Ribbon-cutting
Florida’s Recovery Schools of Tampa Bay Inc., will open its first nonprofit, private school – Victory High School – to help youth struggling with addictions.
Teens in traditional high schools are exposed to forces that make it very difficult to maintain recovery, and of those who make a commitment to recovery, more than 50% relapse within 12 months, according to a news release.
Recovery Schools of Tampa Bay “aims to be a beacon of hope and provide wraparound services to the families and students; a safe, connected healing-centered environment that honors the whole child; and collaborates with the family to bring growth,” the release said.
Students range in ages from 14 to 19, and receive an education, mental health services, and opportunities to learn and lead substance-free lives with individualized recovery support.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 4 at noon, at Calvary Chapel Worship Center, 6825 Trouble Creek Road in New Port Richey.
Victory High also is having a shoe drive fundraiser event, “Stepping into Recovery,” through Jan. 31. Donations of new or gently used shoes will be accepted.
For information, contact Tina Levene at 813-444-7766 or .
National Philanthropy Day
National Philanthropy Day honors charitable donations and volunteerism from local organizations and individuals.
The PHSC (Pasco-Hernando State College) Foundation, a member of the Nature Coast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, has recognized the following organizations and individuals for their philanthropic efforts:
- Philanthropic Corporation of the Year: Suncoast Credit Union
- Volunteer of the Year: Paul Friedlander
- Philanthropist of the Year: Scott Fink
- Philanthropic Service Organization of the Year: Rotary Club of New Port Richey
- Philanthropic Small Business of the Year: George’s Wholesale Tires
Open application windows
The Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice selections for the 2021-2022 school year can be found online at Pasco.k12.fl.us/school_choice_catalog/catalog.
The controlled open enrollment window for elementary and secondary grades opens on Jan. 7 at 8 a.m., and closes on Jan. 21 at 4:30 p.m.
Acceptance notifications for secondary grades will be made between Feb. 19 and Feb. 28.
Elementary grades acceptance notifications will be from March 12 and March 26.
To complete a school choice application, a parent must have an active parent account in myStudent.
Inclusivity award
Pasco-Hernando State College was awarded the 2020 Excellence in Inclusivity Award by the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, for its “It Takes Us” program addressing social justice and race relations.
Jessica White, director of student life and leadership, acknowledged the collaboration of many committed individuals who contributed to the honor, while acknowledging the career contributions of Imani Asukile, director of global and multicultural awareness equity and special assistant to the president.
“We collectively felt this award should be dedicated to Imani (Asukile)’s longstanding service to our institution and for his commitment to equity, fairness and social justice,” said White, in a news release.
Outstanding seniors
Pasco County Schools congratulates its 2021 Outstanding Seniors:
- Anclote High School: Thomas J. Crawford
- Cypress Creek High School: Matthew Ravenna
- Fivay High School: Tyler Borges
- Gulf High School: Angel Martin-Meza
- Hudson High School: Sydney Ramos
- J.W. Mitchell High School: Tiffani Bidgood
- Land O’ Lakes High School: Kaitlyn Wall
- Pasco eSchool: Emma Burdik
- Pasco High School: Augustus Hoff
- River Ridge High School: Raynee Meek
- Sunlake High School: Geoffrey Brown
- Wesley Chapel High School: Sydney Bauer
- Wendell Krinn Technical High School: Mariano DeCarvalho
- Wiregrass Ranch High School: Lynn Asare-Bediako
- Zephyrhills High School: Madison Aguilera
Honor roll
The University of Mississippi announced the students recognized for the fall 2020 Honor Roll lists, including the Chancellor’s Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75 to 4.00.
Two area students were named to the Chancellor’s Roll: Timothy John Elko, of Lutz, and Madeleine Nicole Hendron, of Odessa.
Winter commencement
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) hosted a virtual, live-streamed commencement on Dec. 16 for winter 2020 graduates.
Graduating students who opted to participate were asked to submit a photo for the video.
Speeches were recorded by Timothy L. Beard, PHSC president; Marilyn Pearson-Adams, PHSC district board of trustees chair; Channing Sampson, PHSC student speaker; and Jessica LaBoissier, associate professor, English, and faculty senate president.
Approximately 185 degrees and certificates were conferred at the virtual ceremony.
