The Laker/Lutz News

People Profiles

Local novelist’s ‘Lake Roland’ was inspired by real case

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As a journalist, Charlie Reese knew how to ferret out the facts and crank out stories on tight deadlines.

As a novelist, Reese — that is, C. Roloson Reese — has delighted in letting his imagination run wild to create just about every detail in his first published book, “Lake Roland.”

The Lutz author didn’t imagine every single detail because the novel is based on a two-paragraph news wire story that Reese read about eight years ago.

Charlie Reese, who published his novel, ‘Lake Roland,’ under the name C. Roloson Reese, is a former journalist and current businessman who lives in Lutz. The novel’s inspiration came from a two-paragraph news wire story the author had read, involving a missing persons case. (Courtesy of Charlie Reese)

The news wire account was about a 45-year-old mystery involving missing persons — solved essentially by accident.

“It just stuck with me — longer than any other newspaper story I’ve ever come across as a reporter or as a reader,” Reese said.

He decided to give that tiny nugget of a story a life of its own.

“I felt moved to tell the story, the back end of the mystery, as best as I could imagine it,” Reese said.

“Once I started reflecting on it, it wouldn’t let go of my imagination. So, I sat down and I wrote the first chapter.

“The real-life characters, they disappeared around high-school age — at least a couple of them,” Reese said.

The novel is told from the vantage point of Tom O’Malley, who spent a lifetime dealing with the mysterious disappearance of his pal, Mark. They’d been inseparable.

In creating the story, Reese thought about how it would feel if his best friend from high school had gone missing.

“I just imagined what that would be like — what kind of a hole that would have left in my life,” Reese said. He explored how having that type of loss would affect the families and friends of the pair that went missing.

“That’s what started me on this particular book. I just felt called to flesh out the characters behind the story,” Reese said.

The novel begins before the actual disappearance.

“I wanted to build some background because, any story you cover as a reporter, there’s always a backstory. And, it’s quite an interesting backstory in many cases. And, we don’t really do it justice. We can’t. We’re limited by deadlines. We’re limited by space. And, we really can’t tell the story with as much passion or thoughtfulness, as we can — or we should, or is possible,” Reese said.

Novels don’t have those limitations.

The actual missing persons case in the news wire story occurred in Oklahoma.

Reese decided to set his story in Baltimore, where he grew up and went to high school, and where there actually is a Lake Roland.

“As I got to writing — which is really a creative exercise — I just felt so emotional at times. But I was also so alive with being able to create these characters and storylines.

“Although the book is not autobiographical, it is a collection of characters and people I knew over the years.

“Running through my mind were many of the people and characters I’ve met over the years. Their stories.

“We come across so many different people, in our travels, in our work, in our families.

“So, it’s real amalgamation of all of these different characters and people that I’ve met, and usually admired,” he said.

Once Reese started writing the novel, the work went quickly. He asked his wife, Judith, to read chapters and offer feedback during the process.

In essence, the book was finished in 2013 and Reese occasionally has revisited it through the years.

This spring, he decided it was time to give the novel a final edit and to publish it.

Although this is Reese’s first published novel, he’s been a writer — in some form or another — since childhood.

He began reporting stories in the Tampa Bay area when he was a student at the University of South Florida, writing for the Oracle. Then, he reported for The Laker and later became the editor of The Lutz News and the former Temple Terrace Beacon.

He went on to work in media relations and communications with the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the Institute for Business & Home Safety. He’s also been published in the former Tampa Tribune and in the St. Petersburg Times, before it became The Tampa Bay Times.

His love for writing dates back to childhood.

As a boy, he wrote poetry, which he read aloud to his family.

In college, he studied literature.

And, while he’s spent much of his career working with words, he said he’s learned more about the art of writing by reading great authors.

Being tuned in to people and places, is essential, too, he said.

“Observing and listening are probably the best things a writer can do,” Reese said. “That’s what poets do.”

“Lake Roland” by C. Roloson Reese, is available at Barnes & Noble Press (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lake-roland-c-roloson-reese/1139075421?ean=9781666262001).

To see a video about “Lake Roland,” visit https://www.facebook.com/211702412202894/videos/960288408037265.

 

Published July 14, 2021

‘A mover and shaker’ is laid to rest

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Anyone who has spent any time at all in Lutz is likely to have run across Auralee Buckingham.

After all, for decades, she had a hand in just about everything involving this community, north of Tampa.

Auralee Buckingham was characterized by her friends as a ‘true force of nature’ who was a ‘pillar of the community’ in Lutz. (Courtesy of Kristi Mackey)

Buckingham, who was 91 at her death on May 13, will be honored in a Resurrection Mass at 11 a.m., on June 26, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Drive in Lutz.

The mark she left on the community of Lutz will not be soon forgotten.

Pat Serio, who sits on the board of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, described Buckingham as “a true force of nature.

“You name it and Auralee ran it,” said Serio, noting that not only was Buckingham a past president of the woman’s club, but she also had held nearly every office and chaired nearly every club event.

“She was a mover and a shaker, involved in everything that happened in the Lutz community at large, and knew how to get things done,” Serio said, via email.

Buckingham organized the Fourth of July parades and celebrations, and the community’s Christmas in the Park festivities. She beautified the landscaping at the Lutz Branch Library. She raised money and supported causes that went far beyond the woman’s club, including the Lutz Civic Association, the former Lutz Volunteer Fire Department and the Old Lutz School.

She was deeply involved in the Oscar Cooler Youth Sports Complex, and with scouting, too, Serio noted.

Ardyth Bahr, a longtime friend of Buckingham’s, said, via email, that  those who had met Buckingham could not forget her.

Bahr characterized her friend as “a pillar in the community of Lutz.

“She (Buckingham) was the one to go to in Lutz if you wanted anything done. She was unstoppable.”

Jay Muffly, another longtime Lutz civic leader, said Buckingham was “the busiest person in Lutz.”

He credited her for her contributions to many projects and activities in the community, as well as being “a great person.”

News reports published over the years in The Tampa Tribune frequently included Buckingham’s views on issues affecting the community.

For instance, when the Hillsborough County public school district was looking at sites for a high school, the Lutz civic leader weighed in.

This is Auralee Buckingham when she was in high school.

Buckingham said she would welcome it, as long as the high school was kept to 1,000 students or fewer, so it would fit into the Lutz community.

The school board — which wanted to build a larger school — found another location.

Buckingham’s involvement was obvious, and her friends decided to celebrate her with a surprise party months before her 80th birthday.

More than 100 people showed up and spent about two hours lavishing Buckingham with praise for her many contributions and accomplishments, according to a Tampa Tribune account.

During that party, the dedicated community volunteer also received a copy of a document proclaiming May 21 as Auralee Buckingham Day in Hillsborough County, the Tribune reported.

Charlie Reese, who was editor of the Lutz Community News (now The Laker/Lutz News), became quite familiar with Buckingham through his reporting.

“Auralee was one of the first persons I met when I covered news stories in the Lutz/Land O’Lakes area, and before long I realized that she was probably at every event that the woman’s club was involved in,” Reese, a Lutz resident, said, via email. “She was constantly busy and had the loudest laugh, which was often heard above the din of the 4th of July parade in Lutz or the annual arts and crafts show.

“I remember her attending to many tasks at these signature events in our community, and even though she handled many duties, she was never too busy to splash her bright smile at everyone she saw,” Reese added.

She wasn’t shy about sharing her views, noted Reese.

That was back in the days when U.S. 41, North Dale Mabry Highway and State Road 54 were all two-lane roads, Reese said.

It also was “when pastures outnumbered big box stores — but change was on the horizon,” Reese said.

“She loved Lutz.

“And, because she was so dedicated to causes and events that enhanced our community, Lutz loved her,” Reese said.

Buckingham is survived by daughters Kristi Mackey, Ashley Gracey (Tony) and Beth Busbee (Jeff); grandchildren Kristopher Mackey (Tatiana), Jennifer Swisher (Eugene), Brittany Desmarais (C.J.), Dillon and Leah Hulme; great grandchildren Wesson Swisher, Damon Mackey, Mack Swisher and Kiara Mackey; and sister Hazel Cox, children and grandchildren.

A Resurrection Mass will be held at 11 a.m., on June 26, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road in Lutz.

Published June 23, 2021

Pastor ready to ‘just pedal’ into retirement

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Officially, he’s the Rev. Monsignor Ronald Aubin.

Around Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, in Land O’ Lakes, though, he’s better known as Father Ron.

The Rev. Monsignor Ron Aubin led Our Lady of the Rosary through many changes during his 27 years as pastor. Here he is blessing ground for a new construction project. (Courtesy of Our Lady of the Rosary)

Aubin, who has been at the church for 27 years, has led the parish through two relocations, construction projects, rapid growth, the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic — and those are just some of the high-profile events.

There also are the more intimate — and more regular rituals — of being a parish pastor.

The First Communions he’s distributed.

The homilies he’s delivered.

The marriages and funerals he’s officiated.

And, the visits he’s made to nursing homes, hospitals and to the jail, to offer words of comfort and spiritual guidance to others, in a time of need.

Aubin was ordained to the priesthood on April 23, 1981, making this year his 40th as a priest.

He arrived at Our Lady of the Rosary on July 1, 1994, when the church was still located on the southwest corner of U.S. 41 and State Road 54.

Both of those roads were two lanes at the time, and there were very few stoplights, the pastor recalled.

The Rev. Ron Aubin, left, of Our Lady of the Rosary, received the title of monsignor. He stands alongside the Most Rev. Robert Lynch, then Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

“There are two churches there now. One on the north side of the highway and one on the south side of the highway. Both were ours. Except the one on the north side of the street used to be on the south side of the street.

“When they widened the intersection there — widened (U.S.) 41 to four lanes, did the whole intersection, they were going to chop off the (smaller) church,” Aubin said. Instead, the building was sold to the Episcopal Church, which paid $1, and moved it across the street.

Our Lady of the Rosary had already relocated into the larger building at the intersection, which would later become home to Keystone Community Church.

Our Lady of the Rosary moved to its current campus at 2348 Collier Parkway, on Nov. 27, 1999.

The new construction at the site began with a church and an office, and over time, has included classrooms, an early childhood center and, most recently, a youth center.

“Everything on this property was done during my years here — thanks to the efforts of a good number of people,” the pastor said.

Aubin has already experienced some moments of personal joy. Some of the brightest moments came when three parishioners — Israel Hernandez, Kyle Smith and Bill Wilson — were ordained to the priesthood, the church leader said.

Over the years, the church also built some strong, longstanding ministries.

Father Ron, as he’s known around Our Lady of the Rosary parish, said he was raised in an environment ‘where Christ was the center of our lives.’ He said he was surrounded by Irish priests and nuns at church and in school at his parish of Immaculate Conception. ‘We jokingly referred to them as FBI — foreign-born Irish, as opposed to the CIA, conceived in America. That was my world.’

Its scouting program, which includes Troop 33 and Troop 34 — boasted 11 Eagle Scouts in a single ceremony two years ago.

Its Knights of Columbus Council 8104 is known for the legendary fish fry it hosts each Friday during Lent.

And, its food pantry operated by St. Vincent de Paul is a regular source of help for those in need.

Its membership also has grown considerably, too, through the years.

When Aubin arrived at the parish, it had 830-some families; now, it has well over 3,000.

It had a greater membership at its peak, but then the Great Recession hit, forcing young families to move, to seek employment, the pastor said.

“When you’re parents raising babies, you can’t sit back and wait for something to happen. You’ve got to go and find a job. There are some neighborhoods, I am told, that half of the houses were sold, in this area,” Aubin.

The Recession was challenging — but COVID-19 essentially shut everything down.

“There was just zero contact,” Aubin said.

“They couldn’t come here. We couldn’t go there.

“We couldn’t even go to the hospitals to visit people. We couldn’t go to the jail, the nursing homes — any of those places,” he said.

The parish adapted. Staffers with technical know-how stepped up to begin live-streaming Masses in Spanish and English.

The Rev. Monsignor Ron Aubin, better known as Father Ron, holds some gluten-free communion wafers, with an aim to be sensitive to parishioners’ dietary needs.

Staff reached out to parishioners to send in large photos of themselves that could be attached to chairs, so priests could look at the faces while saying the Mass.

The parish followed guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and from the Diocese of St. Petersburg, in re-establishing in-person services.

Still, as the country reopens, Aubin expects that some who stopped attending during the pandemic, won’t return.

The trend toward disengagement began about a dozen years ago, Aubin said.

Before the Great Recession, the church had about 1,200 kids in its various programs, he said. Pre-COVID, they were down to 800. During COVID-19, the programs were virtually non-existent.

“I was at a meeting yesterday and other pastors were voicing the same concern. We really have to try to reach out to our young families,” Aubin said.

That disengagement is not something that Aubin — who attended Catholic schools and joined the seminary at age 16 — personally understands.

God, he says, has been “the ‘be all, end all,’ of my life.

“I can’t imagine this present world or the world to come without him. So, I want to share that gift with others,” Aubin said.

The pastor does understand, however, that reaching young people today is much different that it was during his youth.

Fortunately, Aubin expects the new leadership at Our Lady of the Rosary to bring fresh ideas and new energy.

The Rev. Justin Paskert, who will be the new pastor, is coming to the parish from his role as chaplain for the Catholic Student Center at the University of South Florida.

“I’m excited for the parish,” Aubin said.

“I love this place. There’s a certain sadness in leaving, but there’s also joy in knowing that it’s going into good hands. Father Justin will revive it and get it moving again.”

Aubin’s final Masses are this weekend, on June 26 and June 27.

His message will focus on his mantra through the years at the parish, based on a poem called “Just Pedal.”

In essence, it’s about keeping the faith and carrying on, even when the future is not always clear.

“Just pedal. Embrace the change,” Aubin said. “You just have to keep on moving. If you’re not changing, you’re dying.”

Published June 23, 2021

Twin scholars eager to embrace new challenges

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When Grace and Faith Quinn graduate from Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School on June 4, the twin scholars will be sharing the school’s top academic honor as co-valedictorians.

And, as they head off this summer, they’ll travel to Atchison, Kansas, to attend Benedictine College, each on a full tuition, four-year scholarship.

Faith Quinn, left, and her twin sister, Grace, are graduating as co-valedictorians from Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School. The young women from Wesley Chapel are eager to keep learning, as they head to Benedictine College, in Atchison, Kansas, on a four-year tuition scholarship this fall. (B.C. Manion)

It’s not a bit unusual for these 18-year-olds to travel the same path together.

After all, they’ve been doing it all of their lives.

Grace — who plans to double major in chemistry and computer science — is the older of the two, by 9 minutes.

Faith plans to double major, too. She’ll study chemistry and astronomy.

There’s no doubt these girls share a closeness that many twins enjoy, but perhaps they’ve developed an even deeper connection — as they’ve relied on each other, their brother Gabriel and their parents, through military family moves, from one place to another.

Throughout the frequent changes, the Quinns have had three constants: Family, church and school, the girls said, during a recent interview in their Wesley Chapel home.

Their parents are obviously supportive, and delighted by their daughters’ accomplishments.

Their dad, Pete Quinn, is perhaps their most vocal cheerleader; their mom, Kelly Quinn, while more subdued, is undoubtedly equally proud.

As their dad rattles off their accomplishments, the girls take turns, good-naturedly, rolling their eyes.

Still, the bragging rights are well-deserved.

Both girls were named National Merit Scholars, each receiving a $2,500 scholarship.

They each scored a perfect 36 on the ACT.

Their four-year tuition scholarship at Benedictine College carries a value of up to $132,000 for each of the girls, Pete Quinn said.

The twins started attending St. Anthony Catholic School, in San Antonio, in fifth grade, after the family moved to the area in 2014 from West Des Moines, Iowa.

During their middle school years, they earned straight As, played on three championship basketball teams, played on two championship volleyball teams, played tennis, and were members of the National Junior Honor Society, said their dad, a retired U.S. Army colonel.

The girls chose to attend Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, after exploring various options.

“When it came to the transition to high school, they really blossomed,” Pete Quinn said. “It (Bishop McLaughlin) was the perfect setting for them.”

The girls will graduate with a weighted GPA of 4.6, having completed 13 college-level courses.

“I anticipate them being able to come in (at Benedictine College) as first semester sophomores because of all the AP classes they’ve taken,” he said.

The girls didn’t have their heads in their books all of the time.

They also played four years of varsity basketball, achieved membership in nine honor societies, and have been involved in school plays, numerous clubs and yearbook.

Faith said her interest in astronomy began during her early years.

“I’ve always loved stars — just looking up at the night sky.

“Also, we have — it was just like a kid’s book about the constellations. It would give the myths behind them. I just loved that,” she said.

That prompted an interest in other books about stars and she now has about 15 of them, she said.

Benedictine College is the only Catholic college to offer a major in astronomy, she added.

Grace said she’s interested in pursuing computer science because : “I love the way that the logic in computers works.”

Plus, she said, “I love seeing and making connections. It’s what drew me to the sciences in the first place.”

There are lots of new opportunities, too, Pete Quinn said.

“The one career field that I recommended they give consideration to is an emerging field called astrochemistry. With all of the Space-X stuff going on … I can see those two both flourishing in slightly different roles,” Pete Quinn said.

Both parents see bright prospects for this next phase in their daughters’ lives.

“I’m so excited about where they’re going. I think Benedictine is the perfect college for them,” Pete Quinn said. “There’s no ceiling, there’s literally no ceiling, for what they can do.”

He also believes they’re ready.

“They’re very comfortable in their own skin. They really are. They’ve had each other, but they don’t have problems being by themselves,” he said.

Their mom added: “I’m excited for them. It’s a fun time of life. I remember my college days. It was neat to get out from under mom and dad, and just kind of do your own thing, find your own way and spread your wings.”

She’s confident Faith and Grace will do well.

“I think they’ve got good heads on their shoulders.

“It’s a bright world for them and I think they’ll do great things. Point them in the right direction and see how it goes,” Kelly Quinn said.

Published June 02, 2021

David Lambert’s contributions attract attention

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The Pasco County Commission took a few minutes at its May 18 meeting to thank David Lambert for his many efforts through the years to improve the quality of life in Pasco County.

Lambert, who has worked 27 years for the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC), has played a leadership role on numerous boards and has been an advocate for increasing mental health services, according to a resolution adopted by the board.

David Lambert was honored during the Pasco County Commission’s May 18 board meeting. Lambert received a standing ovation for all of the work he has done to serve on boards to help others, particularly those struggling with the challenge of mental illness. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

He has been heavily involved in efforts to expand mental health services in Pasco and Hernando County through the “Recovery through Work” program known as Vincent House Pinellas, Vincent House Pasco, and Vincent Academy of the Nature Coast, according to the resolution.

Vincent House Pasco, in partnership with Pasco County’s Community Development department recently received the National Community Development Association 2021 Audrey Nelson Community Achievement Award. The project was cited as an “exemplary and innovative use of Community Development Block Grant funds,” the resolution says.

Vincent House Pasco joins Vincent House Hernando and Pinellas in delivering hope, providing individuals with mental illness the opportunity to rebuild their lives, to increase self-worth and to become productive citizens, the resolution notes.

The honor also highlights Lambert’s work with numerous government and community leaders over the years to help create opportunities for others.

Lambert serves as president of Van Gogh’s Palette covering Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando Counties, which offers needed services to those living with mental illness.

He’s worked with WREC CEO Billy Brown and the WREC staff to improve mental health services throughout the Tampa Bay region, the resolution says.

He’s also worked diligently with Van Gogh’s Palette co-founders Elliott and Dianne Steele; founding board member and retired Pinellas/Pasco Public Defender Bob Dillinger; State Senate President Wilton Simpson; the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office; and the Pasco County Commission, the resolution says.

Lambert began his career at the WREC 27 years ago, as a meter reader. Over the years, he has worked as a lineman and journeyman, before moving into his current role in which he oversees five departments, including member and community relations, government affairs, purchasing, safety and human resources, the resolution says.

In his professional role, Lambert has worked closely with local, state and federal officials —  fostering the goals and objectives of the WREC’s commitment to its members in its five-county service territory and the community, at large.

He’s held board roles in such organizations as the Pasco County Housing Authority, Pasco-Hernando Career Source Board and Feeding Pasco’s Elderly.

Besides being honored by the county board, Lambert was honored by Summer Blevins, a member of Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ staff.

“I am just here to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of David Lambert, and his countless contributions to our community, and to leave an extension of remarks that have been entered into the official Congressional Record on his behalf,” Blevins said, leaving a binder containing those remarks on the county’s board’s podium for Lambert to pick up.

Lambert was then invited to the podium to offer some remarks.

He responded first, by expressing gratitude.

“Thank you, and I’m very humbled by this proclamation.”

Then, he shared the accolades.

“A lot of credit goes to a lot of people who really have stepped up and done a lot of things. No one does anything by themselves, and you all were instrumental in bringing Vincent House to Pasco, and your leadership was unbelievable.”

He specifically named County Administrator Dan Biles, Assistant County Administrator Cathy Pearson, and County Commissioner Jack Mariano and State Senate President Wilton Simpson for leaving no stones unturned.

“And, for that, you’re going to save thousands of lives,” Lambert said.

“Mental health is a big issue within our communities and, nationally, and we certainly need to focus on that a lot more. I’m just greatly appreciative,” he said.

His gratitude also extends to family, the WREC and for the people of Vincent House.

The people of Vincent House, he said, “prove to me every day, that just because you have a disability — a mental illness or something — you can lead a full and productive life, given the tools and resources, if you have them.”

Published May 26, 2021

Wesley Chapel native Tre’ McKitty selected in NFL Draft

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Wesley Chapel native Tre’ McKitty soon will live out his lifelong dream of becoming a professional football player in the National Football League (NFL).

The local athlete was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the third round with the 97th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, on April 30 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The pick occurred on the second day of the three-day, seven-round event broadcast live on national television and radio.

Wesley Chapel native Tre’ McKitty played the 2020 season at the University of Georgia, after transferring from Florida State University. Despite an offseason knee injury, his size, pass-catching and blocking abilities caught the attention of NFL scouts and teams. (File)

The 22-year-old McKitty is expected to sign a four-year contract in the neighborhood of $4.8 million with an $840,000 signing bonus, based on projections from Spotrac, the largest online sports team and player contract resource.

McKitty grew up playing youth football for the Land O’ Lakes-based South Pasco Predators (while attending Pine View Middle School), and played varsity football and basketball his freshman year at Wesley Chapel High School.

From there, McKitty transferred to Tampa Catholic High School and Bradenton’s IMG Academy, where he established himself as one of the nation’s top tight end prospects in the 2017 recruiting class, with over 30 NCAA Division I FBS scholarship offers.

The 6-foot-4, 246-pound McKitty began his college career Florida State University (FSU), where he caught 50 balls for 520 yards and two touchdowns from 2017 to 2019.

He did all that for a Seminoles program in turmoil, transitioning through three different head coaches (Jimbo Fisher, Willie Taggart and Mike Norvell) while on campus.

McKitty transferred to the University of Georgia for the 2020 campaign— about a month after Norvell was named FSU head coach in December 2019 — as a graduate student eligible to play football immediately after earning a degree in criminology.

An offseason knee injury kept him sidelined for the Bulldogs until mid-October.

He caught six passes for 108 yards and a touchdown in just four games for his new team, which went 8-2 and won the Peach Bowl.

This player is able to adapt
All told, McKitty had to be a quick study throughout his entire college career, playing for four different offensive coordinators — forcing him to get acclimated to varying systems, schemes, terminology, and coaching personalities and styles.

McKitty (No. 87) dives for the end zone during a Nov. 28 game against South Carolina. (Courtesy of University of Georgia athletics department)

McKitty believes those experiences will serve him well in the pro ranks, which he detailed in an April 30 post-draft Zoom media conference call.

“I think it does nothing but help me,” he said. “Having to pick up something new every year, I think my ability to learn is quick, so I think that will help me a lot. I definitely think that my experience as far as changing offensive coordinators and staffs is going to help me in the future.”

McKitty was noticeably amped and emotional throughout the virtual media call, as reporters peppered him with questions.

“It’s crazy,” he said of being drafted. “Once my phone rang, my heart started beating right away.”

When asked to describe his skill sets, McKitty observed: “Hard worker. Guy that’s going to get it done all three downs. I feel like I’m an all-around tight end.”

Besides pass-catching abilities evident in his statistics, McKitty is regarded for doing dirty work as an in-line run-blocking tight end.

It’s an area of the game he takes particular pride in.

McKitty put it like this: “Blocking, 80% of it is ‘want to,’ so I think I have that dog in me to want to go and put somebody on their back, and then also, it comes down to technique. I have to continue to grow in that, but I think it’s there, and I’m definitely going to improve on that, as well.”

McKitty’s strong blocking skills are something Chargers general manager Tom Telesco also emphasized during a virtual post-draft media conference.

“One of the best things he does is really block at the line of scrimmage,” Telesco said during the media session.

“Very good size, strength, power, good feet to stay on blocks, and he likes to do it, and you can tell. And, he comes from more of a pro-style offense at Georgia, so he’s had to do it.

“That position’s very hard to find in college nowadays — the guys that do it and do it well — and it’s also a big part of  our offense moving forward here, is having a tight end that can get on the line of scrimmage and block.”

Telesco acknowledged McKitty wasn’t frequently used in Georgia’s passing game as a receiver “so there’s still some things to work with and develop.”

But, the Chargers lead decisionmaker feels McKitty has the tools to succeed in that arena because “he does have some athletic ability to get out in space and run.”

Added Telesco: “He runs well, he’s smooth. His strength, his size, his frame is going to help us in that position group right now.”

Chargers first-year head coach Brandon Staley echoed many of the general manager’s comments about McKitty during post-draft media interviews.
The coach also pointed out the high-level of competition McKitty faced throughout the Atlantic Coast Conference and Southeastern Conference, as well as strong practices and workouts in the Senior Bowl, a post-season college football all-star game that showcases the best NFL Draft prospects.

McKitty was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the third round (97th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. The three-day, seven-round event was held in Cleveland, Ohio and broadcast live on national television and radio. The 22-year-old grew up playing youth football for Land O’ Lakes-based South Pasco Predators, prep ball at Wesley Chapel, Tampa Catholic and IMG Academy, and college ball at Florida State University and the University of Georgia. (Courtesy of NFL Media Communications)

“We just felt like we were getting a really good evaluation of the guy and felt like you could really see a projection to a guy that can play that position in the NFL,” Staley said. “We just felt really good about him. …He’s a big guy, so adding size to our offense, that was a big goal.”

McKitty is eager to get started.

“I can’t wait to get to get out to L.A., just can’t wait to be in the city,” he said, also thanking the Chargers for the opportunity. “I want to come in and learn, and do whatever I can to help this team win.”

McKitty will join a busy Chargers position group as one of six rostered tight ends — which also includes 13-year NFL vet and two-time Pro Bowler Jared Cook.

The established player is someone the soon-to-be rookie hopes to learn from in training camp and beyond.

“I’ve been watching him the last few years, that’s one of the tight ends I try to watch film on, so it’s going to be an awesome opportunity and I can’t wait to work with him,” McKitty said.

McKitty joins exclusive company
McKitty represents the highest draftee from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area since Wharton High School/University of Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III was picked by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round (11th overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft.

The last local athlete drafted was Gaither High School/Penn State University defensive back Amani Oruwarie, who was taken in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.

The draft otherwise showed the Sunshine State is king when it comes to producing NFL-level talent.

McKitty was one of 37 players from Florida high schools selected in this year’s draft of 259 players, more than any other state for the third time in four years.

Texas preps produced 33 players selected in the draft, followed by Georgia (21), California (19), Louisiana (13) and North Carolina (10) as the only other states that had at least 10 players selected, respectively.

Tre’ McKitty

What other NFL experts are saying about Tre’ McKitty:

Bucky Brooks, NFL.com: “The ultra-athletic pass-catcher didn’t put up big numbers as a collegian, but his physical tools could make him a key contributor at the next level. McKitty’s upside and potential makes him a solid value pick for the Chargers.”

Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com: “With his size, speed and athleticism, McKitty has the potential to develop into a starting three-down tight end in the NFL.”

Daniel Popper, The Athletic: “The Chargers need some run-blocking juice in the tight end room, and McKitty will provide that. He is fluid and athletic at 6-foot-4, 246 pounds with the traits to develop into a solid pass-catching option, as well.”

Drae Harris, TheDraftNetwork.com: “Tre’ McKitty aligned as the ‘move tight end’ for the Bulldogs offense. He has good athleticism, as evidenced by his good body control and agility. In the run game, he is willing to stick his face in the trenches and block. He will not be a vertical mover, nor will he create a new line of scrimmage, but he has adequate blocking ability. He is dynamic as a pass-catcher due to his outstanding ‘run after catch ability.’ He had a knee scope just before the start of the season and it is unknown how healthy he was playing in 2020.”

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: “Pass-catching tight end who can be asked to do some minor positional blocking up front, but he’s better as a move blocker. McKitty’s play speed doesn’t always match his real speed, which is a problem in terms of his separation and ball tracking. He’s better up the seam and on the move than he is getting in and out of breaks. If he can get stronger and learn to play faster as a pass-catcher, he might have a chance as a developmental TE3.”

Steve Muench, ESPN.com: “McKitty shows the ability to create separation and find soft spots in zone coverage. He displays strong hands in traffic and does a good job of plucking the ball away from his frame. He was underutilized during his college career, but he showcased his higher ceiling at the Senior Bowl.”

Published May 12, 2021

Award recipient provides food for thought

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Alex Sink’s resume is lengthy.

She was Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, ran for governor in a tightly contested race with Rick Scott and was Bank of America’s Florida president for seven years.

That just scratches the surface of Sink’s life in the private sector, government, education and nonprofits.

She has extensive involvement on boards for such organizations as United Way Suncoast, Leadership Florida, Take Stock in Children, Hillsborough Education Foundation and the Nature Conservancy Florida Chapter.

Alex Sink is widely known for her work as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, for her role as a banking executive and for her work on myriad nonprofit boards. Recently, she added to her list of accolades when she received the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Distinguished Leadership Award. (Courtesy of North Tampa Bay Chamber)

She served for 25 years as a trustee at Wake Forest University and is now a life trustee, and she serves as board chair of Tampa Bay Wave, a tech startup accelerator.

The wide-ranging list of organizations she’s helped to shape, or guide or lead goes on and on.

Her list of accolades for her contributions is lengthy, too, and recently, she added another one.

The North Tampa Bay Chamber honored Sink with its Women’s Distinguished Leadership Award for 2021.

The chamber had planned to honor Sink as the 2020 recipient of the award, but those plans were thwarted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead of having a big celebration, as planned, the event was called off and the chamber shifted gears.

The organization still is holding its breakfast meetings remotely, via Zoom, but it wanted to honor Sink, just the same.

So, the award was delivered to Sink, and she showed it off to chamber members via Zoom.

“Haven’t we all had quite a year behind us?” Sink said, via Zoom.

She went on to talk about the importance of chambers to their communities, explaining her involvement in chamber work goes back four decades — with experiences in Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville and Tallahassee.

“Florida is a state of small businesses. We’re not a big Fortune 500-state,” said Sink, who served on the board of Enterprise Florida twice, once as a banking executive, and again as the CFO of the state.

“I let my voice be heard, especially when I was the CFO. We were going through the Great Recession,” she said.

Historically, Enterprise Florida had been set up to recruit large corporations to move to Florida, she said.

But, she said what was missing was how Florida would support the growth of existing small businesses.

“Florida is a state of entrepreneurs.

“Just look around you, in North Tampa, the many, many small business owners that have struggled to survive in this past year,” Sink said.

“I’m sure the rest of you, like me, sat down and pivoted and said: ‘How can I support my small businesses?’ I learned how to do takeout and order on the internet,” she said.

She even switched over to workout sessions with her personal trainer, via Zoom, to keep them both safe. It’s worked out so well, she plans to keep it that way.

“We all have had to reinvent ourselves,” Sink said.

She also noted that government has been responding through the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Without that kind of help, she said, “many, many, many of our small businesses and people would not have survived through the last year.

Chamber work is important
The chamber plays an important role, in representing and advocating for businesses, and their communities, Sink said.

For instance, infrastructure in a growing area is essential.

“You’ve got to keep advocating for roads,” she said, noting that traffic is already busy on Interstate 75, going north and south — and the pandemic hasn’t yet ended.

Good schools are essential, too.

“People are not going to move to your community unless you have a strong, good, public school system.

“I believe in charter schools. I believe in private schools. I believe in choice. But, at the end of the day, 85% to 90% of our kids are going to public schools and that’s what people are going to think about.”

Parks and green spaces are other important ingredients, when it comes to quality of life, she said.

“I hope that is a piece of what you’ve been working on,” she said, noting that the pandemic has attracted people to hiking trails and parks.

“I have never seen so many families outside, in my whole life,” she said, noting she recently spent time hiking a trail.

She also touched on the reason for her recognition, using it to talk about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Women have been more severely impacted by this pandemic than any other group of people because we’re the caretakers,” Sink said, noting many have had to drop out of the workplace to take care of children.

She encouraged those listening to do what they can to support women in the workplace.

“Many of you know that I’m a third generation Asian American,” Sink continued.

“The thing that happened in Atlanta really brought to the fore, issues around Asian Americans. “Also, obviously, we’re in a big trial this week, so we’re thinking about issues around Black Americans,” she said, referring to the trial of Derek Chauvin, relating to the death of George Floyd.

With those as a backdrop, Sink encouraged the chamber crowd to do their part to become more aware of how they can be involved in what they can do to build better connections in the community.

Sink put it this way: “I have a little teacher in me, and I always like to lay down the gauntlet and give everybody an assignment, so my assignment for this audience would be: Look around your community. I’m sure you have Asian-owned businesses. I’m sure you have Black-owned businesses. Go talk to the people who own those businesses and kind of understand more of what they face, each and every day, and figure out how you can support your minority-owned businesses, and really practice diversity, equity and inclusion in all that you do.”

Published April 21, 2021

Young players shoot for the future

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If you wander into Mainstreet Billiards of Zephyrhills, don’t expect a stereotypical smoke-filled pool hall. It’s a well-lit, family friendly venue that is dedicated to teaching the sport of billiards to young people.

The hall’s registered 501(c)3 arm — called Shooting For The Future — sponsors free weekly lessons for kids at seven locations in Pasco, Hillsborough and Polk counties.

Sofia Mast, a 12-year-old pool player from Land O’ Lakes, has emerged as a national championship-level performer. She is known as the ‘Pink Dagger’ in the billiards world. (Kelli Carmack)

And one player, 12-year-old Sofia Mast, of Land O’ Lakes, has emerged as a national championship-level performer.

“We figured a grassroots approach was a good way to grow the game,’’ said Brandon Butts, owner of Mainstreet Billiards, which opened in June 2019. “We started out charging $10 a week, but some kids weren’t able to afford it. The cost of lessons and equipment can add up, so our nonprofit concept evolved from there, and we’ve been able to expand to multiple locations.

“We start out by teaching them a stance, the follow-through, posture, the mechanics of the game. Through the games we play, they learn sportsmanship and they get to compete for prizes under the stress of the game. They can develop skills and learn if this is something they’d like to pursue.’’

At each facility, one player is designated as a “Shooting Star.’’ At Mainstreet Billiards, that’s Mast. And for her, the pursuit of billiards excellence has become a given.

The daughter of a billiards league player, Mast qualified for a national event after her first session. She was playing at an American Poolplayers Association (APA) level 2, but has advanced to a level 5 (the APA range goes to level 9).

Sofia Mast, a 12-year-old national championship-level pool player, stands outside Mainstreet Billiards in Zephyrhills. This is where Shooting For The Future, a nonprofit that aims to teach young kids the game of billiards, got its start.

“She has been playing with her dad a little while,’’ Butts said. “She just has an absurd work ethic and desire to learn. She’s like a sponge.

“When COVID hit and everything closed down for a while, she used that quarantine time to improve at home. That’s when she jumped from a level 2 to a level 5. The sky is the limit with Sofia.’’

Mast usually enters the facility’s Monday adult tournaments — competing against 24 men — and generally finishes in the top two. She competed in Lakeland’s Tiger Tour, featuring the top 36 female players in the state (all ages), and finished fifth, becoming the youngest player to place in that event.

In January, Mast won the 13-and-under division at the OTW Junior International 9-Ball Tournament in Roanoke, Virginia, while placing fifth in the 18-and-under division. During the weekend, she played approximately 100 racks of 9-ball.

How serious is Mast’s game?

Her nickname is “Pink Dagger.’’

Sofia Mast, 12, has her eye on the prize as she competes in Mainstreet Billiards’ Monday night adult tournament, where she generally finishes in the top two.

“She has a great attitude and is a humble kid, but the fact is she can beat almost any adult around here whenever she feels like it,’’ Butts said. “She is getting exposure to some very good coaches, so she’s going to continue to improve if that’s what she wants to do. I mean, she’s 12. But at this rate, she has a huge leg up on other players in her age level.’’

Mast, who has qualified for this summer’s Junior Nationals in Las Vegas, is an example of what can happen when great talent meets superb dedication.

Overall, though, Butts said it’s also nice to build a deep base of players who want to compete on a recreational level.

“When we opened, we were seeking a family friendly pool hall,’’ Butts said. “We wanted less of a bar atmosphere and make it a place for people who actually cared about pool.

“We’ve been able to grow this into several other facilities in Zephyrhills, Plant City, Lakeland and Carrollwood. I’ve yet to walk into a venue, tell them what we’re doing and had them say they weren’t interested. We’re trying to change the image of our sport. Some parents come in and say, ‘I had no idea it was like this. I thought it was just a bar.’ We’re trying to identify the next generation of shooters and help to revive the sport.’’

For more information on Shooting For The Future, log onto ShootingFuture.org.

See Sofia Mast in action
You can find out more about 12-year-old pool player Sofia Mast and see her in action by checking out Kelli Carmack’s video on our Facebook page, at Facebook.com/LakerLutzNews/videos/ or on the front page of our website, at LakerLutzNews.com.

By Joey Johnston

Published April 07, 2021

These female Eagle Scouts are blazing a new trail

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Two years after the Boy Scouts of America opened its ranks to girls, two members of a Lutz troop have become part of the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts.

Crystal Ming Torres, 16, of Carrollwood, and Sianna Eldert, 18, of New Port Richey, were among 300 girls nationwide to officially earn the distinction on Feb. 8. They are members of Troop 339G, which is chartered by the First Baptist Church of Lutz.

It’s always notable when anyone earns the rank of Eagle Scout (only 6% of all Boys Scouts reach that level).

Crystal Ming Torres earned 38 merit badges and qualified as an Eagle Scout with Silver Palm. Her father, uncle and brother are all Eagle Scouts. (Courtesy of Greater Tampa Bay Area Council-BSA)

This was different.

This was history.

“Personally, it was a goal of mine that I wanted to achieve, to prove to myself that I could achieve anything that my brother could do or my dad could do,’’ Torres said. “I’m a pioneer. That was important to me. I also wanted to be that role model for younger girls.’’

“It’s a tremendous honor to be an Eagle Scout,’’ Eldert said. “You are respected and viewed as a leader. You’re going to change the world.’’

Torres and Eldert already have changed the world — along with everyone’s perceptions.

“We have celebrated everything they have done, but also reminded them of the obligation they both have going forward,’’ said Matt Cordani, scoutmaster for the Lutz boys troop and assistant for the girls troop. “As an Eagle Scout, you carry that with you the rest of your life. It isn’t, ‘I was an Eagle Scout.’ It’s always, ‘I am an Eagle Scout.’

“It’s really impressive how quickly they’ve come in and made an impact to the program. New girls came into the troop, followed by younger girls. They can run their own organization, plan their own campouts. I think they are on par with any boys troop in the (Greater Tampa Bay Area) council (which encompasses 192 Boy Scout troops in nine counties). They are motivated to excel.’’

Torres, a junior in the International Baccalaureate program at Hillsborough High School, is the daughter of Dr. G.S. Torres and Cindy Zhang-Torres. Her father, uncle and brother are all Eagle Scouts. Torres earned 38 merit badges and qualified as an Eagle Scout with Silver Palm.

She’s a member of Hillsborough High’s varsity cheerleading and varsity tennis squads. She’s planning a career in medicine and has her sights set on attending the University of Florida.

Eldert, who graduated last summer from Florida Virtual School, is seeking a bachelor’s degree in Media Communications from Full Sail University. She’s the daughter of Tanya and Michael Eldert. Her father and uncle are Eagle Scouts. Eldert, who earned 23 merit badges, plans to own a marketing and graphic design business.

‘It’s a tremendous honor to be an Eagle Scout,’ Sierra Eldert said. ‘You are respected and viewed as a leader. You’re going to change the world.’

As part of the Eagle Scout requirements, both Torres and Eldert had to earn at least 21 merit badges, take on leadership roles within their troop and community, and complete a community service project.

Torres, working in conjunction with Owl’s Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife, built six nest boxes for screech owls and a carrying case for transporting injured birds.

Eldert’s project concerned raising awareness of Dysautonomia, a rare condition in which the autonomic nervous system (ANS) does not work properly. It may affect the functioning of the heart, bladder, intestines, sweat glands, pupils and blood vessels. Eldert, who was diagnosed with Dysautonomia, visited pediatricians and family care physicians, and presented them with gift baskets that contained information pamphlets and a book about the condition.

“It’s so misdiagnosed and hardly anyone knows about it,’’ Eldert said. “My project was really personal for me. I wanted this condition to receive more attention.’’

Both Eldert and Torres are now familiar with raising awareness for a cause. They said they have enjoyed receiving local media attention after their notable accomplishment.

“I was on three different news stations and featured in the local newspapers,’’ Eldert said. “One of the camera guys told me, ‘We need to get you an agent.’ The attention opened my eyes and let me know that this was kind of a big deal. I loved the attention and it gave me an opportunity to talk about my journey.’’

“I’ve had all sorts of interviewers — female and male — the main reaction we’re getting is we have done something amazing,’’ Torres said. “I think I’m starting to understand the impact. It makes me realize what we’re doing is important.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published March 24, 2021

Local singer next American Idol?

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Dade City teenager Alanis Sophia has come a long way from belting out tunes in local libraries and graduation ceremonies.

In fact, she’s headed to Hollywood as a contestant on ABC’s hit television show, “American Idol.”

Alanis Sophia wowed the distinguished group of ‘American Idol’ celebrity judges — Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie — during her singing performance. The Dade City native is a graduate of Pasco eSchool, the county’s virtual instruction program. She is now studying media communications at Full Sail University. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Sophia moved with her family to Wesley Chapel and then to Dade City. (Courtesy of Gigi Stevens/Freemantle)

The 19-year-old college student and Pasco eSchool graduate’s first audition was aired on the Feb. 28 season premiere of the nationally televised music competition show.

Performing a rendition of “Anyone,” by Demi Lovato, Sophia wowed the distinguished group of celebrity judges — Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie — securing a golden ticket to advance to the next round of the popular competition series watched by millions.

Perry, one of the world’s best-selling pop singers, characterized Sophia’s performance this way:  “She’s the best we’ve seen today.”

Richie complimented “the purity” of Sophia’s voice and personality during the aired segment, adding the young singer has “huge potential.”

The teen vividly recalls how it felt to perform in front of the trio — who are among the most successful and recognizable personalities in the music entertainment industry today.

She described the once-in-a-lifetime experience during a recent phone interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

“When I walked into that room, I enter saying, ‘Oh, my gosh, I can’t believe I’m actually here,’ because I didn’t expect it. I knew it was coming, but it doesn’t really take you until you’re in front of them, and then they’re like, ‘Hey, what’s your name? Sing for us,’ so it kind of still feels a little bit surreal that I even passed.

“Not that I don’t believe in myself, but just because of the fact that they’re just these big celebrities with so much success and they have a lot of influence in the industry, and as an artist who’s trying to make it, it’s kind of hard to believe.

“It still feels a little surreal. I still pinch myself,” she said.

The next step for Sophia is the show’s Hollywood Week, airing March 21.

Contestants must pass through three rounds of performances at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, something Sophia acknowledged is “a little hectic, a little crazy.”

The young artist initially received an email from a casting director for the show last summer, who invited her to audition. That actually was pre-recorded back in November.

The opportunity has been a “dream that came to life,” Sophia said. “Ever since I was little, I always wanted to be in the show.”

Dade City’s Alanis Sophia was featured in a Feb. 28 episode of ABC’s ‘American Idol.’ The 19-year-old’s rendition of ‘Anyone’ by Demi Lovato earned her a golden ticket to the next round in Hollywood, airing March 21.

No stranger to fame
It’s almost as if Sophia was destined to be an artist.

The area teen’s mother, Katherine, actually named her after Canadian-American alt-rock singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette.

Naturally, Sophia lists Morissette as one of her many influences, stylistically: “You can hear that kind of in my voice because I grew up listening to her, and lyrically, kind of the same.”

Sophia’s sound has likewise been shaped listening to classic rock acts like Journey’s Steve Perry and Queen’s Freddie Mercury.

“My voice has a lot influence from the ’90s, and the ’80s and the ’70s, but then musically, it’s more of like the modern sound of now,” she said.

And, she’s no stranger to the big stage and bright lights.

Her first major break came in 2013.

Then, at age 12, Sophia was a contestant — and finished runner-up — on Telemundo network’s “La Voz Kids” (The Voice Kids), a Spanish-language singing competition in which kids are chosen because of their vocal talent.

Fast-forward to 2017, where Sophia inked a record deal with Big Machine Label Group — believed to be the first Latinx singer to sign with a major country music label.

Though no longer with the label, Sophia regularly commuted from Florida to Nashville, working alongside several music professionals, including multi-Grammy Award winning record producer and songwriter Julian Raymond, who has collaborated with Cheap Trick, Glen Campbell, Hank Williams Jr., and Sugarland, among others.

Sophia sung background vocals and on stage for those bands including Cheap Trick, which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has sold more than 20 million albums.

She also recorded more than 100 songs, in some form or another.

The myriad opportunities with the label has proved beneficial for her career.

“All of those songwriters and producers helped me figure out what type of songs I want to write and kind of guide me into who I actually want to become,” Sophia said. “They gave me the experience that I needed,” she said, noting she had the chance to work with musicians in the studio and to do some co-writing.

“I’d never co-written songs until I worked with them, so they gave me all of the experience that I needed, working in the studio and all that,” she said.

Sophia also has been featured in numerous commercials over the years, for the likes of Walt Disney and Sea World. She even served as an ambassador for a Visit Florida tourism campaign for which she recorded jingles that have aired all over the world.

Sophia has built up quite an online following over this time. Her Facebook page boasts 373,000 followers, while her Instagram page sits at over 87,000.

She acknowledges that being in the public eye for so long has given her a bit of an edge in the American Idol competition.

“I’ve had experience since I was like 11, so I kind of have an understanding how all of this might play out,” she said.

Small town girl
Sophia was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but moved with her family to Wesley Chapel around age 5, and then to Dade City a few years after that.

Dade City native Alanis Sophia is featured throughout this season of ABC’s ‘American Idol.’ The 19-year-old is no stranger to the big stage. In 2013, she finished runner-up on the Spanish-language version of ‘The Voice Kids.’ She also signed a country music record deal in 2017, becoming the first Latinx artist to do so. She also has appeared in commercials for Sea World, Walt Disney and Visit Florida.

Growing up in Pasco, it was always very comfortable because of the fact that it’s a small town and I love small towns. In Puerto Rico, we lived in a small town, so it kind of felt like home away from home,” Sophia said.

She still lives in her childhood home in the quaint East Pasco town with her parents and three siblings, and three dogs.

She leans heavily on family for advice and comfort — especially now as her fame and music career is poised to skyrocket.

“They’re my support system, who I fall back to whenever I’m upset about anything or wherever I’m feeling stressed because I have a lot going on.

“They’ve always been supportive, because they don’t care what I do. If I want to do singing, if I want to do acting, if I want to work at a 9-to-5 job, like they don’t care, just as long as I’m happy doing what I love to do, and something passionate, yet stable,” she said.

Sophia detailed sacrifices her parents, Carlos and Katherine, have made to help in her pursuit of a career in show business.

Her mother quit her job to accompany Sophia on a demanding travel schedule that’s taken her to Nashville, Los Angeles and Miami, among other places.

Despite a tight budget, her father has paid for dance classes and music instruments, and makes the effort to travel overnight to catch Sophia’s numerous performances or television interviews.

“Anything to make my dreams come true — they would do that,” Sophia said.

She also credits Pasco County Schools, and Pasco eSchool — the county’s virtual instructional program — for allowing her to showcase her talents and original songs on various livestreams and other events during her youth.

“The support system was actually crazy,” she said. “They had me perform in graduation ceremonies and sing some original stuff on like their websites and livestreams. I really enjoyed that, and they even still ask me if I want to do livestreams.”

Singer stays busy
Between working part-time and studying media communications at Full Sail University, the self-described homebody mainly spends the days fine-tuning her craft.

She aims to write at least one song every day, to keep her writing skills up to date.

She practices singing and dancing choreography in her bedroom, and records covers and other content to post to her social media pages. She also is learning to play guitar and piano.

The onset of the coronavirus pandemic has allowed Sophia to focus on her music and online branding, since other activities have been so limited.

She’s taken advantage of the time to record videos on YouTube, to join TikTok, to do more songwriting and to record covers.

“It kind of helped me grow as an artist,” she said.

Being featured on American Idol also has kicked her work ethic into high gear.

At the same time, in between her concentrated music regimen and schedule, she makes it a priority to “take a breath”— which can mean hanging out with family and friends, or cuddling with her pets.

Beyond aspiring to make it as far as she can on American Idol, she plans to continue to release her own music, which she hopes will connect with people to “change their lives or make them escape from any type of situation that they’re in, just for a couple of minutes.”

To learn more about Alanis, visit AlanisSophia.com.

Published March 10, 2021