Caitlyn Fontan receives scholarship
The East Pasco Democratic Club presented a $500 scholarship to Pasco-Hernando State College student Caitlyn Fontan. Fontan was selected for her drive and fortitude, and plans to use the money toward a degree in phlebotomy. From left, Caitlyn Fontan; Beverly Ledbetter, East Pasco Democratic Club president; and, Kristine Hires, EPDC treasurer.
Wiregrass Elementary dedication
Wiregrass Elementary School, 29732 Wiregrass School Road in Wesley Chapel, will host a dedication ceremony on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m.
There will be a short program, student performances and refreshments.
Martinez Middle dinner, concert and art show
Martinez Middle School, 5601 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz, will host a Holiday Dinner, Concert and Art Show on Dec. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
There will be a sit-down dinner prepared by culinary students and served by band members, and holiday music performed by the Mustang Band.
There also will be holiday shopping available through the art show silent auction. The school’s art students produced the artwork. Purchased artwork will be available for pickup at 7:10 p.m.
All proceeds will benefit band, culinary and art classes.
The cost is $10 in advance with an RSVP by Nov. 30, or $15 at the door.
For information, email Jim Anderson at .
Knights of Columbus support Pasco ESE students
Knights of Columbus Council 8104 of Land O’ Lakes hosted its annual tootsie roll drive fundraiser and raised $7,000 for ESE student programs at four Pasco County schools.
Each school will receive about $1,743 each. The schools that will benefit are Denham Oaks Elementary School, Connerton Elementary, Land O’ Lakes High and Pine View Middle.
PHSC appoints administrators
Pasco-Hernando State College has named Kevin O’ Farrell, provost, Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch; Patricia Campbell, dean of arts and sciences; Billie Gabbard, dean of nursing and health programs; and, Sonia Thorn, associate dean of academic affairs and institutional accreditation.
For information about PHSC, visit PHSC.edu.
Pasco County Schools earns silver
The District School Board of Pasco County was awarded the Florida Healthy School District Silver Award by the Florida Action for Healthy Kids and the Florida Coordinated School Health Partnership. The district was presented with a silver-level flag.
The district earned the honor for demonstrating high scores in all areas, with the highest scores related to policies and processes in these areas:
- District infrastructure (88 percent)
- Physical education (87 percent)
- Health services (90 percent)
- Counseling, psychological and social services (86 percent)
- Healthy school environment (87 percent)
- Employee wellness (85 percent)
- Family and community involvement (91 percent)
Trevor McCabe in honor society
Trevor McCabe, of Odessa, was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. McCabe was initiated at the University of Florida.
Approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni are initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter.
School board amends school name
The District School Board of Pasco County voted to temporarily name the new school under construction on Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, Cypress Creek Middle/High School.
The board named it Cypress Creek High School at a Nov. 1 meeting, but because the school will serve sixth through 12th-grade students until a middle school is built, the name was changed to be inclusive of the middle school students.
When a middle school is built, the high school name will revert to Cypress Creek High School.
All-State bands, orchestra
Pasco County students auditioned for All-State Middle School Band, Honor Band, Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra in September. Students who make one of the band groups are guaranteed a spot in the Pasco County Schools All-County Band, but still need to audition for chair placement.
The following students were recognized:
- Matthew Benjamin, French horn, Seven Springs Middle School, All-State Middle School Band
- Kaitlyn McCarty, percussion, Hudson Middle, All-State Middle School Band
- Nathan Laird, euphonium, River Ridge Middle, Middle School Honor Band
- Abigail McNulty, percussion, J.W. Mitchell High, All-State 9-10 Grade Concert Band
- Anna Dorey, French horn, J.W. Mitchell High, All-State 11-12 Grade Symphony Orchestra
