Students of the Month recognized
Nine students were honored as the The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Students of the Month, for October. Students are chosen by the teachers and administration of their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. Those receiving honors were: Joseph Nespoli, The Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Austin Ward, The Broach School; Julian Ortiz, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School; Jasmine Genton, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Johnathan Dowling, Heritage Academy; Rachel Diaz, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Callie Carter, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; Matheo Cisneros, Zephyrhills Christian Academy; and Bryce Sanders, Zephyrhills High School.
Fall festival
Pasco Elementary School will host a Fall Festival on Oct. 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be bounce houses, games, prizes, face painting, free books, free child ID kits, a selfie station and more. No costumes or masks will be allowed.
To preorder a wristband ($10) by Oct. 24, call (352) 524-5200. The cost at the gate will be $15. Adult admission is free. A dunk tank, a cake walk, and some food and drink will be available for an additional cost.
Trunk or Treat will take place in the parking lot from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Students can wear costumes for this event. A trophy will be given to the best decorated vehicle. For information, contact Alicia VanDusen at or (352) 524-5208.
All proceeds will go to purchase student and staff incentives.
Poster and poem contest
Paralyzed Veterans of America has launched its 15th annual Veterans Day National Poster and Poem Contest, to showcase the artistic talents and patriotic pride of young students for disabled veterans in their communities.
The theme for this year’s contest is “Help Our Veterans Be UnstoppABLE in Your Community.”
Participants are asked to draw a poster or write a poem showing or telling how they can help make their community more accessible for veterans who use wheelchairs.
The poster contest is open to students in first grade to fourth grade. The poem contest is open to students in grades five to eight.
Entries must be received by 5 p.m., on Oct. 29.
For information, including guidelines and how to enter, visit PVA.org/posterpoem.
Mathematics contest
Saint Leo University is looking for middle schoolers to participate in the American Mathematics Competition 8, on Nov. 13. The contest was developed by the Mathematical Association of America, and is free.
The purpose of the competition is to encourage students to develop positive attitudes about mathematics and analytical thinking by having them apply classroom learning to a 25-question, multiple-choice exam.
Students have 40 minutes to complete the questions. Learn more about the subject matter at MAA.org/math-competitions/amc-8.
Saint Leo will accommodate 30 students and mathematics faculty will monitor the contest.
Students are asked to arrive by 5:45 p.m., and go directly to Selby Auditorium in Lewis Hall. The test starts promptly at 6 p.m.
Advance registration is required. Parents should email Dr. Kevin Murphy at to reserve a spot, and include the phrase “AMC 8” in the subject line. Or, parents also can call (8352) 588-7192.
