The Thomas E. Weightman Middle School Marching Band proudly represented Pasco County when it took part in the annual James A. Haley Hospital’s Veterans Day parade. The band is directed by Donald Scott. (Courtesy of Tabetha Merritt)
Student earns solo wings
Pasco-Hernando State College’s professional pilot program student Dustin Snodgrass, of Spring Hill, earned his solo wings Oct. 11.
Snodgrass was the first student in PHSC’s new aviation program to achieve this milestone after logging 14 hours of instructed flight time.
PHSC began offering associate in science degrees in professional pilot technology and aviation administration this past August. Two additional aviation degrees — unmanned vehicle systems operations and aviation maintenance administration — are slated to be available in 2018.
For information about the new program located at the East Campus in Dade City, visit PHSC.edu/aviation.
Academy receives leadership award
Hillel Academy received the Innovation Award from the Tampa Jewish Community Centers and Federation at a ceremony on Oct. 19.
The school was recognized for its innovative way it lets students create through the school’s Maker Lab, which is based on the worldwide Maker/DIY movement. It allows students a space to create and explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) concepts with proper tools and guidance.
As part of the award, Hillel was given the opportunity to create an award of its own, to be named the Hillel Academy Outstanding Service Award. In its inaugural year for this award, Hillel chose Henry and Yael Hatfield to receive the award on behalf of their dedication to the school.
The Hatfields are committed to cultivating and developing Rachel’s Garden, created by the Hillel Academy Class of 2020, in loving tribute to a classmate, Rachel Lia Hatfield.
Cypress Creek celebrates opening
Cypress Creek Middle High School students, staff and the community celebrated the school’s opening with a dedication ceremony Nov. 14.
In addition to messages delivered by Superintendent Kurt Browning and Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles, there was a ribbon cutting, photo opportunities, live music from the Cypress Creek High School band, refreshments and self-guided tours.
Free Rock School jam session
The Patel Conservatory will host a free Rock School Jam Session and Open House Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon, for fifth grade through adult. Rock School classes will start Jan. 20.
Jam session participants will jam together and get tips on musicianship from Rock School creator and instructor Lee Ahlin.
Instruments provided at the jam session will include keyboards, bass guitars and drum sets. Those playing other instruments, such as guitars, are asked to bring their own.
Those attending a jam session and register for Rock School before Jan. 1 will receive a 15 percent enrollment discount. If students cannot attend, they can still join Rock School by auditioning Jan. 6 or Jan. 9.
Registration for the jam session is available online at PatelConservatory.asapconnected.com, or by emailing .
For information about Patel Conservatory, call (813) 222-1040.
