Press Releases
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Board Members in the Community: June 13-15, 2023
Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton on 6/8/2023 1:03:00 PMContact: Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060Tampa, Fla. – (June 8, 2023) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
- Tuesday, June 13, 10 a.m. – School Board Workshop, 901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
- Wednesday, June 14, 11 a.m. – Early Learning Task Force Meeting, 901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
- Thursday, June 15, 1 p.m. – Juneteenth Celebration – Gwen Myers, County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
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Hillsborough County Public Schools Students Honored with Prestigious National Merit Scholarships
Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton on 6/7/2023 2:30:00 PMFor Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060Tampa, Fl. (June 7, 2023) –The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced over 3,000 winners of the National Merit Scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities, 61 of which attend Hillsborough County Public Schools. Officials of each sponsor college selected their scholarship winners from the Finalists in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship program who plan to attend their institution.
This year, 153 higher education institutions are underwriting Merit Scholarship awards through the National Merit Scholarship Program. Sponsor colleges and universities include 81 private and 72 public institutions located in 42 states and the District of Columbia. These awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship.
The most recent National Merit Scholars were selected by a committee based on their academic records, PSAT scores, essays, and potential for success in college. Nine students attend Strawberry Crest High School, eight attend Middleton High School, seven attend Robinson High School, and six attend Plant High School and King High School.
Student scholarship winners also attend Steinbrenner, Newsome, Blake, Durant, Freedom, Gaither, Bloomingdale, Lennard, Sumner, Sickles, Alonso, and Hillsborough high schools.
“The number of Hillsborough County Public Schools students who received National Merit Scholarships this year exceeds three times the number of graduates last year,” said Superintendent Addison Davis. “These 61 students achieved their scholarship wins out of thousands of entrants from across the country. Our entire Hillsborough County Schools community applauds your efforts as you begin this new journey.”
The National Merit Scholars include:
- Jasmine A. Cheong, Lennard High School: University of Central Florida
- Britney M. Wagner, Lennard High School: University of Tulsa
- Katherine G. Blessing, Middleton High School: University of Florida
- Kinsley G. Trlak, Durant High School: University of South Florida
- Eileen J. Jelsovsky, Durant High School: University of South Florida
- Avaneesh S. Venkatesh, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida
- Sophia N. Florea, Newsome High School: University of Florida
- Tanushree R. Hadavale, Newsome High School: University of Florida
- Dana G. John, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida
- Chloe E. Jones, Strawberry Crest High School: University of South Florida
- Sebastian Nathanson, Newsome High School: University of Florida
- John P. O'Toole, Newsome High School: University of Central Florida
- Vasanth R. Srinivasan, Newsome High School: University of Central Florida
- Pranav Tammineedi, Middleton High School: University of South Florida
- Louis F. Li, Steinbrenner High School: University of Florida
- Andrew J. Maroun, Steinbrenner High School: University of South Florida
- Lily A. Taylor, Hillsborough High School: University of Florida
- Kaitlyn H. Tran, Hillsborough High School: University of Florida
- Leina E. Owens, Blake High School: University of Florida
- Jessica E. Afiat, Freedom High School: University of Florida
- Saeed U. Ansari, Middleton High School: University of Florida
- Grace S. Barrett, Robinson High School: University of Florida
- Presley R. Berman, Robinson High School: University of Florida
- Oliver Stacey Cheese, Middleton High School: Florida State University
- Adam Yifeng Cheng, King High School: University of Florida
- Lane G. Chin, Hillsborough High School: University of Florida
- Taban C. Chin, Hillsborough High School: University of Florida
- Lucca Benettie de Castro, Sickles High School: University of Florida
- Scout F. DeMinico, Plant High School: University of Florida
- Leyna T. Doan, Robinson High School: University of Florida
- Arshan M. Falasiri, Plant High School: University of Florida
- Jacob W. Han, Robinson High School: University of Georgia
- Ananya C. Harshe, King High School: University of Florida
- Kevin J. Huang, Plant High School: University of Miami
- Andrew W. Jenkins, Alonso High School: University of Alabama
- Kevin Jin, King High School: University of Florida
- Prabhath Kolli, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida
- Pranav V. Kulkarni, Middleton High School: University of Florida
- Yining Liu, Hillsborough High School: University of Florida
- Leo N. Meng, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida
- Vivian A. Mesa, Robinson High School: University of Florida
- Natalie L. Meyer, Plant High School: University of Florida
- Yun Joo M. Noh, Hillsborough High School: University of Florida
- Benjamin D. Norbom, Plant High School: University of Florida
- Clara M. Oh, King High School, University of Florida
- Ishan K. Patel, Middleton High School: University of South Florida
- Luis M. Perez, King High School, University of Florida
- Praveen H. Prabaharan, Robinson High School, University of Florida
- Britney S. Pun, Freedom High School University of Florida
- Suraj Raghunathan, Middleton High School: University of Florida
- Amulya Ravipati, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida
- Isabella M. Rodrigues, Robinson High School: University of Florida
- Karthik Sara, Middleton High School: University of South Florida
- Olivia West, Gaither High School: University of Florida
- Hannah K. Woodside, Plant High School: University of Florida
- Mahika Balaraju, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida
- Isabella A. Larson, Bloomingdale, High School: University of Florida
- Shalini Nandam, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida
- Rahil D. Zaveri, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida
- Megha Manoj, King High School: University of Florida
- Ethan J. Varn, Sumner High School: University of South Florida
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With School Out for the Summer, Hillsborough County Public Schools Hosts “Summer Food Service Program for Children”
Posted by Jennifer Holton or Tanya Arja on 5/26/2023 2:22:00 PMFor Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060Tampa, Fl. (May 26, 2023) – Hillsborough County Public Schools understands the importance of ensuring our students have access to nutritious meals while on summer break. Starting at the end of May and continuing through July 27, students will have several opportunities to receive free meals as Hillsborough County Public Schools hosts its annual “Summer Food Service Program for Children.”
The program offers students breakfast and lunch for free at schools that provide summer school programs. All children, 18 years and younger, can arrive at an open school Monday through Thursday – the breakfast and lunch mealtimes will be posted on the front office window. The child does not have to be enrolled in summer school to take advantage of the free meals. Depending on the program, the start dates will vary from Tuesday, May 30 to Monday, June 12 and run through Thursday, July 27.
In addition, the district is also using refrigerated trucks to deliver box meals to community sites with summer programs. This includes YMCA programs and parks and recreation sites. To find summer meals near you, you can visit www.summerbreakspot.org or text “Food” or “Comida” to 304-304.
“We know that many of our students rely on their schools for access to nutritious breakfast and lunch during the school year, and that need does not go away during the summer months,” said Superintendent Addison Davis. “I want to thank our dedicated Student Nutrition Services team who will feed thousands of children over the next few months. It is our hope that these well-balanced meals will nourish young learners during their summer vacation and give families peace of mind.”
Interviews with our General Manager of Student Nutrition Services can be made available on Wednesday, May 31, in which media can get video of staff prepping meals and loading refrigerated buses for their morning shows or can meet up with Student Nutrition Staff at a school site. Please contact Jennifer Holton or Tanya Arja to set up a time.
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Board Members in the Community: May 22-25, 2023
Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton on 5/19/2023 3:04:00 PMFor Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060Tampa, Fla. – (May 19, 2023) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
- Monday May 22, 9:00 a.m. – Hispanic-Latinx Forum, Virtual
- Monday, May 22, 11:00 a.m. – Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce Legislative Wrap-up, The Regent, 6437 Watson Road, Riverview
- Monday, May 22, 4:00 p.m. – Susan Sullivan Retirement Celebration, Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place, Plant City
- Monday, May 22, 5:00 p.m. – Irish 31 2023 Cheers to Public Service, Irish 31 Pub House and Eatery, 1611 W. Swann Ave., Tampa
- Wednesday, May 24, 6:00 p.m. – Pepin Academies Riverview Campus Graduation, Egypt Shriners, 5017 E. Washington St., Tampa
- Thursday, May 25, 6:00 p.m. – Pepin Academies Tampa Campus Graduation, Egypt Shriners, 5017 E. Washington St., Tampa
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Board Members in the Community: May 13-18, 2023
Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton on 5/12/2023 2:45:00 PMFor Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060Tampa, Fla. – (May 12, 2023) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
- Saturday May 13, 11:00 a.m. – Men of Vision 17th Annual Class of 2023 Scholarship Ceremony, Middleton Middle School, 4801 N 22nd St, Tampa
- Monday, May 15, 8:30 a.m. – Latinos in Action VIP Breakfast, University of Florida
- Monday, May 15, 5 p.m. – Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Council Meeting, Instructional Service Center, 2920 N 40th St, Tampa
- Tuesday, May 16, 7:30 a.m. – Legislative Wrap Up, Rusty Pelican, 2425 N. Rocky Point Drive
- Tuesday, May 16, 5 p.m. – Irish 31 2023 Cheers to Public Service, Irish 31 Pub House and Eatery Westchase
- Wednesday, May 17, 10 a.m. – Spring Sports Awards, ROSSAC, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
- Wednesday, May 17, 5 p.m. – Irish 31 2023 Cheers to Public Service, Irish 31 Pub House and Eatery Wiregrass
- Wednesday, May 17, 6 p.m. – 2023 Swope, Rodante Vanguard Awards Reception, 1234 E. 5th Ave., Tampa
- Thursday, May 18, 6 p.m. – Henry B. Plant Museum Casual Spring Supper Honoring Volunteers, Tampa Yacht & Country Club, 5320 Interbay Blvd., Tampa
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Board Members in the Community: May 11, 2023
Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton on 5/10/2023 3:32:00 PMFor Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060Tampa, Fla. – (May 10, 2023) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
- Thursday, May 11, 7:30 a.m. – Boy Scout Whitney M. Young Banquet, University of Tampa Vaughn Center, 200 UT Poe Parkway, Tampa
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Hillsborough County Public Schools Invests More Than Half a Billion Dollars in Renovations so far Thanks to Referendum Funds
Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton on 5/10/2023 2:48:00 PMContact: Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060Tampa, Fl. (May 10, 2023) – Hillsborough County Public Schools will utilize referendum funds on significant projects at fourteen school sites this summer – including six new projects and eight carryover - bringing the total investment so far to nearly $600 million since the referendum passed in 2018.
The 2023 summer projects total approximately $47.5 million in repairs, renovations and other improvements funded by the halfpenny sales tax. These enhancements will provide students and staff with improved learning environments now and into the future.
Superintendent Addison Davis, along with School Board Members, members of the Citizen Oversight Committee, and district operations team members toured the construction at Tomlin Middle School with engineers and architects from Wilder Architecture Inc. and CORE/HORUS Construction. Tomlin Middle will receive a new roof, windows, fire alarms, insulation, and HVAC units that serve the classrooms. In addition, fire evacuation improvements will be made, and the auditorium will be refurbished so it can be utilized by students and the Plant City community. From start to finish, the community investment at this school alone is more than $25 million.
“These infrastructure improvements will have positive impacts on the educational experiences of students for years to come. Our community stepped up for our children to approve this referendum in 2018, and we are proud that the community realizes the importance of these crucial projects and places their trust in our district as we continue to invest these referendum funds in our schools,” said Superintendent Addison Davis.
Referendum Fast Facts
- Hillsborough County Public Schools expects to complete more than 1,700 projects, which includes more than 200 air conditioning units and 60 aging roofs.
- More than 46% has been invested into minority, women-owned or small business enterprises.
- To date, we have completed 599 projects and currently have 206 projects in progress.
- HCPS has received $631,440,590.68 so far from the referendum and invested $558,230,825.04 to date.
Summer Projects:
- Carver Exceptional Center
- DeSoto Elementary School
- Frost Elementary School
- Grady Elementary School
- Jennings Middle School
- Woodson K-8 School
The eight carryover projects include:
- Burney Elementary
- Jackson Elementary
- James Elementary School
- Madison Middle School
- Martinez Middle School
- Pierce Middle School
- Tomlin Middle School
- Wilson Elementary School
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Board Members in the Community: May 6-13, 2023
Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton on 5/5/2023 2:56:00 PMFor Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060Tampa, Fla. – (May 5, 2023) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
- Saturday May 6, 8:30 a.m. -- Literacy Fair, Belmont Elementary School, 14150 Gate Dancer Rd, Sun City Center
- Saturday, May 6, 11 a.m. – Riverfest Music – Waterworks Park, 1701 N Highland Ave, Tampa
- Saturday, May 6, 1 p.m. – Tampa Emancipation Day Celebration – 1505 N. Nebraska Avenue, Tampa
- Monday, May 8, 9:30 a.m. – Central Florida Public School Boards – Virtual
- Monday, May 8, 6 p.m. – Excellence in Action Awards – The Regent, 6437 Watson Road, Riverview
- Tuesday, May 9, 12 p.m. – Hillsborough County Bar Association Law Day Luncheon, 2023 – Hilton Downtown Tampa, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa
- Tuesday, May 9, 1 p.m. – School Board Member Briefing on Adolescent Fentanyl Crisis – Virtual
- Tuesday, May 9, 4 p.m. – School Board Meeting – ROSSAC, 901 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa
- Wednesday, May 10, 11 a.m. - Early Learning Taskforce - ROSSAC, 901 East Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa
- Wednesday, May 10, noon - Guardian Security Officer Graduation, HCPS Security Training Center, 5002 N. Lois Ave., Tampa
- Thursday, May 11, 7 p.m. – High School Scholar Athlete Awards – Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa USF, 3705 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa
- Friday, May 12, 12 p.m. – President’s Luncheon, 1010 NW MacInnes Place, Tampa
- Saturday, May 13, 11 a.m. – Men of Vision 17th Annual Class of 2023 Scholarship Ceremony -- Middleton High School, 4801 N 22nd St, Tampa
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Hillsborough County Public Schools Celebrates the Class of 2023
Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton on 5/5/2023 2:19:00 PMFor Immediate ReleaseContact: Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060Tampa, Fl. (May 5, 2023) – Hillsborough County Public Schools is proud of the Class of 2023 and sends our congratulations to each graduate for their hard work and dedication to reach this milestone.
Graduation ceremonies begin on Tuesday, May 16th for exceptional student centers and on Wednesday, May 24th for traditional high schools. All traditional high school ceremonies will be held at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall (4800 US 301, Tampa).
Family members who are unable to attend the ceremony in person, can watch the entire graduation live at https://hillsboroughschools.tv/, Spectrum cable channel 635 and Frontier cable channel 32.
“I want to congratulate our amazing graduates on this important accomplishment and acknowledge that they have persevered through some incredibly challenging times. Collectively, our seniors have earned millions of dollars in scholarships, been accepted to universities and colleges across the country, earned the honor of admittance to military academies, and have been hired to begin an exciting new career right after graduation. I thank our teachers, administrators, and support staff for preparing our graduates to continue their journey as lifelong learners, and I hope that many of the people our students have encountered at HCPS will continue to play a prominent role in their lives,” said Superintendent Addison Davis, Hillsborough County Public Schools.
For security reasons, media interested in covering any of the graduation ceremonies must contact Jennifer Holton or Tanya Arja in the Office of Communications. Once the Office of Communications is notified, reporters and photographers should enter the fairgrounds in a marked media vehicle at the 301 gate and proceed to the Expo Hall. Once inside, media will be escorted to the area where they will be permitted.
Please see a list of our distinguished graduates below and click on the link for a full list of each graduation date and time:
School Name: Alonso High School
Principal: James Harris
Anticipated # of graduates: 583
Phone: 813-356-1528
Valedictorian: Eryn Klaus
GPA: 7.36
Salutatorian: Devin Hurst
GPA: 7.04
Class president: Elise Christensen
Graduation: Wednesday, May 24, 3:30 p.m., the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School Colors: Navy Blue, Gold and White
School mascot: Ravens
School Name: Armwood High School
Principal: Dina Langston
Anticipated # of graduates: 465
Phone: 813-744-8040
Valedictorian (Traditional): Lex Estevez
GPA: 7.15
Salutatorian (Traditional): Daisy Cerro-Tepetate
GPA: 6.41
Valedictorian (Collegiate Academy): Logan Curtin
GPA: 8.91
Salutatorian (Collegiate Academy): Layla Coffey
GPA: 8.17
Class president: Emily Herman
Graduation: Thursday, May 25, 3:30 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Gray, Blue and Maroon
School mascot: Hawks
School Name: Blake High School
Principal: Valerie Newton
Anticipated # of graduates: 313
Phone: 813-272-3695
Valedictorian (Traditional): Bradley Gober
GPA: 6.73
Valedictorian (Magnet): Andrew Foster
GPA: 7.52
Salutatorian (Traditional): Nelson Vazquez
GPA: 5.59
Salutatorian (Magnet): Gabriella Zumbano
GPA: 6.94
Class president: Armani Blanchett
Graduation: Friday, May 26, 8:30 a.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Black and Yellow
School mascot: Yellow jackets
School Name: Bloomingdale High School
Principal: Marcos Rodriguez
Anticipated # of graduates: 555
Phone: 813-744-8018
Valedictorian(s): Jacob Delikat
GPA: 9.99
Salutatorian(s): Alexa Brown
GPA: 9.52
Class president: Kathryn Daigle
Graduation: Wednesday, May 24, 12 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Red, Black, and White
School mascot: Bulls
School Name: Bowers/Whitley Career Center
Principal: Derrick Gaines
Anticipated # of graduates: 37
Phone: 813-558-1750
Valedictorian: N/A
GPA: N/A
Salutatorian: N/A
GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: Saturday, May 27, 7 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Navy/Carolina Blue
School mascot: Vikings
School Name: Brandon High School
Principal: Jeremy Klein
Anticipated # of graduates: 348
Phone: 813-744-8120
Valedictorian(s): Boglarka Csanadi
GPA: 8.00
Salutatorian(s): Daven Mejica
GPA: 6.94
Class president: Shayanna Rutland
Graduation: Saturday, May 27, noon at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Maroon and White
School mascot: Eagle
School Name: Caminiti Exceptional Center
Principal: Joseph Hilbush
Anticipated # of graduates: 8
Phone: 813-975-7611
Valedictorian(s): N/A
GPA: N/A
Salutatorian(s): N/A
GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: Tuesday, May 16, 10 a.m. Caminiti Multipurpose Room
School colors: Teal Blue and Gold
School mascot: Cougar
School Name: Carver Center
Principal: Artis Gambrell Jr.
Anticipated # of graduates: 6
Phone: 813- 236-3500
Valedictorian(s): N/A
GPA: N/A
Salutatorian(s): N/A
GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: Thursday, May 18, 1 p.m. Carver Cafeteria
School colors: Blue, Orange and
White
School mascot: Tigers
School Name: Chamberlain High School
Principal: Jake Russell
Anticipated # of graduates: 266
Phone: 813-975-7677
Valedictorian(s): Kaysar Srayaldin
GPA: 6.82
Salutatorian(s): Ariel C David
GPA: 6.04
Class president: Alexia Elizabeth Taveras
Graduation: Thursday June 1, noon at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Green and Gold
School mascot: Chiefs
School Name: Dorothy Thomas Exceptional Center
Principal: Kelly Simmons
Anticipated # of graduates: 10
Phone:813-975-7355
Valedictorian: N/A
GPA: N/A
Salutatorian: N/A
GPA: N/A
Class President: N/A
Graduation: Thursday, May 18, 1 p.m. Dorothy Thomas ESC
School Colors: Navy, White and Gold
School Mascot: Jaguars
School Name: Durant High School
Principal: Gary Graham
Anticipated # of graduates: 575
Phone: 813-757-9075
Valedictorian: Mollie Usher
GPA: 8.73
Salutatorian: Caleb Tubaugh
GPA: 7.28
Class president: Ayla Yebba
Graduation: Tuesday May 30, 3:30 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Navy, Gold, White
School mascot: Cougar
School Name: East Bay High School
Principal: Amy Stevens-Cox
Anticipated # of graduates: 475
Phone: 813-671-5134
Valedictorian(s): Akina-Naomi Kennedy
GPA: 6.92
Salutatorian(s): Haley Whitzel
GPA: 6.91
Class president: Hailey Sturgeon
Graduation: Wednesday, May 31, 7 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Red and Gray
School mascot: Indians
School Name: Freedom High School
Principal: Kevin Stephenson
Anticipated # of graduates: 375
Phone: 813-558-1185
Valedictorian: Sofia Murrin
GPA: 8.22
Salutatorian: Mary Sutton
GPA: 8.03
Class president: Sofia Murrin
Graduation: Tuesday, May 30, 8:30 a.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Red, White and Blue
School mascot: Patriot
School Name: Gaither High School
Principal: Thomas Morrill
Anticipated # of graduates: 485
Phone: 813-975-7340
Valedictorian: Michelle Poveda & Sara Melo Fernandez
GPA: 7.36
Salutatorian: N/A
GPA: N/A
Class president: Victoria Nicole Karsen
Graduation: Tuesday, May 30, at 7 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Blue, Silver, and White
School mascot: Cowboys
School Name: Hillsborough High School
Principal: Kevin Gordon
Anticipated # of graduates: 411
Phone: 813-276-5632
Valedictorian (Traditional): Ivan Gonzalez
GPA: 6.4
Valedictorian (IB): Ashar Farrukh
GPA: 8.24
Salutatorian (Traditional): Nathan Olson
GPA: 6.01
Salutatorian (IB): Joshua Selvan
GPA: 7.81
Class president: Aleysha Lopez Villanueva
Graduation: Wednesday, May 24, 8:30 a.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Red and Black
School mascot: Terriers
School Name: Hillsborough Virtual School
Director: Matthew Hoff
Anticipated # of graduates: 95
Phone: 813-983-7278
Valedictorian: Tristin House
GPA: 6.92
Salutatorian: Mackenzie McDonald
GPA: 6.72
Class president: N/A
Graduation: Sunday, May 28, 7 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Navy, Carolina Blue and White
School mascot: Trail Blazers
School Name: Jefferson High School
Principal: Brittney Wilhelm
Anticipated # of graduates: 271
Phone: 813.875.5251
Valedictorian (Traditional): Isabel Pena
GPA: 5.76
Valedictorian (Magnet): Melanie Hernandez
GPA: 7.27
Salutatorian (Traditional): Maria Ramirez Urgell
GPA: 5.65
Salutatorian (Magnet): Zainab Onafowokan
GPA: 6.75
Class President: Melanie Hernandez
Graduation: Wednesday, May 31, 8:30 a.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Blue and Gold
School mascot: Dragons
School Name: King High School
Principal: Arlene Castelli
Anticipated # of graduates: 322
Phone: 813-744-8333
Valedictorian (Traditional): Anthony Chavez Zuniga
GPA: 6.01
Valedictorian (IB): Shiva Ranganathan
GPA: 9.07
Salutatorian (Traditional): Nicolas Castellano
GPA: 5.95
Salutatorian (IB): Ahbab Abeer
GPA: 8.92
Class president: Shiva Ranganathan
Graduation: Sunday, May 28, noon at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Columbia Blue, Scarlet, White
School mascot: Lions
School Name: LaVoy Exceptional Center
Principal: Scottie Basham
Anticipated # of graduates: 3
Phone: 813-872-5285
Valedictorian: N/A
GPA: N/A
Salutatorian: N/A
GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: Tuesday, May 16, 1 p.m. at Lavoy Exceptional Student Center
School colors: Blue and Silver
School mascot: Lancers
School Name: Lennard High School
Principal: Denise Savino
Anticipated # of graduates: 492
Phone: 813-641-5611
Valedictorian (Traditional): Jadyn Delgado
GPA: 6.67
Valedictorian (Collegiate Academy): Belinda Solis
GPA: 8.19
Salutatorian (Traditional): Alejandra Lopez-Perez
GPA: 6.49
Salutatorian (Collegiate Academy): Makenzie Estabrook
GPA: 8.04
Class president: N/A
Graduation: Sunday, May 28, 8:30 a.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Purple and Gold
School mascot: Longhorns
School Name: Leto High School
Principal: Larissa McCoy
Anticipated # of graduates: 436
Phone: 813-872-5300
Valedictorian (Traditional): Leidis Fuentes Morlote
GPA: 7.62
Valedictorian (Collegiate Academy): Ayana Febles
GPA: 8.68
Salutatorian (Traditional): Anthony Menendez
GPA: 6.30
Salutatorian (Collegiate Academy): Ian Liwosz
GPA: 7.8
Class president: Esmeralda Curri
Graduation: Friday, May 26, 7 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Red, White and Gold
School mascot: Falcons
School Name: Lopez Exceptional Student Center
Principal: Sara Schwanzl
Anticipated # of graduates: 4
Phone: 813- 744-8008
Valedictorian: N/A
GPA: N/A
Salutatorian: N/A
GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: Wednesday, May 17, 10 a.m. Lopez Exceptional Student Center
School colors: Black and Gold
School mascot: Leopard
School Name: Middleton High School
Principal: Mickey Boddie
Anticipated # of graduates: 298
Phone: 813-233-3360
Valedictorian (Traditional): Shamya Barker
GPA: 4.95
Valedictorian (Magnet): Bhavya Bansal
GPA: 11.3
Salutatorian (Traditional): Delilah Tolbert
GPA: 4.52
Salutatorian (Magnet): Pranav Kulkarni
GPA: 10.98
Class president: Christian Martinez
Graduation: Saturday, May 27, 3:30 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Maroon and Gold
School mascot: Tigers
School Name: Newsome High School
Principal: Katie Rocha
Anticipated # of graduates: 700
Phone: 813-740-4600
Valedictorian: Erik Dyer
GPA: 11.8
Salutatorian: Dacoda Mavarez
GPA: 9.28
Class president: Ella Monahan
Graduation: Tuesday, May 30, noon at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Navy, Carolina Blue and White
School mascot: Wolves
School Name: Plant High School
Principal: Kimi Hellenberg
Anticipated # of graduates: 647
Phone: 813-272-3033
Valedictorian: Katherine Bentley
GPA: 9.2
Salutatorian: Elliot Francolla
GPA: 8.92
Class president: Hyatt Criser
Graduation: Thursday, May 25, 8:30 a.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Black and Gold
School mascot: Panthers
School Name: Plant City High School
Principal: Susan Sullivan
Anticipated # of graduates: 503
Phone: 813- 757-9370
Valedictorian: Tina Kumar
GPA: 11.0
Salutatorian: Naydelin Trejo
GPA: 8.96
Class president: Josephina Mejia
Graduation: Wednesday, May 24, 7 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Orange and Teal
School mascot: Raiders
School Name: Riverview High School
Principal: Brian Spiro
Anticipated # of graduates: 603
Phone: 813-671-5011
Valedictorian: Daniel Rojas
GPA: 8.25
Salutatorian: Zoe Myers
GPA: 7.86
Class president: Lorena Soto
Graduation: Wednesday, May 31, 12 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Royal Blue, Black, and
Silver
School mascot: Sharks
School Name: Robinson High School
Principal: David Brown
Anticipated # of graduates: 346
Phone: 813-272-3006
Valedictorian (Traditional): Isabella Cuevas
GPA: 6.45
Valedictorian: (IB): Rahul Ranjithkumar
GPA: 8.02
Salutatorian (Traditional): Russell Vifquain
GPA: 6.42
Salutatorian (IB): Preveen Prabaharan
GPA: 8.04
Class president: Sara Gainer
Graduation: Sunday, May 28, 3:30 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Black, White, and
Silver
School mascot: Knights
School Name: Sickles High School
Principal: Krista Luloff
Anticipated # of graduates: 577
Phone: 813-631-4742
Valedictorian: Pope Tatum
GPA: 8.34
Salutatorian: Aishwarya Kandukuru
GPA: 8.12
Class president: Ella Paulsson and Alexander Rashedi
Graduation: Wednesday, May 31, 3:30 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Green and Grey
School mascot: Gryphon
School Name: Simmons Career Center
Principal: Cleto Chazares
Anticipated # of graduates: 97
Phone: 813-707-7430
Valedictorian: N/A
GPA: N/A
Salutatorian: N/A
GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: Saturday, May 27, 7 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Red, Black, and Silver
School mascot: Stallions
School Name: South County Career Acceleration Academy
Principal: Jennifer Woods
Anticipated # of graduates: 88
Phone: 813-233-3335
Valedictorian: N/A
GPA: N/A
Salutatorian: N/A
GPA: N/A
Class president: N/A
Graduation: Saturday, May 27, 7 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Black and Gold
School mascot: Bobcat
School Name: Spoto High School
Principal: Dr. Jazrick Haggins
Anticipated # of graduates: 384
Phone: 813-672-5405
Valedictorian (Traditional): Andy Lin
GPA: 6.07
Valedictorian (Collegiate Academy): Lilliana Denick
GPA: 7.60
Salutatorian (Traditional): Jayden Ehrhart
GPA: 5.79
Salutatorian: (Collegiate Academy): Nevaeh Johnson
GPA: 7.52
Class president: Kiera Taylor
Graduation: Friday, May 26, noon at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Purple and Silver
School mascot: Spartans
School Name: Steinbrenner High School
Principal: Tiffany Ewell
Anticipated # of graduates: 641
Phone: 813-792-5131
Valedictorian: Kartikeye Gupta
GPA: 8.76
Salutatorian: Fadi Gouda
GPA: 8.04
Class president: Emily Schoessler
Graduation: Thursday, May 25, noon at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Navy Blue and Athletic Gold
School mascot: Warriors
School Name: Strawberry Crest High School
Principal: Christina Raburn
Anticipated # of graduates: 517
Phone: 813-707-7522
Valedictorian (Traditional): Amelia Gomez
GPA: 7.62
Valedictorian (IB): Akhil Challa
GPA: 8.78
Salutatorian (Traditional): Alyssa Hudson
GPA: 7.58
Salutatorian (IB): Jay Chaplot
GPA: 8.76
Class president: Dwayne Jones
Graduation: Thursday, May 25, 7 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Red, Black, and Silver
School mascot: Chargers
School Name: Sumner High School
Principal: Rob Nelson
Anticipated # of Graduates: 695
Phone:
Valedictorian: Chi Mai
GPA: 7.48
Salutatorian: Jackson Hopkins
GPA: 7.42
Class President: Jonathan Sommervil
Graduation: Saturday, May 27, 8:30 a.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School Colors: Navy Blue, Kelly Green, and Silver
School Mascot: Rays
School Name: Tampa Bay Technical High School
Principal: Ernestine Woody
Anticipated # of graduates: 437
Phone: 813-744-8360
Valedictorian (Traditional): Pavan Moturi
GPA: 6.76
Valedictorian (Academy of Health): Arsema Denber
GPA: 8.25
Valedictorian (Academy of Architecture: Celina Torres-Rios
GPA: 7.74
Salutatorian (Traditional): George Danso
GPA: 6.21
Salutatorian (Academy of Health): Isabelle McNamara
GPA: 8.24
Salutatorian (Academy of Architecture): Akeel Hakim
GPA: 6.64
Class president: Raemarie Parks-Royal
Graduation: Thursday, June 1, 8:30 a.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Red, Navy and White
School mascot: Titan
School Name: Wharton High School
Principal: Michael Rowan
Anticipated # of graduates: 467
Phone: 813-631-4710
Valedictorian: David Ascano
GPA: 7.58
Salutatorian: Sammy Gillespie
GPA: 7.58
Class president: William Hineline
Graduation: Thursday, June 1, 3:30 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall
School colors: Navy Blue, Black and White
School mascot: Wildcats
School Name: Willis Peters Exceptional Center
Principal: Cara Yacinich
Anticipated # of graduates: 9
Valedictorian: N/A
GPA: N/A
Salutatorian: N/A
GPA: N/A
Class President: N/A
Graduation: Wednesday, May 17, 1 p.m. at the Willis Peters ESC
School Colors: Royal Blue and White
School Mascot: Dragons
-
Steinbrenner High Robotics Team Wins National Championship in Dallas
Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton on 5/2/2023 3:20:00 PMFor Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060Tampa, Fl. (May 2, 2023) – Hillsborough County Schools is proud to announce that several of its JROTC students from Steinbrenner High School are returning to Florida as National Champions in the JROTC VEX Robotics National Championship. The students competed against 130 teams from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Space Command JROTC Programs in Dallas, TX last week.
Teams were placed in two divisions to play in ten qualification rounds before facing off for the National title. The teams were randomly selected as partners and opponents, playing each round until teams earned their rankings. Steinbrenner’s team members partnered with other teams from Hawaii and Indiana and played a best of three titles match. In the end, the Steinbrenner Warriors earned the Divisional Championship and were the 2023 National Champions.
This was the first time in this competition that the highest award has been won by a team in Florida. All members of the team are eligible for scholarships through the Robot Event Competition Foundation (RECF).
If your media outlet is interested in interviewing any of the students involved, and their teacher, please email Jennifer Holton at Jennifer.Holton@hcps.net.
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