A ‘step’ in the right direction
Pasco Property Appraiser Mike Wells, Jacques Hakim, the YMCA, and Julio Vega send out thanks to everyone who contributed to the second annual Step Up For Students Back-to-School Fundraiser. Due to the generous support of many, 3,100 pairs of new shoes were donated to Pasco County Schools, topping the total of 2,862 pairs donated in 2021. Wells, third from right, stands alongside school district representatives to show off a colorful variety of footwear the group received.
Scholarship benefit
BCMF Calstrong in Trinity/Odessa and LiveFit in Hudson are partnering to host their first Walk-A-Thon on Sept. 10, at 11539 Pyramid Drive in Odessa. The event will benefit The Ashley Morrison Heart Scholarship for Pasco County high school athletes. Any remaining funds will be donated to meningitis research. For more information, call 727-842-7000.
Fishing Club changes name
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has approved changing the name of the High School Fishing Program to the School Fishing Club Program, according to a news release.
The new name more accurately portrays the age range for student participation. The program has grown in popularity in recent years, and continues to support and encourage youth anglers of all ages.
The FWC’s fishing program in 2021 welcomed 21 new and 13 returning student angling clubs from Florida, offering funding for clubs committed to complete the provided FWC curriculum, as well as pre- and post-tests, and at least one conservation project.
Club sponsors worked to provide support and hands-on training in knot-tying and fishing gear assembly, and assisted with the clubs’ local events to increase confidence for student anglers in the sport of fishing.
To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/SFC.
Top marks for president
Pasco-Hernando State College president Timothy Beard has earned near-perfect scores on his annual review by the college’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT), with an overall average score of 4.95 out of 5.0, according to a news release.
Beard was recognized for his excellent communication skills with the DBOT, community stakeholders, and state and national relationships.
John Mitten, DBOT chair, summarized the review comments in a letter to the trustees, commending “Dr. Beard for his leadership, personal and professional demeanor, and the overall positive impact he has on the college,” the release said.
Beard earned a 4.86 for board relations; a 4.99 for community, state and national relations; a 5.0 on fiscal responsibility; a 4.88 for leadership; and a 5.0 for accountability.
The review is consistent with last year’s review that showed Beard’s strong marks in all categories.
Education achievements
• Emara Saez, of Lutz: Dean’s List, Tufts University, Massachusetts
• Victory High School in New Port Richey, Tampa Bay’s first Recovery High School, hosted a ceremony on July 13 for its first graduating student. The female graduate received 1 ½ years of mental health services, recovery support, and an education to accomplish her diploma.
Information Technology training
CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) currently is accepting applications for individuals who would like to receive training in the field of Information Technology (IT).
CSTB has two H-1B Skills Training grants available to help local job seekers living in Hillsborough County gain skills for career advancement. The total grants amount to $466,000, according to a news release.
Participants must be Hillsborough County residents, 17 years of age or older who currently are not in high school and are unemployed or underemployed.
The TechBoost grant provides training assistance up to $5,000. This amount may be provided per participant under the grant award of $387,000, the release said.
TechBoost is a national program that provides comprehensive workforce strategies to prepare the workforce for middle- to high-skilled occupations within the IT industry.
The Tech Quest Apprenticeship (TQA) is part of a federal program and on average can provide $600 in occupational training assistance under the grant.
CSTB has received a total grant award of $79,000 from TechQuest.
TQA assists IT and IT-related apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs in development, expansion, and active enrollment.
To learn more about the two progams, visit CareerSourceTampaBay.com/job-seekers/techboost/.
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.
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 .
