Essay contest winners
Home-schooled Land O’ Lakes fifth-grader Lee Ellis claimed first prize in the ninth annual Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Constitution Essay Contest, by “eloquently emphasizing the meaning and enduring importance of the famed opening phrase of the United States’ founding document,” according to a news release.
Ellis wrote in his essay, “Did you know that ‘We the People’ means everyone? The rich, the poor, the young, the old, whites, blacks, men and women are all a part of ‘We the People.’
The student noted, significantly, that the Constitution does not “give” rights, but, instead, it guarantees them. This distinction, vital to our governing philosophy, often is misconstrued.
An excerpt from Ellis’ essay states, in the release: “The Constitution is very important because it sets the framework that our government and legal systems still follow today. This framework protects the basic rights of ‘We the People’ and stops the government from having too much power. …It protects our right to privacy, our right to choose our religion, our right to vote, our right to do things we like, and so much more!”
Rounding out the top three winners are Oakstead Elementary’s Aubrey Ofoulhast Othamot (second place) and Christian Crossings Acacdemy’s Jake Whitman (third place).
The top three students will receive trophies and gift cards at an upcoming Pasco County School Board meeting.
This year marked the first time students other than those attending Pasco County district schools broke onto the medals stand.
Honorable mentions were given to Izabella Crockett, Emma Saclarides, Cody VanOpdorp, Treyson Workentin, Noa Ron, Paul Patrocinio, Rosaria Cage, Destin Martin, Amalia Esajas, Analise Ossa (Oakstead Elementary), Gianna Matos, Ayden Satnarain, Andrea Martinez Campos (Saint Anthony Catholic School), Nadia Koutereba, and Audrey Floyd (Christian Crossings Academy).
Read the top three essays online at PascoClerk.com.
Academy grand opening
The Prelude Academy of the Arts, 14249 Seventh St., in Dade City, will host a grand opening that will include these events:
- Nov. 12 at 9 a.m.: Ribbon-cutting and refreshments
- Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon: Open House with an instrument petting zoo
- Nov. 14 at 4 p.m.: Concert in the Park (free, at Agnes Lamb Park), featuring the Homegrown New Music ensemble and the students of Prelude Academy
Virtual Pathways Expo
Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice will host virtual expos on these dates, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.:
- Nov. 15 for West Pasco schools
- Nov. 18 for East Pasco schools
For a list of schools in each zone and for information on how to register, email .
Donate to AMSkills
The five Pasco County Tax Collector’s offices are accepting donations during the month of November for AMSkills, a nonprofit program created to prepare qualified individuals interested in learning skills to work in the manufacturing field.
Based in Pasco County, AMSkills offers programs from entry-level training to job placement assistance throughout the Tampa Bay area.
“AMSkills is bringing hands-on skills training to youth and adults in low- to mid-income neighborhoods through the use of our Mobile Workshop…,” said Tom Mudano, president and CEO, in a news release.
“Donations received will provide additional skills training to these individuals, free of charge, helping them launch a new career they may have never considered before,” said Mudano.
Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano noted, in the release, “I have long been a proponent of technical education as an alternative to college, especially for those with talents and abilities that are best suited to manufacturing and technology.”
For details regarding the charitable promotion, contact Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.
For information about AMSkills, visit AmSkills.org, or contact Robyn Liska, director of development, at 727-301-1282, ext. 126.
A plethora of goodies for Connerton
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club donated a number of pies for Connerton Elementary’s Fall Festival, Halloween costume accessories for the children’s costume school parade, and volunteered to stuff more than 48 colorful, soft plush animals (pictured) for each of the kindergartners. Connerton Elementary is one of four schools that the club has taken under its wings and sponsors. For information about the club and membership opportunities, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org, or its Facebook page.
