Patriotic fifth-graders give their thoughts on Constitution
The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office’s annual Constitution Essay Contest drew in 82 entries from eight schools in Pasco County. Reporter Tom Jackson, author Gail Diederich and former Chief Deputy Clerk Barbara Rulison served as judges. Students had to answer the question, ‘Why is the U.S. Constitution Important?’ From left, Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning; Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’ Neil; first-place winner Eric Ly, Wesley Chapel Elementary; second-place winner Dakota Lambert, Deer Park Elementary; third-place winner Jenny Delcastillo, West Zephyrhills Elementary; author Gail Diederich and School Board Chairman Joanne Hurley.
Lacoochee students get civics lesson
Sen. Wilton Simpson visited Lacoochee Elementary School fifth-graders and staff on Dec. 7 to teach a civics lesson.
Lisa Mazza’s fifth-grade class had been studying the three branches of government and recently went on a tour of the state capitol. Simpson discussed government, the Constitution and his experience in Tallahassee as a state legislator. He also shared his perspective and explained to students how to become more involved in state government.
PHSC receives support for health programs
The Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation received a $71,500 gift from Hernando Healthcare Foundation to support its health programs. The gift will be used to purchase equipment for the EMS and nursing programs, and provide annual and endowed scholarship support for Hernando County residents enrolled in a PHSC health program.
HHF is a Florida Blue matching funds partner for annual scholarship support provided through the Florida College System Foundation.
To date, HHF has provided 150 scholarship awards to 96 PHSC students.
Bright Ideas contest
Belle of the Ball Project is supporting Bright House Networks’ program, “Bright Ideas STEM from Today’s Youth,” to help youth develop into innovative entrepreneurs. In the program, students are encouraged to submit a new idea, powered by STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) that can help make the world a better place.
By entering, high school students will vie for the opportunity to compete head-to-head on TV, in front of a studio audience in Orlando. The winner will have the chance to work with a leading innovation firm.
The program is currently open and available for students ages 14 to 19. The deadline to enter is Jan. 4.
To enter, visit BrightIdeas.BrightHouse.com/.
Magnet school offers tour
Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School, 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes, will offer a school tour on 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.
Thursday Musicale offers scholarships
The Thursday Musicale, a women’s choral group formed to promote music in Pasco and Hernando counties, offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Pasco and Hernando counties who plan to study music in college and make it a career.
The deadline to apply for a scholarship is Jan. 22. Auditions will be Feb. 2 and Feb. 9 at Trinity Presbyterian Church of Seven Springs in New Port Richey.
For applications, contact your high school career counselor and/or music director.
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 .
