The Laker/Lutz News

People Profiles

Classical guitars are this Lutz man’s passion

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Washington Giorgio Castaldi is a patient craftsman as he works alone in his small garage workshop. With care and precision, he shapes exotic woods into the style and form of classical and flamenco guitars.

Washington Giorgio Castaldi strums one of his guitars as he talks about the different tones of guitars. (Fred Bellet)

It can take up to three months of work for him to reach the point where he’s satisfied with the tones and beauty of each guitar.

He listens to his favorite classical and flamenco musicians – often the Gipsy Kings and Armik – as he works.

But in this space, as he perfects each guitar, it doesn’t feel like work.

“Building guitars is my passion,” said Castaldi, owner of The Spanish Guitar Shop. As he works on each guitar, he said, “I’m in another world. It makes me feel great. I’m doing something that will last.”

Castaldi’s guitar shop is based in his home, in Lutz.

But he travels, too, to Orlando and Miami, where some of his clients live.

When not making his own guitars, he mends and repairs vintage, classical and flamenco guitars.

He is a longtime member of the Guild of American Luthiers, a nonprofit educational organization devoted to the art and craft of building, repairing and restoring stringed instruments.

Washington Giorgio Castaldi chisels the bracing of a guitar in its early stage of construction. The pattern of the bracing, says Castaldi, affects the sound of the guitar.

If they’re stringed — ukuleles, mandolins, even electric guitars – Castaldi can repair them.

Landing in his current profession, at his Lutz location, came after Castaldi literally traveled the world.

Deep family roots in Italy
Castaldi’s family traces its roots in Italy through seven generations.

His American-style first name comes from his father, Edison Washington Castaldi.

He grew up in Uruguay, where his parents established the family after World War II. Members of his family are now scattered — living in Uruguay, Argentina and Spain.

A decorative fleur-de-lis is carved around the guitar’s sound hole.

His love for Spanish and Latin music emanates from his heritage.

“I listen every day,” he said. And, as he works, he listens to music.

First came his love for classical and flamenco music. Then, over the years, he developed his craft as a luthier.

He is a world traveler — sailing aboard cruise ships for 28 years as an engineer, most frequently based out of Miami.

He met his wife, Jackie, while she was a passenger on one of those cruises.

Initially, carpentry was a hobby — allowing him to make useful items when he was off duty.

He started with simple furniture pieces – chairs, tables and benches.

His skills evolved over time — into making and repairing intricate guitars, as well as other stringed instruments.

In his workshop, Washington Giorgio Castaldi works on the bridge of an acoustic guitar.

The family moved to Tampa in 2008.

When Castaldi retired, they settled in Lutz. His wife works in Tampa for Homeland Security.

No longer sailing the seas, Castaldi invests his time nurturing his relatively new business venture.

One of his first efforts in guitar repair was on his son’s electric guitar. He made his first flamenco guitar in 2010.

As a teenager in Uruguay, Castaldi played in a band with friends. A career in musical performance wasn’t in his future, but music and guitars remained a constant pleasure in his life.

Washington Giorgio Castaldi looks over the wood he will use to make a guitar in his workshop.

He describes his musical talent with humility: “I play enough to make (guitars),” Castaldi said.

One of his prized possessions is a 1945 Jose Ramirez II guitar.

The Ramirez family is world-renowned through four generations of making Spanish classical and flamenco guitars, dating from the late 1880s.

A shelf in Castaldi’s den is lined with books about guitars and about wood, and he refers to them, in the midst of projects.

The materials have titles including, “Understanding Wood,” “Identifying Wood,” and two volumes of “The Big Red Book of America Luthieres.”

The guitar maker first softens the wood with water, then heats it to 300 degrees Fahrenheit so he can form the shape of the guitar.

The Big Red books contain articles gleaned from the American Luthier magazine.

Castaldi is self-taught, learning through experience and by pursuing information to satisfy his curiosity.

His knowledge of wood and its effect on sound tone is vast.

For instance, he said, dark wood keeps the resonance in the tone; light woods produce brighter and crisper tones.

He’s looking forward to the next luthier convention in Washington State, which is planned for Summer 2023.

It had been set for 2022, but was rescheduled due to COVID-19.

The Castaldi seal identifies limited editions by number and date.

One of the joys of being a luthier is meeting people who share his passion for classical guitars.

Talking about guitars can provoke special memories, Castaldi said.

Recently, for instance, he had a conversation with a caller about a Juan Orosco guitar.

Castaldi’s first guitar, when he was 16, was an Orosco.

The caller’s question, the luthier said, “took me back to my teen years.”

By Kathy Steele

Published January 05, 2022

No such thing as a typical day for this award-winning leader

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Melissa Musselwhite, the director of student support programs and services, often begins her day around 6 a.m., and wraps it up around 7 p.m.

But those are on days when there’s not some sort of crisis going on, because in her role in Pasco County Schools, she’s on the front-end of dealing with crises.

During the midst of COVID-19, for instance, she’s been immersed in Pasco County Schools’ efforts to deal with the disruptive virus.

Beyond that, she leads a department that has roughly 400 employees.

Melissa Musselwhite is Pasco County Schools’ District Administrator of the Year. She oversees a department of about 400 staffers and has been the point person in the system’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (B.C. Manion)

Her performance recently led to her recognition as Pasco County Schools’ District Administrator of the Year.

She received word of the honor last month during a visit by the district’s “Surprise Patrol” made up of Superintendent Kurt Browning, Pasco School Board members and Stacey Capogrosso, the executive director of the Pasco Education Foundation.

The nomination submitted on Musselwhite’s behalf, reads in part: “Melissa has been the face of the COVID response for our district. She has been professional, thorough and endlessly patient. Melissa leads a large department that has continued to move forward in spite of her being tasked with all things COVID.

“Melissa has been unwavering in her dedication to this school district,” the nomination adds.

It also notes her exceptional efforts in coordinating testing sites and vaccine clinics, while leading her department.

The nomination also lists other attributes, including “leadership, positivity, dedication, kindness, decision-making skills, optimism and (a) constant effort to support every single person around her.”

Not only has the administrator carried the district through challenging times, the nomination said, “she has modeled for us all what it means to be the calm in the storm and the thoughtful leader everyone needs during such intense times.”

Musselwhite is gratified by the honor, but is quick to point out that any accolades she receives are a reflection of the dedicated work of the employees in the department she leads.

“I couldn’t do this job without them,” she said. “I feel like I’m kind of the conductor of keeping the work moving.”

Her responsibilities are extensive.

She describes her department as a four-legged stool that includes special programs; school services (including school nurse, school psychologists and school counseling); state and federal programs; and, compliance and discipline.

Being valued and valuing others
Besides the support she receives from her staff, Musselwhite also credits the assistant superintendents and the superintendent for giving her the freedom to do her job.

“They have such respect for me and really value my decision-making and my input, that I feel blessed to have that, as a part of my work,” she said.

“They give me autonomy because they trust that we’re going to do what’s right.

“They allowed us to work collaboratively with the community, like the department of health, different agencies.

“They also allow that flexibility and for us to have a voice.

“I think that’s what makes me energetic. I feel like the department is valued in our system and that we continue to have the ability to make a difference for kids in so many aspects in our district,” she said.

“I’m allowed to disagree. We can have a healthy debate,” she said, adding she hasn’t always been in a position where it felt safe to do that.

She wants her staff to feel equally empowered.

“I don’t want them (staff) to agree with me because I don’t know everything. So, I want to pushback. I want you to tell me you think this should look differently,” she said.

As a leader, she said, she tries to make sure “that people feel that they’re a part of, and valued in, what we’re doing.”

She said she leads a staff that plays an invaluable role in the district.

“The work we do every day to support children — whether it’s with their health needs, whether it’s because they’re English language learners, whether it’s because parents have concerns about the services; or, it’s discipline — everybody works collectively for the same purpose of making sure that students receive a great education here in Pasco,” Musselwhite said

Her profile, she acknowledged, has been raised through her role during COVID.

“I have been the lead communicator of that. I am probably more forward-facing than I had been in previous years. I’ve been communicating the good and the bad, for families, for staff, for the community,” she said.

No doubt, COVID’s impacts have been widespread.

“It’s been tough,” the district administrator said. “You can definitely see the stressors on the families. People lost jobs. Some of them lost a family member or multiple family members, or a combination of those.”

A career path with varied roles
Musselwhite began her career in Pasco County Schools in 1996 as a teacher of specific learning disabilities. She next taught children with autism, then became a behavioral specialist at the school level before becoming a district-based behavioral specialist.

Next, she became the supervisor for programs for children with autism.

After that, she was director of human resources for one year before becoming the director of exceptional student education in 2012. That department was combined with student services, she said.

“From there, it kind of morphed. We also absorbed state and federal programs; and that includes Title 1, Charter Schools, private schools, home education, grants and we had school choice for a little bit, but that has now gone to leading and learning.”

She said one of her favorite parts of her job involves attending a Special Olympics competition and watching the interaction between athletes, and seeing the joy on the faces of athletes, families and coaches.

The worst part of her job, she said, is “when we expel a kid for a year or a year and a half. It’s really hard.”

Her days are unpredictable.

“There’s no set schedule. It truly can be a 24-hour job, unfortunately. But I know that and I’m committed to that,” she said.

The state has implemented a plan called Fortify Florida, which means calls come in whenever there’s a viable threat.

She’s one of the receivers of those calls, which also go to law enforcement and the school.

“If it’s something we need to respond to, we get up and respond to it,” she said.

“Sadly, if there’s a student that passes away or an employee, and we get notified in the night, we will work on setting up the crisis team for the morning.

“Regularly, I’m either up at 5 a.m. working on things, or I’m up at midnight because there’s a missing student.

“There’s not a day I don’t take a call before I leave the house — I’m on the phone in the car,” she said.

Despite that busy schedule, though, Musselwhite said she prioritizes time with her two sons, 15-year-old Landon and 13-year-old Nolan, who attend district schools.

She also prizes the close relationships she shares with her sister Astrid Willard, with her twin brother Scott Eaton, and with a group of close-knit friends.

Musselwhite understands the impact that educators can have on others.

She still recalls the kindness of her music teacher, Miss Jewel, at Town ‘N Country Elementary School, and the support she received from her drama teacher, Miss Gaudian, at Leto High School.

“The two of them, forever, made me know what a difference teachers could make,” Musselwhite said.

Published December 22, 2021

Lutz native Kevin Cash claims second straight manager award

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Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash earned an early — yet well-deserved — birthday present this year.

He became the first American League (AL) manager to win Manager of the Year twice in a row, which was announced by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) on Nov. 16, mere weeks before his 44th birthday on Dec. 6.

The Lutz native/Gaither High School alum was honored for steering the Rays to a franchise-best 100-62 regular season mark in 2021.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash became the first American League manager to win the
Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) Manager of the Year Award twice in a row. The 44-year-old Cash grew up in the Lutz area and is a Gaither High School alum. (File)

Cash received 19 first-place votes, three second-place votes and five third-place votes for a total of 109 points in the 5-3-1 scoring system. He won the award over Seattle Mariners’ Scott Servais (71 points) and Houston Astros’ Dusty Baker (33 points), respectively.

Cash also is only the second manager to win such a BBWAA Manager of the Year Award in back-to-back seasons. He joins Bobby Cox, who did so with the National League’s Atlanta Braves in 2004 and 2005.

The seventh-year manager humbly said he shouldn’t be listed in the “same sentence” or “same conversation” as the retired Cox, who ranks fourth all-time in managerial wins with 2,504 and is enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

“When you think of major league managers, but really, the greats in this game, Bobby Cox is going to find himself at the top of many lists,” Cash said, during a Zoom media briefing after the award announcement. “I’ve crossed paths with Bobby one time, years ago, but to hear the stories about him…you can appreciate and understand the quality of person and impact that he had on our game.”

Overcoming expectations, adversity
Despite coming of a World Series appearance during a pandemic-shortened 2020, expectations were relatively tame in the latest campaign.

Not only did the Rays again roll out one of the game’s cheapest payrolls, but they traded former Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and let sage veteran pitcher Charlie Morton walk, declining the player’s $15 million option.

Before the season, Baseball Prospectus’ widely cited PECOTA (Player Empirical Comparison and Optimization Test Algorithm) sabermetric system forecasted the Rays to finish 86-76 with an 11% odds to win the division. (PECOTA forecasts the MLB standings and individual player performance. PECOTA takes teams’ depth charts and projects the playing time and stats for all their players, then simulates the season to come up with estimated win totals and playoff chances for every team.)

The projections didn’t appear far off at the onset, as Tampa Bay had a so-so start to the first month of the season, going 13-14 in April.

The Rays launched into another gear in May, going 22-6, then reached the All-Star break with a 53-37 mark.

The club would go on to secure the AL’s best record, while also leading its division for 98 straight days.

The team’s postseason run ended sooner than expected, however, losing to the Boston Red Sox in four games of a best-of-five AL division series in October.

Adversity hit along the way, over the course of the six-month season.

The Rays weathered 33 different players being placed on the injured list (totaling 43 stints).

That list included ace flamethrower Tyler Glasnow, who went down in mid-June with a season-ending partial UCL tear and flexor strain.

The injured list reached a club-record 17 players at various points throughout August.

Adding to the level of difficulty was a highly competitive AL East division, whereby three other star-powered teams posted at least 90 wins — Red Sox (92-70), New York Yankees (92-70), Toronto Blue Jays (91-71).

Mixing smarts with personality
The reputable manager put his own twist on game strategy.

He used a club-most 61 players and 38 pitchers.

He used 14 different pitchers to record a save —  setting a major league record.

He used 158 different batting orders in 162 games — the most in the majors and a club record.

Aside from all his tinkering, Cash deflected credit for the team’s feats this past season: “Well, I’m most proud of the players and the team, and the accomplishment of the regular season. One hundred wins in the American League East, with the talent level that was top to bottom in our division — pretty remarkable.”

Along with shrewd, if not sometimes head-scratching maneuvers that buck traditional baseball trends, Cash is regarded for bringing an even-keeled approach to his players and staff over the course of a trying season.

“I think you feed off your players, you feed off your staff, and we all work really hard to be as consistent as possible,” he said. “We want to do everything we can to put them in the best position.”

The Tampa Bay Rays won a franchise-record 100 games en route to its second straight AL East pennant in 2021. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays communications)

He’s also famous for his self-deprecating humor within the clubhouse, often joking with players about his own substandard .183 career batting average across eight big league seasons from 2002 to 2010.

“You try not to take yourself too seriously,” Cash said, “and you appreciate how challenging this game is, whether it’s hitting, pitching, playing defense, running the bases — it’s really tough.”

He continued, “There’s enough outside pressures right now that are going on…we’ve got to do a good job of trying to keep it loose to where they have their clubhouse, their dugout, to where they can go and just be themselves.”

While advancing through the coaching ranks, Cash followed a protocol “to be all ears, and listen a lot more than speak, and learn as much as possible.”

It was especially true in collaborating with the Rays top baseball minds in the front office. “They’re a lot smarter than I am, and (I) value the perspective of the front office, and certainly value the perspective of the player development group,” he said.

Over the years, Cash said he’s strived to “find that balance” between befriending players, while still mentoring them along through a coaching methodology that focuses on consistency, communication and authenticity.

Looking forward, Cash is quite bullish on the team’s trajectory, given the vast number of young stars who contributed to recent successes, including AL Rookie of the Year Randy Arozarena, 20-year-old wunderkind Wander Franco, and a youthful pitching staff paced by 24-year-old lefty Shane McClanahan, among others.

The manager believes the franchise’s proverbial arrow is pointing “up, maybe straight up.”

He put it this way: “It’s a pretty exciting time to be a Tampa Bay Ray. We’ve got some really good players that were here…and there certainly is more to come, but a lot to be excited about.”

Local roots
Long before becoming one of the sport’s more recognizable figures, Cash grew up in the Valley Ranch Drive neighborhood across from Lake Park in Lutz, along North Dale Mabry Highway.

His baseball notoriety began when he was young.

Some three-plus decades ago, he was a 12-year-old second baseman on the 1989 Northside Little League team that reached the 43rd Little League World Series.
He later would star at Gaither High and Florida State University through the mid- and late- 1990s before enjoying an eight-year MLB career as a journeyman catcher.

As a pro, he spent time on the then Devil Rays (in 2005), along with the Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox, respectively.
Upon the end of his playing career, Cash became a scout for the Blue Jays (2012) and then bullpen coach for the Cleveland Indians (2013-2014), before landing the Tampa Bay gig in December 2014.

Published December 15, 2021

Land O’ Lakes teen shines light on mental health needs

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Eliza Smith knows what it’s like to struggle with depression.

The Land O’ Lakes 15-year-old, however, has learned some ways to help conquer her challenges.

She writes in a journal.

She adds up the positive things in her life, daily.

And, she does have successes: She has a 4.6 GPA.

She’s a former Miss Land O’ Lakes Teen USA, and is the current Teen Miss Earth Florida USA.

She will compete for the national Teen Miss Earth USA in January.

Land O’ Lakes High School student Eliza Smith is involved in volunteer efforts to help spread the word about mental health programs, such as those offered by NAMI Pasco. She’s also involved in pageants, which she says provide a platform to help raise awareness. (Courtesy of Eliza Smith)

Now, she’s seeking to help others by sharing her story and advocating for mental health programs such as those offered by NAMI Pasco, a local nonprofit chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

In a new normal, where COVID-19 is upending daily lives and increasing everyone’s stress levels, Smith sees mental health education as a calling.

“I think that this is what I was meant to do,” Smith said — about her goal of making a difference for others.

She said others in her family, including her mother, also have dealt with mental health issues in the past.

“It’s something I struggle with personally, so that’s why I care about mental health for others,” Smith said. “I do know what it’s like, and I know friends who struggle with depression and anxiety.”

In recent months, she has posted weekly video chats and podcasts on Instagram and other media platforms, specializing in one-on-one interviews with family and friends.

She also has completed volunteer service hours, along with other teens, in support of NAMI.

“She is passionate,” said Debbie Proulx, NAMI Pasco’s executive director. “She is willing to just put herself out there.”

NAMI is a national nonprofit with chapters nationwide.

Services include family based support groups, advocacy, one-on-one counseling, school partnerships, education, outreach and referrals.

NAMI Pasco has seen an astounding 1,456% increase in new calls from people needing services in the past year, largely due to the pandemic, said Proulx.

“There is a lot of anxiety and depression,” she said. “Last year it was bad, but not as bad as now.”

Proulx worries about the hostility arising from divisions over masks and vaccines.

“This is affecting everyone,” she said.

In-person support groups aren’t possible for now.

So, NAMI Pasco is relying on virtual support groups to discuss whatever issues people are facing, Proulx said.

“They are really supporting one another,” she said. “You will see disagreements, but at the end of the day, they are really supporting each other.”

The Land O’ Lakes teen said she has seen the impact of COVID-19 at school, as well, particularly while taking classes virtually.

“Everyone kind of stopped doing what they were doing,” Smith said. “I know kids who loved going to school who kind of slumped.”

She said she hopes her podcasts help educate people about mental health but also send the  message that no one is alone.

Help is close by, she said, through organizations such as NAMI Pasco.

Smith said she prefers doing one-on-one interviews because that allows each guest to shine a light on his or her personal journeys.

She enjoys talking with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Her conversations are free-wheeling, funny and open to any topic though, sooner or later, they always get around to mental health education.

Being able to listen to the unique stories of everyone is what makes for a great society, Smith said.

“Your problems matter. You matter,” she said. “And always remember that.”

Smith grew up in Queens and Brooklyn, New York, but her family moved to Tampa about two years ago.

She attended Alonso High School before moving to Pasco County and enrolling at Land O’ Lakes High School.

She aspires to graduate a year early and to enroll at Duke University.

She plans to pursue a nursing degree, and is aiming to attain a master’s degree in nursing by age 25.

She has four completed podcasts, with more to come.

She is taking a brief break from her hosting duties to focus on SAT exams in October, when she also celebrates turning 16.

After the break, she intends to return to a routine of posting podcasts or video chats weekly or monthly.

One especially memorable podcast featured a frank discussion with her mother and her aunt.

“We had a really deep conversation and tears flowed,” Smith said.

The podcast “shows how to be vulnerable in a good way. Even if I have crazy dreams, my family supports me to have a better life than they had growing up in Queens.”

One of her passions is being involved in pageants, which she said encourages her growth and confidence, and has opened doors to her.

“I didn’t hesitate to take the opportunity and try it out,” she said. “I got to volunteer and to promote my platform, and to inspire others to seek help.”

One door that opened was to NAMI Pasco and volunteer service.

“I truly love their organization and what they do,” she said.

For more information, visit NAMI.pasco.org, or call 727-992-9653.

By Kathy Steele

Published October 20, 2021

Pine View Middle’s SRO wins top state honors

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Corporal Elissa Elders, from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, said she was shocked upon learning she had been selected the 2021 School Resource Officer of the Year from a pool of 900 officers in the state of Florida.

Elissa Elders, Florida’s School Resource Officer of the Year is shown here with Edward Upthegrove, program administrator for the Florida Crime Prevention Training Institute. The FCPTI is part of the Bureau of Criminal Justice Programs in the Office of the Attorney General. (Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

“Out of all those people, I’m the one who is selected?’’ Elders said. “I’m just doing my job, but so are all the amazing people I work with. I am honored and I am humbled. Next to marrying my husband, it’s the biggest honor in my life.

“But I still can’t get over it. Me? Why me?’’

When examining Elders’ eight-year body of work at Pine View Middle School in Land O’ Lakes and hearing from the students, administrators and parents, another question quickly emerges.

Why did it take so long for Elders to be recognized?

Cpl. Elissa Elders, who serves at Pine View Middle School in Land O’ Lakes, is the 2021 School Resource Officer of the Year for Florida. She received the distinction during the opening of the annual convention for the Florida Association of School Resource Officers. (Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

“She really cares about the kids,’’ Pine View principal Jennifer Warren said. “She’s extremely relatable and they feel very comfortable in receiving her messages. She’s a huge part of our school and we’re all very excited to see this type of recognition.’’

Elders doesn’t seek recognition, though. Her rewards are seeing kids learn and develop.

“This isn’t a job, it’s her calling,’’ said retired law enforcement officer Bill Elders, Elissa’s husband of 14 years. “Whether something turns out to be frustrating or a great success, she has a tremendous way of separating the two, always keeping it in perspective, and never letting it take away from her purpose of helping the kids.

“I’ve listened to her cry when she sees kids hurting. I’ve listened to her laugh when they do outstanding things. She gets excited. She empathizes. She doesn’t punch a clock. It never stops. This is her life and her heart is completely in it.’’

Elders, who enlisted in the Army before a medical discharge, originally thought she wanted to become an arson investigator with the fire department. But after attending the police academy, she found her niche as Pine View’s SRO.

“My principal (Warren) is such a proactive person and she always encourages me to grow and train,’’ Elders said. “I appreciate working with such a strong leader, who has helped me process things and mature as a deputy.

“I wear many hats. I’m your friend, your counselor, your teacher, your go-to for advice. If you need something sewn for an outfit or a class project, I can do that. I’m here to help and I work for them, which makes them my boss. Whatever they need, I’m here. I want to take care of any needs or worries, so the families can concentrate on raising a good productive member of society.’’

School Resource Officer Cpl. Elissa Elders played the role of Keystone Cop in Pine View Middle’s production of ‘Annie.’ That’s just one example of how she gets involved with kids. (Courtesy of Pine View Middle School)

Elders’ biggest tool: Creativity
During the school’s “Pink Out Against Bullying,’’ she wore a large pink bow in her hair and pink socks.

She’s known to pop into classrooms and actively participate.

She had a role in the school’s production of “Annie Junior,’’ playing a Keystone Cop (of course). But nothing was handed to her. Elders auditioned for the role like any student.

On St. Patrick’s Day, she makes a pot of gold with prizes. At Christmas, she uses clues for a “Corporal Elders on a Shelf’’ contest with large candy bars going to the winners.

Playing the role of a seahorse, in ‘The Little Mermaid,’ Cpl. Elissa Elders demonstrates her willingness to do what it takes to connect with kids. (Courtesy of Pine View Middle School)

She has a “Walking Dead Fan Club,’’ so students and parents can converse and argue about the popular television series, while using that common interest to promote fellowship and togetherness. She also has started other clubs, such as Girls on the Run and the Craft Club.

She likes to poke fun at herself. At a dance class, she displayed some cop-themed exercises, such as running after freshly baked donuts. She carries a donut-shaped water bottle in the car line. She has passed out donuts to reward students who wear their seat belts.

“Cops and donuts — classic joke, right?’’ Elders said with a laugh.

All of Elders’ out-of-the-box ideas have the same goal.

“We do have days at school where kids make poor choices,’’ Elders said. “But I want to be as involved as I can be, whether it’s doing a play, being at a basketball game, helping in the classroom, anything to share what I can and have a positive impact on students.

“When you are involved in their lives, when you can show them the right way to do it, they will be less likely to do something wrong that could result in criminal charges.’’

There are tangible signs of Elders’ state award, such as the designation on her parking spot at Pine View Middle School (“Florida SRO of the Year Parking Only’’).

Sometimes, though, Elders doesn’t see the complete results until years later. But that’s when she realizes the full impact.

“I have seen it where she runs into a former student at a restaurant or a ballgame and they are so appreciative over something she once said or did for them,’’ Bill Elders said. “She puts her heart and soul into helping kids and it’s rewarding to see them on a good road in their lives.’’

She appreciates the community’s support.

“I have gotten so many notes and messages from people congratulating me,’’ Elders said. “Some of them don’t even have a kid at our school. They are saying how proud they are. It means a lot. These kinds of well wishes really show that people are aware and how much they care about the kids, too. That’s really the mission, getting kids on the right road.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published September 29, 2021

Dade City author writes a chilling account of serial killers

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Dade City author Mary Brett spent four years researching and writing her latest book, “Out Of The Mouths Of Serial Killers’’ (WildBlue Press, 362 pages).

It clinically examines 75 psychopathic killers — chapter by chapter — and provides chilling insight. Her work revolves around a basic question.

Why?

Why did you kill?

Dade City author Mary Brett has written four books. (Courtesy of Mary Brett)

When Brett, a retired medical recruiter, moved to Dade City in 2016, she remembered watching a television documentary about Gary Ray Bowles. He was on Death Row in Starke after being convicted of murdering five gay men in a pattern of winning their trust, then beating and strangling them. Brett got hooked into the story, but left unsatisfied.

“It was a good interview, but I kept waiting for the woman (interviewer) to ask, ‘Why?’” Brett said. “I knew the story and why he was on Death Row. But she never asked, ‘Why?’

“For me, that’s where this all started.’’

Brett wrote to Bowles in prison and asked that same question: Why?

She also sent a flurry of letters to other serial killers with this premise: She was planning a book. Responses would be used in their entirety with nothing changed or redacted.

Brett’s son was skeptical, saying there was no way Bowles would participate.

“What else does he have to do?’’ Brett said.

Bowles responded almost immediately.

“He was a charmer and knew what to say,’’ Brett said. “He wrote, ‘You’re writing your fourth book? Congratulations. You’re so smart.’ And on and on.

“He wanted me to come up and see him. While I thought that might be an interesting life experience, I was not going to do that. I was not looking for friendship with these people. They are psychopaths. They don’t form friendships. So I thought maybe this book isn’t going anywhere.’’

A few weeks passed and Brett got a second letter from Bowles. This one was more raw, more honest, although it still didn’t completely answer that basic question: Why?

“It was a light-bulb moment, though, so I kept writing the letters and kept seeking responses,’’ Brett said.

In all, Brett said she wrote to about 100 serial killers. She received 30 responses. Some were vulgar. One included an order form for her to purchase a television and VCR for the prison. Others delved into their childhoods and backgrounds. Many clung to their innocence.

“I wasn’t looking to sensationalize the crime,’’ Brett said. “I just presented them and used their exact quotes. Bowles said he had been a victim of sexual abuse as a child. He had a horrible life. He saw himself ridding society of evil (through his murders).

The cover of ‘Out Of The Mouths Of Serial Killers’ by Mary Brett, a Dade City author.

“I tried to take the letters and tie it in to their background and the crime. I went through media accounts, interrogations and parole hearings to find the direct quotes, anything that might give some insight into why these serial killers did these things.’’

Brett also included accounts of the high-profile serial killers — the “rock stars,’’ as she called them — because “you can’t do a book about serial killers without them,’’ referring to the likes of Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer.

Trying to tie it all together, Brett interviewed psychiatrists and psychologists about potential motivations.

“I don’t know if all the questions get completely answered,’’ Brett said. “You look at nature/nurture and such. There are so many variables and you can boil it down to one commonality. It’s just a piece of humanity that is not normal … and thank goodness for that.

“But the psychologists suggested that these people will never stop killing until they are caught. And the reason is because they liked to do it.’’

Brett said she was “changed’’ by the researching and writing process. Before, she didn’t have a strong opinion about the death penalty. Now she’s a strong proponent.

“These people don’t stop killing,’’ Brett said. “Bundy escaped jail twice and the second time, his last victim was a 12 year old. When they kill multiple people just for the sheer joy of it, I don’t see any reason they should have anything but the death penalty.’’

Asked why she chose to wrote about a macabre subject, Brett said she was always fascinated by the popularity of serial killers as a storyline for books and documentaries.

“You might pick up a novel in the bookstore and have no idea what it’s about,’’ Brett said. “It’s obvious what this book is about. It’s targeted to a market. Nobody is going to pick this up when they’d rather be reading a gardening book.

“This genre and the true crime genre, it just flies off the shelf. You can hardly find a Netflix documentary that’s not about serial killers. People just have a curiosity and fascination with the subject. I did, too, and that led me to pursue this book. There are many things I’m curious about.’’

Brett is nothing but an eclectic author. She has written books about vintage toys, the lives of sideshow freaks, and Victorian mourning customs. She’s currently working on a book about religious cults.

In her hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia, Brett worked on her high school’s newspaper, magazine and yearbook. In passing, her senior English teacher told her she was a good writer. Brett never forgot that. In time, after having some articles about antiques and collectibles published in national magazines, she began pursuing books.

She has been a teacher and a medical recruiter, while also spending time learning how to flip houses for profit. Writing is more of a hobby. But it’s also a passion.

So is the Florida lifestyle.

During a particularly bleak 2016 winter in Virginia, Brett was reading “Bloody Mary,’’ a fiction novel about a female detective. There was a reference about her mother living in Dade City, Florida, a place that “had so many antique stores, you could throw a rock and hit one.’’

That’s how Brett decided to move to Dade City, a place that has fulfilled all her expectations and now serves as the backdrop for her writing. Brett, the mother of two adult sons, lives with her partner, Steve, and their three cats, a dog and a bird.

“I’ve never regretted it, not one day,’’ Brett said. “I love it here.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published September 15, 2021

Pasco County gives a sweet send-off to long-time attorney

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During her 19 years in the Pasco County Attorney’s office, attorney Jane Fagan was involved in legal work on thousands of county actions and shared her wealth of knowledge on complex issues.

She had a hand in issues, great and small.

Her contributions were described in a resolution adopted by the county board on Aug. 24.

Fagan joined the county on July 29, 2002, as an assistant county attorney, specializing in the area of procurement, according the resolution, which was unanimously adopted in her honor.

She later was promoted to senior assistant county attorney, and while continuing her work in procurement issues, also served as an academic resource for other attorneys in the office on issues ranging from ethics to emergency management, and more.

Senior Assistant County Attorney Jane Fagan was lauded by the Pasco County Commission and the county attorney’s office, as she ended her 19-year tenure in the County Attorney’s Office. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)

Certified by the Florida Bar, in city, county and local government law, Fagan is a highly experienced, well-regarded attorney, the resolution says.

And, regardless of how busy Fagan was, “she would set aside her own work to listen and assist co-workers” who were seeking direction and information, the resolution notes.

She shared her knowledge on government law, edited documents and listened to her co-workers’ professional questions to help steer them on a productive path and to identify resources to help them with the issue at hand, according to the resolution.

It goes on: “She is also a talented editor, with a knack for finding mistakes and clarifying ambiguities others have overlooked.”

And, it notes: that “despite Jane juggling a heavy workload for years — working nights, weekends and on vacation, and assisting and supporting co-workers — Jane could be relied upon to get the job done.”

Indeed, the attorney assisted with legal work on a myriad of assignments, including multimillion projects and complicated county initiatives.

She was involved in work on the Ridge Road extension, the Wesley Chapel District Park, the Wiregrass Sports Campus, the software used for public access to county documents, the construction of fire stations throughout the county, and a multitude of other issues and projects.

In addition to highlighting some of her professional contributions, the resolution compliments Fagan’s personal qualities. It notes: “In addition to Jane’s intellect and legal skills, Jane’s thoughtfulness and kindness is abundant. She is always among the first to sympathize with frustrations, help to organize celebrations, and give others credit rather than engaging in self-promotion, even when it is well-deserved.”

After approving the resolution of appreciation, commissioners were quick to heap on additional praise.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley told Fagan: “We’ll let you go, but we don’t want you to go.”

Commissioner Mike Moore put it like this: “What a true professional you are.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano expressed his respect: “You were a solid, tremendous worker for the county, always protecting the county, every step of the way.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey observed: “We’re losing a leader up on the third floor. What a void we’re going to have.”

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder also expressed his gratitude for Fagan’s professionalism and her personal warmth.

“I inherited a marvelous team when I got here. Jane was one of those people that was there, and was there to help me grow into the role of county attorney.

“I can’t tell you how many emails I have gotten at 2 and 3 o’clock in the morning, with her finishing up projects that just had to be done. She’s always been there, always ready to help.

“She’s always there to help her teammates and has always thought of the good of the county for the entire time I’ve been county attorney and she will be very missed,” Steinsnyder said.

Fagan was obviously touched by the tribute.

“I’m just totally floored. This is totally unexpected,” she said, her voice choking with emotion.

“It’s been an honor to represent Pasco County and to work with all of you all, and all the staff.

“It’s been a really positive experience.

“It has always been my goal, to give the best advice,” said Fagan, who received a standing ovation from the commissioners, county staff and those attending the meeting.

Published September 08, 2021

This 105-year-old enjoys life’s simple pleasures

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Regina Petrone will be the first to admit that she’s not as agile as she used to be.

After all, at 105, who is?

But the Land O’ Lakes woman still lives on her own, drives herself to the bank and grocery store, and makes scarves and hats for the homeless.

Recently, she celebrated her 105th birthday, at a party hosted by her son, Pete, who lives just minutes away.

This is a childhood photo of Regina Petrone, taken more than 100 years ago. (Courtesy of Debbi Petrone Cosme)

“The party at Pete’s house was such a wonderful feeling,” Regina said.

It was a nice Italian meal, complete with special cupcakes.

“They had 105 balloons all over the floor. They had balloons all over the ceiling,” Regina said.

Pete chimed in: “We had a big sign outside.”

That celebration, though, was small, compared to the party for Regina’s 100th birthday.

A limousine picked her up at her house to drive her to the party at Grace Family Church, in Lutz.

“That was the best party ever, ever,” Regina said. “I just had the feeling of peace and contentment.

“Everybody was happy. We had like 60, 70 people,” Regina said.

Pete interjected: “Try like 120.”

“All of my family were there. Nieces and nephews,” Regina said.

Friends came in from New York, too, Pete said.

But those were just two of the special birthday parties Regina has enjoyed through the years.

There was another one, in particular, that played a pivotal role in her life.

That was the party when she had her first date, with her future husband — John Anthony Petrone, whom she’d met a few months before.

“I worked in the library. He worked in A & P (grocery store), which was around the corner from the library,” she said.

“I used to go in there every day to buy some greens because that’s what my mother wanted.

“She made soup every night.

“I would go at lunchtime.

“That’s where I met him.

John and Regina Petrone (the couple in the middle) on their wedding day, on Oct. 19, 1941.

“I paid no attention to him. After a while, he started asking me out.

“I said, ‘No, no, no.

“That went from February to July,” Regina said.

“He told me he was having a birthday party. I said, ‘OK.’

“My mother said, ‘Go, have fun.’

“So, I went to the birthday party, which was in Hicksville, and I met his family, who were terrific.

“They treated me so good — like a sister — right away,” said Regina, who grew up in Glen Cove.

John grew up in Hicksville, where he lived with his brothers and his sisters. They lived on their own because their parents had died.

Regina and John married in October, with the expectation that John’s military service would end in January. Instead, World War II broke out and John was assigned to help protect the Panama Canal Zone, where he served until the end of the war.

Creating a home life in Hicksville
After John returned, the couple settled in John’s hometown. That’s where they raised their five boys: Chuck, Anthony, Pete, Bill and Timothy (who died in his 40s from a car accident).

John sold insurance and Regina ran the house — making meals from scratch, and canning fruits and vegetables from the family’s half-acre garden.

John and Regina Petrone had five sons, whom they raised in Hicksville, on Long Island in New York. Shown here, from left to right (front row), are: Bill, Pete, Regina (mom), Anthony and Timothy; and (back row), Chuck and John (dad).

The days started early, Regina said.

“I’ve been getting up at 5 o’clock in the morning ever since the kids were small,” she said.

It took a couple of hours each morning to make the boys breakfast and get them ready for school, she said.

Though they grew up in a close-knit family, the boys are scattered now.

Pete lives minutes away from Regina. Chuck lives in Dallas, Georgia; Anthony, in Anchorage, Alaska; and, Bill, in New London, Connecticut.

Regina talks frequently with her sons and other family members on the phone.

She also stays in regular contact with two dear friends — Debbi Lizza and Joanne Berger — who keep her posted on what’s happening in Hicksville.

“We write each other every week. Every once in a while, we call. But we’re old-fashioned, we like to write. They’re always sending me little goodies,” she said.

Regina moved to Florida in 2004, after living in Pennsylvania for four years.

Her sons wanted her to move closer to family, so she did.

She and her boys have rich memories of the life they had in Hicksville.

“They were wonderful kids. I have wonderful boys. None of them give me any problems,” Regina said.

The family garden was a source of food for the family, and a way to make money, too.

“You name it. We had it,” Pete said.

“From radishes to pumpkins. Broccoli. Cabbage,” Regina said.

“Potatoes. Strawberries. Asparagus,” Pete added.

“All kinds of berries,” Regina continued. “Apples. Pears. Peaches.”

And, corn and cucumbers, too.

Regina Petrone models one of the hats she’s made to help others. So far, she’s completed about 300 hats and scarves, and she continues to make more. While her primary focus was on family life, over the years she has volunteered her time and talents in a number of capacities. (B.C. Manion)

Pete’s brothers share those vivid recollections of the family garden.

“We had just about everything you can think of — any kind of vegetable,” Chuck said. “We canned our own food. We made our own jellies and jams.

“We had a root cellar where we kept our potatoes and onions and carrots,” Chuck said.

The family raised chickens and sold eggs, too.

“The kids sold the vegetables that were left over, in a little farm stand. That was their allowance — from what they sold, the eggs and the vegetables,” Regina said.

Besides picking vegetables, the boys did other chores.

“In high school, we all started cutting firewood. We worked really hard doing that. That’s how we made our money in high school,” Anthony said.

Work was such a regular part of their life — they didn’t see it so much as work but as part of their daily routine, Bill said.

Chuck noted: “All of us, when we started working — whatever job we did, delivering newspapers, peddling vegetables around the neighborhood — we had to give at least 10% to our mother for what she called ‘room and board.’  And then, when we became 18, she gave us all that money. And more.”

Family rules were crystal clear, Anthony said.

“It was a very disciplined household. Dinner was every day at 5 o’clock,” he said. And, when the church bells rang at 7 o’clock, it was time to be home.

But there was more to life than hard work, rules and responsibilities,  the boys said.

They also knew how to have fun
“We would go to the beach almost every day for an hour or two,” Chuck said.

Of course, Chuck added: “If we didn’t do what we were supposed to do, we didn’t go to the beach that day.”

Bill remembers the lively family gatherings.

“We’d have these big barbecues in our backyard. You’re having like 50 people or more — 25 kids running around the place.

This box contains numerous hats and scarves that Regina Petrone has made to help the homeless. They are distributed through Grace Family Church, according to Regina’s son, Pete, who lives minutes away from his mom. (B.C. Manion)

“My mother cooked all of the food,” he said.

Her pies, he added, were legendary: “Her pies are still talked about today.”

The family had lots of pets, too.

“We had rabbits at one time,” Regina said. “I had one snake in the house. And, I hate snakes.

“But one of my boys liked snakes and it got loose.”

There were dogs, too.

“My husband was a hunter,” Regina said, so they had golden retrievers, English Springers and all kinds of other dogs.

Regina had a turtle.

It was one of those turtles people used to buy for a quarter, she said.

Regina’s turtle lived for more than 50 years, moving freely about the house, just like a member of the family.

She called him Turtle.

“I was not imaginative,” she said, with a laugh.

Anthony added: “We had a big black cat called Mother Cat because she got pregnant every three months.”

The family sat together in front of the TV, to take in football and baseball games.

“I was an avid baseball and football fan, when my husband was alive and my children were all together,” Regina said. Her favorite teams were the Mets, the Jets and the Brooklyn Dodgers — before the Dodgers moved away.

Over the years, Regina said, she’s always enjoyed a good laugh.

She remembers Chuck coming home after school, with a joke for her he’d picked up that day.

“I always looked forward to them,” Regina said.

Now, he sends her five pages to six pages of jokes every month, that he finds by scouring the internet.

Throughout Regina’s life, most of her focus has been on the family. But she also has been active in charitable pursuits. She volunteered at a soup kitchen, and at a rock and butterfly museum, and in literacy efforts.

She still uses her talents to help others.

“I like to crochet,” Regina said. “I’m making scarves and hats for the homeless.”

She estimates she’s made about 300 pieces, which are distributed through Grace Family Church.

She still enjoys doing puzzle books and watches a limited amount of TV.

“I don’t put the TV on until 5 o’clock. Then I look at the news for an hour, at the most — the news is terrible. Then, I Iook at Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, and some of the game shows,” she said.

She likes card games and typically plays once or twice month, when a nephew and his wife come by.

Although she still drives, she sticks to daytime hours and never goes out on main roads.

But, Pete said, she’s not stuck at home. “We go out at least three days a week, to get her out of the house.

“Whatever she needs, she gets,” he added.

Her sons marvel at their mom’s longevity.

Regina offers a simple explanation for her lengthy life: “If it wasn’t God’s will, I wouldn’t be here.”

At 105, she’s still going strong
Regina Petrone
Born July 3, 1916, in West Hampton on Long Island
Married to John Anthony Petrone, on Oct. 19, 1941  (She’d been married to John for 45 years, when he died on Nov. 22, 1986)
The couple had five sons: Chuck (Dallas, Georgia); Anthony (Anchorage, Alaska); Pete (Land O’ Lakes); Bill (New London, Connecticut); Timothy (deceased)
Regina has seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren

She’s a woman with definite preferences
Favorite foods: “American food. I like ordinary steak and potatoes. Pork chops. Hamburger. American food. Soup.”
Dessert: “I do like lemon meringue pie. And I do like a nice, delicious — it has to be delicious — chocolate cake. It has to be delicious. It can’t be run-of-the-mill.”
Movies: “Movies? I didn’t have a favorite. We didn’t go to movies too much. I was not a movie-goer.”
Music: “My favorite singer was Nat King Cole. I loved him. After him, was Dean Martin. I loved him. Of course, Perry Como.”
Card games: “My favorite is pinochle, but nobody plays pinochle.”

Some facts about 1916, the year Regina was born
The U.S. population was slightly under 102 million
Monet painted his Water Lilies series
A stamp cost 2 cents
Sugar was about 4 cents a pound
The light switch was invented
The Boston Red Sox won the World Series
A house in the U.S. cost about $5,000; a car, $400
The first 40-hour work week officially began
Nathan’s hot-dog-eating competition got its start
Just 6% of Americans were high school graduates
The Eiffel Tower was the world’s tallest building
Just 8% of homes had telephones
Albert Einstein published his theory of relativity (in full mathematical detail)
The National Park Service was born
The Professional Golfers Association began*

Excerpts from a list compiled by Annette and Chuck Petrone, to mark Regina Petrone’s 105th birthday

*Regina told The Laker/Lutz News: “I walked a golf course once and I got freckles. I said, ‘No more.’”

Published August 11, 2021

At Wilderness Lake Preserve, here’s a man who really cleans up well

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Each day for the past three years, Russ Filsinger’s afternoon routine hasn’t changed.

After hopping on his bicycle for his daily exercise, Filsinger covers every corner of his community at Wilderness Lake Preserve in Land O’ Lakes and the nearby shopping plaza.

He picks up litter.

He gathers the trash, whether it’s candy wrappers, soda cans, fast-food bags, straws, empty alcohol bottles, dog refuse, or even COVID masks (he’s up to 500 of those).

Russ Filsinger spends about two hours each afternoon picking up litter at his Wilderness Lake Preserve community in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Joey Johnston)

He collects it all and disposes of it properly, recycling, if necessary.

The work usually takes about two hours, each day.

For three years.

“Russ is one of those kind people who cares about the earth and wants to keep his neighborhood clean,’’ said Franca Carlino Anderson.

She’s Filsinger’s neighbor and got to know him because she was curious about why he continually picked up trash.

“He’s an amazing part of our community. He’s not looking for accolades or even to be noticed. He just cares,” the neighbor said.

“I think it makes him happy to see the earth clean, the way God intended,’’ said Filsinger’s wife, Jeanne. “His dedication is something. I pick up things, too, if I’m walking by. But I’m not on the bike making sure every little thing is picked up. It makes our whole area look so much better. People love what he is doing.’’

Filsinger, 71, is a retired social worker from New Jersey. He has worked with homeless, gangs and drug addicts. He retired due to health reasons and moved to Florida, where he toured with a Christian rock band, then became a minister. He has been a prison chaplain and a hospice chaplain. He has volunteered as a guardian ad litem for children.

“My bio is kind of interesting,’’ said Filsinger, who now ministers at Grace Family Church.

It’s mostly about helping.

“It’s such an easy concept, but we all can do something, even if it’s a very small thing … and small things can add up,’’ Filsinger said.

Three years ago, Filsinger grew weary of incessant litter around his neighborhood; maintenance workers weren’t quick about removing it. So Filsinger took matters into his own hands — literally — and began sweeping through the area with his trash bags.

“Instead of getting mad at the people who litter, I’m determined to beat them,’’ Filsinger said. “And the best way to beat them is if I can pick it up faster than they can throw it out of their car windows.

“It became a challenge to me. You can throw out whatever you want — a box, a carton, a Big Gulp cup — but I’m going to pick it up and dispose of it properly. Everyone wins and you lose.’’

Filsinger was riding his bike anyway for fitness. He’s dealing with various physical woes, such as foot neuropathy, severe osteoarthritis and lack of function in his hands and fingers. No matter. He keeps going.

“Doing this has made my bike ride longer, but more meaningful,’’ Filsinger said. “And it’s not just trash. I take dead animals off the roads. I don’t want kids going by on their scooters, seeing these carcasses being taken apart by buzzards. I just want people to see green, bushes and flying birds, not this endless plastic stuff that’s all over our roads.’’

In addition to the area’s roads, sidewalks, pathways, ponds and green spaces, Filsinger has taken his work to Wilderness Commons, a shopping plaza at the front of Wilderness Lake Preserve. The store owners are appreciative. Filsinger combs the parking lot and also makes sure things are securely in the dumpster.

“It only takes a few minutes to get it all straight,’’ Filsinger said. “Now there’s nothing there, not even one straw wrapper. I’m pretty proud of it. This is very satisfying.’’

All the neighbors know about Filsinger now.

Cars honk their horns and people wave.

He gets thank-you wishes from passersby.

The Wildness Lake Preserve newsletter did a short write-up on Filsinger.

The final line: “His efforts are to be applauded!’’

Filsinger isn’t stopping or even slowing down. If anything, he’s picking up speed.

“I think littering is getting worse,’’ Filsinger said. “One of my goals is to get all people to care about picking up litter. We can really make a dent.

“My philosophy has been, ‘If I don’t do it, who’s going to do it?’ So the job never really stops. If I can do this at my age while having fun doing it … maybe others can get the same type of satisfaction.

“I’d love others to join in. If we all did a little something to help our world, wouldn’t this be a much better world?”

By Joey Johnston

Published August 11, 2021

SADD names local student for national post

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Shaina Finkel likely didn’t know at the ripe old age of 6 that one day she would be taking her place on a national stage for a group that’s primary mission is to save lives.

But that’s exactly what happened on July 28, when the Wiregrass Ranch High School student was sworn in as the national student president for Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).

Her selection was celebrated during a national news conference, which took place at Wiregrass Ranch High School and was streamed by SADD’s social media channels.

Shaina Finkel is the new national student president for Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). The Wiregrass Ranch High student was sworn in during a national news conference last week, and took a moment to thank a long list of supporters in life, including her parents, grandparents, SADD chapter members and the Wiregrass Ranch school administration. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

One of the key speakers at the event was Greg Finkel, the adviser for the SADD chapter since Wiregrass Ranch High opened. He’s Shaina’s dad.

“We do it to save lives,” said Finkel, who has been the adviser of the Wiregrass chapter since it began in 2008.

The chapter’s T-shirts have a Superman logo on the front and words on the back that say: “How to save a life.”

His pride in his daughter’s accomplishment was palpable, as he struggled, occasionally, to maintain his composure.

She was just a little girl, he said, when she asked if she could come along to a chapter meeting.

Finkel thought to himself: Why not?

She became a regular, and even at that early age, she was a leader, he said.

Whether the chapter was working with young kids or the elderly, he said, “she took over.”

As she grew older, she became even more involved.

At one point, she asked Finkel if he thought she could become chapter president.

He said he didn’t see why not, but they would have to see about it when she got to high school.

Shaina became president of the Wiregrass chapter during her sophomore year, and now, as a rising senior, she is entering her third year in that role.

Last year, though, she told Finkel: “Dad, I would like to see if we can go a little bit further.

“And,” he added, “here we are.

“Pretty amazing.”

Kids today face greater pressures
Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning joined in the celebration.

“This is a big deal. This is a very big deal, isn’t it?” Browning said, adding he understands that today’s students are under a great deal of pressure.

“It was way different 45 years ago, when I graduated from Pasco High School,” the superintendent said. It was different, too, he added, when his sons, who are now in their 30s, graduated.

The leadership, exhibited by Shaina, and other officers in Wiregrass’ SADD chapter, “goes a far distance in encouraging students to make great choices in their lives,” Browning said.

SADD president and CEO Rick Birt conducted the swearing-in ceremony, as Shaina became student president of an organization with 7,500 chapters nationwide.

“Today, we honor your community, we honor your chapter, we honor the resilience and the compassion of one remarkable young woman as she assumes a new leadership role,” Birt said.

“As the national president, she will serve as our key spokesperson, representing SADD in the media,” he said.

She also will help advise and guide the organization in its programming and structure, while working closely with SADD staff, students, advisers, partners and stakeholders across the country, he said.

Shaina said she applied for the role because she was looking “to bring the amazing work that my chapter does to a new level. I wanted them to be in the spotlight. I think we work so incredibly hard here, to make change, to really empower students and I just thought that needed to go to a new level.”

She said she saw the application for the position on social media.

“With little hesitation, I went ahead and I applied. It really was a shot in the dark,” Shaina said.

“To me, SADD is very much an opportunity. It is an opportunity to be more than yourself. To help others. To help the community.

“It gives you the opportunity to connect with others who have the same mindsets and the same goals and aspirations, that you have,” she said.

Helping students find a place they belong
She sees the organization as a way to tackle issues and to play an important role in the lives of others.

“I believe many high schoolers, and middle schoolers for that matter — they’re very lost. They don’t know their group of people. It’s very hard to find a group of people that believes the same things as you.

“So, SADD allows for students across the nation to come together and find each other … to be able to work together, to make incredible changes,” she said.

The past year brought many obstacles, she said. But, she added, the students and adults involved with SADD “are so ready to adapt and be able to change on a dime, to keep helping students.”

Shaina wants to make mental health a key priority.

“There is such a negative stigma that surrounds having a mental illness. You walk around campus and nobody really sees it, but if you really just tune in and think about it, there are so many students who are right next to us who are struggling. They are suffering. And, they feel alone because they’re too embarrassed to go and speak out about what they’re feeling,” she said.

That’s because, she said, “they don’t realize there is someone right next to them who has, or does, feel the same way.”

SADD wants “to show kids that they’re not alone and to touch those topics that most people try to avoid because they are uncomfortable topics,” she said.

Published August 04, 2021