Saint Leo builds on reputation for educating veterans
ST. LEO – Saint Leo University has been recognized as a national leader in serving military-affiliated students, earning top placements across multiple categories in the 2025 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges rankings.
The university improved its standing in every category from 2024.
Saint Leo University’s 2025 rankings, among 355 institutions reviewed, include:
- Overall: No. 53 (up 67 spots)
- General Education: No. 50 (newly ranked)
- Private, Nonprofit Schools: No. 10 (up 17 spots)
- In-Person and Online Programs: No. 11 (up 23 spots)
- Southeast Schools: No. 13 (up 19 spots)
- Florida: No. 6 (up 3 spots)
“Saint Leo’s mission has always been rooted in service, and it is an honor to be recognized for our continued commitment to those who serve our country,” President Jim Burkee said. “We are proud to provide our student-veterans with flexible learning options, outstanding support and an educational community that believes deeply in their success.”
Military Times analyzes survey responses and public data to produce the rankings.
On the web: bestforvets.militarytimes.com/colleges
Applications open for Spotlight on Talent
WESLEY CHAPEL – Heritage Arts Center Association is accepting applications for its 43rd annual Spotlight on Talent performing arts competition for students in grades K-12.
The regional event will be held at the IPAC Theater on the Cypress Creek High campus, with auditions set for Feb. 28 and final performances at noon and 7 p.m. March 28.
Hundreds of students compete each year for $4,000 in cash prizes and trophies, performing before professional judges who provide written feedback. Applications are available at heritagearts.org and are due Feb. 12.
Thanks to renewed support from Suncoast Credit Union, two $1,000 scholarships will again be awarded to Pasco County graduating seniors, with two additional visual arts scholarships presented in May.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, email Barbara Friedman at or call 352-424-0135. There is also a donate button at heritagearts.org.
Foundations team up for book fair
TAMPA – Hillsborough Education Foundation teamed up with The Each Child Foundation for a Book Fair on Dec. 16 at Ippolito Elementary School.
Students could not only pick out free books but they also received personalized bags with school supplies.
“Early literacy is a crucial element in a child’s holistic growth, laying the groundwork not just for academic achievement but also for success later on in life,” said Anna Corman, president and CEO of Hillsborough Education Foundation. “We’re honored to join forces with The Each Child Foundation on an event like this, which will help instill a love for reading that will empower students to unlock their full potential.”
The Each Child Foundation works to ensure every child can grow, succeed and belong through opportunity.
“Every child deserves books they can call their own, a gateway to new worlds and ideas,” said Stanley Fulton, founder and chairman of The Each Child Foundation.
Research shows that when children cannot read proficiently by third grade, they are far more likely to fall behind in every subject and are significantly more likely to drop out of high school later on. Poverty compounds this challenge.
“As principal, I am grateful for our community’s support in bringing this book fair to our school,” Principal Erin Fiallo said. “By placing books and hope directly in our students’ hands, we are investing in their futures.”
Castor announces app winner
TAMPA – U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced that Sharan Santharam Srinivasan, Ammar Omar and Sujay Korada were awarded the top prize in her annual congressional app challenge with their app “SunScreened.”
The 12th-graders from Robinson High School created the app with JavaScript and AI image processing and aim to help Americans understand the harms of UV rays and the importance of sunscreen for overall skin health.
The winner will be recognized in the U.S. Capitol during the House of Code celebration in the spring, alongside other winners of congressional app competitions from across the country.
“Encouraging students to explore STEM fields through the app challenge is a great way to help younger generations learn about science and technology in a creative manner and spark their interest in the STEM workforce,” Castor said. “It is incredible to see students across the Tampa Bay area combine public good with technology.”
