The Laker/Lutz News

University of Central Florida

Avalon Applauds Brooke Lea

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Congratulations to Brooke Lea, a senior at Zephyrhills High School, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Lea has lived in Zephyrhills for her entire life and loves the close-knit community that she’s grown up in. Her mother, Missy, has been volunteering in the local community since she was 13 and instilled the same mindset into Brooke and her two sisters, Brittani and Bryann. For years now the three girls have been volunteering at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village where they work the concession stands, set up games, and help out at a lot of other events put on by the museum.

“I think giving back and helping local nonprofits in an effort to grow our community, businesses, and children’s programs is important,” says Lea.

Brooke Lea

“Brooke always jumps in wherever she is needed…. She is an awesome team member, but even as a teenager she is a clear leader and a great example,” says Stephanie Black, executive director for the Pioneer Florida Museum.

“I am grateful for this young woman and all she does for our community.”

Right now, Lea works at Pet Supplies Plus, a pet supply retail store   in Zephyrhills that recently praised her efforts on social media:

“All year long we ask for donations to go to local shelters and today Brooke did an amazing job. She got over a 100 donations in the first 3 hours of her shift. Way to go Brooke and thank you to all the neighbors that said yes to her today.”

Other foundations she has volunteered for include The Thomas Promise Foundation, The Dade City Chamber of Commerce Car Show, A Salute for our Soldiers Backpack Drive, Little Everglades Ranch Mud Run, and much more.

When asked what the most rewarding part is about being an active community member, Lea says, “It’s fun being involved with so many different organizations and it is an even better feeling knowing you were able to do your part in giving back and helping others.”

Brooke also plays softball while she’s finishing up her senior year of high school.

“I love softball! Learning the game and competing is so much fun, especially when you love the people around you. Win or lose, I always do my best,” says Lea.

After she graduates, Lea plans on attending the University of Central Florida where she wants to work for child protective services or become a game warden.

Published November 10, 2021

Hometown athletes to watch this college season

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Before becoming college football standouts seen regularly on national television and in massive stadiums across the country, area athletes distinguished themselves on the gridiron locally, in Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

Big-time college football is now underway this fall — and, with the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations, a sense of normalcy has returned with fuller schedules and attendance capacity to accommodate thousands of fans compared to 2020.

Dozens of athletes with ties to The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are a part of programs at the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Series (FCS) levels, as well as Division II, Division III, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and junior college ranks.

Here’s a closer look at some notable hometown players to watch throughout the 2021 college football season:

Dade City native Michael Penix Jr., is generating national buzz as Indiana University’s starting signal-caller. (File)

Michael Penix Jr.
College: Indiana University, redshirt junior quarterback
Local tie: Dade City native/Pasco High School

Michael Penix Jr., is generating quite the buzz among national college football pundits leading into the 2021 campaign for the Indiana University Hoosiers.

The 6-foot-3, 218-pound lefty slinger is ranked No. 45 in ESPN’s Top 100 College Football Players listing. Moreover, Penix is on the Manning Award Watch List, which recognizes 32 of the NCAA’s top quarterbacks in different conferences.

The preseason accolades coming his way are well-deserved.

Penix helped steered the Hoosiers in 2020 to the team’s best season in over 50 years. That included a 5-1 start and No. 12 national ranking before he experienced a season-ending injury.

He completed 56.4% of his throws for 1,647 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and four picks across six games, but suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in November 2020.

The ability to stay healthy will be key going forward, as injuries have cut short all three of Penix’s seasons at Indiana.

Along with the 2020 injury, Penix suffered a clavicle injury in November 2019 that required surgery. He also previously tore his ACL in his right knee in 2018.

Closer to home, Penix played his freshman and sophomore prep seasons at Pasco High in 2014 and 2015, then transferred to Tampa Bay Technical High School for his junior and senior years.

His father, Mike Sr., was an All-State tailback/defensive back at Pasco High in the early ’90s.

Deon Silas
College: Iowa State University, freshman tailback
Local tie: Steinbrenner High School

A record-setting running back at Steinbrenner High School, Deon Silas is poised to build off that production for the Iowa State University Cyclones.

Steinbrenner High product Deon Silas is already turning heads as a freshman running back at Iowa State University. (Courtesy of Iowa State University athletics department)

Silas was an early-enrollee into the Cyclones program in January, getting a head start on the playbook and habits required of a successful college athlete.

The 5-foot-8, 185-pound skill player generated buzz in spring practices thanks to his speed and shiftiness.

He has built on that momentum with fall camp, with his name on initial depth chart projections — likely the team’s third-string tailback and possible kick return option on special teams.

Not too shabby for a true freshman joining a program that last year turned heads in by finishing 9-3 (including 8-1 in the Big 12 Conference).

Out of Steinbrenner, Silas was the No. 93-ranked player in the state of Florida and No. 11-ranked all-purpose back in the class of 2021, per 247Sports.com.

He tallied a combined 5,570 all-purpose yards (2,734 rushing yards, 1,428 receiving yards, 1,408 return yards) and 55 touchdowns across an illustrious four-year varsity career.

Silas isn’t the only familiar face on the Iowa State roster. Former Steinbrenner wideout Aidan Bitter is on the squad, entering his sophomore campaign.

Chris Faddoul
College: Florida A&M University, senior punter
Local tie: Wiregrass Ranch High School

Chris Faddoul is one of many FCS players longing for the gridiron, after the COVID-19 pandemic wiped out many programs’ chances for a 2020 season, including the Florida A&M University Rattlers in Tallahassee.

Former Wiregrass Ranch standout Chris Faddoul is an All-American punter at Florida A&M University. (File)

Expectations are specifically high for the strong-legged 6-foot-1 special teamer.

He is one of 20 candidates named to the 2021 FCS Punter of the Year Award preseason watch list as announced by The Augusta Sports Council.

There also have been reports of NFL scouts visiting FAMU practices to watch Faddoul, among other players.

It’s no wonder why — considering Faddoul is a two-time All-American and once led the nation in punting.

In 2018, he led the FCS with an average of 46.8 yards per punt. He followed that up with an average of 46 yards per punt in 2019, second in the FCS ranks.

At Wiregrass Ranch, Faddoul was a multi-sport standout, playing football, soccer, tennis, and also competing in track & field. Faddoul guided the Bulls to a state football playoff appearance as a senior, serving as the team’s starting quarterback, kicker and punter.

Donovan Jennings
College: University of South Florida, senior offensive lineman
Local tie: Gaither High School

Donovan Jennings returns for his fourth year in the University of South Florida Bulls program, where he’s played 29 games (19 starts) over the last three years — and now anchors an offensive line that returns all five starters from last season.

Gaither High School product Donovan Jennings is poised to anchor the University of South Florida’s offensive line this season. (File)

The 6-foot-5, 337-pound senior guard is garnering some big preseason recognition to match his size, too.

Jennings has been named to Athlon Sports preseason 2021 American Athletic Conference (AAC) all-conference second team offense.

He’s also been identified as one of 500 college football players to watch by the NFLPA (National Football Players Association) Collegiate Bowl’s “Big Board,” which identifies 500 draft-eligible senior collegiate football players to watch for the upcoming season.

Jennings generally has been lauded by current and former coaches for his pass protection skills and effectiveness in the run game.

Thanks to a rare combination of quick feet, balance and strength, Jennings often is tasked with blocking opponent’s top pass-rushers in one-on-one situations.

One of the lineman’s brightest spots last season came in the Bulls’ season finale against rival University of Central Florida. He helped pave the way for his team’s offense to post 646 yards of total offense, including 242 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Jennings, surprisingly, didn’t begin playing football until his freshman year of high school, as size limitations in youth leagues prevented him from playing the sport.

But, he blossomed into an All-State player in four short years at Gaither, graduating in 2018.

Noah Ruggles
College: Ohio State University, graduate student kicker
Local tie: Steinbrenner High School

Noah Ruggles joins blue-chip Ohio State University, where he’ll have two years of eligibility remaining following his June transfer from the University of North Carolina.

Steinbrenner High School product Noah Ruggles joins the prestigious Ohio State University program after transferring from the University of North Carolina in June. The graduate student has two years of eligibility remaining. (File)

Throughout fall camp, Ruggles has been entrenched in a well-publicized field goal kicker battle with redshirt freshman Jake Siebert.

The 6-foot-2 Ruggles has experience on his side for a Buckeyes squad seeking more accuracy over long-range distance and that’s coming off a national championship bid that fell just short in 2020.

Ruggles lost his starting job at North Carolina last season, where he was limited to just one appearance, a made extra-point versus Western Carolina University.

However, Ruggles has demonstrated accuracy in close range before, such as in 2019, where he made all nine of his attempts within 30 yards.

Altogether in that career season, Ruggles appeared in 13 games and was fifth in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in scoring with 102 points. He did that by making 19 of 27 field goals and connecting on all 45 touchdown points-after. (Both marks were the fifth-most in North Carolina’s single-season program history.)

Ruggles also has proven battle-tested in tight situations.

Case in point was notching a game-winning 40-yard field goal with seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter in 20-17 victory over crosstown rival Duke University in late October 2019.

While at Steinbrenner, Ruggles was a first-team Class 8A All-State selection and earned offensive MVP honors of the Hillsborough All-Star Game. He also was a member of the school’s soccer team.

Scott Patchan
College: Colorado State University, graduate student defensive line
Local tie: Freedom High School/IMG

Scott Patchan has been around the game awhile — as he’s set to begin his sixth college football season (entering his second year with Colorado State University after four years at the University of Miami).

Former Freedom High School standout Scott Patchan looks to finish his lengthy college football career at Colorado State University, on a high note. (File)

The 6-foot-6, 275-pound defensive lineman hopes to build off a strong 2020 campaign tapered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In just four contests last season, Patchan tallied 5.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss overall, adding 22 total tackles and three quarterback hurries — earning first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in the process.

Also, Patchan won on 24% of his pass rushes, securing a pressure on 19% – both figures leading Mountain West players by 3.5 percentage points, according to metrics from the scouting website Pro Football Focus.

Those wondering why Patchan remains in college for six-plus years — the NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility to all 2020 fall sport athletes.

Locally, Patchan played his first three years of prep ball at Freedom High before transferring to Bradenton’s IMG Academy for his senior season.

His final run at Freedom in 2013 proved most productive, as he totaled 8.5 sacks, 56 tackles and 24 tackles for loss.

Patchan’s father, Matt III, won national titles with University of Miami in 1983 and in 1987. Also, Patchan’s older brother, Matt IV, was an offensive lineman at the University of Florida and Boston College.

Others to watch:

  • Florida Atlantic University redshirt junior Chaz Neal (Wesley Chapel High School)
  • Florida A&M University redshirt senior linebacker Ellrie Allen (Wesley Chapel High School)
  • Florida International University freshman quarterback Haden Carlson (Steinbrenner High School)
  • Florida State University redshirt junior linebacker DeCalon Brooks (Gaither High School)
  • Jackson State University junior defensive back Isaiah Bolden (Wesley Chapel High School)
  • Old Dominion University junior defensive end Estefano Feliciano Jr. (Gaither High School)
  • University of California-Berkeley safety Raymond Woodie III (Carrollwood Day School/Wiregrass Ranch High School)
  • University of Central Florida redshirt senior wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers (Pasco High School/Tampa Catholic High School)
  • University of Cincinnati junior safety Jaquan Sheppard (Zephyrhills High School)

Published September 08, 2021

Area softball players among best in state

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The high school softball season has come and gone, but local athletes are still racking up accolades from their 2021 campaigns.

The 2021 Miracle Sports all-state teams were released earlier this month honoring the top softball players in Florida — and area standouts were well-represented.

Over 40 softball players across nine schools from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were recognized either as first-team, second-team, third-team or honorable mention.

All-State selections were made by longtime Florida sportswriter Corey Davis, with nominations considered from prep coaches of playoff and non-playoff teams statewide, representing classes 1A through 7A.

The Land O’ Lakes High Gators varsity softball program went 24-8 and finished Class 5A state runner-up. Nine of the team’s players made the Miracle Sports 5A all-state team, which was the most among all local schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. (File)

The Land O’ Lakes High Gators (5A) led all area programs with nine selections, including two first-teamers in juniors Nehanda Lewis and Emma Nixon.

The Gators went 24-8 and finished 5A state-runner up, falling to Fort Myers High 7-6 in the state championship game on May 21 in Claremont.

Lewis — the team’s primary shortstop and a University of Central Florida softball commit — also was named 5A player of the year.

She led the Gators in batting average (.477), hits (41), RBI (40), walks (14), doubles (11), triples (five) and home runs (three), among other categories.

Nixon — the team’s catcher and a University of West Georgia commit — hit .295 with eight doubles and 34 RBI. Defensively, she paced the Gators in putouts (141) and threw out three base stealers.

Meanwhile, Land O’ Lakes head coach Mitch Wilkins was honored as 5A coach of the year.

In his eighth season as coach, Wilkins has paced the Gators to a combined 169-49-1 mark, including six 20-plus win seasons and a state crown in 2017. Likewise impressive on this year’s run was that the Gators roster included just two seniors (Gracie Stanley and Kalynn Lindsey), so the program should again be top-notch in coming years.

Land O’ Lakes High Gators varsity softball head coach Mitch Wilkins was named Miracle Sports 5A softball coach of the year. (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes High School athletics)

Academy at the Lakes — with a 17-5 record and a trip to the 2A regional semifinals — garnered the next-most selections among area schools, celebrating seven players on the 2A all-state team.

Freshman outfielder Addy Aliano, was a second-team choice; and pitchers Sydney Klein (freshman) and Katie Ferguson (eighth grade), earned third-team nods.

Aliano led the Wildcats in runs scored (26) to go along with a .338 batting average, 22 RBI and 13 stolen bases.

Klein and Ferguson both tossed more than 50 innings with sub 4 ERAs and 50-plus strikeouts each.

The Steinbrenner High Warriors (7A) and Wiregrass Ranch Bulls (6A) also had very strong all-state representation with five all-state selections apiece in their respective classifications.

All five Warriors were third-team 7A picks — senior Ashley Schroll, juniors Madison Frey and Emily Chiarella, sophomore Hailey Bellamy and freshman Lily Holtje, respectively. Steinbrenner went 23-5 and reached the 7A regional quarterfinals.

Leading the way for the Bulls, meanwhile, was first-team 6A choice Brianna Baer, a junior outfielder.

Baer posted a .412 batting average with four homers (including a grand slam), five doubles, two triples, 29 RBIs, 21 runs scored and six steals.

The Academy at the Lakes Wildcats varsity softball program went 17-5 and advanced to the 2A regional semifinals. Seven Wildcats made the Miracle Sports 2A all-state team. (Courtesy of Academy at the Lakes athletics)

The Gaither High Cowboys (6A) and Wesley Chapel Wildcats (4A) garnered four selections apiece.

Among the Cowboys top choices was 6A first-teamer Jocelyn Wilkes, a junior utility player and University of South Florida commit.

Wilkes put up eye-popping numbers in 18 games played — leading the Cowboys in batting average (.649), doubles (16), home runs (seven) and RBIs (40).

Wilkes also was the team’s ace in the circle, posting a 3.35 ERA and 98 strikeouts across 96 innings pitched.

All of Wesley Chapel’s selections earned third-team 4A designations — senior Ashley Garrison, juniors Madelyn Golka and Kadence Means, and freshman Ava Blakely, respectively.

The Cypress Creek Coyotes (3A) had three all-state selections — senior pitcher Hailey Vazquez (third-team) and junior infielders Mandy Schwartz (third-team) and Jillian Hudson (honorable mention).

The Wharton High Wildcats (7A) had two all-state picks — sophomore utility Lexi Cowles (first-team) and senior infielder Tieley Vaughn (honorable mention). Both Cowles and Vaughn hit over .400 with double-digit extra-base hits apiece.

The Sunlake High Seahawks (6A) had a lone all-state representative in junior outfielder Larken Maseda, a third-team choice.

Maseda — a Palm Beach Atlantic University softball commit — led the Seahawks in RBIs (20) to go along with a .362 batting clip and seven extra-base hits. She also paced the team in fielding percentage (.982) and putouts (96).

No local schools or athletes were recognized in Class 1A.

2021 Miracle Sports all-state teams
Class 7A

  • Madison Frey, Steinbrenner, junior, catcher (third team)
  • Lily Holtje, Steinbrenner, freshman, catcher (third team)
  • Emily Chiarella, Steinbrenner, junior, outfielder (third team)
  • Ashley Schroll, Steinbrenner, senior, utility (third team)
  • Hailey Bellamy, Steinbrenner, sophomore, utility (third team)
  • Lexi Cowles, Wharton, sophomore, utility (first team)
  • Tieley Vaughn, Wharton, senior, infielder (honorable mention)

Class 6A

  • Jocelyn Wilkes, Gaither, junior, utility (first team)
  • Marley Quammie, Gaither, freshman, outfielder (third team)
  • Alex Wilkes, Gaither, sophomore, utility (third team)
  • Megan Loughren, Gaither, sophomore, infielder (honorable mention)
  • Larken Maseda, Sunlake, junior, outfielder (third team)
  • Brianna Baer, Wiregrass Ranch, junior, outfielder(first team)
  • Kylee Johnson, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore, infielder (second team)
  • Isabella Amendolaro, Wiregrass Ranch, junior, outfielder (third team)
  • Elise Eason, Wiregrass Ranch, junior, infielder (honorable mention)
  • Gracie Bethel, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore, infielder (honorable mention)

Class 5A

  • Coach of the Year: Mitch Wilkins, Land O’ Lakes
  • Player of the Year: Nehanda Lewis, Land O’ Lakes, infielder (first team)
  • Emma Nixon, Land O’ Lakes, junior, catcher (first team)
  • Nehanda Lewis, Land O’ Lakes, junior, infielder (first team)
  • Kiersten Stevens, Land O’ Lakes, freshman, outfielder (third team)
  • Mia Fields, Land O’ Lakes, freshman, pitcher (honorable mention)
  • Gracie Stanley, Land O’ Lakes, senior, utility (honorable mention)
  • Reagan Alapa, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore, utility (honorable mention)
  • Jadyn Spencer, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore, utility (honorable mention)
  • Nicol Werking, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore, outfielder (honorable mention)
  • Aliana Mercado, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore, utility (honorable mention)

Class 4A

  • Kadence Means, Wesley Chapel, junior, catcher (third team)
  • Ashley Garrison, Wesley Chapel, senior, infielder (third team)
  • Ava Blakely, Wesley Chapel, freshman, outfielder (third team)
  • Madelyn Golka, Wesley Chapel, junior, utility (third team)

Class 3A

  • Hailey Vazquez, Cypress Creek, senior, pitcher (third team)
  • Mandy Schwartz, Cypress Creek, junior, infielder (third team)
  • Jillian Hudson, Cypress Creek, junior, infielder (honorable mention)

Class 2A

  • Addy Aliano, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, outfielder (second team)
  • Sydney Klein, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, pitcher (third team)
  • Katie Ferguson, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, pitcher (third team)
  • Vanessa Alexander, Academy at the Lakes, senior, infielder (honorable mention)
  • Juliana Ries, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, infielder (honorable mention)
  • Alina Ries, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, outfielder (honorable mention)
  • Molly Blackwood, Academy at the Lakes, freshman, utility (honorable mention)

No local schools or athletes recognized in Class 1A.

Published July 28, 2021

Library team sets out on scientific challenge

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Pasco County Libraries is taking on the NASA challenge — “Plant the Moon” — to attempt to grow plants in a simulated moon base environment.

A libraries team has embarked on a 10-week challenge that started in February, to examine how vegetation grows in lunar soil.

Science is ‘sprouting’ at the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City, as Pasco County Libraries embarks on a NASA challenge. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

When the growing period is complete, the findings will be submitted and showcased during a virtual symposium scheduled for April 29 and April 30, with NASA scientists and other researchers.

The challenge was issued by the Institute of Competition Scientists in collaboration with the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Center for Lunar and Asteroid Surface Science (CLASS) Exolith Lab, according to a news release.

The UCF lab provided lunar soil simulant for the libraries to use, to conduct the experiment.

“We are so excited for this unique opportunity,” said Hugh Embry Library associate Sarah Pass in the release.

“Our team, the MoonRakers, is attempting to find ways to grow plants effectively in a simulated moon base environment. We hope our customers will enjoy this experience as much as we are,” said Pass.

The public is welcome to stop by to see the plants growing in the center of the library, at 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

Those interested also can track the plants’ progress on the Hugh Embry Library’s Facebook page.

Published March 17, 2021

Paying it forward, through music

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For 35 years, Karen Bishop taught orchestra in the schools, working with kindergartners through high school seniors. She saw it all. Or, so she thought.

Nearly two years after her retirement — and the immediate realization that she “missed it terribly’’ — Bishop has organized a community orchestra that motivates her passionate musicians and helps worthy causes at the same time.

Karen Bishop, who directs the Play it Forward Orchestra, stands alongside Daniel Ramos. The group had a Christmas benefit concert to help Ramos, a violinist in the orchestra, who has cancer. (Courtesy of Karen Bishop)

The “Play It Forward Orchestra’’ is a 25-member group that adheres to its motto — “A group of beautiful humans making the world a better place through music.’’

Last July, Bishop called around, trying to assemble a few violinists for a driveway concert to benefit the medical needs of a former student. More than two dozen musicians showed up. There was no rehearsal, just some inspired music for the cars that drove by. Someone asked, “When are we doing this again?’’

It has been going strong ever since.

In December, the orchestra held a fundraising Christmas concert for one of its own, violinist and Steinbrenner High School senior Daniel Ramos, who has cancer. Drinks and snacks were served by the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation Fighters, a Steinbrenner group formed by Lexie Mulvihill, whose brother died of cancer last year.

The orchestra, open to anyone with high school or college music experience, includes current and former musicians from Blake, Gaither, Hillsborough, Steinbrenner, Hillsborough Community College, the University of South Florida, the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida.

“It’s all volunteer and people who are doing it for the love (of music),’’ said Bishop, who spent the last 12 years of her career at Martinez Middle School. “It has been so much fun. The people in the group are loving and caring. If you tell them, ‘We have something next week in Ybor City at 8 in the morning,’ they will be there.

Karen Bishop directs the Play it Forward Orchestra, during a driveway concert.

“I hope it continues to grow. They love practicing and performing. There are a lot of fundraising and benefits we can do to help out.’’

In turn, the orchestra has been a helpful experience for the musicians — even beyond their love of music and performing.

Just ask violinist Bryan Camus, 32. He was in the orchestra at Blake, a performing arts magnet school. He became a nurse practitioner and lost himself in that career, partially losing his identity in the process. Life’s stresses seeped in. He experimented with drugs, considered suicide and spent nearly a month in rehab.

When he heard from Bishop, who was his middle school teacher, Camus hadn’t played his violin for nearly four years.

“We went through all of the pieces, and Karen and I were both shocked at how well I was playing,’’ said Camus, now a nursing professor at Rasmussen University. “Music has saved me.

“Looking at my life, I had some trauma piled on top of other trauma. My career didn’t help. In nursing school, you learn to put your emotions aside to help others. But you break at some point. “Now I have found an outlet, my love of music, and I look forward to everything we do,” he said.

Members of the Play it Forward Orchestra take their cues from their director, Karen Bishop.

The group gathers for a weekly rehearsal and for events, as needed.

Camus said the level of music ranges from intermediate to advanced. The enjoyment level? Off the charts.

“The basis for this is having fun and raising money for people who need it,’’ Camus said. “I think we will continue to grow. When Karen wants something to happen, it tends to happen.

“This isn’t like a full symphony. It’s still a small group. We all enjoy each other and pick fun at each other. I am the oldest and half these kids are better than I am, even though I’m twice their age. But it’s a very welcoming, inclusive group and you feel great just being around everyone.’’

Bishop said the group’s numbers could easily double, perhaps incorporating more adults who haven’t played in a while but never lost their musical interest. She’s looking into requesting nonprofit status and exploring other fundraising options.

For more information on the Play It Forward Orchestra, contact Bishop at .

By Joey Johnston

Published March 17, 2021

Wiregrass Ranch High student wins honor for civil rights video

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Aimee Johnson is on track to become a nurse, a profession she loves.

But, this 18-year-old senior at Wiregrass Ranch High School also is an award-winning videographer.

Her 10-minute video on the St. Augustine civil rights movement won a first-place regional award in an annual competition that celebrates National History Day.

Aimee Johnson, who is graduating from Wiregrass Ranch High School, won a first-place regional award in a competition about civil rights history. (Courtesy of Aimee Johnson)

It is featured at the ACCORD Civil Rights Museum in St. Augustine.

Even though it was “a very prominent movement and had one of the most violent histories,” Johnson said, it also “was a hidden history people didn’t know about.”

She compiled archival photographs and interviewed St. Augustine civil rights activists to tell the story of racial tension and hatred in the mid-1960s.

She started her video journey with a visit to the ACCORD Civil Rights Museum, which holds artifacts from that period, including the fingerprints of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Police arrested the civil rights icon in June 1964 for trespassing when he and others tried to dine at a whites-only restaurant.

It was King’s only arrest in Florida.

Johnson held the document and touched King’s fingerprints.

“It was very eye-opening, and I’m grateful that I got to do something like that,” she said. “It’s become something more to me. I’m very happy about that.”

The museum is at the former office of dentist and civil rights activist Robert B. Hayling, who is considered the “father” of the St. Augustine civil rights movement.

He headed the St. Augustine NAACP Youth Council before joining with King’s Southern Christian Leadership Council.

In addition to her museum visit, Johnson interviewed Janie Price, 98, who first met King at Morehouse College in Atlanta. When King came to St. Augustine in the summer of 1964, he stayed at her house.

Because of the threats from the Klu Klux Klan, King had to frequently move from one house to another.

Price is remembered as the “house mother” of the St. Augustine civil rights movement.

Robert Batie, who grew up in St. Augustine, recounted an attack on his family.

Someone, believed to be a Klan member, hurled a hub cap through a living room window. Later a soda bottle crashed through another window. The shattered glass wounded Batie, who was just 9 at the time.

He later was among the first blacks to integrate schools in St. Augustine.

The video highlights several historical events, including the sit-in at Woolworth’s lunch counter by 16 teenagers. Four teenagers later arrested and sent to reform school became known as the St. Augustine Four.

In another confrontation, whites and blacks held a “wade-in” at a local motel pool to the dismay of the Klan. The white motel owner threw acid into the pool.

The demonstrations played a pivotal role in the national movement which led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“I actually was always interested in the civil rights movement especially my being a black woman,” Johnson said. But, Florida often is left out because historians take a more national view of events, she said.

Her interest in history is matched by her passion for creating videos. That seemed a perfect match for her civil rights project.

Still, she wasn’t sure where to start.

However, her mother did. She posted a message on Facebook explaining her daughter’s plan and got a response that led Johnson to Gwendolyn Duncan.

Duncan is a long-time activist who led efforts to found the ACCORD museum, and served as its museum project manager. The name stands for Anniversary to Commemorate the Civil Rights Demonstrations Inc.

Duncan helped introduce Johnson to Price and Batie. She also provided a video clip of former Gov. Charlie Crist issuing a resolution to expunge the records of hundreds of civil rights activists arrested in St. Augustine during the demonstrations.

Johnson felt pressure to create a special video.

The night before turning it in, she felt overwhelmed with schoolwork and worried that the video wouldn’t be good enough.

Her Mom set her straight. Just do your best, she said.

“My Mom is always there to support me,” Johnson said.

Winning regionally against about 300 other entries was her reward.

Now, Johnson is focused on her nursing career. She has been a dual enrollment student since ninth grade when she started in the school’s nursing program.

Johnson is vice president of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), and is a member of Best Buddies, SADD, Key Club and Bulls Nation.

She is one of seven children from a family that immigrated from Jamaica. It’s also a family with many doctors.

She jokes that the medical show, “Grey’s Anatomy,” showed her that nursing was “cool.”

“I was so interested in it,” she said. But, she is certain nursing is her calling. “It’s become more to me,” she said. “I was able to sink into it.”

She will begin online classes with the University of Central Florida in June, and hopefully will transition to on-campus life in fall.

Even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, she is steadfast.

“I understand the dangers,” Johnson said. “I fully understand and truly love the nursing field. I love just being able to help other people.”

To view the video, visit YouTube and search The Civil Rights Act: St. Augustine 1964 NHD/Aimee Johnson.

Published June 03, 2020

Finding a way to shine a spotlight on seniors

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During normal times, Marie Joles is busy at her day job, working as a dental hygienist.

And, typically during this time of year, high school seniors are gearing up for their final festivities in high school — prom, awards ceremonies, graduation.

But, the threat of a highly contagious and deadly virus — the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic — has upended life’s ordinary routines.

So, instead of going to work, Joles has been at home. And, instead of gearing up for traditional celebrations and hanging out with friends, seniors have been spending their final school days distance learning.

(Courtesy of Marie Joles)

Joles hated the thought that their senior year would end that way. After all, she remembered how special it was for her family to go through the festivities when her daughter, Samantha, graduated last year.

So, Joles, who is a board member of the Wiregrass Ranch High School’s PTSA and in charge of that group’s social media efforts, asked PTSA president Jennifer Kanyok, if she could do Senior Spotlights on their social media.

Once she got the go-ahead, she began soliciting the spotlights on her personal Facebook page and on the Seven Oaks Facebook page.

Then she reached out by text and email to Robyn White, the school’s principal; David Wilson, the athletic director; and to all of the school coaches.

She also reached out to Bobbie Gebhart, the band booster president, and Jeni Wiseman, the football team mom — to spread the word about the profiles.

The parents submit the photos and blurbs, which Joles tweaks and posts.

In less than 24 hours, she had seven profiles ready.

Now, there are dozens posted.

They convey a sense of pride of the parents who submitted the blurbs about their children.

The profiles offer a glimpse of the lives these members of the Wiregrass Ranch High Class of 2020 have led, and offer insights about their personalities and aspirations.

Some have earned college credits, a college diploma or industry certifications while still in high school. Others have volunteered hundreds of hours.

They’ve been in theatrical performances, in marching band and orchestra, in color guard and cheerleading.

They’ve competed in lacrosse, soccer, swimming, football, track, basketball, weightlifting, basketball and other sports.

They’ve been members of the National Honor Society, the Key Club, and Health Occupations Students of America, to name just a few clubs.

And, they have wide-ranging ambitions.

Some plan to pursue traditional careers, such as nursing, law and business administration. Others aspire to less common paths, such as becoming a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, a makeup specialist or an animator.

Most graduates appear to be heading off to higher education in the Sunshine State, at such colleges as Pasco-Hernando State College, Saint Leo University, the University of South Florida, the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, Florida State University and Stetson University.

Regardless of what they’ve done, or where they’re going — they have made an impression.

One graduate is described as “a beautiful soul and a day of sunshine.”

Another is said to have “a musician’s heart.”

One “has a big heart, is a hard worker and knows how to live in the moment.”

Another has “a wicked sense of humor, amazing spirit and zeal for life.”

Joles said she wanted to do the spotlights because this is a special time for seniors and they deserve recognition.

“I wanted to let them know that we appreciate them,” she said.

Those wishing Joles to post a profile of a Wiregrass Ranch senior can reach out to her at  , or text her at (813) 830-8643.

How are you celebrating your graduating seniors?
The normal ceremonies that mark completion of high school are being postponed until later this year. Meanwhile, families and schools are getting creative in their efforts to help celebrate members of the Class of 2020.

What are you doing? We’d love to know. We’re planning to do a story sharing how families and schools within The Laker/Lutz News are rising to the occasion to make their high school seniors feel special.

Send your submissions to .

Thank you, in advance, for your help.

Published May 06, 2020

Wiregrass Ranch grad leads by example

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At Wiregrass Ranch High School, Carly Norman was a senior team captain and standout defender on the varsity girls lacrosse team — helping the program to a 14-2 mark during the 2019 season.

She also graduated in the top 10% of her class, with a 4.0-plus GPA.

But, it’s her contributions off the field and outside the classroom that proved to be most rewarding.

Wiregrass Ranch High School graduate Carly Norman became the school’s first recipient of the Congressional Citizen Award, for volunteerism and community service. Norman was president of the school’s Key Club service organization. (Courtesy of Kathy Norman)

Carly was involved in as many as 10 extracurricular activities.

In one of those, she was president of the school’s Key Club, the oldest and largest international student-led service program for high school students.

Through that, she spearheaded volunteer efforts at Feeding Tampa Bay, Bay Chapel Food Pantry, Humane Society of Tampa Bay and Habitat for Humanity, among others.

One definitive moment occurred in 2017, when Carly helped organize a weekend neighborhood cleanup in downtown Tampa, following Hurricane Irma.

The Wiregrass Ranch graduate recalled a local woman came up to her volunteer group and began sobbing. The woman thanked them for picking up trash and debris the devastating tropical storm had left behind.

Moments like that make volunteering all the more worthwhile, for Carly.

“It was just so touching to see how much my little effort, just taking some time off on Saturday morning for a couple hours to pick up trash made her feel so good,” Carly, now a freshman at the University of Central Florida, said.

The young woman’s efforts to serve have not gone unnoticed.

Earlier this year, she received the Congressional Citizen Award from U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

The honor was bestowed for Carly’s exemplary volunteerism and community service.

She was Wiregrass Ranch’s first-ever recipient of the honor, which goes annually to select graduating seniors in Bilirakis’ district.

Though she wasn’t seeking recognition, Carly said she was “really touched” to be chosen for the award.

Seeing the value of giving back

Some volunteers who are Carly’s age may view helping others as a necessary chore to obtain needed service hours. But, in high school, Carly began embracing the opportunity to help others who are less fortunate.

The 18-year-old put it like this: “I  kind of just grew to love volunteering. It became almost like fun for me. It’s a great way to give back to my community and have fun with my friends while doing it. …If you just take some time to find it fun, it really is amazing.”

Carly said her mother, Kathy Norman, instilled in her the value of volunteering.

“When I grew up, my mom always taught me, ‘You give back to others. You help others,’” Carly said.

She began at an early age by writing personalized holiday cards to military members.

In addition to her volunteerism, Norman was a senior team captain and standout defender on the Wiregrass Ranch High School varsity girls lacrosse team.

It blossomed from there.

“When I did get older and had more opportunities to help, I really did jump at that,” Carly said.

Since then, she has gone on to become a member of UCF’s Circle K International service club, the college and university counterpart of the Key Club.

That, plus a demanding undergraduate physical therapy program, keeps her plenty busy.

As she watches her daughter juggle multiple responsibilities and still make time to serve others, Kathy Norman is “beyond proud” of her Carly.

“She works really hard and balances a lot. She basically just wants to be a good kid and do her best in everything.

“She’s really grateful for what she has, and to think that other people don’t have the bare basics, it really does pull on her heart a lot,” Kathy Norman said.

In addition to the Congressional Citizen Award, Carly received another distinction her senior year.

She was one of three Wesley Chapel-based high school female athletes to receive the inaugural HERStory Museum scholarship, offered by the new women’s sports virtual museum at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.

Though she was a dancer and cheerleader growing up, Carly transitioned to lacrosse her sophomore year, as it was becoming a sanctioned Florida high school sport.

She recalls being encouraged by the school’s boys lacrosse team to try out for the girls squad so they would have enough players to field a program. (Because of Title IX, the school must offer both a boys and girls lacrosse program.)

She quickly fell in love with the sport, she said, noting it “made me appreciate how much Title IX does for women’s athletics.”

Carly wound up developing into a team leader, and was known as a scrappy defensive player. She also recovered from a torn ACL her junior year.

“It kind of taught me that I’m tough,” Carly said of the experience. “The truth is, I’m not a star athlete. I’m really just a kid who has a lot of heart.”

Wiregrass Ranch girls varsity head coach Craig Havemann wasn’t surprised to learn of Carly’s scholarship from the local women’s sports museum.

He speaks fondly on Carly’s three seasons in the program, citing her positive attitude and “go-getter” mindset.

“She just had the grit and determination to want to succeed,” Havemann said. “She had that extra little quality that some people have that they just stand out as leaders — always asking questions, always wanting to improve.

“She’s one of those people that always has a smile. I can’t remember her ever being down on herself or just down in general,” he said.

Havemann noted Carly stepped up as an upperclassman to lead offseason workouts, and helped acclimate new players into the program.

She took them under her wing and showed them the ropes, and let them know what the expectations were, he said.

It’s the type of initiative from a player any coach can appreciate.

“As a coach, she makes the job a lot easier,” Havemann said. “She’s one of those people you want to have on your team because she just brings the whole team up.”

He also observed that Carly “was a much better player than she gave herself credit for.”

Published November 27, 2019

Sunlake High teacher lands geography fellowship

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In her AP Human Geography classes, Sunlake High School teacher Anne Cullison strives to “lift the veil” on what the world is really like.

She often tells her students: “Everything is geography, and geography is everything.”

The local educator soon will get a chance to broaden her knowledge and add to her kit of tools for teaching.

She is one of just 50 teachers nationwide selected as a 2019 American Geographical Society (AGS) Teacher Fellow. This is the second time she has been selected for the honor. The first time was in 2016.

Sunlake High School social studies teacher Anne Cullison was recently named a 2019 American Geographical Society (AGS) Teacher Fellow. She is one of just 50 teachers nationwide selected to the year-long fellowship program. (File)

The AGS fellowship is a year-long professional development opportunity that enables geography teachers to incorporate open source mapping into their classrooms. It also provides supplementary resources and materials.

As part of this year’s fellowship, Cullison will attend the AGS Fall Symposium in Nov. 21 and Nov. 22, at Columbia University in New York City.

The symposium, titled “Geography 2050: Borders and a Borderless World,” gives the fellows an opportunity to interact with geography and geospatial leaders from across the country. They also receive professional training in open source mapping.

Samantha Power, U.S Ambassador to the United Nations under President Barack Obama (2013-17), will be the keynote speaker.

Other scheduled speakers include National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency director Robert Sharp and Nada Bakos, a former CIA analyst and targeting officer who was instrumental in tracking down Osama bin Laden and other terrorist figures.

Cullison, in her seventh year at Sunlake, is eager to learn and network with fellow educators and professionals “who actually work in the field that I’m teaching about.

“I really enjoy getting to listen to people who are so incredibly knowledgeable of that real-world application side of what we actually do — what I spend my days talking about,” Cullison said.

She also appreciates being selected for the honor.

“It feels great. It’s a great way to feel recognized for working hard with kids to get them to see the world in a different way,” Cullison said.

She now teaches about 170 students across five AP Human Geography classes.

Coursework in her class goes far beyond simply labeling areas on a map and learning the basics of other cultures, she explained. It attempts to answer the what, where and why of human patterns, and the social and environmental consequences of that.

She put it like this: “It’s more about, ‘Why are some countries successful and others aren’t? Why are there people starving in some places and some places aren’t? Why do some people practice one religion and then others something else, and how does that affect the politics, the culture and languages they speak and everything?’”

In essence, she said, it enables her students “to see the world in a different way.”

Before arriving at Sunlake, Cullison taught social studies at Rushe and Pine View middle schools, in Land O’ Lakes.

Cullison studied political science at the University of Central Florida and University of South Florida.

Her first teaching experience came during an internship with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies in Washington D.C.

There, she was tasked with educating Middle Eastern government and military officials on American foreign policy in that region.

The experience, she said, “gave me the first touch of, ‘I really like teaching. I want to be able to help people understand where (other) people are coming from.’”

She said it also helped her to gain insight on why other peoples’ perspectives are sometimes different.

Cullison is eager to use the fellowship to introduce more open source mapping tools in her classroom.

Open source mapping is a collaborative volunteer project to create better, digital maps available of an area, specifically in less developed nations.

Cullison said the program is particularly useful for search and recovery efforts after natural disasters.

It allows first responders “to see what something is or was” in destroyed areas — whether it be schools, homes, buildings, roads and so on, she said.

“It’s really all about being able to identify and locate, and mark what computers can’t do,” the educator said.

Two years ago, her classes utilized the mapping program to aid humanitarians and first responders in Puerto Rico, in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

It helped in the search and recovery efforts to find people who had been injured by the natural disaster, or those who had not survived, she said.

Published Oct. 2, 2019

Pasco County honors its 2019 graduates

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As graduates stepped across the stage at the University of South Florida’s Yuengling Center to accept their diplomas — the crowd erupted with cheers and applause.

That’s not an atypical reaction at graduation ceremonies, but this one was particularly special.

The Class of 2019 at Cypress Creek Middle High School made history on June 5, by becoming the first crop of graduates from the Wesley Chapel high school.

Lucas Budd, class valedictorian, addresses his peers, during the Graduate-to-Graduate Message portion of the program. (Christine Holtzman)

They were among thousands of seniors marking the traditional rite of passage, in graduation ceremonies large and small across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Many of those graduation ceremonies took place at USF’s Yuengling Center, but some were held in smaller, more intimate settings.

The Cypress Creek seniors wore gowns donned with green and yellow — representing their school colors.

These graduates have been leaders at the school since it opened in the Fall of 2017, without a senior class.

“Every graduating class is special, but these guys and girls are incredibly near and dear to our hearts,” said Cypress Creek Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles. “They’ve literally built the foundation for this school.”

The graduating class is comprised of 225 students, included six pairs of twins.

Many Cypress Creek graduates have been accepted already to colleges, such as  Saint Leo University, the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, the University of South Florida and scores of others.

“I’ve been accepted into USF since September (2018),” said Cypress Creek graduate Hayley McManus.

She’s considering a major in engineering or psychology.

Graduation marks an end, and a beginning
Thousands of students across the region are leaving a familiar place — whether it was a sprawling college campus, a small private school, or a large high school — to start a new journey in life.

The thought of receiving her diploma was a lot to take in, for McManus, an 18-year-old from Cypress Creek.

Lisa McMahon, a speech therapist at Cypress Creek High School, straightens the cap of graduate Matthew Montesant, before festivities begin.

“It’s kind of surreal,” she said. “I had hopes that I would graduate, but I never thought about how being the inaugural class would feel. I feel kind of special that I’m setting the precedent.”

Sam Mazzeo had a similar feeling of pride about being Cypress Creek’s first graduating class, and also about helping to set an example for the school’s younger students.

He wants to return to Cypress Creek to help coach football.

Jason Stahlgren, a Florida transplant from Ohio, didn’t arrive at Cypress Creek until his senior year.

But, the warm welcome he received made it a good experience, he said.

“Moving my senior year was tough, but everybody here made it really easy,” said Stahlgren.

When Karisma Brooks initially arrived at Cypress Creek, her only desire was to return to her former high school in Tampa, she recalled.

Over time, though, she adjusted to her new environment and was able to create some memorable moments – especially as a member of the school’s first step team.

“It was a really big impact on us to bring African-American culture to the school,” Brooks said, with a smile.

The 17-year-old is now ready to serve her country as part of the U.S. Air Force, and then plans to seek a degree in health sciences.

Graduates earn diplomas, accolades
Lucas Budd, the Cypress Creek valedictorian, was one of more than 60 Pasco seniors from various high schools to receive an associate’s degree from Pasco-Hernando State College.

During the ceremony, Budd told his fellow students: “Today marks the end of a significant and memorable chapter in our lives. Be proud of this accomplishment, but leave some praise for the people who helped us graduate. We should be thankful for our families who have supported us.”

Lori Vogel was in the crowd to support Ashley Nickisher, a graduate and Vogel’s niece.

“This is a very special moment, and I’m very excited for her,” Vogel said.

A group of Cypress Creek High School graduates pose for a picture with the school’s mascot, Carmine the Coyote, before the graduation ceremony. From left: Derek Attwood, Michae’la Davis, Christian Wilmore (dressed as the mascot), Rebecca Bobik and Jonathan Blake.

In her remarks during the ceremony, Cypress Creek Principal Hetzler-Nettles told the Class of 2019: “You’ve made me so very proud. As you move into life on your own personal journey and to new territory, exploring new things, remember what you’ve accomplished. You’re an integral part of something larger than yourself.”

While Cypress Creek graduates were making history, members of the Class of 2019 across Pasco County had plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Land O’ Lakes High School, with more than 400 graduates, received more than $12 million in scholarship offers.

Zephyrhills High, with an estimated 360 graduates, pulled in more than $750,000 in scholarship offers.

Pasco High School, which issued diplomas to more than 300 students, received more than $1 million in scholarship money.

And, that’s just to mention a few of the accomplishments, among the region’s public schools.

Private schools and area colleges also had plenty of reasons to be proud.

Academy at the Lakes in Land O’ Lakes had its graduation ceremony on May 18.

“We had 42 graduates – 100 percent of them going on to college,” said Mark Heller, head of the private school.

Among the schools accepting Academy students are Yale University, Vanderbilt University, University of Florida, University of Washington and the Pratt Institute art school.

“At a school like Academy at the Lakes, relationships are everything,” Heller stated. “Relationships between the teachers and students really are the key to preparing these young adults to be the best they can be.”

Even at the collegiate level, there was much to be celebrated.

Pasco-Hernando State College had two commencement ceremonies at its West Campus in New Port Richey.

Graduate Stephanie Bostick received an associate of arts and associate of science degree in legal assisting. Tracy Meshey persevered with a brain injury to earn her associate of science degree, and Maria Madeiros received her associate of arts degree after relocating from her native Brazil and learning to speak English.

Saint Leo University awarded more than 1,250 degrees.

The university’s valedictorian was Angela Lazzaro, a psychology major. Its salutatorian was Jennifer Fields, a criminal justice major.

Published June 12, 2019