Education

Professor honored
Lisa Rapp-McCall, a professor in the graduate social work program at Saint Leo University, was honored by the National Organization of Forensic Social Work (NOFSW), which has 300 members, social workers and mental health professionals working in forensic settings around the country.

Rapp-McCall was named the NOFSW 2021 Sol Gothard Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

The late Gothard was a member who started his career as a social worker and later became a judge, continuing his efforts to protect and to seek justice for abused children.

The award was presented to Rapp-McCall in recognition of her years of writing, teaching and researching in the areas of juvenile crime, child abuse and human trafficking, among other acts of service.

Rapp-McCall earned her doctorate in social work from the University of Buffalo. She is a resident of Hillsborough County.

Back-to-School Extravaganza
Florida KidCare will present a Back-to-School Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at these locations:

• July 31, Citrus Park Mall
• Aug. 8, Tampa Premium Outlets

The event will include backpack giveaways, free school supplies, face painting, games, photo stops, characters, stage performances, and information on family services.

For more, call 727-674-1464.

School supplies needed
The Hillsborough Education Foundation’s “Erase the Need” school supply drive will run July 28 through Aug. 6. The top 20 most-needed school supplies are: backpacks, cap erasers, 12-count colored pencils, composition books, copy paper, 24-count crayons, dry-erase markers, filler paper, glue sticks, glue bottles, highlighters, index cards, large pink erasers, pencils, pens, pocket folders, rulers, scissors, spiral notebooks and washable markers. Drop-offs can be made to the donation bins in the lobby at these area YMCAs:

• East Pasco Family YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
• New Tampa Family YMCA, 16221 Compton Drive, Tampa

For information and more locations, visit EducationFoundation.com/DonateSchoolSupplies.

Meet the Teacher
Seven Oaks Elementary School, 27633 Mystic Oak Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host two Meet the Teacher sessions on Aug. 5, for students and families.

Prekindergarten through second-grade students can attend from 10 a.m. to noon, and third-grade through fifth-grade students can attend from noon to 2 p.m.

Students must be registered for school in advance. Summer registration hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

At the event, families will need to report to the cafeteria first, to pick up classroom assignments.

Both sessions will provide the opportunity to get teacher assignments, meet the teacher, get transportation information, tour the campus, order a yearbook, purchase spirit gear, join the PTA, and get answers to questions about the school.

For information, call Seven Oaks at 813-794-0700.

Free school supplies
There will be a Back to School drive-thru event on Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at Life Church, 6224 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, that will include free school supplies. Students must be present. Giveaways are on a first-come, first-served basis.

To donate a backpack through the Sydney Paige Foundation, visit tinyurl.com/h3v5w778.

Back to School Drive-Thru
The Church @ Myrtle Lake, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host a Back to School Drive-Thru on Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon.

This is a free backpack and school supply giveaway for kindergarten through 12th grade.

One backpack per child in attendance, while supplies last.

For information, visit MyrtleLake.org.

Student achievements

• Haarika Gurivireddygari, a graduate of Steinbrenner High School, received a $5,000 scholarship from Wieland Rolled Products North America.
• Sarah Jason-Vikram, of Wesley Chapel, was named to the Dean’s List and received an Associate of Arts, Psychology Transfer Pathway, with high honors, from Normandale Community College, Bloomington, Minnesota.

Shoe & sock drive
The Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive is underway through Oct. 22, with the Pasco County government and constitutional offices working together to collect footwear for kids in Pasco County schools.

Last year’s drive yielded 1,746 pairs of shoes and 5,773 pairs of socks.

Social workers will distribute the items to Pasco County Schools students at the end of October.

Drop-off locations/collection boxes are at the offices of the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller, the Pasco County Property Appraiser, and the Pasco County Tax Collector.

Conference proposals sought
The Florida Organization for Human Services Inc. (FLOHS) will host a virtual conference scheduled for Oct. 6 and Oct. 7. The theme is “Resilient Horizons: Breaking Down Barriers.”

The educational nonprofit is seeking workshop proposals on how to be resilient through trying times, and that focus on how to provide knowledge and skills to help others.

The audience will include students, new practitioners and more established professionals.

Submissions may include interventions, skills, knowledge and wellness, as related to assisting Human Services professionals to master their craft and become more effective leaders.

Presentations are typically 60 minutes to 90 minutes long.

Proposals should target one of the following areas:

• Ethics in Helping Relationships
• Interviewing and Intervention Skills
• Group Work
• Case Management
• Human Development
• Social and Cultural Issues
• Social Problems
• Assessment/Treatment Planning
• Intervention Models/Theories
• Human Behavior
• Social Welfare and Public Policy
• Research, Program Evaluation and Supervision

The deadline for proposals is Aug. 1, and must include a CV/resume, a video (with an introduction of yourself and summary topic) or a 100-word to 300-word abstract.

All applicants that are approved will be notified by Aug. 15.

For additional submission details, or to email a proposal, contact .

Fine Arts award
The Heritage Arts Center Association presented the $1,000 Nereim Fine Arts Award to Alexandra Barath, a recent graduate of Pasco High School.

The award is given in memory of Gordon and Jean Nereim, the founding members of the organization.

Barath submitted a digital computer drawing entitled, “Pink Cityscape,” that referenced her fascination for both perspective and vast cityscapes.

Her artwork will be featured at next year’s Heritage Arts’ “Moonlight and Ivory” concerts and art show, in February.

Barath will attend the University of Central Florida with a major in experimental animation.

For more information, visit HeritageArts.org.

 

Conference proposals sought
The Florida Organization for Human Services Inc. (FLOHS) will host a virtual conference scheduled for Oct. 6 and Oct. 7. The theme is “Resilient Horizons: Breaking Down Barriers.”

The educational nonprofit is seeing workshop proposals on how to be resilient through trying times, and should focus on how to provide knowledge and skills to help others.

The audience will include students, new practitioners and more established professionals.

Submissions may include interventions, skills, knowledge and wellness, as related to assisting Human Services professionals to master their craft and become more effective leaders.

Presentations are typically 60 minutes to 90 minutes long.

Proposals should target one of the following areas:

• Ethics in Helping Relationships
• Interviewing and Intervention Skills
• Group Work
• Case Management
• Human Development
• Social and Cultural Issues
• Social Problems
• Assessment/Treatment Planning
• Intervention Models/Theories
• Human Behavior
• Social Welfare and Public Policy
• Research, Program Evaluation and Supervision

The deadline for proposals is Aug. 1, and must include a CV/resume, a video (with an introduction of yourself and summary topic) or a 100-word to 300-word abstract.

All applicants that are approved will be notified by Aug. 15.

For additional submission details, or to email a proposal, contact .

Back to School Drive-Thru
The Church @ Myrtle Lake, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes, will host a Back to School Drive-Thru on Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon.

This is a free backpack and school supply giveaway for kindergarten through 12th grade.

One backpack per child in attendance, while supplies last.

For information, visit MyrtleLake.org.

SkillsUSA recognition
Elena Banet, of New Port Richey and a student at Marchman Technical College, was awarded the high school bronze medal in nail care, at the 2021 SkillsUSA Championships, that took place in June.

Students were invited to demonstrate their technical skills, workplace skills and personal skills in 107 hands-on occupational and leadership competitions, including robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance, and public speaking.

Industry leaders from 650 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions planned and evaluated the contestants against their individual standards for entry-level workers.

More than 3,700 students competed at the national showcase of career and technical education, and more than 1,100 gold, silver and bronze medals were presented to students.

Many winners also received industry prizes, tools of their trade or scholarships.

The championship event takes place every year for students in middle school, high school or college/postsecondary programs, as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference.

For information, visit SkillsUSA.org.

Student achievements
• Brady Lindauer, of Land O’ Lakes, was named to the Dean’s List at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Winona.
• Leia Randall, of Land O’ Lakes, was recognized to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

Financial aid tip
High school seniors should keep a close eye on deadlines when applying for college financial aid, according to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).

Staying on top of deadlines can help students earn more in free student aid so they won’t have to depend as much on student loans.

KHEAA offers these tips:

• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible, beginning Oct. 1. To qualify for most state and federal student aid, a student must submit to FAFSA.
• Check with the financial aid offices of the schools to which the student has applied, to determine if they require any forms other than the FAFSA.
• Look for scholarships using the free online scholarship search at CareerOneStop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx.
• Attend college fairs and financial aid seminars. If a company charges a fee for helping with applications, remember that students can do that for themselves for free. If the student decides to pay, make sure the company is reputable by checking with the attorney general’s office or the Better Business Bureau.

For more information, visit KHEAA.com.

Pepin Academies names new COO
Pepin Academies has named Monika Perez as its chief operating officer (COO), to oversee its three campuses in Hillsborough and Pasco counties that serve students with learning and learning-related disabilities. She will oversee internal operations across the Pepin campuses, and implement program and facility expansions.

This newly created position comes as part of Pepin Academies’ long-term development plan.

Perez has served Pepin Academies for the past 17 years.

She began her career with the schools as director of Pepin Academy High School, then a ninth through 12th grade charter school, in 2004, and has assumed roles as assistant principal and principal, as well.

Perez received a Bachelor of Science in communication disorders from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Education in educational leadership from the University of South Florida.

In addition to her roles at Pepin, she also has served on numerous charter school application review committees to advance educational choice in the community.

Her service to Pepin Academies and the community earned her Pepin’s Peregrine Falcon Outstanding Employee award in 2017.

For more information about the schools, visit PepinAcademies.com.

Super Saturday
Saint Leo University will host Super Saturday on July 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at University Campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo.

Students committed to joining Saint Leo for the fall semester, as well as those who are still making a college decision, can acquaint themselves with the school’s academics, community, and student services, while completing preparations for August classes.

Admission to the event is free. Family and friends can attend.

The event will include games, novelties, crafts, music, food trucks, prizes and a large giveaway.

A VIP reception for the incoming class will provide guests with the chance to meet future classmates and other Saint Leo families.

Those attending will have access to class registration, financial aid meetings, department presentations, housing selection, parking registration, student ID photos, tours, residence hall walk-throughs, and more.

Students also can bring transcripts for the final round of the fall 2021 instant admission sessions, complete an on-site application, take placement exams, submit a deposit, and meet with staff from various departments.

The use of face coverings or masks is required for all individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 while on campus.

To register for Super Saturday, visit SaintLeo.edu/visit-campus.

For information and questions, contact the Office of Admissions at 352-588-8283 or .

B.E.S.T. Academy back on campus
AdventHealth Tampa on June 29 welcomed students from the Brain Expansions Scholastic Training (B.E.S.T.) Academy back on campus for the first time since the pandemic.

The high school students learned hands-only CPR, experienced a coding exercise, and heard from an AdventHealth heart surgeon.

The summer program provides students with hands-on clinical experience in the hospital setting, and teaches students the skills to continue their education and pursue future careers in health care.

To learn more about the academy, visit BestMedicalAcademy.org.

Constitution seminar
Saint Leo University’s Department of Criminal Justice will host its Summer Institute seminar program, with four days focused on a discussion of “The Constitution, Social Justice, and Modern America.”

Criminal justice faculty and guest speakers will delve into several constitutional amendments, and the contemporary discussions and legal arguments about how the amendments are interpreted.

The institute is scheduled for July 19 through July 22 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., each day.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Those who attend will be issued a certificate, upon completion of the seminar.

To sign up, email , with the words “2021 Summer Institute” in the email subject line, to request a Zoom registration link.

Course fee adjustments
Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its July 20 board meeting at 6 p.m., at the West Campus in New Port Richey.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing.

Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees, and fee implementation details, visit Policies.PHSC.edu/policies-and-procedures/public-disclosure.

Employment Fair
Pasco County Schools will host its sixth annual Pasco Community Public Employment Fair on July 21 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Fivay High School, 12115 Chicago Ave., in Hudson.

Those in attendance can meet managers from Pasco County Schools, Pasco County Emergency Services, Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco County Tax Collector, Pasco Board of County Commissioners, and more.

Register online at bit.ly/3vR7Kr8.

Capstone program grant
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) celebrated the success of the Achievement Capstone Program, a scholarship program that grants financial assistance to high-achieving, underrepresented college graduates of historically Black colleges and universities and predominantly Black institutions.

The NMSC joined the UNCF at Clark Atlanta University, to commemorate the scholarship’s five-year milestone, where NMSC President Timothy E. McGuire presented UNCF President Dr. Michael L. Lomax with an additional $2.1 million grant for the program.

“UNCF is honored to continue the legacy of a program that has meant so much to Black college students who struggled to finance their higher education,” said Lomax, in a news release.

“I am proud of the work that UNCF has done with this program in helping ensure a college degree is not only a dream but a possibility.”

McGuire added that NMSC is proud of its partnership with UNCF and the work and stewardship to carry on the name, mission and legacy of the National Achievement Scholarship Program, which has recognized and honored many Black American scholars since the first awards were presented in 1965.

“We believe this further investment in the Achievement Capstone Program is proof of our great confidence in UNCF to carry on this important mission for many years to come,” said McGuire, in the release.

High marks for PHSC president
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) president Timothy Beard earned near-perfect scores on his annual review by the college’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT), according to a news release.

The College Board of Trustees gave him an overall average score of 4.95 out of 5, noting Beard’s excellent communications with the DBOT and community stakeholders, as well as administrators on the college’s administrative leadership team.

Marilyn Pearson-Adams, DBOT chair, summarized the review comments in a letter to the trustees, noting in the release that “Dr. Beard’s personal and professional demeanor have positively impacted his performance as president and consequently facilitated the college being one of the premier institutions in the Florida College System.”

Beard exceeded performance standards in all areas of the evaluation.

He earned a 4.86 for board relations; a 4.88 for community, state and national relations; a 5.0 for fiscal accountability; a 4.99 for leadership; and a 5.0 for accountability.

Beard is starting the second year of a three-year contract awarded last year by the college trustees after he demonstrated his ability to grow as a leader, embrace a style of leadership that promotes transparency, collaboration and clear communication.

ABC Program
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s five offices will collect donations during the month of  July in support of the Pasco County Schools’ ABC (Assist, Believe & Care) Program.

The ABC program was created to provide financial assistance to students and their families who are experiencing economic hardship, especially when those needs interfere with the student’s ability to be academically successful.

All money collected will go into a fund that teachers can use when they see or learn of a need a child may have.

For information about the charitable giving programs at the tax collector’s office, contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Free vaccinations
The Florida Department of Health – Pasco County is teaming up with Pasco County Schools and Health Hero to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to Pasco County students age 12 and older.

The free vaccinations also will be made available to children’s eligible family members.

Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to receive the vaccine.

The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed at several school locations around the county.

Appointments are required to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

July 12:

• J.W. Mitchell High School, 2323 Little Road, Trinity – 8 a.m. to noon, in the cafeteria. Enter the school from Photonics Drive and park in the first parking lot on the right.

July 13:

• Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O’ Lakes – 8 a.m. to noon. Park in the student parking area.

July 14:

• Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52, Dade City – 8 a.m. to noon. From State Road 52, pull in after the tennis courts and park in the staff or gym parking lot.
• Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel – 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park in the faculty parking lot and take the sidewalk between Building 300 and the main office.

Parents are encouraged to fill out the online registration available from the school district website (Pasco.k12.fl.us), and select from the available dates, times and locations.

An individual registration form must be completed for the student and every additional family member.

Back-to-School fundraiser
Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells, and entrepreneur and philanthropist Jacques Hakim have partnered with the Pasco Sheriff’s Charities and the YMCA of the Suncoast James P. Gills Family Branch to launch “Step up for Pasco Students,” a back-to-school fundraiser, for students in Pasco County schools.

Every $10 donated can buy a new pair of quality shoes for a child in need.

The goal is to collect 5,000 pairs by July 18.

Sponsorship levels also are available.

To donate, visit bit.ly/PascoSheriffCharities or YMCASuncoast.org/stepup.

Employment Fair
Pasco County Schools will host its sixth annual Pasco Community Public Employment Fair on July 21 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Fivay High School, 12115 Chicago Ave., in Hudson.

Those in attendance can meet managers from Pasco County Schools, Pasco County Emergency Services, Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco County Tax Collector, Pasco Board of County Commissioners, and more.

Register online at bit.ly/3vR7Kr8.

Summer food service
Pasco County School’s Summer Food Service program will continue through July 27, at selected school campuses and at bus stop locations around the county.

All school location meal packs will contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches, and will be provided curbside on Tuesdays only, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., to anyone age 18 and younger.

East Pasco school sites include: Cypress Creek High, Double Branch Elementary, New River Elementary, Pasco High, Quail Hollow Elementary, R.B. Cox Elementary, R.B. Stewart Middle, San Antonio Elementary, Sand Pine Elementary, Watergrass Elementary, Wesley Chapel Elementary, Wesley Chapel High, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Wiregrass Ranch High and Woodland Elementary.

In Central Pasco: Connerton Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Odessa Elementary, Sanders Memorial and Sunlake High.

Students attending PLACE (Pasco Learning and Activity Centers of Enrichment) or Extended School Year programs at the schools will receive their meals on campus and are not eligible to participate in curbside meal pickup.

School bus stops will distribute meal packs on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For bus stop locations and menus, and to participate in the meal pickups, visit tinyurl.com/3mp6x4dh.

For questions, email .

Unlimited bus rides
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) Department buses on regular routes all summer for just $20.

The special student rate is effective now through Aug. 31.

The Summer Haul Pass can be purchased at these locations:

• Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, West and East Pasco Government Centers
• Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel
• PCPT Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey
• All Pasco County Libraries

For information about the pass, bus routes and schedules, visit RidePCPT.com.

Students shine in world competition
The fifth-grade Odyssey of the Mind (OM) team from Connerton Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes won third place in its division at the OM World Finals Competition in Orlando. This was the first team in Pasco County to ever place in the top three at the World competition, according to an email from coach Allison Marks.

Marks, parent of two girls on the team, and Patricia Sherburne, second-grade teacher, coached the students.

The fifth-graders created a town called Choco Ville, a chocolate-themed town with chocolate-themed characters, in which a villain (Vanillian) tried to destroy the town with a ‘vanillacane’ (vanilla hurricane). The town’s superhero, Daffy Taffy, saved the day, and helped to unite the cocoa beans and vanilla beans.

The set for Choco Ville was constructed of cardboard boxes, paint, shopping bags, candy wrappers, paper towel tubes, cotton balls, coffee filters, painted paper plates, tootsie roll wrappers, bubble wrap and ice cream containers — all of which were made to look like various candy discs, ice cream cone shapes and more.

The community was very supportive and cheered the girls on, made donations, and encouraged and prayed for them along the way.

The team’s trophy will be placed on display in the Connerton Elementary office.

Back-to-School fundraiser
Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells, and entrepreneur and philanthropist Jacques Hakim have partnered with the Pasco Sheriff’s Charities and the YMCA of the Suncoast James P. Gills Family Branch to launch “Step up for Pasco Students,” a back-to-school fundraiser, for students in Pasco County schools.

Every $10 donated can buy a new pair of quality shoes for a child in need.

The goal is to collect 5,000 pairs by July 18.

Sponsorship levels also are available.

To donate, visit bit.ly/PascoSheriffCharities or YMCASuncoast.org/stepup.

Student achievements
Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont, has announced that Molly Grace Flanagan, of Lutz, and Julliet Abel Muriel, of Spring Hill, have been named to the spring Dean’s List.

Muriel also received a Bachelor of Arts cum laude in criminal justice.

Veteran Studies degree
Saint Leo University has created the first undergraduate degree devoted to veteran studies, according to a news release. A Saint Leo minor also is available in the emerging field.

The veteran studies major was developed to allow students the opportunity to study the distinctive lives and cultures formed by military service and by retirement from service — a part of American culture that often is not understood, except in shallow or stereotypic ways.

The major and the minor are intended to remedy that deficit.

The programs are open to both student-veterans and students who are not veterans.

Admissions and enrollment inquiries can be made by calling 877-622-2009, or by emailing .

Financial aid tip
Getting at least some advanced training or education after high school can lead to a future with more opportunities and higher expected income.

Data from the Census Bureau’s 2020 American Community Survey shows that U.S. high school graduates aged 25 and older reported a median income of $31,956 per year, according to a Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) news release. (A median means that half of the people who responded made more than that amount, while half made less.)

Students who had some post-high school education made over $5,000 more per year, while those with two-year degrees made over $7,000 more each year.

The unemployment rates for high school graduates and those with some college or technical training didn’t differ much, 4.8% versus 4.9%. The jobless rate for people with a two-year degree was much lower at 3.3%.

The KHEAA is a public, nonprofit agency that helps to improve students’ access to college.

It provides information about financial aid and financial literacy, at no cost to students and parents.

For more about the agency’s services, visit KHEAA.com.

Free vaccinations
The Florida Department of Health – Pasco County is teaming up with Pasco County Schools and Health Hero to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to Pasco County students age 12 and older.

The free vaccinations also will be made available to children’s eligible family members.

Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to receive the vaccine.

The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed at several school locations around the county.

Appointments are required to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

July 12:

• J.W. Mitchell High School, 2323 Little Road, Trinity – 8 a.m. to noon, in the cafeteria. Enter the school from Photonics Drive and park in the first parking lot on the right.

July 13:

• Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O’ Lakes – 8 a.m. to noon. Park in the student parking area.

July 14:

• Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52, Dade City – 8 a.m. to noon. From State Road 52, pull in after the tennis courts and park in the staff or gym parking lot.
• Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel – 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park in the faculty parking lot and take the sidewalk between Building 300 and the main office.

Parents are encouraged to fill out the online registration available from the school district website (Pasco.k12.fl.us), and select from the available dates, times and locations.

An individual registration form must be completed for the student and every additional family member.

School paper earns first
Wharton High School’s school newspaper, the Blue & White, was named a Most Outstanding High School Newspaper 2020-2021 by the American Scholastic Association.

“This is the best we’ve ever done in this national competition,” said Kyle LoJacono, Blue & White adviser, in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

“Not only did they (students) create one of the best student-run high school newspapers in the nation, but they did it with half the staff working from home while e-learning, and half in person. That speaks to their dedication and also their ability to communicate and get the job done under less-than-ideal circumstances,” said LoJacono.

Blue & White’s editor-in-chief, Callie Zack, is the third person in her family to be on the newspaper staff at Wharton. LoJacono noted: “We had a great mix of leadership styles.”

Student achievements

Dean’s List:

• Jose Bautista, of Lutz, Avila University, Kansas City, Missouri
• Jennifer Clifford, of Lutz, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
• Moriah Davis, of Lutz, University of Alabama
• Sydney Fleeman, of Odessa, Valdosta State University, Georgia
• Michelle Graham, of Lutz, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia
• Olivia Jablonski, of Odessa, Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama
• Emily Leonard, of Wesley Chapel, Mercer University
• Brianna Pearson, of Lutz, The College of Saint Rose, Albany, New York
• Angelo Sardegna, of Lutz, Curry College, Milton, Massachusetts
• Sierra Sosa, of Odessa, Samford University
• Christiana Till, of Odessa, University of Alabama
• Troy Tsotsos, of Land O’ Lakes, Mercer University
• William Tucker, of Lutz, Samford University

President’s List:

• Jack Houser, of Odessa, University of Alabama
• Elijah James, of Odessa, Kennesaw State University, Georgia
• Emily Ymiolek, of Lutz, University of Alabama

Graduate degrees:

• William George Albrecht, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science in engineering, McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana
• Clare O’Keefe, of Lutz, Bachelor of Science in sports management, Endicott College, Beverly, Massachusetts
• Royce Pope, of Lutz, Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, Centre College, Danville, Kentucky
• Sydnee Turner, of Lutz, Associate of Science in nursing, Lincoln Memorial University, Tampa

Unlimited bus rides
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) Department buses on regular routes all summer for just $20.

The special student rate is effective now through Aug. 31.

The Summer Haul Pass can be purchased at these locations:

• Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, West and East Pasco Government Centers
• Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel
• PCPT Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey
• All Pasco County Libraries

For information about the pass, bus routes and schedules, visit RidePCPT.com.

Free vaccinations
The Florida Department of Health – Pasco County is teaming up with Pasco County Schools and Health Hero to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to Pasco County students age 12 and older.

The free vaccinations also will be made available to children’s eligible family members.

Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to receive the vaccine.

The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed at several school locations around the county.

Appointments are required to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

July 12:

• J.W. Mitchell High School, 2323 Little Road, Trinity – 8 a.m. to noon, in the cafeteria. Enter the school from Photonics Drive and park in the first parking lot on the right.

July 13:

• Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O’ Lakes – 8 a.m. to noon. Park in the student parking area.

July 14:

• Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52, Dade City – 8 a.m. to noon. From State Road 52, pull in after the tennis courts and park in the staff or gym parking lot.
• Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel – 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park in the faculty parking lot and take the sidewalk between Building 300 and the main office.

Parents are encouraged to fill out the online registration available from the school district website (Pasco.k12.fl.us), and select from the available dates, times and locations.

An individual registration form must be completed for the student and every additional family member.

Summer food service
Pasco County School’s Summer Food Service program will continue through July 27, at selected school campuses and at bus stop locations around the county.

All school location meal packs will contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches, and will be provided curbside on Tuesdays only, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., to anyone age 18 and younger.

East Pasco school sites include: Cypress Creek High, Double Branch Elementary, New River Elementary, Pasco High, Quail Hollow Elementary, R.B. Cox Elementary, R.B. Stewart Middle, San Antonio Elementary, Sand Pine Elementary, Watergrass Elementary, Wesley Chapel Elementary, Wesley Chapel High, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Wiregrass Ranch High and Woodland Elementary.

In Central Pasco: Connerton Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Odessa Elementary, Sanders Memorial Elementary and Sunlake High.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs at the schools will receive their meals on campus and are not eligible to participate in curbside meal pickup.

School bus stops will distribute meal packs on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For bus stop locations and menus, and to participate in the meal pickups, visit tinyurl.com/3mp6x4dh.

For questions, email .

Academic honors
Nicholas (Niko) Sobestanovich, of Land O’ Lakes, was named salutatorian at Saint Leo University, University Campus in Pasco County.

Sobestanovich earned a Bachelor of Arts in accounting.

He completed a spring internship with Strategis CPAs & Consultants, in Lutz, and accepted a full-time job with the firm as a tax accountant.

Chloe Padron, of Spring Hill, earned the recognition of class valedictorian and was named the winner of the Clara McDonald Olson Scholarship Award, which is given to a University Campus undergrad with the highest grade point average over four years of study.

Padron graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in management.

Both of the students studied in programs offered by the Saint Leo University Tapia College of Business.

Student achievements

• Angelica C. Gonzalez, of Lutz, was named to the spring Dean’s List at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
• Danny Jennings, of Land O’ Lakes, earned a Master of Science in occupational therapy professional development from Mount Mary University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
• Anapaula Rios-Rosales graduated magna cum laude from Saint Leo University and will attend Edward Via College of Osteophathic Medicine in Auburn, Alabama.
• Megan Rizzi, of Lutz, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina.
• Amy Stanton, of Odessa, was recognized to the spring President’s List at Georgia College, Milledgeville, Georgia.

Free vaccinations
The Florida Department of Health – Pasco County is teaming up with Pasco County Schools and Health Hero to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations to Pasco County students age 12 and older.

The free vaccinations also will be made available to children’s eligible family members.

Students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to receive the vaccine.

The Pfizer vaccine will be distributed at several school locations around the county.

Appointments are required to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

The dates listed below are for the first and second doses.

On June 21 and July 12:

• J.W. Mitchell High School, 2323 Little Road, Trinity – 8 a.m. to noon, in the cafeteria. Enter the school from Photonics Drive and park in the first parking lot on the right.

One June 22 and July 13:

• Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O’ Lakes – 8 a.m. to noon. Park in the student parking area.

On June 23 and July 14:

• Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52, Dade City – 8 a.m. to noon. From State Road 52, pull in after the tennis courts and park in the staff or gym parking lot.
• Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel – 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Park in the faculty parking lot and take the sidewalk between Building 300 and the main office.

Parents are encouraged to fill out the online registration available from the school district website (Pasco.k12.fl.us), and select from the available dates, times and locations.

An individual registration form must be completed for the student and every additional family member.

School supply drive
DAVRON, a local executive search and outplacement firm in Land O’ Lakes, will host a school supply drive through June 28, to benefit Christian Social Services (CSS) of Land O’ Lakes.

CSS provides food, clothing, supportive services and Christian hospitality to families and individuals in central Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties.

For each donation, a raffle ticket will be given to be entered into a live drawing for a chance to win prizes from local businesses, such as restaurant gift cards, trampoline park admission tickets, and more.

DAVRON also will host a company fishing tournament for staff, and for every fish caught, DAVRON will donate $10 to CSS.

Donations of school supplies, backpacks and lunch boxes can be dropped off at the DAVRON office, 6753 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Summer food service
Pasco County School’s Summer Food Service program will continue through July 27, at selected school campuses and at bus stop locations around the county.

All school location meal packs will contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches, and will be provided curbside on Tuesdays only, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., to anyone age 18 and younger.

East Pasco school sites include: Cypress Creek High, Double Branch Elementary, New River Elementary, Pasco High, Quail Hollow Elementary, R.B. Cox Elementary, R.B. Stewart Middle, San Antonio Elementary, Sand Pine Elementary, Watergrass Elementary, Wesley Chapel Elementary, Wesley Chapel High, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Wiregrass Ranch High and Woodland Elementary.

In Central Pasco: Connerton Elementary, Lake Myrtle Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Odessa Elementary, Sanders Memorial Elementary and Sunlake High.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs at the schools will receive their meals on campus and are not eligible to participate in curbside meal pickup.

School bus stops will distribute meal packs on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For bus stop locations and menus, and to participate in the meal pickups, visit tinyurl.com/3mp6x4dh.

For questions, email .

Unlimited bus rides
Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) Department buses on regular routes all summer for just $20.

The special student rate is effective now through Aug. 31.

The Summer Haul Pass can be purchased at these locations:

• Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, West and East Pasco Government Centers
• Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel
• PCPT Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey
• All Pasco County Libraries

For information about the pass, bus routes and schedules, visit RidePCPT.com.