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National Junior Honor Society

Local teen’s giving receives national acclaim

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Thirteen-year-old Selena Schulz’s love for animals inspired her to become an accomplished author and widely known advocate – all within the span of five years.

And, her efforts in helping sheltered animals have led to recognition by Prudential Financial. She received a bronze medallion on May 14, as a Florida finalist in the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Since she turned 8 years old, Selena Schulz has spent time helping raise awareness and generate the donation of supplies for animal shelters. The Land O’ Lakes student was recently honored with a bronze medallion for the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. (Courtesy of Umphie Photos)

Schulz attends Countryside Montessori Charter School, which is located in Land O’ Lakes.

The seventh-grader recalled the source of her inspiration.

“When I was 7, I visited the animal shelter with my mom and saw the dogs weren’t sleeping on beds, but stacks of newspaper piled up,” she said.

When she asked why, the shelter coordinator explained that the facility was low on supplies and money.

Selena, who owns several pets herself, said that was heartbreaking.

“It was a sharp contrast between my pets and those I saw,” she said. “I wanted to bring them to the level of my pets so they would be treated fairly.”

So, for her eighth birthday, she decided that instead of receiving gifts, she wanted to collect donations for the shelter she had visited.

That became her birthday tradition.

She also came up the idea of creating her own organization, A Bed A Buck A Buddy.

She said “A Bed” stands for the supplies that animals need. “A Buck” stands for the monetary donations needed to support them. And, “A Buddy” stands for volunteers and adopters.

The organization aims to provide animal shelters with funds for adequate supplies and to help find permanent homes for Selena’s furry friends.

Selena Schulz, 13, displays her book trilogy that educates other kids about pet adoption and animal shelters. The books have raised money to help shelters across the United States and Canada. (Brian Fernandes)

She began writing books to elevate awareness about the need for permanent homes for pets and to help raise money for shelters.

At 8, she wrote and self-published her first book, “Cici’s Amazing Birthday.”

She wrote two additional books: “Purr-fect Friends Forever” and “The Squeaky Surprise.”

The trilogy of books explain that helping sheltered animals expands far beyond just dogs and cats.

“They’re geared toward elementary school kids so they can see that they can make a difference, too,” Selena said.

Selena’s parents support her efforts, every step of the way.

“She’s so humble and doesn’t ever talk about herself,” said Jomary, Selena’s mom. “She just does it because she loves it.”

Jomary has had a hand in the effort, too, using her artistic skills to help illustrate the first two books.

Selena’s best friend stepped up to help, too, illustrating the third book.

Over the years, Selena has sold her books at numerous events.

Her efforts have raised more than $5,000 for animal shelters throughout Florida, West Virginia, New York and Canada.

At school, Selena is a part of the National Junior Honor Society.

The organization’s advisor did not want Selena’s hard work to go unnoticed and recommended her for the Prudential award.

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards has been honoring youth for their community service since 1995.

Although Selena has been awarded as a Florida finalist, she said her work is not finished.

Writing more books, especially novels, is at the top of her list, she said.

She would also like to see her organization expand and get involved in reaching shelters in additional states.

While Selena is happy to be involved with her charitable work, she believes her peers also are capable of doing the same. She hopes that more will get involved — helping one shelter, one animal, at a time.

Published May 15, 2019

Local athletes celebrate paralympic achievements

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Whenever she competes, 12-year-old Danielle Kanas gives it her all.

And that mindset has worked for the Martinez Middle School seventh-grader, who ran, swam, threw and jumped her way to 15 gold medals and six national records this summer at the Adaptive Sports USA Junior Nationals in Middleton, Wisconsin.

From left, Eric Lowry, 17, of Land O’ Lakes; Logan Krepop, 15, of Parrish; Andy Chasanoff, coordinator of Paralympic Sports Tampa Bay; and 12-year-old Danielle Kanas, of Lutz. The athletes won the Small Team Division at the National Junior Disability Championships, in Middleton, Wisconsin, combining for 18 gold, 11 silver and four bronze medals. (Kevin Weiss)

Kanas — a single-arm amputee, missing her left arm below the elbow — recently added another achievement to the ever-growing collection of honors in her trophy case.

She received the “Spirit of Excellence” award at the annual Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay Award (PSTB) Luncheon, held Sept. 30 at All People’s Life Center in Tampa.

The club’s highest honor, it recognizes courage, strength, determination and demonstration of a positive attitude as a role model.

Her life circumstances are distinct.

She was found in her infancy at a train station in China.

When sent to an orphanage in the Asian country, doctors determined the circulation in her left arm had been compromised, causing irreversible damage to her left hand and the lower part of her arm below the elbow. Both impaired areas were amputated.

She came from China to the United States as a toddler, settling in New Jersey with her adoptive mother, JoAnne Kanas.

Over the years, she’s received multiple prostheses, as well as occupational therapy beginning at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Philadelphia and now at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Tampa.

Yet, those challenges have not stopped her from living a well-rounded life.

Beyond athletics, Kanas is a “straight-A” student and member of the National Junior Honor Society, a Girl Scout, and patient ambassador at Shriner’s Hospital for Children—Tampa.

She’s also a talented guitar player, who’s served up renditions of the national anthem at various Shriners conventions.

Her advice to fellow amputees is to be ambitious, and not hesitate to try new things.

“Every time you try something new, it’s exciting to see what happens next, and to see what you can improve on,” Kanas said.

The involvement in athletics, meanwhile, elicits a smile on JoAnne Kanas’ face, noting it’s helped her daughter gain confidence over the years.

“It’s just fun to see her. She puts on her game face,” JoAnne Kanas said. “When you watch her compete, she’s serious. She goes out there and tries her hardest. I just like to see her enjoy it.”

Kanas’ favorite event is javelin. It’s clear why: her 19.66 meter throw is a national record — by 6 meters— for her age group in Adaptive Sports.

“I like to watch how it goes far in the distance,” Kanas said. She wants to break 20 meters next season, she said.

Besides the countless victories, Kanas recalls the memorable experience of traveling, for the third straight year, to the junior disability championships, the oldest and largest continuously held competitive sports event in the country for athletes with physical disabilities, ages 6 to 22.

Throughout the July trip, Kanas enjoyed dining out with teammates and excursions.

“It felt good to meet other people. We got to build friendships,” she said.

Kanas, however, isn’t the only local athlete shining in Paralympic sports.

Eric Lowry, a 17-year-old Land O’ Lakes resident, is another.

Lowry, who has spina bifida and competes from a wheelchair, also earned several medals this summer.

That includes a gold medal for his 190-pound bench press, an Adaptive Sports Junior national record.

Lowry, involved with Paralympic Sports Tampa Bay (PSTB) for nearly 10 years, said he recently picked up weightlifting, originally to complement track & field, swimming and archery events.

“I think it all goes together because you need strength to participate against your peers,” he said.

He offers advice for fellow amputees similar to Kanas’ suggestions.

“Try something before you give up, and if you like it keep doing it,” said Lowry, who attends Focus Academy, a charter school for special needs students in Tampa.

Andy Chasanoff, coordinator for PSTB, regularly coaches both Lowry and Kanas.

He said both are models for the program, stressing their positive attitude, hard work, enthusiasm and overall consideration for other teammates.

“They’re not only good athletes, but also they’re great kids,” Chasanoff said.

“They’re respectful, polite, honest. And, they want to be seen as athletes.”

Under Chasanoff’s guidance, Lowry, Kanas and 16-year-old Logan Krepop, of Parrish, led PSTB to its second straight Small Division Title at the national event.

“It’s never been about (the medals). It’s been about doing your best,” Chasanoff explained.

“I ask one question at the end of the meet: ‘Did you do your best?’ If you do your best, it doesn’t matter where you finish. They just happen to be very good, and we’re very humbled by it. But, it’s nice to see, and watch them grow,” he said.

Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay
As a signature program of Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation, the mission of Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay is to promote health, independence and personal growth through sports for people with physical disabilities. Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay (PSTB) is one of more than 100 community-based programs established by the Paralympic Division of the United States Olympic Committee.
It provides year round sports and recreation programs that promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and recreational and competitive sports opportunities for area children and adults with physical disabilities.

Here are few facts about the program:

  • More than 300 athletes participate in at least one PSTB program or event each year.
  • Ongoing programs are offered for athletes at all levels, from recreational to competitive elite, in multiple sports such as wheelchair basketball, track and field, tennis, swimming, and archery.
  • Periodic clinics are offered, in additional sports such as power lifting, golf, and water skiing.

Published Oct. 11, 2017

Imagine student spearheads clothing drive

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The first visits to ask local business owners for donations took a special effort from an 11-year-old who is shy. But Alexandra Westcott had a good reason to get a little help for Pasco County’s foster children.

“I felt bad for the kids who didn’t have much in life,” she said. “I wanted to help by allowing people to donate things.”

The sixth-grader at Imagine School of Land O’ Lakes knows what it means to not have a home. Her parents, Tara and Rick Westcott, adopted her from China when she was a 15-month-old toddler.

Rick and Tara Westcott are proud parents of 11-year-old Alexandra Westcott, who received a certificate of appreciation from Eckerd Raising Hope. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Rick and Tara Westcott are proud parents of 11-year-old Alexandra Westcott, who received a certificate of appreciation from Eckerd Raising Hope.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

“I think she wanted to give back because she feels fortunate to have a forever home,” her mother said.

So, Alexandra spearheaded a clothing drive, from May 1 through May 12, to benefit Eckerd Raising Hope.

Eckerd is a national nonprofit organization that provides assistance and resources to more than 18,500 children and families annually.

The organization’s Raising Hope program operates “Rooms of Hope” where foster children and their caregivers in the Tampa Bay community can shop free of charge. They fill their carts with new or slightly used clothes, toiletries, baby items, school supplies, duffel bags and comfort items such as blankets and stuffed animals.

Boxes of donated items were picked up at the school on May 18. The donations included several boxes of infant formula provided by a local doctor. Several National Junior Honor Society students, including Alexandra, helped load the goods into a van for delivery.

Alexandra learned about Eckerd Raising Hope while talking with her mother about her parents’ experience taking foster parenting classes.

The Westcotts had tried for a long time to adopt. A parent in one of the classes told them she was adopting a child from China and suggested the Westcotts do the same.

Tara Westcott also remembered information about the Eckerd charity. “We had learned foster children who were taken out of their home would take all their belongings in a garbage bag,” she said.

The nonprofit seemed a good project for Alexandra who is a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Honor students are challenged to be active in school activities and in their community. This is the first year Imagine has sponsored an honor society chapter.

Imagine principal Aimee Williams quickly gave permission for Alexandra to enlist students in grades six through eight for the project.

About 120 students from Imagine brought in donated items.

“Each of our grade levels has to do something,” Williams said. “We would rather kids pick the project than us. I would hope they could learn they can be decision makers,” the principal said.

Alexandra, who will turn age 12 in June, has volunteered in the community before, including performances with other students at the Ronald McDonald House.

“This is her first really big thing,” her mother said.

She was up to the task.

She explained in detail to classmates what the project was and how it would operate. Kelly Rossi, who is the charity’s director, recalled that she didn’t have to add much to Alexandra’s presentation.

“It was definitely my first event with a student this young,” Rossi said. “But I really gave her the tools, and she did all this. She’s so mature.”

Eckerd Raising Hope serves about 200 to 225 children a month at each of three locations in Trinity, Dade City and Largo. There are about 6,000 foster children in the Tampa Bay area.

Rossi said the supplies collected from Alexandra would be given to children in Pasco.

“Often times they come with nothing. The state doesn’t fund those extra things,” Rossi said. “I can’t have them going to school without shoes and clothes.”

Alexandra created a flier with a personal essay on why she wanted to help foster children. Knowing that children often left their homes with their clothes in garbage bags “really pulled at my heart,” she wrote. New duffel bags would help them “keep their dignity at a very hard time of their lives.”

She also told her mother she wanted to collect stuffed animals, or plush toys, as handouts because she knew how frightened the foster children would be. At Rossi’s suggestion, she asked donors to shop at Dollar Tree to maximize the number of items they could give. From a list provided by Rossi, Alexandra also put together a gift set of Dollar Tree items including toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorants, shampoos, African-American hair products and hairbrushes.

Toiletries especially are needed items, Rossi said.

Alexandra’s drive and determination did not surprise sixth- grade science teacher Adrian Denson, who serves as her advisor.

“She is definitely diligent,” he said. “She’s a really good kid.”

Rick Westcott said he and his wife drove their daughter to local businesses but left everything else up to her.

“She personally has gone in and asked for donations,” he said. “If a child is going to volunteer, they should do the work and not let parents do it for them,” he added.

The best thing about the project was seeing people give so much, Alexandra said.

And, she isn’t finished yet.

Alexandra dances five nights a week at Contempo School of Dance in Lutz. Owners and students there are gearing up for more donations to Eckerd Raising Hope.

For information about Eckerd Raising Hope visit Eckerd.org, or call (855) 450-4673.

Published May 27, 2015

First Class: Support the Troops remembers those serving overseas

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Mark Van Trees received the Champion of Service Award presented by Gov. Rick Scott on Nov. 12 for his work with Support the Troops. And it would be a good story — except Van Trees doesn’t like talking about it.

“It’s certainly not deserved,” the Wesley Chapel organization’s director said.

Mark Van Trees, left, Steve Dieulio and teacher Colleen McCormick load up more than 320 pounds of candy donated by Academy at the Lakes. The school donates leftover sweets to Support the Troops each year. (Michael Murillo/Staff photo)
Mark Van Trees, left, Steve Dieulio and teacher Colleen McCormick load up more than 320 pounds of candy donated by Academy at the Lakes. The school donates leftover sweets to Support the Troops each year. (Michael Murillo/Staff photo)

Instead, Van Trees prefers to talk about the dozens of volunteers who stock, store and pack the steady stream of care packages that get shipped to military personnel overseas. He believes they’re the ones who deserve to be honored.

He also likes talking about Bob Williams, the founder of Support the Troops, who worked tirelessly growing the organization until an accident in 2012 left him unable to continue the project.

Williams deserves the credit, Van Trees insists, as indicated by the hundreds of certificates of appreciation addressed to him that decorate Van Trees’ office and the walls of the facility, located at 29807 State Road 54, that ships the packages. Williams now resides at Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes, and Van Trees is now the person who works six days a week, raising money for the seemingly endless postage expenses associated with shipping thousands of care packages overseas every year.

The recipients live on military bases that don’t have the facilities for personnel to get the basic comfort items we take for granted in the United States, he said.

And while receiving the award was a proud moment, Van Trees keeps a more personal kind of recognition in a box by his desk.

“Thank you so much for the gifts. They are greatly appreciated,” reads one card from a member of the military.

“Thank you very much for your recent donation,” starts another from a group hosting a charity golf event.

“We would like to offer our sincerest gratitude and appreciation,” continues another card.

They arrive daily from different groups and individuals from the Tampa Bay area and throughout the world. The thank you cards are small but meaningful tokens of gratitude from those who have been touched by Support the Troops and its mission, and each one means a lot to its director.

“We read every one and then we post them out there (in the work areas) and we let all the volunteers know,” Van Trees said. “They’re not for me. They’re for the volunteers.”

The packages themselves mean a lot to the recipients and the entire unit that shares in the bounty. Coffee, toothpaste, razors and socks are minor comforts, but coveted items for military members stationed far from home.

Once Support the Troops gets requests from the soldiers or their families, volunteers assemble a 50-pound care package and dispatch it to bases in Africa, Afghanistan and other locales.

They also take donations, whether it’s pallets of surplus Girl Scout Cookies or a single five-pack of razors. They accept private donations and whatever few dollars local residents can spare. The donations go to military-related causes, whether the items get shipped in care packages, or provide comfort to local homeless veterans, or are donated to other organizations with similar goals.

They also ship a lot of candy, and those supplies are often replenished by donations as well. Last week, more than 320 pounds of Halloween leftovers made their way to Support the Troops courtesy of Academy at the Lakes, a private preparatory school in Land O’ Lakes.

The school’s National Junior Honor Society collects candy for Support the Troops every year, and the amount they donate grows annually as well. Colleen McCormick, a teacher at the school who delivered the candy, said the school was enthusiastic about seeing it all go to a worthy cause.

“Our families are so great and so involved,” McCormick said. “It’s rewarding for (students) to see it all come together and then being given away.”

Even though donations keep the shelves stocked and the boxes full — and the volunteer staff keeps things moving — postage costs can be daunting. At nearly $50 per package, it adds up quickly. Support the Troops spent more than $160,000 last year, Van Trees said, just to ship the packages.

But if that’s the cost to fulfill every request and keep the post office busy (each recipient receives packages every couple of weeks while stationed overseas), Van Trees will keep finding a way to pay the tab. The important thing, he said, is that the ones sacrificing overseas, and missing holidays, birthdays and other life events with their family, never feel forgotten.

Even if the media moves on to other topics, or spends more time on celebrities than soldiers, Van Trees wants people to remember there are still thousands serving in remote locations whose days are brightened by receiving a box shipped from Wesley Chapel.

“It’s like Christmas,” he said of their reaction when receiving a package. “The thing we battle every day is to let people (here) know they’re still over there.”

To make donations to Support the Troops, or request care packages for a member of the military, call (813) 991-4256, visit OurTroopsOnline.com, or e-mail Van Trees at .

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