Student citizens recognized
The East Pasco Chamber Foundation in partnership with the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized eight students as Student Citizens of the Month for November. The students were chosen for their exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. These students were honored: Joshua Narankevicius, Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Eliza Taylor, The Broach School; Annlee Holcomb, Chester Taylor Elementary; Santiago Sanchez-Mesa, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Adelie Jividen, Heritage Academy; McKayla Oberman, Raymond Stewart Middle; Jaxon Smith, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; and Laila Woolfolk, Zephyrhills High.
Open-Door Grant Program
The Florida Department of Education has awarded Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) $306,644 in funding through the Open-Door Grant Program, which continues to Sept. 30, 2023, according to a news release.
The grant supports credentialing for students completing short-term and technical education courses.
The program aims to increase the skilled and available workforce throughout the state.
With support from the grant, PHSC can better assist future workforce candidates through increased accessibility to obtain certificates for the high-demand fields.
The continuing workforce education department at PHSC currently offers rapid credentialing options for several certifications in the fields of information technology, engineering and manufacturing.
For more information, visit PHSC.edu/academics/job-training.
To apply for a scholarship, visit PHSC.edu/academics/job-training/scholarship.
Teddy bear campaign
For the second year, Saint Leo University is collecting stuffed animals for use by the Tampa Police Department. As a holiday season project of Saint Leo’s Tampa Education Center, Teddy Bears for TPD will provide cuddly critters for officers to carry in their vehicles in order to provide comfort to children in stressful situations.
In addition to the Education Center, the university community also is helping with the effort, and the Student Government Union, the Office of Greek Life and Community Service, and the East Pasco Education Center at the residential campus in Pasco County are assisting.
Donations of new and gently used teddy bears and other stuffed animals will be collected in donation boxes now through Dec. 13.
Last year, nearly 250 stuffed animals were donated by Saint Leo students, faculty, staff, and the public.
Those interested in participating can drop off items at these locations (look for the Teddy Bears for TPD signs):
- Tampa Education Center, 1403 N. Howard Ave., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Dining Hall lobby in the Student Community Center, University Campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo
- Student Activities Building at University Campus
- Saint Edward Hall lobby (East Pasco Education Center) at University Campus
- Benedictine Hall lobby at University Campus
“We want interactions with the police to be positive for children, even if it’s a scary situation,” said Rod Kirkwood, director of Saint Leo University’s Tampa Education Center, in a news release.
“These donations will allow the police officers to provide something soft for the children to hold during a hard or difficult time,” said Kirkwood.
Studies show that cuddling a stuffed animal can release “feel good” chemicals in the brain, and help to soothe children (and adults), the release said.
For more information, contact Rod Kirkwood at or 813-226-2777.
Spring registration open
New and returning students can now register for Spring 2023 at Hillsborough Community College (HCC). Classes begin on Jan. 9 at all campus and satellite locations, and online.
HCC offers flexible class schedules and course delivery options that allow students to study at their own pace without compromising their work or family obligations.
Options include:
- On-campus, with face-to-face instruction and scheduled class meetings at one of five campuses or satellite locations.
- Hybrid courses combine in-person and online delivery.
- Simulcast courses combine online videoconferencing and an on-campus component.
- Online, with no mandatory live class meetings. Instructor communication and feedback is through Canvas.
- Flexible-start courses that begin at various times throughout the semester, including one 12-week session, one 10-week session, one eight-week session, and three five-week sessions.
HCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
For more information, visit HCCfl.edu.
