(Courtesy of Demene Benjamin)
Cobb’s ‘magical’ back-to-school bash
The eighth annual back-to-school bash at Grove 16 Cobb Theatres in Wesley Chapel was a success.
More than 1,300 guests were ushered in to receive more than 300 backpacks, 63 haircuts, 100 free physicals, and school supplies. There also was face painting, carnival games, a petting zoo, and a sampling of its CineBistro’s wings.
More than 40 partners showcased their wares, and volunteers dressed in dragon-winged T-shirts for the ‘Pete’s Dragon and the Magical Back-to-School Bash.’
Sunlake student receives national honor
Amber Folsom, a Sunlake High School student, was selected to become of a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. The Society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment. NSHSS members automatically become lifetime members at the time of initial membership, and from high school to college to career, the Society connects outstanding students with the resources needed to develop their strengths and pursue their passions.
STEAM Olympics
Cotee River Elementary School fourth and fifth-graders took part in a STEAM Olympics Day on Aug. 17, at the school in New Port Richey, to celebrate the opening of the school’s makerspace.
Students used Lego’s “We Do” to build and code a soccer activity, Ozobot for bowling activities, and took part in Little Bits electronic building blocks.
Pancake breakfast benefit
Beef O’ Brady’s, 7040 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., at Wilderness Lakes in Land O’ Lakes, will host a pancake breakfast to benefit the Land O’ Lakes High School Lady Gators softball team, on Aug. 27 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The cost is $5.
For information, call Mitch Wilkins at (813) 431-8261.
Leadership summit
Pasco County high school student leaders and the teachers who serve as their student government sponsors will take part in a Raising Student Voice & Participation (RSVP) Leadership Summit on Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes High School, 20325 Gator Lane.
RSVP is sponsored by the National Association of Student Councils and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
RSVP is a student-engagement program that uses democratic dialogue to give students the tools to speak out and take action on issues in their schools and communities that are important to them. The program asks students what they care about, what proposals they have for positive school change and community improvement, and shows them how to work with adults to implement their ideas.
For information, call Ric Mellin at (813) 794-9400.
Win school supplies
The Dixie Belle Paint Company is sponsoring a contest to win $500 for school supplies. Those interested can paint a favorite piece of furniture (no smaller than a stepstool) in your school’s colors with Dixie Belle paint.
Photos can be submitted to Facebook.com/DixieBellePaint along with these two hashtags: #DixieBellePaint and #PaintYourFutureBrightDBP. Submissions (limit three per person) must state the school colors used.
The deadline is Aug. 31. The winner will be announced on Sept. 15.
For information, call (813) 909-1962.
Donate school supplies
Great Clips at Arbor Square, 7818 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will collect back-to-school items, such as pencils, notebooks and erasers, through August. All donors will receive $1 off any haircut at Great Clips. Supplies will be donated to Land O’ Lakes schools.
For information, call (813) 693-4247.
Youth Leadership applications
Youth Leadership Pasco is accepting applications for the Class of 2017. Current junior and sophomore students can apply.
The program is a leadership development program that informs, motivates and increases the awareness of selected high school-aged students through issue-oriented seminars and interaction with community leaders.
The class meets once a month from October through March. Youth sessions and tours take place at various locations throughout Pasco County and surrounding counties.
Applications are available online at LeadershipPasco.com, and are due no later than Sept. 1. The cost of the program is $35 per student.
For information, call (727) 534-4280.
