Local graduate serves at Weather Command
Airman apprentice Destiny Gonzalez, a 2011 Wiregrass Ranch High School graduate, serves with the Navy’s Weather Command Headquarters at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.
The Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command at Stennis advises Navy leaders about the impact of ocean and atmospheric conditions on future operations.
As an aerographer’s mate, Gonzalez helps platoons take sonar pictures of the ocean floor and then analyzes the photos to inspect what is found on the ocean floor.
Her responsibilities provide timely, comprehensive and tactically relevant information for ships, submarines, aircraft and other commands operating throughout the globe.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most-relied upon assets, Gonzalez and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I think serving in the Navy means a bit of sacrifice,” said Gonzalez in a release. “Serving here I found a lot of camaraderie and everyone is very welcoming in help with training and more. Being here I’m learning something that not too many people get to learn.”
Support for Bahamian students
Although Hurricane Dorian did not strike Saint Leo University, its impact on the Bahamas was strongly felt by the university community — nearly 150 Bahamian students attend Saint Leo.
The school’s community had a candlelight vigil on the steps of the Tapia College of Business, with prayer, music and remarks from several speakers.
In addition to the vigil, Saint Leo had a prayer service at the Saint Leo Abbey Church, prior to the student Mass.
Group and individual counseling has been offered and there are daily check-ins with the school’s Bahamian students.
A relief drive for supplies began Sept. 6, and collection bins are placed throughout the Saint Leo campus.
Free math hotline
Hillsborough County Public Schools offers a free math homework hotline, available on select Thursdays, for math help on any topic.
Certified math teachers will be available from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Sept. 19, Sept. 26, Oct. 3, Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Nov. 7, Nov. 14, Nov. 21 and Dec. 5.
There also is a ‘live’ show on Spectrum Chanel 635 and Frontier Channel 32, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., or live stream at MHH.mysdhc.org, and students can win prizes and/or answer the challenge question.
For information, contact Maggie Mixon at (813) 272-4927 or .
Career college open house
Altierus Career College-Tampa, 3319 W. Hillsborough Ave., will host an open house focusing on health care careers on Sept. 19 from noon to 2 p.m., and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Participants can get a tour of the nursing and surgical technology labs, and learn about the Altierus programs, such as scholarships.
For information, visit Altierus Career College on Facebook.
Homecoming boutique
A Cinderella Project Homecoming Boutique will be set up at Cypress Creek High School, 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, Sept. 23 and Sept. 24 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Free homecoming attire, shoes and accessories will be available for any high school student.
For information, call Cypress Creek at (813) 346-4400.
Other boutiques also will be at Gulf High School in New Port Richey on Sept. 25 and Sept. 26; and, Fivay High School in Hudson on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
Faculty recital
As part of its Roaring Twenties Decades Project, Saint Leo University will host a Fall Music Faculty Recital on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m., in Selby Auditorium, Lewis Hall.
The presentation will feature music of the 1920s.
Admission is free.
For information, email , or leave a message at (352) 588-8401.
Arts education website
The Arts Council of Hillsborough County has launched a new arts education website to help provide education and experiences for students.
The website has information on field trips from cultural organizations throughout the area; opportunities to engage students with art in the classroom; experienced educators from across Tampa Bay; and, student guides and links to Florida State Education Standards.
Check it out at ArtsTampaBay.com/artsed/.
Hispanic Heritage contests
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to design a bookmark, and students in grades six to 12 can design a poster, for the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative’s Hispanic Heritage Contest.
First- and second-place winners will be chosen in groups: kindergarten through second grade; third grade through fifth grade; sixth grade through eighth grade; and ninth grade through 12th grade.
Prizes include museum tickets, gift cards, history center tickets, sketchbooks, and professionally printed bookmarks.
The contest runs through Sept. 30. Entries can be submitted to any Hillsborough County public library.
For information and to see some of last year’s winners, visit HCPLC.org/events/hispanic-heritage.
Saint Leo partners with Bucs
Saint Leo University and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers commemorated Saint Leo becoming the exclusive educational partner of the Bucs at a kickoff party in August.
The partnership was marked by a mingling of Saint Leo’s green and gold, and the Buccaneers’ red and pewter on the school’s campus in St. Leo.
Team mascots Fritz (Saint Leo Lions) and the Bucs’ Captain Fear, as well as cheerleaders from both organizations, led the celebration.
The event featured food, music, games and giveaways.
With the partnership, Saint Leo University will be featured in online, television, radio and in-stadium promotional advertisements.
Saint Leo also will present Bucs Trivia Tuesday on Instagram, Game Day Trivia in Raymond James Stadium on game days, and the Military Hero at each home game.
