Two Good Soles donations help thousands of students
NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County Government and Constitutional Offices collected more than 8,000 pairs of shoes and socks for kids in Pasco County Schools during the Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive.
This year’s drive resulted in 2,757 pairs of shoes and 5,325 pairs of socks.
Over the past 10 years, the Two Good Soles event has collected 24,813 pairs of shoes and 58,872 pairs of socks, which social workers distribute to Pasco students.
“Ten years and this event has become bigger and better,” said Cathy Pearson, assistant county administrator for public services. “This is a great way Pasco County bands together to make a positive difference in so many students’ lives.”
All collected shoes and socks are distributed to students enrolled in Pasco County Schools.
Bill seeks to boost student veteran success
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis and Lois Frankel reintroduced bipartisan legislation to authorize funding for Student Veteran Success Centers at colleges and universities nationwide, helping student veterans transition from military to academic life.
“I have personally visited many schools that offer student veteran centers and spoken with the veterans who utilize them,” Bilirakis said. “The veterans confirm that the enhanced services and specialized resources provided through the centers are invaluable as they seek to successfully reintegrate into civilian society. I hope my colleagues will join us in expediting passage of this important initiative.”
Student veterans face unique challenges, including long breaks from school, service-related disabilities, PTSD and family responsibilities, which can lead to higher dropout rates and limited job opportunities.
The Veteran Education Empowerment Act reauthorizes the Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success grant program through fiscal year 2033, supporting institutions in creating and operating Student Veteran Success Centers. Since its creation, the Department of Education has awarded nearly $50 million to more than 100 schools, including $4 million to eight institutions in Florida.
Bilirakis launches Kids Online Safety Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis unveiled the Kids Online Safety Act on Dec. 5.
The legislation provides children, teens and parents with the safeguards and tools needed to better protect against serious online threats to kids’ well-being.
“Children and teens are constantly connected to devices, and their reality is now a blend of virtual and real-world experiences, conditions that have been proven to exacerbate isolation and negative social interactions, such as sexual abuse,” Bilirakis said. “We’ve seen far too many children and teens succumb to tragedy after being exposed to dangers online. After multiple congressional hearings and whistleblower testimonies, there is widespread, bipartisan consensus that Big Tech is failing to mitigate risks, empower parents and safeguard its youngest users. Our legislation will require them to do so.”
KOSA outlines a series of safeguards that Big Tech platforms must implement to protect minors.
Castor makes nominations to U.S. Service Academies
TAMPA – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announced 16 Tampa Bay-area students who received nominations for admission into service academies.
Receiving a nomination to one of our nation’s service academies is an essential step towards receiving an appointment. Nominations are earned based on each student’s interview with Castor’s nomination committee, their academic record, participation in extracurricular activities and demonstrated leadership qualities.
Castor granted her nomination to the following students:
- Berkeley Preparatory School: Decker W. Deady
- Dr. Earl J Lennard High School: Sawyer J. Burns,
- H.B. Plant High School: William D. Baker and Roman A. Neske
- Jesuit High School: Robert K. Bossowski, Jesse D. Cogburn, Cade C. Holland and Asher Koontz.
- Northeast High School: Malik K. Robinson
- Robinson High School: Nicholas C. Zamprogno
- Salisbury School: John D. Williams, Salisbury School
- Steinbrenner High School: Konrad J. Paradies
- US Military Academy Prep School: Elijah R. Chames,
- Walter L. Sickles High School: Kaylee M. DeLory, Katelynn R. McEntee and Simon Smith
“These talented students are America’s future leaders,” Castor said. “Their interest in serving our country is a point of pride for our patriotic Tampa Bay community.”
