Remembering the end of a war
About 30 people attended the interdisciplinary at Saint Leo University on World War I & Peace, 1919-2019 Conference in honor of the centennial of the end of World War I.
University President Jeffrey D. Senese delivered the formal welcome to the conference audience.
Psychology professor Christopher Cronin gave a presentation on shell shock and modern post-traumatic stress disorder diagnoses.
English faculty member Chantelle MacPhee, originally from Canada, recited the battle poem “In Flanders Field,” written by Canadian poet-physician John McCrae, who died during wartime service.
And, a popular panel drew questions about theologian Stephen Okey’s remarks on how Pope Benedict XV viewed the war, Frank Orlando’s presentation on how the power of American presidents changed domestically after the peace treaty, and historian Daniel DuBois’ lecture on how the war set the stage for China’s current place in world affairs.
Those in attendance could view items on display, too, including war posters, photos and paintings from the WWI era, and artifacts including helmets, and medals and ribbons awarded to soldiers.
Saint Leo professor Marco Rimanelli organized the conference and assembled the collection of memorabilia. He is a professor of political science.
School board reorganizes
The District School Board of Pasco County elected Colleen Beaudoin, District 2, as chair, and Allen Altman, District 1, as vice chair. Both positions are for one-year terms.
New buddy benches
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Dec. 12 at Denham Oaks Elementary in Lutz for the newly installed Buddy Benches.
Through a Systems of Care grant opportunity, the Pasco County school district was able to expand compassionate schools work by purchasing 13 Buddy Benches. The bench is a simple idea to foster friendship on the playground, to promote an inclusive school community.
Children who are feeling emotional or lonely can sit on the bench as a clear signal to others on the playground that they are in need of social connection.
Students in the schools with Buddy Benches will receive instructions on how to respond when they see a peer sitting on the bench.
Upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremonies at area schools include:
- Cox Elementary School, 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd., Dade City: Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.
- Bexley Elementary School, 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., Land O’ Lakes: Jan. 16 at 8 a.m.
- New River Elementary School, 4710 River Glen Blvd., Wesley Chapel: Jan. 22 at 8:40 a.m.
Financial aid tip
According to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA), high school seniors should keep track of deadlines for applying for college financial aid.
The KHEAA offers these tips:
- File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible.
- Check with the financial aid offices of the schools to which you’ve applied, to determine if they require any forms other than the FAFSA.
- Look for scholarships using a free online scholarship search.
- Attend any college fairs and financial aid seminars offered at your high school or in your area. If a company charges a fee for helping with applications, remember that you can do that yourself for free. If you decide to pay for help, make sure the company is reputable by checking with the state attorney general’s office or the Better Business Bureau in your area, as well as the area where the firm is located.
The public, nonprofit agency KHEAA was established in 1966 to improve students’ access to college. It provides information about financial aid and financial literacy at no cost to students and parents.
For information, visit KHEAA.com.
Saint Leo service day
The Saint Leo University community united far and wide to perform volunteer acts in honor of those who served in the U.S. military.
While some of the volunteer opportunities were organized by the university, employees also could work with the organization or agency of their choice.
Some of the projects included cleaning a 1-mile stretch of a downtown Tampa street, to feeding the homeless in a park in Savannah, Georgia; from making toys and treats at University Campus for rescue animals, to sorting items at a Habitat for Humanity store in Newport News, Virginia.
Iman Johnson, a student at Saint Leo’s University Campus, helped in the Peaceful Reflections Garden and said, in a release, he “felt compelled to volunteer….My grandfather served.” Johnson is a graduate assistant for the men’s basketball team.
Delaney Chrisco, a women’s lacrosse player, said, “I want to give back and grow the community, since I’m a senior.
“We want to leave on a good note,” she added.
Paws of Love, a nonprofit organization, also was on campus to make dog treats and toys to donate to Pasco County Animal Services in Land O’ Lakes.
Participants in the Service Day also worked with other community partners, including San Antonio Elementary School; A Helping Rock homeless shelter in Zephyrhills; Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppe, Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, and Rodney B. Cox Elementary School, all in Dade City; and, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in Shady Hills.
