through October.
Families should be on the lookout for more information from the school district.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/2czh2ada.
Contest winners announced
Winners have been announced in the 14th annual Water Awareness Poster Contest sponsored by the Florida Governmental Utility Authority and Pasco County Utilities.
Overall, 18 winners across kindergarten through fifth grade were selected from 1,300 posters, 15 elementary schools and 42 participating teachers. The 2023 theme was, ‘We Need Water, Water Needs Us.’
Among the students recognized in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were:
- First Grade: Harlow Long, Ezann N. Rabbi and Epshita Garadagari, all from Odessa Elementary
- Second Grade: Aadrika Subudhi, Tyler Bennett and Nathanial Chernetsky, Countryside Montessori
- Third Grade: Andy Friedman and Evan Corridor, Countryside Montessori
- Fourth Grade: Brandon Corona and Ella Taylor, Pine View Elementary
- Fifth Grade: Dwarakamaye Bolla, Wesley Chapel Elementary; and Samantha Stone, St. Anthony Catholic School
To view the winning posters in full color, art exhibition dates, and educational materials, visit WaterContest.org.
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.
Homework Help
The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will offer “Homework Help: Kids,” online. The events will explore a variety of digital library resources, with a spotlight on homework help resources. Registration is through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.
- Aug. 15 at 6 p.m., for elementary school students
- Aug. 22 at 6 p.m., for middle and high school students
For more information, visit HCPLC.org/HomeworkHelp.
Student achievements
- Jackie Figueredo, Lutz: Dean’s List, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne
- Makenna E. Larson, Land O’ Lakes: Dean’s List, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Max Martino, Lutz: Dean’s List, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne
- Vasant Ramnarine, Lutz: Dean’s List, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne
- Leia Randall, Land O’ Lakes: Bachelor of Science-Biology, College of Letters and Science, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- Madison Rooth, Odessa: Dean’s List, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne
- Emara Saez, Lutz: Dean’s List, Tuft’s University, Medford, Massachusetts
- Dylan Schaffer, Lutz: Dean’s List, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, Missouri
- Savana Tribbe, Odessa: Dean’s List, Coast Carolina University, Conway, South Carolina
- Thea G. Wangsness, Dade City: Dean’s List, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
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.
