University to welcome students
ST. LEO – Saint Leo University will begin to welcome more than 850 new full-time students for the fall semester on Aug. 16 with most new undergraduate students moving to campus on Aug. 22.
Returning students will move in Aug. 23 and 24. Classes begin Aug. 25 at University Campus, online and at the Center for Adult Education locations.
Students and their families will receive help from other students, faculty and staff volunteers as they haul clothes, belongings, and all the necessities of college life into their residence halls. On the Aug. 22 move-in day, new and transfer students may move to their “home away from home” by appointment beginning at 9 a.m.
Admitted students can find a check list of things to complete before arriving at https://www.saintleo.edu/admissions/admitted-students-checklist.
13,000 students return to Catholic schools
ST. PETERSBURG – More than 13,000 students are enrolled in 46 Catholic schools and early childhood centers in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.
These schools, located in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties, were scheduled to welcome back students on Aug. 11.
The Diocese of Saint Petersburg ranks 39th largest out of 196 for Catholic school enrollment in the United States. While Catholic school enrollment nationwide has declined by 13.2% over the past decade, the Saint Petersburg diocese has grown by 7.7%. Most schools have waitlists at one or more grade levels.
“As we begin this new school year, we celebrate the growth, excellence and faith that define our Catholic schools,” said Chris Pastura, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.
Pilly joins PHSC leadership team
NEW PORT RICHEY – Prashanth Pilly began his tenure with Pasco-Hernando State College on Aug. 4 as the vice president of academic affairs/chief academic officer.
Pilly brings over 28 years of industry and higher education experience to PHSC.
He previously served as the associate vice provost of academic affairs at Indian River State College, where he led initiatives in program review, industry-focused curriculum, articulation agreements and secured more than $10 million in grants to advance key workforce and academic programs.
Pilly serves as immediate past co-chair of the Florida Department of Education’s Council on Workforce Education as well as a board member with the Florida Chamber’s Future of Work Initiative, CareerSource Research Coast and the Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County.
Survey: Parent demand for choice reaches new high
MIAMI – Nearly 74% of U.S. parents considered switching their child’s school in the past year, the highest level ever recorded by the National School Choice Awareness Foundation.
The June 2025 survey, based on 3,214 responses, found 28% made a change, while 46% explored options but stayed. Interest was highest among Asian and Black parents, urban families and younger parents.
Common barriers included social disruption, transportation and limited local options.
See full results at myschoolchoice.com/survey-june-2025.
Foundation expands SCOPE initiative
TAMPA – Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools are expanding the SCOPE initiative to all 29 high schools.
Launched in 2022, SCOPE (Student Center of Postsecondary Exploration) provides students with one-on-one college and career planning, application and financial aid support, and guidance toward technical and workforce pathways.
The program ensures equitable access to postsecondary resources across the district.
Hillsborough Education Foundation will continue as a strategic partner, helping maintain consistency and grow community support as the program transitions to district leadership.
On the web: EducationFoundation.com
Student Achievement
- McClellan Creek, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham Campus in Madison, New Jersey. He earned a GPA of at least 3.2.
- Odessa residents Ronak Agarwal and Austin Dean as well as Lutz resident Vibha Thirunellayi Gopalakrishnan earned degrees at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.
