Connerton collects coins for hurricane relief
Shown here, from left, are Connerton Elementary Principal John Abernathy, Jhiana Acosta, Destiny Burgess, Wyatt Mann, Michelle Bubis, Katy Wyrick, Assistant Principal Jennifer Hulll, Lucy Folstad, Madison Welch, Hayden Reed, Fourth grade teacher Cary Wyrick, Fourth grade teacher Rachel Foster. Second row: Mackenzie Yates Peyton Noll, Baylee Sharpe, Riley Brown, Hunter Reed, Dillon Foster, Addison Mols, Emmy Hertz, Amaiya Davis, Brody Marks. Third Row: Emily Baldree, Lyla Folstad, Trey Page, Isabel Cula, Colton Greene. Not Pictured: Cristian Cameron.
Constitution Essay winners
The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s fifth annual Constitution Essay Contest drew a record 72 entries, nearly 70 percent more than in 2016.
The top prize in the contest was awarded to Bailey Keyes, a fifth-grader at Trinity Elementary School, for “her grasp of individual liberties guaranteed by the Constitution,” and noting personal examples along with her “clear beginning and logical ending,” according to a press release.
Ryleigh McQueen, a fifth-grader at Woodland Elementary School, won second place; and, Nathan Grimes, a fifth-grader at Trinity Elementary School, won third place.
The winners will be awarded trophies at the Pasco County School Board meeting Dec. 19. Keyes also will receive a tour of the Pasco courthouse of her choice, plus lunch with Clerk & Comptroller Paula S. O’ Neil.
Students participate in Manufacturing Day
Manufacturing Day activities throughout Pasco and Hernando counties drew the participation of more than 2,000 students.
Approximately 500 students attended tours of local manufacturers, while 1,800 more students throughout Pasco and Hernando high schools and middle schools were educated about manufacturing through a virtual tour of a local Pasco County manufacturer, Arete Industries.
Two local fundraisers also took place, as well as library events to inform the public about manufacturing, and the opportunities manufacturing offers to jobseekers and the local economy.
Timothy Beard joins tech council
Timothy Beard, Ph.D., president of Pasco-Hernando State College, is the newest member of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council.
Beard joined PHSC in 2007 as the vice president of student development and enrollment management, after more than 30 years in education and student services. He was selected to serve as the college’s fourth president in 2015.
Enrollment at PHSC has increased by 40 percent under Beard’s leadership.
Beard’s expertise and knowledge in higher education and workforce development will help guide The Corridor in its mission to grow high tech industry and innovation through partnerships that support research, marketing, workforce and entrepreneurship.
Student toy drive
Pasco County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Moore and the Pasco County District School Board will collect new toys for Pasco County children through its inaugural Holiday Toy Drive, through Nov. 27.
All toys will be donated to students through Pasco County District Schools.
Donations of new, unwrapped toys for children ages 5 to 13 can be dropped off at any of these locations:
- Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
- Pasco County Historic Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., Dade City
- New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills
- West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive in New Port Richey
Several Pasco County community partners also will accept toy donations.
For information, visit bit.ly/2gEK4lz.
Donate stocking stuffers
A group of International Baccalaureate students at Land O’ Lakes High School will be collecting stockings to be donated to foster children through the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco County, as part of a service project.
The group needs donations of stockings, as well as small toys, socks, toothbrushes, coloring books, art supplies, puzzles and other small items. No food will be accepted.
Completely assembled stockings and individual items can be donated.
Donations will be accepted through Dec. 11 at the Wilderness Lake Clubhouse, Meadow Pointe Clubhouse, Lake Bernadette Clubhouse and at Land O’ Lakes High School (for students).
Apply for student scholarship
Simplified IT Products LLC, the makers of Picture Keeper, will offer a scholarship to two students who are chasing their dreams.
The first-place winner will receive a $1,500 award, second place will receive a $1,000 award, and third place will receive a Picture Keeper Connect.
The fall scholarship is available to apply for until Dec. 31.
Applicants must be a high school senior, undergraduate or graduate student, and submit the following:
- A 200-word to 300-word written essay on “What are you doing to follow your dreams and how does this picture portray it?”
- A photo on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #PictureKeeper, so Simplified can find your photo on social media. Your Instagram or Twitter account must be public to qualify.
- A transcript showing a high school graduate (or equivalent) 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA. University or business school applicants also must have a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA.
Send the URL of your social media post, along with your essay and transcript, to .
To learn more about the program, visit PictureKeeper.com/pages/scholarships.
