Search Results for: Sanders Elementary School

Chalk Talk 10/24/2018

October 24, 2018 By Mary Rathman

Students of the Month recognized
Nine students were honored as the The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Students of the Month, for October. Students are chosen by the teachers and administration of their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. Those receiving honors were: Joseph Nespoli, The Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Austin Ward, The Broach School; Julian Ortiz, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School; Jasmine Genton, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Johnathan Dowling, Heritage Academy; Rachel Diaz, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Callie Carter, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; Matheo Cisneros, Zephyrhills Christian Academy; and Bryce Sanders, Zephyrhills High School.

Fall festival
Pasco Elementary School will host a Fall Festival on Oct. 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be bounce houses, games, prizes, face painting, free books, free child ID kits, a selfie station and more. No costumes or masks will be allowed.

To preorder a wristband ($10) by Oct. 24, call (352) 524-5200. The cost at the gate will be $15. Adult admission is free. A dunk tank, a cake walk, and some food and drink will be available for an additional cost.

Trunk or Treat will take place in the parking lot from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Students can wear costumes for this event. A trophy will be given to the best decorated vehicle. For information, contact Alicia VanDusen at or (352) 524-5208.

All proceeds will go to purchase student and staff incentives.

Poster and poem contest
Paralyzed Veterans of America has launched its 15th annual Veterans Day National Poster and Poem Contest, to showcase the artistic talents and patriotic pride of young students for disabled veterans in their communities.

The theme for this year’s contest is “Help Our Veterans Be UnstoppABLE in Your Community.”

Participants are asked to draw a poster or write a poem showing or telling how they can help make their community more accessible for veterans who use wheelchairs.

The poster contest is open to students in first grade to fourth grade. The poem contest is open to students in grades five to eight.

Entries must be received by 5 p.m., on Oct. 29.

For information, including guidelines and how to enter, visit PVA.org/posterpoem.

Mathematics contest
Saint Leo University is looking for middle schoolers to participate in the American Mathematics Competition 8, on Nov. 13. The contest was developed by the Mathematical Association of America, and is free.

The purpose of the competition is to encourage students to develop positive attitudes about mathematics and analytical thinking by having them apply classroom learning to a 25-question, multiple-choice exam.

Students have 40 minutes to complete the questions. Learn more about the subject matter at MAA.org/math-competitions/amc-8.

Saint Leo will accommodate 30 students and mathematics faculty will monitor the contest.

Students are asked to arrive by 5:45 p.m., and go directly to Selby Auditorium in Lewis Hall. The test starts promptly at 6 p.m.

Advance registration is required. Parents should email Dr. Kevin Murphy at to reserve a spot, and include the phrase “AMC 8” in the subject line. Or, parents also can call (8352) 588-7192.

Hitting all the right notes — together

May 16, 2018 By B.C. Manion

It’s a Monday evening at the Dade City Woman’s Club and vocal coach Alison Graham sits at a small round table, near a bank of windows.

Girls are sitting around her on the floor, listening as Graham reads through judges’ comments from their most recent competition.

It’s a routine the girls know well.

The singers, who are members of Graham Music Studios, are accustomed to performing, and also to being judged.

Alison Graham, of Graham Music Studios, uses a blend of constructive criticism, humor and kindness to help the singers under her direction to develop their voices. (B.C. Manion)

They make frequent appearances at local events, such as the Pasco County Fair, the Kumquat Festival, Church Street Christmas, the San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival, the Dade City Christmas Stroll, and the holiday show at The Shops at Wiregrass.

They compete at Spotlight on Talent, a local showcase and also every year at Access Broadway in Orlando, which has regional and national contests.

Graham’s groups have been competing in Orlando for about 10 years.

Last summer, her middle group won the national competition and this spring, her oldest group took the top prize in regionals.

Graham’s groups compete in regionals every year in Orlando, and at nationals when they’re held there. The nationals rotate between Orlando, New York and Las Vegas.

While her groups and individual members in the groups have a good track record at competitions, Graham said that’s not her focus.

“It’s not about the trophy,” she said.

She’s far more interested in the individual development of each of her singers.

Amelia Collins awaits her part during a practice on a Monday evening at the Dade City Woman’s Club.

Her groups also aim to foster teamwork and camaraderie.

After a singer performs, Graham said she tries to talk to her before the awards are announced.

She wants to know how the singer felt about the performance. Sometimes the singer will acknowledge that she hadn’t prepared enough; other times, she’ll say she gave it her all.

“I don’t care what place you got. I care about: ‘Did you do well for you?’ Did you do your best?’,” said Graham, who has been coaching vocal groups and giving private voice lessons for more than 20 years.

Striving to reach their potential
She wants her singers to make the most of their ability and to continue the quest to improve.

“One of the things I say all of the time is, ‘Good is the enemy of great.’ If you’re OK with good, you are not going to be great,” she said.

Sometimes, the judges won’t see a performance the same way that Graham sees it.

When, for instance, the judge gets it wrong in Graham’s opinion, she’ll tell the singer: “We both know you got ripped off.”

Georgia Piersall dons an apron for a practice session of ‘Opening Up,’ from the Broadway show, ‘The Waitress.’

In the same breath, though, she’ll remind them: “You can’t control the judges. You have to focus on what you can control.”

Graham has three singing groups.

In general, Showtime is made up of elementary students; Showbiz is made up of middle school students; and Showstoppers is made up of high school students. Occasionally, a younger girl may be part of an older group.

And, because there are three different age groups, Graham has set up a system: “There’s a big sister, a middle sister and a little sister, and they look out for each other,” she said.

They bond with each other and validate each other, too, she said.

“If a girl kills it and still comes in fifth, the other girls will support her,” the vocal coach explained.

Graham’s weekly group lessons are 45 minutes long, beginning at 6 p.m., for the youngest singers; then at 7 p.m., for the middle group; and at 8 p.m., for the oldest group.

It costs $50 a month for the group lessons, but that doesn’t include expenses for costumes or entry fees for competitions. Most of her older singers also take private voice lessons with her.

Graham began her career as a music teacher at Hunter’s Green Elementary School, but decided to offer private lessons when her son was born, more than two decades ago.

The waiting list for her private lessons grew so long that she decided to form groups.

Most of the singers at Graham Music Studios come from Dade City, but some come from other areas, including Zephyrhills and Sumter County.

Graham said the success of her program is a result of the dedication of her singers, and the support of both their parents and the community, at large.

“I have a lot of people say, ‘Is your job like Dance Moms? I bet it is.’

“Honestly, it’s the opposite of Dance Moms.

“When I came to Access Broadway, one of the moms had Starbucks for me. Another mom ran and got my lunch for me.

Showbiz, the middle group from Graham Music Studio, rehearses a number from ‘Wicked.’

“They are just: ‘Whatever those girls need.’

“That’s why they’re successful,” Graham said.

Occasionally, though, something will come up, and she’ll have to have a chat with a parent.

She’ll say: “My job is to do what’s best for the group, and your job is to what’s best for your kid. Sometimes, those things don’t overlap.”

Ultimately, though, “they all have to understand that I’m the one who is going to pull the trigger in the end,” the vocal coach said.

The community of Dade City provides welcome support, Graham added.

“If we were from a large town, like Tampa, you just don’t know them. But in Dade City, people know these girls,” she said.

Having the girls look out for each other is essential when they are performing at a large event, Graham said.

At The Shops of Wiregrass, during the holidays, for instance, “when those little girls come off the stage, the big girls are waiting there for them,” she said.

The girls grow attached to each other and to Graham, and the vocal coach also bonds with the singers.

There’s a lot of affection and laughter, but a good deal of focus and effort, too.

Offering criticism and kindness
Catherine Beard, a relatively new singer in the oldest group, said belonging to the group requires commitment. “It takes a lot of hard work. We all have to practice over and over, until we get it right,” she said.

She thinks the singers are in good hands.

“Mrs. Alison is absolutely wonderful. She’s kind and supportive. She’s experienced. She knows what she’s doing,” Beard said.

Some girls in the oldest group have been singing with Graham for a dozen years.

Megan Phillips joined Graham’s group 11 years ago.

She was delighted when Showstoppers received the top honor at Access Broadway’s spring regional competition. The group put in extra practices to prepare and faced quality competitors, she said.

Phillips appreciates Graham.

Members of Showstoppers rehearse ‘Opening Up,’ a song from the Broadway show, ‘Waitress.’

“Mrs. Alison is a second mom. I’ve known her almost my entire life, and she’s a great person. She’s supportive and nice, but she’s not afraid to tell us what we’re doing wrong and what we need to improve ourselves,” Phillips said.

She values the other girls in her group, too.

“We really are a family here, and I love everything about Showstoppers,” Phillips said.

Mikayla Mauradian, a member in the middle group, appreciates Graham’s candor and high standards.

“Miss Allison is truly a great teacher and we love her, and she always pushes us to do better, no matter the rating,” Mauradian said.

Georgia Piersall, a member of the oldest group, said the bond between the singers helps them perform well together.

“It definitely helps to have a group of girls who are as close as sisters to work with,” Piersall said.

Plus, she added: “Mrs. Allison is so incredibly dedicated to what she does, it amazes me. She treats us like her own and is always proud of us, no matter what.”

Graham feels connected to the girls, too.

It’s always emotional when one of her singers graduates and moves on, Graham said. “I cry every year. I just sit there, and bawl and bawl.”

The girls may leave, but they tend to come back to visit.

Many show up at the end-of-year performance and pitch in backstage, Graham said.

The vocal coach believes that being part of the group gives the girls something they wouldn’t have independently.

“Something, at some point, is going to go wrong for you,” Graham said.

The friendship and support the girls get from one another, helps cushion them for life’s blows.

“It’s having a safe place to land,” Graham said.

Members of Showstoppers: Catherine Beard, Mackenzie Ferrell, Analiese Gallagher, Maitlin Hart, Chase Hemphill, Kiersten Herman, Megan Phillips, Georgia Piersall, Shelby Surratt and Haley Sanders.

Members of Showbiz: Bailey Bardin, Amelia Collins, Haley Collins, Isabella Como, Emma Crist, Lyndsey Furtado, Lyra Lacson, Emily Loyed, Mikayla Mauradian, Kassie Miller, Mackenzie Robinson, Payton Rodgers, Emma Shireman, Analee Tomkow, Marlee Tomkow and Macy Whisnant.

Members of Showtime: Carly Bowling, Katarina Carroll, Ellie DeLoyed, Sally Harper, Larkin Mainwaring, Lacey Miltner, Emeley Poblick, Sophia Poblick, Shyleigh Reeher, Mackenzie Trenkle and Keaton Ward.

Published May 16, 2018

Dr. Susan A. MacManus retires from USF

May 9, 2018 By B.C. Manion

When Dr. Susan A. MacManus recently headed to the front of Room 128, in the Social Science Building on the University of South Florida campus — it was to deliver the final lecture of her 47-year teaching career.

Her regular students were there, but there were visitors, too — former students who wanted to be there to share the moment.

MacManus offered her thoughts about the coming Mid-Terms, and when she concluded, she announced: “That, my friends, is my last lecture ever,” with her voice cracking a bit.

One student immediately rushed forward to give MacManus a hug.

Dr. Susan A. MacManus, known nationally for her knowledge of Florida and national politics, stands near her home in Land O’ Lakes. (B.C.Manion)

Another declared: “You’re going to make me cry.”

Those gathered finished out the period eating pizza and cake, and picking up political buttons, reporters’ notebooks and additional trinkets MacManus had collected along the political trail.

Being a teacher was always part of the plan, said MacManus, who grew up in Land O’ Lakes.

“I knew very, very early that I was going to be a teacher. I loved school. I really enjoyed my teachers.

“Sanders (Memorial Elementary) had a lot of really good teachers,” MacManus said.

She graduated at 16 from Pasco High School and initially was a double major, in political science and physical education at Florida State University.

It didn’t take long, though, for MacManus to discover that politics were her true passion.

She graduated from FSU with a bachelor’s degree in political science and went straight to the University of Michigan for a master’s degree. She was attracted to its Survey Research Center, and it was there she developed an interest in polling.

After that, she landed her first job as an instructor at Valencia Community College.

She was 21.

An early interest in government financing
While teaching at Valencia, she took advantage of a program that allowed her to be paid to go

back to school to expand her expertise. She went to FSU where she studied urban planning and political science, under Thomas Dye, who ultimately turned out to be her major professor and mentor.

After returning to Valencia, Dye called her out of the blue and offered her the chance to become his research assistant, allowing her to pursue her doctorate at FSU.

For her dissertation, MacManus examined the revenue patterns of cities and suburbs across the United States. She coded data for multiple decades for 600-plus cities and suburbs across the country.

“From the beginning, understanding the financing of state and local governments has been a terrific asset to me as a political scientist,” she said.

Her first big university job was at the University of Houston, she said. “It just was the right fit for me. The city was exploding.”

Dr. Susan A. MacManus has amassed a large collection of political buttons while covering the campaign trail as a political analyst. Some were on display during her recent retirement reception. (B.C. Manion)

Next, she was recruited by Cleveland State, in Cleveland, Ohio, which also was a good fit professionally and personally.

Her sister, Lou, and her brother, Cameron, were both practicing medicine there and both had young children — allowing MacManus to bond with her nieces and nephews from their infancy.

After four years in Cleveland, she returned to Land O’ Lakes.

“I had left home when I was 16,” she said. “Basically, I hadn’t been able to experience rich time with my parents.”

Coming back to the community where she grew up gave her a chance to work at USF, learn about the family’s citrus business, and to help her mom write two local history books about Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

“I look back on it, and it all fits together,” she said.

Beyond her influence on students, MacManus also became widely known for her deep knowledge of Florida and national politics.

During the 1990s, she began providing political analysis for News Channel 8.

That started at the encouragement of Bill Ratliff, who had interviewed her for his political show and told her: “You ought to think about doing this. You’re good at it because you can talk to everyday people.”

MacManus replied: “Well, I’m a country girl, you know.”

She agreed to give it a try, if Ratliff would show her the ropes.

She went on to become part of the television station’s coverage team for national political conventions, presidential debates and inaugurations.

And, for decades, she has been a prolific speaker providing her insights to hundreds of civic groups, statewide associations, political and government groups.

Beyond that, she has frequently shared her knowledge in television, radio and newspaper interviews.

She also provided analysis of political conventions during the past two presidential elections, and coverage of the 2016 presidential election for The Laker/Lutz News.

Those experiences of providing political analysis for the media and speaking before myriad groups required her to stay informed, she said.

“It’s absolutely made me keep on top of things. It made me a far, far better teacher,” she said.

The connections she made were invaluable, too.

“I cannot tell you how many internships and jobs that my students have gotten as a consequence of people I have met, on both sides of the political aisle, at major political events,” she said. “You don’t get those kinds of opportunities for students, sitting in your office.”

Hashing out opposing views
MacManus believes her personal background prepared her for her future career.

“I grew up with differences of opinion about politics and lots of family bantering, especially at our large-extended family events.

“But, when it was time to eat and have fun, that was put aside.

Dr. Susan A. MacManus stands in front of a bus parked at the first 2016 presidential debate. The bus is touting CNN’s coverage of the 2016 race for president between Donald J. Trump and Hillary Rodham Clinton. (File)

“That has been one of the greatest gifts I was given — for being an analyst — was growing up in that kind of environment. I don’t get to the point where I can’t talk to somebody because they think differently,” she said.

She praised her last crop of students at USF for being able to hold widely divergent views, while maintaining civility.

It’s an art, she fears, that’s being lost in society today.

Communication has changed, too.

“Candidates and parties, and everyone else, you have to go to multiple platforms,” MacManus said. “You cannot any longer rely upon one source of information.”

As she was winding up her final class, she paused to thank her students.

“I’ve learned far more from you than you’ve learned from me. Your generation is the most interesting one we’ve had, in a very long time,” she said.

“Thank you for being a wonderful, wonderful class,” MacManus said. “I couldn’t ask for a better end to my career than you all. Thank you.”

What people are saying about Dr. Susan A. MacManus
Dr. Judy Genshaft, president of the University of South Florida, and Dr. Liana Fernandez Fox spoke during a retirement reception for Dr. Susan A. MacManus at the University Club of Tampa. During the event, sponsored by USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy, the women offered these comments — made by others — to honor MacManus:

“Besides my parents, no one has had as much impact on me as Dr. MacManus. She is an incredible teacher. She has a story about everything, and is so generously willing and giving of her time and knowledge to students who want to work.” — Anthony Cilluffo, former research assistant for MacManus and current research associate with the Pew Research Center in Washington D.C.
“Susan is as much of an institution in Florida politics, as ambitious candidates embarrassing themselves at the Possum Festival, or sipping Cuban coffee in Little Havana. Besides the sheer depth of her knowledge, she happens to be one of the nicest people on the political scene.” — Adam Smith, the Tampa Bay Times political editor
“The views of Susan MacManus have always been welcomed, eagerly sought — about both Florida politics and national politics. Susan is a gifted academic, whose work my own team has cited many times. What makes Susan even more special is her remarkable ability to translate her work, as well as her colleagues’ findings, for the benefit of the news media and the general public. A keen observer of the political scene for decades, Susan will, no doubt, be called upon frequently in retirement. We continue to need her voice.” — Dr. Larry Sabato, founder and director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics.

Some 2018 Mid-Term insights
Dr. Susan A. MacManus, distinguished professor of political science, offered these observations during her final lecture at the University of South Florida:

Lawyers will be busy.

“This is going to be a very litigious, contentious election. Lawyers are going make a lot of money this election cycle because you’re going to have a lot of voting rights’ issues being litigated.”

The ballot will be crowded.

“We’ve got everything under the sun, up for election this time.”

Besides U.S. Senate and Governor, Floridians will be choosing congressional representatives, state lawmakers and local elected officials. There’s 13 proposed constitutional amendments, too.

Lots of new faces will be on the political scene.

“We’re already seeing a record number of new people who have never run before filing to run for office in Florida, at every level.”

A coming Blue Wave?

“As an analyst, I’m not seeing it yet. It could happen, but it’s not there yet.”

Expect a close finish.

“The last four elections, two governors, two presidential — 1 percent margin of victory for the winner. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

Susan’s Four Fs
Dr. Susan A. MacManus never got an F in anything, except for Home Ec, according to her sister, Lou MacManus, who spoke at Susan’s retirement reception at the University Club of Tampa, on the 38th floor of One Tampa City Center.

She said these are the four Fs that have been a constant in Susan’s life: Family, friends, faith and fun.

The reception reflected that. Some former students drove down from Gainesville. Another former student flew in from Washington D.C. Her best friend traveled from Michigan. Her cousins came from Land O’ Lakes. And, scores of others were there, too, to celebrate Susan’s accomplishments.

Lou ribbed her older sister, sharing little-known details about her — including Susan’s fascination for insects when she was young and her runner-up finish a Pasco County beauty pageant. (Actually just in the top 10, Susan says).

University of South Florida President Judy Genshaft praised Susan’s academic contributions. Genshaft also noted: “I would venture to say that Susan is among the most sought-after political analysts in the country.”

The room was decorated with photographs of Susan pictured with prominent political figures, and all sorts of political buttons on display. There was even a polling booth, from the 2000 presidential election — the year of the infamous “hanging chad.”

Susan’s long-time friend, Dr. Liana Fernandez Fox, said the party was exactly Susan’s kind of celebratory gathering.

“We filled this room with family and friends, good friends — and, with mementoes of Susan’s fabulous and fun career, of educating students, voters and the media,” Fox said.

Published May 9, 2018

Connerton — Much More Than Just A Place To Live

April 25, 2018 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

In the heart of Pasco County in Land O’ Lakes, the community of Connerton continues to grow, as hundreds of new homes are built for people of all ages, fulfilling their dreams to live in a community that offers much more than just a place to live.

Connerton provides more for its residents than other planned communities because it has been designated a “New Town” by the Florida Legislature. Being a New Town means Connerton can create opportunities for a diverse tax base and future job generation, offering residents a community where they can live, work and play!

More Amenities.
Club Connerton serves as the community’s social hub and sports recreation center. Its resort-style pool and its unique giant water bucket is a favorite of Connerton youngsters, who rush to get drenched by the fast-falling water. An outdoor grill and game area were recently added for residents’ enjoyment, and the latest in exercise equipment is found at the Fit and Flourish room. Tennis, pickleball and basketball courts are part of the amenity complex, where residents are always welcome to join in pickup games.

More Family Fun.
A full-time activities director and support staff offer a complete spectrum of activities designed to please the little ones, teenagers and adults. These include yoga, Pilates, girls’ night out, cigar night, dive-in movies, community yard sales, Winter Wonderland and the annual Independence Day Celebration that draws more than 7,000 attendees.

In January, Connerton was the proud recipient of the 2018 Gold Award for Best Lifestyle Program for a Community during the National Association of Home Builders Sales and Marketing Awards gala in Orlando. Entries were submitted from around the nation, and Connerton walked away with the top award, edging out communities from California, Texas and South Florida.

More Nature and Trails.
With Connerton’s appreciation of nature, green space and conservation areas, residents enjoy more than 7 miles of trails and oversized sidewalks to bike, walk or simply enjoy a family stroll. A scenic 2-mile trail winds its way through natural wilderness, lakes and wetlands, and includes elevated boardwalks for bird watching and viewing other Florida wildlife.

Adjacent to Connerton is Conner Preserve — almost 3,000 acres of wildlife habitat donated by Connerton and managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Biking, camping, hiking, equestrian use and model airplane flying are some of the recreational activities found in the Preserve.

More Quality Schools.
Connerton Elementary is conveniently located within its borders and offers many school-based activities, including band and chorus, a Fall Festival, Science Fair and PTA special events. Residents can also register their children at close-by Sanders Memorial Elementary, a STEAM magnet school specializing in science, technology, engineering, art and math.

Older students attend Pine View Middle School, which has the distinct honor of being Pasco County’s first International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme Candidate School. Land O’ Lakes High School is located right down the road and is the assigned high school. An A-rated school and designated International Baccalaureate World School, Land O’ Lakes High has been named ‘One of America’s Best Public Schools’ by U.S. News & World Report. Private, charter and parochial schools are also in the area.

More Parks.
Who doesn’t love a park? Residents looking for a place to picnic, or just a quiet place to read, visit one of the many neighborhood parks – Connerton Cove, Garden Party Park, Magnolia Park or Storybrook Park, which is also home to the community dog park.

More for All.
It’s easy to see why Connerton is “The Community of More…” If you’re looking to move, a visit to Connerton is well worth your time to visit. Five quality builders offer many floors plans and homesites. Models by M/I Homes, Lennar, Homes by WestBay and Inland Homes are open seven days a week. Luxury custom homebuilder Arthur Rutenberg Homes has 90-foot homesites available in the gated area of Rose Pointe.

For additional information, call (813) 996-5800, or visit Connerton.com.

Published April 25, 2018

She wants to make sure girls’ voices are heard

April 25, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Lindsey Turnbull, a former resident of Land O’ Lakes, has been named one of the University of Central Florida’s 30 Under 30 alumni award winners.

Turnbull was recognized for her work as the founder and CEO of MissHeard Media, a platform that offers teen girls the opportunity to elevate their voices and to create community.

MissHeard Media connects girls across the globe by giving them a place to share their stories and experiences, as well as an opportunity to learn new skills that will help them to chart their own course in life.

Lindsey Turnbull, a former resident of Land O’ Lakes, has been honored for her work to give young girls a chance to express themselves.
(Courtesy of Kathy Cabble)

This year’s class of 30 Under 30 award winners includes marketing and communications professionals, entrepreneurs, engineers, software specialists, attorneys, education leaders, doctors, nurses and a football star. Amber Mariano, who represents District 36 of the Florida House of Representatives, which includes a portion of Pasco County, is also on the list, according to a UCF news release.

Turnbull studied history, anthropology and women’s studies at UCF. She also served as the program coordinator for the Young Women Leaders Program.

MissHeard, with its board of teen girls and youth-related professionals, focuses on girl-centered and girl-created content to foster empowered, girl-positive communities.

MissHeard Media seeks “to create a world where all teen girls feel understood, prepared, confident, and most of all, heard,” according to its website.

Turnbull said her parents moved to Land O’ Lakes when she was 7. She attended Sanders Memorial Elementary School, Pine View Middle School and Land O’ Lakes High School.

She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Central Florida before moving to the Washington D.C. area to pursue a career in history and museum studies.

But, a government sequester, which placed a hard cap on government spending, closed off employment opportunities she had hoped to pursue, so she launched MissHeard Media.

MissHeardMedia is an outgrowth of Turnbull’s experience at the University of Central Florida, where she worked closely with teenage girls.

“What I really discovered was that all of these teen girls were really smart and funny, and had all of these really interesting things to say, but nobody was really asking them what they thought,” Turnbull said.

“I thought to myself: One day, I’m going to do something so everyone will know how awesome teen girls are,” she said.

That day came sooner than she expected.

She created MissHeardMedia.com to give girls a platform for girls to share their stories.

But, she also realized that she missed working directly with girls, so she began offering workshops. She also does speaking engagements.

“Most of what I do is in the D.C. area, right now,” she said.

Soon, she’ll be offering a summer workshop, which will focus on mixing creativity with technology, she said.

“We’re going to do an overview of all kinds of different ways to be creative,” she said.

“We still have the blog, which has stories from girls around the world. We have a teen advisory board, and they submit a lot of the writing,” she said.

Turnbull wants to create the opportunity for girls to be heard — both by their peers, but also by society, in general.

“I think what a lot of people may not realize is that teen girls are very aware of what’s going on in the world, and they want to make a difference and see change. I don’t think a lot of adults realize that.

“I know when the Parkland activists started speaking out after the shooting, all of these adults were like, ‘Teenagers don’t care about this. Why should they have a say? Why should we listen to them?

“And, as someone who has been working with girls for 10 years, I was like, ‘Of course they have things to say. You probably had things to say when you were 16,” Turnbull said.

To find out more about Turnbull’s work, visit MissHeardMedia.com.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Turnbull at (727) 491-3922 or email .

Published April 25, 2018

Local educator named a PBS ‘Digital Innovator All-Star’

April 11, 2018 By B.C. Manion

It’s no secret that educator Bobbi Starling knows her way around technology.

When she was a classroom teacher at Woodland Elementary School in Zephyrhills and at Centennial Middle School in Dade City, she was constantly introducing students to technical tools which could enhance their education and broaden their view of the world.

Bobbi Starling has recently been selected to the PBS Digital Innovator All-Star Program. It’s a new program, and only 30 educators nationwide were selected, including just Starling from Florida. (B.C. Manion)

Now, as the magnet schools program coordinator for the Pasco County school district, she has the potential to have a positive impact on a greater number of students — albeit indirectly, she said.

Starling’s classroom teaching work was recognized by PBS in 2015, when she was selected as one of 100 educators across the nation to be named a PBS Digital Innovator. She went on to become one of 30 nationwide to be named a lead Digital Innovator.

More recently, Starling was chosen to take part in a new program called the PBS Digital Innovator All-Star Program.

Thirty educators across the country were chosen for the program, including just Starling from Florida.

Gail Taylor, director of educational services for WEDU, nominated the Pasco County educator.

“She’s just perfect for this award. She’s just so innovative,” said Taylor, noting she wasn’t surprised Starling was selected.

“We thought she was a shoo-in. She’s amazing,” Taylor added.

“We’ve done a lot of work with her over the past few years.

“We did a great STEM fair when she was teaching at a middle school, before she became the magnet school coordinator.

“The kids were actually programming their own iPads to make robotic balls move around a paint tray, and they painted coasters and T-shirts, using those little robotic balls.

“They were playing games, using Gummy Worms as conductors and game pieces,” Taylor said.

As part of the All-Star program, Starling will have access to virtual and in-person events, including the PBS Digital Innovator All-Star Summit, and the International Society for Technology and Education Conference in Chicago, Illinois, in June.

She can’t wait.

This bus has been converted into a Mobile Aviation Lab, to provide more students a chance to get exposure to aviation and aeronautics lessons. (Courtesy of Bobbi Starling)

“At that summit, we’re going to be put on teams with people from other states, and we’re going to be developing some new curriculum — a three-part virtual learning series.

“There will be different focus areas for STEAM, social studies, language arts, digital arts, all sorts of different things. We’ll be developing some new content that will be offered.

“It will be housed on the PBS Learning Media.org website and that’s free for everybody in the state of Florida, including the premium resources,” Starling said.

The educator believes that technology is the great equalizer, when it comes to learning opportunities.

Technology helps children who come from impoverished families to have the same kind of experiences as those who come from affluent households, Starling said, noting that virtual reality and other technological tools can level the playing field.

Starling said she was delighted when she learned of her nomination, and “ecstatic and thrilled” when she found out she’d been selected.

“Reading the biographies of my peers that were also nominated, I was actually blown away by the people that are there,” Starling said. “I cannot wait to make some neat connections and share some interesting ideas, and I’m sure that I will be learning a lot, hearing a lot, and hopefully, I’ll be able to contribute, too.”

In her current district position, she works will all of Pasco schools, but more heavily with the Sanders Memorial Elementary STEAM Magnet School in Land O’ Lakes; the Centennial Middle School STEM Magnet School in Dade City; and, the Bayonet Point Middle STEM Magnet School in New Port Richey.

This student is getting a virtual reality experience on a school bus that the Pasco County school district has converted into a mobile aviation lab. (Courtesy of Bobbi Starling)

Starling also noted that the district has nine elementary schools that have aviation equipment. They are the elementary schools in the feeder patterns for Zephyrhills, Sunlake and Hudson high schools, which each have aviation and aeronautics academies.

But Terry Anchman, the director of career and technical education, came up with the idea of converting a school bus into a mobile Aviation STEM Lab, Starling said.

That way, fifth-graders from other district schools can get their hands on equipment such as flight simulators, 3D printing, virtual reality and drones, the educator said.

“I developed a curriculum for that. So, all of those students get a little bit of a taste for aviation and aeronautics,” Starling said.

She hopes that exposure will spark an interest in students, who can then consider attending one of the district’s magnet middle schools, which offers the curriculum.

She also hopes that parents will become more aware of the district’s educational options.

Taylor, herself a former classroom teacher, is confident that Starling will make a difference in the PBS program, just as she has as a classroom teacher.

“She’s just one of the best teachers I’ve ever been associated with,” Taylor said.

“She’s just what education ought to be,” Taylor added. “If all of our teachers could be Bobbi Starling, it would be a whole new world.”

Published April 11, 2018

Chalk Talk 03/07/2018

March 7, 2018 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Citizens of the Month
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized students chosen by teachers, administration at their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. Students honored for the month of February were: Elijah Kellerman, The Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Drew Sinclair, The Broach School; Cylee Laclair, Chester Taylor Elementary School; Sarai Guzman, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Dylan VanCuren, Heritage Academy; Michael Barnes, Hope Ranch Learning Academy; Sophie Graziano, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School; Sam Pertel, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; Noah Porter, Woodland Elementary School; and Cartrell Strong, Zephyrhills High School.

Local student achievements
These local students have been named to honor lists at their respective schools for the fall semester:

Dean’s List

Matthew Berube, of Lutz, Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania)
Kelsey Bognar, of Lutz, Hofstra University (New York)
Caleb Brian, of Lutz, Tallahassee Community College
Rachel Carlson, of Lutz, University of Maine
Amanda Clifford, of Lutz, University of Alabama
Mackenzie Morgan Cuffe, of Odessa, Clemson University (South Carolina)
Nicole Elizabeth Davis, of Lutz, Tallahassee Community College
Seriah Groen, of Odessa, Wheaton College (Illinois)
Gabrielle Harrison, of Lutz, University of Alabama
Stuart Hernandez, of Lutz, Florida Institute of Technology
Clare O’ Keefe, of Lutz, Endicott College (Maine)
Grace Kortz, Mercer University, Stetson School of Business and Economics (Georgia)
Katie McCleese Law, of Odessa, Tallahassee Community College
Garren Lewis, of Lutz, Seton Hall University (New Jersey)
Rachael Theresa Martin, of Odessa, Tallahassee Community College
Julianna Mitten, of Odessa, Cedarville University (Ohio)
Alwina Mohamadali, of Lutz, Lincoln Memorial University (Tennessee)
Sydney Briana Navarro, of Lutz, Tallahassee Community College
Julia Elizabeth Peacock, of Lutz, University of the South/Sewanee (Tennessee)
Vinayak Ruia, of Lutz, Georgia Tech
Andrew Schwitzgebel, of Lutz, University of Alabama
Nathan Shane, of Lutz, The Citadel (South Carolina)
Daniil Shcherbinin, of Lutz, Wittenberg University (Ohio)
Jolene Swift, of Lutz, University of Alabama

President’s List

Alexia Acebo, of Lutz, University of Alabama
Kelly R. Barry, of Odessa, Clemson University (South Carolina)
Natalie Dambrosio, of Lutz, Tallahassee Community College
Ashley Kubel, of Odessa, Georgia Southern University
Elizabeth Moore, of Lutz, Tallahassee Community College
Emma Williams, of Land O’ Lakes, Mercer University, Stetson School of Business and Economics (Georgia)

Students display talents
Sanders Memorial Elementary School, 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes, will present “Design on Display” March 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Students created an array of community-conscious research projects, in an effort to improve the environment.

Using a design process to identify a problem in the community and solve it, presentations will include a Special Olympics Village and surfboards that repel sharks.

For information, call Steven Garrett at (813) 794-1500.

Cinderella Project
Pasco County high school students who do not have a budget for prom can take part in the Cinderella Project, which provides free new and gently used prom dresses and accessories to young ladies with financial need.

Students can try on and pick out an ensemble March 12 and March 13 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Wesley Chapel High School, 30243 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel.

Signs will be posted at the entrance with directions to the boutique.

The project also accepts donations of contemporary prom-style dresses, and shoes, purses and costume jewelry, in excellent condition. Cash donations are used to purchase brand-new dresses and shoes, when sizes are not available in the inventory.

For information, visit The Cinderella Project Pasco County on Facebook.

STEAM Night
Wiregrass Elementary School, 29732 Wiregrass School Road in Wesley Chapel, will host a STEAM Night March 13 at 6:30 p.m.

There will be various STEAM programs, as well as student’s talents on display through performances and exhibits, including a kindergarten and first-grade concert, a musical theater preview of Willy Wonka, and a K-5 art exhibit.

For information, call (813) 346-0700.

Land O’ Lakes’ Heritage Stage makes its debut

August 23, 2017 By B.C. Manion

It was an occasion to mark the completion of Heritage Stage in Land O’ Lakes, and it had all of the trappings of a traditional small-town celebration.

The American Legion Post 79 presented the colors.

Sanders Elementary students led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Sunlake High School Seahawks band played a few numbers.

Elected officials, business owners and volunteers stepped up to cut the ribbon at Heritage Stage in Land O’ Lakes. (B.C. Manion)

And, public officials and staff members were there from Pasco County, Pasco County Schools, the Clerk and Comptroller’s Office, and the San Antonio City Council.

Others attending the Aug. 17 event included members of The Heritage Park Foundation, the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, the Land O’ Lakes AARP and other organizations.

The ceremony, held at the park at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., honored efforts that began more than two decades ago by the Heritage Park Foundation, seeking to create a community gathering space in Land O’ Lakes.

The outdoor stage project finally reached fruition through an agreement between Pasco County and Pasco County Schools, funding from the Florida Legislature, and contributions from local contractors, local businesses, various organizations and other community partners.

As Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning put it: “This band shell is certainly the result of a community coming together.

“This theater is a place for families, the community to come together,” he said.

From left, Pasco County School Board Chairman Allen Altman, School Board Vice Chairwoman Cynthia Armstrong, Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, Assistant County Administrator Cathy Pearson, Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, Pasco Schools Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd and Pasco County School Board member Colleen Beaudoin stand near the plaque that names public officials holding office at the time of the Heritage Stage dedication. (B.C. Manion)

“We look forward to having our schools, and the community, use this facility to highlight the great talents of the kids, the families, the community members,” Browning said.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, who served as master of ceremonies at the celebration, described the stage’s physical attributes.

It measures slightly more than 1,000 square feet and spans 31-by-31 feet. It also has a green room, extra storage, power and lights, he said.

There’s also a sidewalk and power outlets, “so, as events happen here, there will be an opportunity for vendors to line up around here and gather around the stage area,” Moore added.

He foresees it being a busy place.

“It’s going to host cultural events, events such as school band assemblies, concerts, plays, cookouts, pageants and various other presentations throughout the years,” Moore said.

“This is a special day,” Moore said. “As a county, we’re proud of this. I know that people from the Heritage Park Foundation are proud of what we’re seeing here today,” Moore said.

Browning credited Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of schools, for guiding the project to completion.

“Ray has the uncanny ability of contacting contractors, skilled tradesmen, different individuals and getting them to do a lot of things, if not for free, on the cheap.

Several members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club were at the Aug. 17 ceremony to celebrate the completion of Heritage Stage. The club has donated three benches, which will be placed in the area that’s near the stage. (Diane Kortus)

“Ray was able to leverage the dollars that we were able to get for this project and really make it work,” Browning said, noting that many contractors donated their labor.

Gadd credited Humberto Gonzalez, senior project manager, and John Petrashek, director of construction services, for playing pivotal roles.

“They are really the guys that need credit for helping this project come to fruition, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for this building here today,” Gadd said.

Gadd also noted: “We actually put out a bid on the street, and we said we need somebody to manage this project, and we need them to do it for free.”

Walbridge stepped up.

“When we started this project, the estimate was it would cost us $485,000, and we brought this project in for $250,000,” Gadd said.

Local contractors and friends of the community made that happen, Gadd said.

The final speaker at the celebration was Sandy Graves, of the Heritage Park Foundation. She’s been pushing for the stage — to anyone who would listen — for years.

“Heritage Park began almost 20 years ago with a mission to revive this park and make it truly a community center,” Graves said, noting the community created the original community center in 1962.

“I grew up with a father who loved this community. He also loved musicals. He had all of the musical albums,” said Graves, a Land O’ Lakes native.

She then injected a note of joy to the occasion, singing excerpts from “Oklahoma,” (‘Oh, what a beautiful morning, Oh, what a beautiful day, I’ve got a beautiful feeling, everything’s coming my way.’).

And, “The Sound of Music,” (‘Climb every mountain, ford every stream, follow every rainbow til you find your dream).

And finally, “My Fair Lady.” (I could have danced all night, I could have danced all night and still have begged for more. I could have spread my wings and done a thousand things I’ve never done before …)

Like the other speakers, Graves expressed gratitude to a lengthy list of people for helping to make the dream of a community stage come true.

She added: “We have a few finishing touches, such as historical markers that Dr. Susan MacManus is helping us with that tell our community story, and three benches that will be placed that were donated by the (GFWC) Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.”

But, she said, the stage is ready for action, and an act has been booked for December.

The Florida Orchestra will be bringing its brass section for a Pops in the Park holiday performance in December.

Published August 23, 2017

A good week to be a newspaper publisher

August 23, 2017 By Diane Kortus

Some weeks being the publisher of a weekly newspaper is more fun than others. And, the past week was one of them.

Let’s begin with the recognition we received at the annual meeting of the Florida Press Association. Led by editor B.C. Manion, our news department received 10 statewide awards for outstanding photography, news stories and feature writing.

These awards convey the quality of work my staff does reporting about issues, new developments and people in our community.

Awards also give our readers outside validation that our stories meet high standards, as compared to our industry peers.

Because we print a lot of papers every week — nearly 45,000 — our entries compete in the largest circulation category of this competition. This means we are up against entries from large, corporate-owned newspapers with budgets and staffs that are much bigger than ours.

Here at The Laker/Lutz News, we have just four journalists, editor B.C. Manion, staff writers Kathy Steele and Kevin Weiss, and news assistant Mary Rathman. Working alongside our staff are freelance photographers Richard Riley and Fred Bellet, who are regular contributors to our papers.

It is significant that our small newsroom receives journalism awards every year, because it shows we consistently do good work. This year we had an especially strong showing, making us one of the best newspapers in the state. My staff is thrilled, and I couldn’t be prouder.

After the Florida Press awards, I thought things couldn’t get much better. But, they did.

At last week’s dedication of Heritage Stage at the Land O’ Lakes Community Park, The Laker/Lutz News was honored again by having our name engraved in the building’s dedication plaque.

Our part in this community project was small, especially when compared to that of the Heritage Park Foundation and its leader, Sandy Graves.

Throughout the years, The Laker/Lutz News has written many stories about the Foundation’s efforts to raise money for the stage. And, we’ve regularly reported on the group’s diligence to influence public officials to provide the money, property and construction oversight to build the stage.

Today’s story on the front of our B Section reflects on the 20 years it took for this stage to become a reality. The Laker/Lutz News has kept the community aware of the Foundation’s fundraising activities, and its ultimate success.

We were just one of many business owners and community leaders whose names are memorialized on the Heritage Stage dedication plaque. Many of us attending the ribbon cutting had an emotional high as we listened to the amazing sound of the Sunlake High School Band, and were led in the Pledge of Allegiance by students from Sanders Elementary. The stage’s acoustics were superb, and it’s exciting to finally have a place in Land O’ Lakes for people to gather for community events and concerts.

I believe there is a connection between these two recognitions. Both occurred because we want our newspaper to be a valuable resource in our community, documenting the happenings of Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City.

It is gratifying to receive accolades from our peers in journalism and from the communities we serve, but we recognize that the real prize comes from the satisfaction we derive from delivering stories and photographs that are important to you and your neighbors.

Published August 23, 2017

Chalk Talk 06/14/2017

June 14, 2017 By Mary Rathman

ROTC Cadets take oath
Saint Leo University commissioned four Army ROTC cadets, calling the individuals to take the oath of office, have gold bars pinned to their uniforms by family members, and receive their first salute. The new Army officers are, from left, 2nd Lieutenant Alex Swonger, 2nd Lieutenant Jason Douglass, 2nd Lieutenant William LaPierre, and 2nd Lieutenant Cody Walker. The cadets are standing in front of the ‘For Those Who Serve’ statue at the school. (Courtesy of Renee Gerstein, Saint Leo University)

Students inducted to honor society
These Lutz students have been initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at the University of South Florida: Catherine Elko, Mark Giddarie, Maylenid Oyola, Jennifer Ron and Jana Woodall.

Brian Longbottom, of Odessa, was also inducted into Phi Kappa Phi.

Fourth quarter Top Dogs
The Pilot Club of Zephyrhills hosted the Top Dog winners from Stewart Middle School at Hungry Howie’s for lunch.

The club started the program more than 30 years ago to honor students for academics and leadership roles in the school.

The fourth quarter Top Dogs were: Kabre Mathews, Carlos Morales Garcia, Joyla Tenryk, Savannah Baptist, Emily Kirk, Caitlyn Eudy, Madison Aquilera, Rosmy Cruz Luis and Jorden Soule.

Each student received a certificate and a gold dog tag.

Students of the Month
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce recognized nine Students of the Month, chosen by the teachers and administration of their individual schools for exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community.

The Zephyrhills chamber has recognized students with this program each month of the school year for nearly 20 years.

The students receiving honors for May 2017 were Katie Aspedon, Zephyrhills High School (Aspedon also was a recipient of a The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Scholarship); Aliza Hernandez, East Pasco Adventist Academy; Jose Polo, Hope Ranch Learning Academy; Joyla Tenryk, Raymond B. Stewart Middle; Kali Deshane, Chester W. Taylor Elementary; Zelia Betz-Merrill, The Broach School; Savanna Best, West Zephyrhills Elementary; Tristan Geist, Heritage Academy; and, Parker Howry, Woodland Elementary.

Students and their families get breakfast, and the students are awarded with gifts and recognitions from businesses who sponsor or support the program.

Saint Leo adds online degrees
Saint Leo University has added two new online, technology-related degree programs that are ready to enroll students for the fall semester.

A new Associate of Arts in cybersecurity can prepare people to pass certain industry certification tests, which will allow them to compete for entry-level jobs. Additionally, associate degree holders can move into the existing Bachelor of Science program in cybersecurity, also online.

At the graduate level, Saint Leo is offering its Master of Business Administration degree with a specialization in data analytics. Students can receive 15 graduate credit hours in courses that can teach them how to approach “Big Data” to extract and evaluate patterns and improve business planning.

For information, visit SaintLeo.edu.

Third-graders improve scores
The percentage of Pasco County Schools third-grade students scoring a 3 or higher on the Florida Standards Assessment in English language arts increased by three percentage points in 2017, improving from 57 percent to 60 percent.

Pasco students also surpassed the state proficiency rate by two percentage points.

Deer Park Elementary School led the schools making significant progress, moving up 24 percentage points, from 56 percent proficient to 80 percent proficient.

Lake Myrtle improved 18 percentage points, from 61 to 79 percent.

Chester Taylor progressed from 52 to 68 percent, up 16 percentage points.

Other schools that improved by 10 percentage points or more include Pasco and Watergrass (up 13 percentage points), Pine View (up 12 percentage points) and Sanders (up 11 percentage points).

Pasco charter school improvement was led by Athenian Academy, which garnered a 25 percent point increase, from 39 to 64 percent proficiency.

Other charters that improved by 10 percentage points or more include Pepin Academies (13 percentage points) and Countryside Montessori (12 percentage points).

Sixty-seven percent of the 50 Pasco County elementary schools with scores, improved the percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher.

Sixty-three percent of Pasco’s charter schools with scores showed improvement in the percentage of students scoring a 3 or higher.

Local preschool gets makeover
Country Village Preschool, 17727 Mentmore Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes recently had a complete renovation to its campus. Main Street, which includes a grocery store and a fire station, is located in the center of the school. It gives students a chance to take part in an interactive classroom with lessons geared toward hands-on learning based on a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) curriculum. For information, call (813) 920-8700.