Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay holds Back to School BBQ
TAMPA – Hebrew Academy hosted its annual Back to School BBQ on Aug. 24, marking a new school year, continued growth and a milestone in its building expansion.
Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay is a nationally accredited Jewish Montessori Day School imparting Judaic and general studies education to Jewish children of varied backgrounds.
Older children took on the role of mentor as they guided younger peers through activities that included a bounce house, basketball throw, Arty Faces by Lutz face painting, and a cotton candy and popcorn station.
Partygoers were also treated to a tour of the building that was announced at Purim Sunday Funday on March 5, 2023. At that time, Sulha Dubrowski, head of school, told those in attendance that Hebrew Academy Tampa Bay would be expanding to accommodate its growing student body. That dream is coming to fruition with the construction of four new classrooms for the upper elementary and middle school, an outdoor learning deck and new bathrooms.
Bishop talks about Minneapolis Catholic school shooting
- PETERSBURG – Bishop Gregory Parkes issued this statement on Aug. 27, in response to the shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis:
Today, we are confronted with a heartbreaking act of evil and violence at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. The tragedy is made even more painful by the fact that the victims were innocent children, and the adults caring for them, who were attending the celebration of the Holy Mass, a sacred time when the faithful gather in prayer and communion with God.
The Catholic community of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg mourns this tragedy with all of the victims and their families. We extend our heartfelt prayers and express our deepest sorrows to the students, families, faculty, parishioners and all who have been shaken by this violence.
May God’s consolation bring comfort in the midst of unspeakable sorrow. I invite all people of faith to unite in prayer for the victims, for their loved ones, and for the healing of the Annunciation community.
Let us entrust all victims of violence to the loving care of our Blessed Mother Mary, who stood at the foot of the Cross and who intercedes for all who are grieving.
Student Achievements
- Andrew Surin, a graduate of Tampa Catholic High School, is one of 87 football newcomers to continue their career at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio.
- The University of North Georgia welcomed 242 new cadets, including Ana Gonzalez Rodriguez from Lutz, during Freshman Recruit Orientation Group Week, held Aug. 3 to 9 at UNG’s Dahlonega Campus.
- Blake Graham, of Odessa, achieved Dean’s List Highest Honors for the summer 2025 semester at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana.
- Rodney Maxime, of Zephyrhills, made the dean’s list at Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri. He earned at least a 3.5 grade point average.
Quick Hits
- Pasco County Schools will partner with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a program that will recognize principals, teachers and support staff at school board meetings.
- Vicky King, a soccer coach at Land O’ Lakes High School, was inducted into the Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame.
- Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers player William Gholston is serving as a defensive line coach for Sickles High School.
