Press Releases

  • Board Members in the Community: June 13-15, 2023

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton on 6/8/2023 1:03:00 PM

    Contact:           Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
                             Hillsborough County Public Schools
                             Office of Communications
                             813-272-4060

    Tampa, 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
    Comments (-1)
  • 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 PM

    For Immediate Release 

    Contact:          Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton  
                             Hillsborough County Public Schools  
                             Office of Communications 
                             813-272-4060 

    Tampa, 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: 

    1. Jasmine A. Cheong, Lennard High School: University of Central Florida 
    2. Britney M. Wagner, Lennard High School: University of Tulsa 
    3. Katherine G. Blessing, Middleton High School: University of Florida 
    4. Kinsley G. Trlak, Durant High School: University of South Florida 
    5. Eileen J. Jelsovsky, Durant High School: University of South Florida 
    6. Avaneesh S. Venkatesh, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida 
    7. Sophia N. Florea, Newsome High School: University of Florida 
    8. Tanushree R. Hadavale, Newsome High School: University of Florida 
    9. Dana G. John, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida 
    10. Chloe E. Jones, Strawberry Crest High School: University of South Florida 
    11. Sebastian Nathanson, Newsome High School: University of Florida 
    12. John P. O'Toole, Newsome High School: University of Central Florida 
    13. Vasanth R. Srinivasan, Newsome High School: University of Central Florida 
    14. Pranav Tammineedi, Middleton High School: University of South Florida 
    15. Louis F. Li, Steinbrenner High School: University of Florida 
    16. Andrew J. Maroun, Steinbrenner High School: University of South Florida 
    17. Lily A. Taylor, Hillsborough High School: University of Florida 
    18. Kaitlyn H. Tran, Hillsborough High School: University of Florida 
    19. Leina E. Owens, Blake High School: University of Florida  
    20. Jessica E. Afiat, Freedom High School: University of Florida 
    21. Saeed U. Ansari, Middleton High School: University of Florida 
    22. Grace S. Barrett, Robinson High School: University of Florida 
    23. Presley R. Berman, Robinson High School: University of Florida 
    24. Oliver Stacey Cheese, Middleton High School: Florida State University 
    25. Adam Yifeng Cheng, King High School: University of Florida 
    26. Lane G. Chin, Hillsborough High School: University of Florida 
    27. Taban C. Chin, Hillsborough High School: University of Florida  
    28. Lucca Benettie de Castro, Sickles High School: University of Florida 
    29. Scout F. DeMinico, Plant High School: University of Florida 
    30. Leyna T. Doan, Robinson High School: University of Florida 
    31. Arshan M. Falasiri, Plant High School: University of Florida 
    32. Jacob W. Han, Robinson High School: University of Georgia 
    33. Ananya C. Harshe, King High School: University of Florida 
    34. Kevin J. Huang, Plant High School: University of Miami  
    35. Andrew W. Jenkins, Alonso High School: University of Alabama 
    36. Kevin Jin, King High School: University of Florida 
    37. Prabhath Kolli, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida 
    38. Pranav V. Kulkarni, Middleton High School: University of Florida 
    39. Yining Liu, Hillsborough High School: University of Florida 
    40. Leo N. Meng, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida 
    41. Vivian A. Mesa, Robinson High School: University of Florida 
    42. Natalie L. Meyer, Plant High School: University of Florida 
    43. Yun Joo M. Noh, Hillsborough High School: University of Florida 
    44. Benjamin D. Norbom, Plant High School: University of Florida 
    45. Clara M. Oh, King High School, University of Florida 
    46. Ishan K. Patel, Middleton High School: University of South Florida 
    47. Luis M. Perez, King High School, University of Florida 
    48. Praveen H. Prabaharan, Robinson High School, University of Florida 
    49. Britney S. Pun, Freedom High School University of Florida 
    50. Suraj Raghunathan, Middleton High School: University of Florida 
    51. Amulya Ravipati, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida 
    52. Isabella M. Rodrigues, Robinson High School: University of Florida 
    53. Karthik Sara, Middleton High School: University of South Florida 
    54. Olivia West, Gaither High School: University of Florida 
    55. Hannah K. Woodside, Plant High School: University of Florida 
    56. Mahika Balaraju, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida 
    57. Isabella A. Larson, Bloomingdale, High School: University of Florida 
    58. Shalini Nandam, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida 
    59. Rahil D. Zaveri, Strawberry Crest High School: University of Florida  
    60. Megha Manoj, King High School: University of Florida 
    61. Ethan J. Varn, Sumner High School: University of South Florida  
    Comments (-1)
  • 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 PM

    For Immediate Release 

    Contact:            Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton  
                               Hillsborough County Public Schools  
                               Office of Communications
                               813-272-4060 

    Tampa, 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. 

    Comments (-1)
  • Board Members in the Community: May 22-25, 2023

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton   on 5/19/2023 3:04:00 PM

    For Immediate Release 

    Contact:             Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton  
                               Hillsborough County Public Schools  
                               Office of Communications 
                               813-272-4060 

    Tampa, 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 
    Comments (-1)
  • Board Members in the Community: May 13-18, 2023

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton   on 5/12/2023 2:45:00 PM

    For Immediate Release 

    Contact:             Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton  
                               Hillsborough County Public Schools  
                               Office of Communications 
                               813-272-4060 

    Tampa, 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
    Comments (-1)
  • Board Members in the Community: May 11, 2023

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton on 5/10/2023 3:32:00 PM

    For Immediate Release 

    Contact:             Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton  
                               Hillsborough County Public Schools  
                               Office of Communications 
                               813-272-4060 

    Tampa, 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  
    Comments (-1)
  • 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 PM

    Contact:            Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton  
                               Hillsborough County Public Schools  
                               Office of Communications 
                               813-272-4060 

    Tampa, 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 
    Comments (-1)
  • Board Members in the Community: May 6-13, 2023

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton on 5/5/2023 2:56:00 PM

    For Immediate Release 

    Contact:             Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton  
                               Hillsborough County Public Schools
                               Office of Communications 
                               813-272-4060 

    Tampa, 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 

     

    Comments (-1)
  • Hillsborough County Public Schools Celebrates the Class of 2023  

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton on 5/5/2023 2:19:00 PM
    For Immediate Release
     
    Contact:            Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
                              Hillsborough County Public Schools  
                              Office of Communications 
                              813-272-4060  

    Tampa, 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  

     

    Comments (-1)
  • Steinbrenner High Robotics Team Wins National Championship in Dallas 

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton on 5/2/2023 3:20:00 PM

    For Immediate Release 

    Contact:            Tanya Arja or Jennifer Holton
                              Hillsborough County Public Schools  
                              Office of Communications 
                              813-272-4060 

    Tampa, 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

    JROTC VEX Robotics National Championship      JROTC VEX Robotics National Championship

    JROTC VEX Robotics National Championship      JROTC VEX Robotics National Championship

    Comments (-1)