Toy drive for Mort Elementary
The Children’s Home Society of Florida is hosting a “Holiday Toy Drive” for students at Mort Elementary, on Bearss Avenue in Tampa. The drive’s goal is to collect 1,500 toys for more than 1,000 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Donations can be dropped off at Joshua House, 1515 Michelin Court in Lutz on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Those donating should ask for Rachelle Duroseau.
For information, visit CHSFL.org/HolidayDrive, or email Duroseau at .
All-stars football classic
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is hosting the 2015 Pasco County East-West Classic, showcasing the best players from every position and school. It will feature “the best of the East” versus “the best of the West.” The event will be on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., at Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.
For information, call Amy Lipovetsky at (813) 794-2112.
Saint Leo hosts info session
Saint Leo University’s Adult Education Center at University Campus, 33701 State Road 52, will offer an information session on Dec. 10 at 6 p.m., in the School of Business building.
The session is designed for working adults and those just starting a college career to explore the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degree programs.
To RSVP, call (352) 588-7544.
Magnet school offers tours
Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School, 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes, will offer school tours on Dec. 11 and Jan. 8, to show parents and prospective students the programs and facilities.
Principal Jason Petry and staff will lead parents through each grade level area, the collaboration center, outdoor classroom areas, boardwalk, and athletic facilities. Sanders is Pasco County’s first magnet school and was designed to focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
For information, call Kristie Newsome at (813) 794-1500.
Honor roll students recognized
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in Spring Hill has recognized the following students to make honor roll for the first quarter: Jacob Alcantara, Carissa Brand, Bryson Carroll, Raymond Cordova, Brielle Downing, Sean Florendo, Jake Hracho, Hannah Holliday, Logan Janning, Madison Janning, Danielle Jones, Michael Keough, Joseph Mastrino, Stephen McGowan-Iannone, Charles Nyberg, Owen Ryan and Alexis Singh.
All students are members of Our Lady of the Rosary parish in Land O’ Lakes.
ROTC program grows at Saint Leo
After the revitalization of the U.S. Air Force ROTC program at Saint Leo University, the school now offers two college programs for students who are training to become military officers.
The renewed Air Force ROTC joins the existing U.S. Army ROTC program.
The Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, offered at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the United States, prepares students to becoming commissioned Air Force officers while earning college degrees.
The AFROTC offers a variety of scholarships to relieve the financial burden of a college education. Full and partial scholarships are available and cover tuition and most lab fees, an annual textbook allowance, and a monthly cash stipend. Certain scholarships have specific requirements.
For information on the Air Force ROTC, contact Adam Beck at (813) 974-0147 or .
For information on the Army ROTC, contact Fernando Sostre Aleman at (352) 588-8685 or .
USF students win composition contest
Two University of South Florida composition students were winners in the “mini music demo” competition, sponsored by The Florida Orchestra and the USF School of Music, for their unique arrangements of classic holiday carols.
Hooman Rafraf won for his arrangement of “Fum, Fum, Fum” for woodwinds, and Francesco Sclafani for his orchestration of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” arranged for strings.
The orchestra will perform the winning pieces during the 27th annual Children’s Holiday Concerts, presented by The Steinbrenner Family Foundation and the New York Yankees, Dec. 8 through Dec. 10.
Sunlake teen helps move against tobacco
MyKenzie Robertson of Sunlake High School has been named the vice chair of the Youth Advocacy Board for Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT).
The vice chair’s responsibilities include communicating information from the statewide program to the members of SWAT in Florida, and working with the chair to ensure that the YAB is meeting set goals and objectives.
SWAT aims to empower, educate and equip Florida youth to revolt against Big Tobacco and take a stand through education and action.
Members of the SWAT Youth Advocacy Board will serve a term through June 30, 2016.
