Replenishing needed school supplies
Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club donated and delivered a truck filled with teachers’ supplies, paper products and cleaning items to Buchanan Middle School in Tampa, in response to the school’s request for help. The school was open to the public and used as a temporary shelter during Hurricane Irma, during which time supply closets were virtually emptied of these items. Gail Howard, left, and Pat Wagner stand next to the donations.
Hospital hosts hands-on science program
The Perry Initiative hosted a one-day hands-on science program at Medical Center of Trinity to help get young women interested in pursuing careers in orthopedic surgery and engineering.
Forty students were selected from 16 local high schools to attend the all-day program.
Students performed surgical simulations to correct scoliosis deformity, fix a broken leg, and repair a rotator cuff.
Throughout the day, the participants also heard from prominent women surgeons, engineers, and business women in the field of orthopedics.
The Perry Initiative is a nonprofit organization that hosts outreach programs worldwide.
For information, visit PerryInitiative.org.
Alumni celebration
After many years of celebrating Alumni Weekend in the spring, Saint Leo University marked a return to recognizing the school’s alumni during Homecoming in the fall.
The pop-rock band Smash Mouth highlighted the Lions’ tailgate festivities; alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends took part in games and food trucks; and graduates of Saint Leo Prep and Holy Name Academy had reunions.
Joe Thompson and Brooke Bonsted, members of the 2017 Saint Leo University Homecoming Court, were crowned king and queen.
Activities also included a marriage proposal from Stephen Pinol to Kim Estrada, both in the Class of 2016.
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.
Spring registration
Currently enrolled and returning Pasco-Hernando State College students should register for spring classes, which begin Jan. 8.
New students should contact PHSC now, or visit Admissions.phsc.edu, for information. The application fee is $25.
The last day for students to register in person at the Brooksville, Dade City, New Port Richey, Spring Hill or Wesley Chapel locations for spring classes is Dec. 15 before 4:30 p.m.
Current students can continue to register for spring term online during the winter break, which is Dec. 16 through Jan. 1 for all campuses.
For more information, visit PHSC.edu.
Home-school performing arts
The 2nd Stage Studio Theater, 1875 Nursery Road in Clearwater, will offer Home-school Performing Arts Classes on Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting Jan. 18.
The classes offered include band, chorus, musical theater, dance, and acting/improvisation.
The home-school classes will be taught by industry professionals.
For information and questions, call (727) 641-1391, email , or visit 2ndstage77.com.
Top Florida schools
WalletHub analysts have compared nearly 1,000 higher-education institutions in the United States, based on 26 key measures grouped into seven categories such as Student Selectivity, Cost & Financing, and Career Outcomes.
The data set ranges from student-faculty ratio to graduate rate to post-attendance median salary.
The top 10 colleges and universities in Florida, ranked 1 to 10, are: University of Florida, University of Miami, Ave Maria University, University of South Florida, Florida State University, Florida Southern College, University of Central Florida, Florida Institute of Technology, Nova Southeastern University and Florida International University.
