Press Releases

  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: April 12-17, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 4/11/2025 3:00:00 PM
    For Immediate Release
    Contact:Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (April 11, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • 4/12/2025 - 8:00 AM
      Race for Education, 1701 N Boulevard, Tampa

    • 4/12/2025 - 7:00PM
      Tampa Bay Sun Soccer Game, 1701 N Boulevard, Tampa

    • 4/14/2025 - 4:30 PM
      Hillsborough Association of School Library Media Specialists Annual Banquet, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd, Tampa
       
    • 4/15/2025 - 9:00 AM
      Pin Chasers Turnaround Student Breakfast, 2940 N 40th St, Tampa

    • 4/15/2025 - 4:00 PM
      Outstanding School Volunteer Awards Reception, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa

    • 4/15/2025 - 5:30 PM
      Recognition Meeting, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa

    • 4/16/2025 - 5:30 PM
      Kids Tag Art Awards Ceremony, 4401 W Cypress St, Tampa
    •  
    • 4/17/2025 - 11:45 AM
      14th Annual Head & Heart Luncheon, 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa

    • 4/17/2025 - 6:00 PM
      Spring into Wellness Mental Health Forum, 17400 Commerce Park Blvd, Tampa
    Comments (-1)
  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: April 7-12, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 4/4/2025 3:00:00 PM
    For Immediate Release
    Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (April 4, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • 4/7/2025 - 10:00 AM
      Principal Induction Program Graduation, 4210 W Bay Villa Ave, Tampa
    • 4/7/2025 - 6:00 PM
      Citizens Advisory Committee, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
    • 4/8/2025 - 10:30 AM
      Sip Smile and Support for Autism Event, 802 E Whiting St, Tampa
    • 4/8/2025 - 4:00 PM
      School Board Meeting, School Board Auditorium, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
    • 4/10/2025 - 5:30 PM
      2025 Migrant Senior Banquet, 6437 Watson Rd, Riverview 
    • 4/12/2025 - 8:00 AM
      Race for Education, 1701 N Boulevard, Tampa
    Comments (-1)
  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: Mar. 31-Apr. 5, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 3/28/2025 3:00:00 PM
    For Immediate Release
    Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (March 28, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • 3/31/2025 - 6:00 PM
      MOSI Dome Debut VIP Experience, 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa
    • 4/1/2025 - 10:00 AM
      School Board Retreat, 401 E Jackson Street, Tampa
    • 4/1/2025 - 1:30 PM
      Early Learning Task Force, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
    • 4/3/2025 - 12:00 PM
      Future Career Academy Fair Hiring Event, 4121 N 50th St, Tampa
    • 4/3/2025 - 4:00 PM
      7 Mindsets “Let Them Shine” Awards, 6402 N 40th St, Tampa
    • 4/3/2025 - 5:30 PM
      Athena Society Annual Young Women of Promise, 123 S Westshore Blvd, Tampa
    • 4/4/2025 - 9:30 AM
      NCAA Women's Final Four Tourney Town Event, 333 S Franklin St, Tampa
    • 4/5/2025 - 3:00 PM
      New Worlds Reading Book Bash, 4201 N Dale Mabry, Tampa
    Comments (-1)
  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: Mar. 24-30, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 3/21/2025 3:00:00 PM
    For Immediate Release
    Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (March 21, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • 3/24/2025 - 11:00 AM
      Hispanic Forum, Conference Room, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
    • 3/26/2025 - 10:00 AM
      Hillsborough County African American Task Force, Virtual
    • 3/28/2025 - 9:00 AM
      Tinker K-8 Groundbreaking, Tinker Elementary, 8207 Tinker Street, Tampa
    • 3/29/2025 - 10:00 AM
      Dedication of Kenneth E Adum K-8, Adum PreK-8, 4210 W Bay Villa Ave, Tampa
    • 3/30/2025 - 2:30 PM
      14th Congressional Art Reception, Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa
    Comments (-1)
  • Hillsborough County Public Schools Closed for Spring Break

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 3/14/2025 2:00:00 PM
    For Immediate Release
    Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (March 14, 2025) – All Hillsborough County public schools and district offices will be closed Monday, March 17, through Friday, March 21 for spring break. Students and staff will return on Monday, March 24.
    In the event of breaking news, the media should contact Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti by email or on our cell phones.
    We hope all our staff, students and families have a safe spring break!
    Comments (-1)
  • Hillsborough County Public Schools Students Receive Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Cambridge Exams

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 3/10/2025 3:00:00 PM
    For Immediate Release
     
    Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    119 students recognized by Cambridge International Education, part of the University of Cambridge
     
    Tampa, Fl. (March 10, 2025) – One hundred and nineteen students from Hillsborough County Public Schools have received prestigious awards from Cambridge International Education, part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment and the University of Cambridge, to acknowledge their outstanding performance on the June 2024 Cambridge examinations. The awards celebrate the success of students taking Cambridge examinations around the world. More than a million students study Cambridge programs every year in over 160 countries.
     
    Congratulations to our outstanding students who have achieved remarkable success in their Cambridge exams. Your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence have earned you this well-deserved recognition,” said Van Ayres, superintendent of schools. “We are inc
    redibly proud of you and excited to see how you continue to shine in your academic journey and beyond.”
    The following students were recognized for their achievements:
     
    Top in the USA Award
    (Achieved the highest standard mark in the USA in an individual subject)
    Middleton High School
    Talwani Rishab
     
    Scholar Award of Distinction
    (Achieved three A grades or higher Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International A/AS)
    Leto High School
    Monica Corria

    Middleton High School
    Talwani Rishab 
     
    Scholar Award of Merit
    (Achieved three B grades or higher at Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International A/AS)
    Leto High School
    Marilin Jaimes Perez
    Xavier E. Velazquez

    Lennard High School
    Cooper Bassett
    Melanie Lyman
    Lucas Morgan
    Henry Myers
    Michael Weng
     
    Freedom High School
    Jorge Gonzalez
     
    Middleton High School
    Nirav Nemali
     
    Sumner High School
    Ella C Alvarez
    Kaitlyn J Chin
    Kelsey-Ann K Crouse
    Julia Levis
    Morgado Melanie
    Ryan D Mercer
    Mckenna L Roux
    Bryan L Sales-Mendez
     
    Plant City High School
    Madison R. Parolini
    Riley A. Myers
    Zoe H. Meeks
     
    Wharton High School
    Andria S Santhosh
    Chavi Lakhotia
    Diego L Anzalone
    Heer R Patel
    Himani Mehra
    Jayden Tang
    Jesus E Contreras
    Olivia Z Chen
    Patricia I Delgadillo
    Vy Doan
     
    Scholar Award
    (Achieved three C grades or higher at Cambridge International A/AS)
    Leto High School
    Corey Shelby
    Cristi A. Ramos
    Danna P. Gonzalez
    David D. Valdes Sanchez
    Delia M. Thurman
    Julian M. Costa
    Kiara L. Primeaux
    Leana Nguyen
    Luis E. Lopez Rondon
    Maia Vasquez
    Michael Calas
    Taylor Ramsire
    Traye K. Horner
    Vanessa Dominguez-Regalad
    Yenisel Aparicio
     
    Bloomingdale High School
    Keely Finan
     
    Lennard High School
    Michael Garcia
    Isabella Sage
    Madison Varoutas
    Dalton Vernetti
    Thatcher Wilkerson
    Carter Wolff
     
    Freedom High School
    Zuri Moore
    Maggie Takamatsu
     
    Sumner High School
    Dylan W Bajnath
    Riley A Brush
    Katie M Bulso
    Deandra T Campbell
    Giavanna B Chini
    Paula Jaily De
    Jarren P Dinglasan
    Alexandra M Gee
    Jaina Guzman 
    Joelle G Liwag
    Olivia A Mills
    Matthew A Nava
    Aleyna L Norman
    Holly N Plum
    Ariella S Ramjohn
    Taleah J Scott
    Jordan E Shirley
    Emily L Sumner
    Keshav K Tyagi
    Priseis M Vincente-Rodriguez
     
    Plant City High School
    Alexa L. Vazquez-Cortez
    Savannah K. Williams
     
    Riverview High School
    Carlyana K Irons
    Savannah E Lussier
     
    Strawberry Crest High School
    Alyssa G. Buckalew
    Elizabeth R. Perez
    Emma C. Baker
    Faith E. Graham
     
    Robinson High School
    Adeline E Cloutier
    Emery F Tindoll
    Jadyn J Stover
    Linh T Tran
    Mariah T Hulin
    Nathalie M Gilles
    Reina Aitkens
     
    Wharton High School
    Aarna R Patel
    Aaron S Wonderley
    Abraham R Bayard
    Adam A Alwreikat
    Angel A Muniz
    Ariana K Aponte
    Arvind A Iyer
    Danielle S Pliego
    Danileybis M Ortiz
    Dylan C Stamper
    Emelia E Crum
    Fernando A Soto-Briceno
    Gavin R Raitt
    Gina M Cocchiola
    Gina M Manzi
    Iliana R Saleh
    Isha U Patel
    Kyara D Bernier
    Kylie Pintar
    Leonardo J Camargo
    Luke J Dostal
    Matthew A Delgado
    Misha-Sha'El E Bright
    Ryan A Drumm
    Sean M Kwon
    Sophia C Lin
    Tyler A Rocha
                                                                                         
    “It is a great pleasure to honor the outstanding efforts of students and teachers at Hillsborough County Public Schools. I commend the students for their remarkable achievements in Cambridge courses and examinations. The qualifications they have gained are recognized globally and will open doors for exciting opportunities. I wish the students continued success in the coming year on behalf of everyone at Cambridge," said Mark Cavone, Cambridge’s Regional Director for North America, for International Education.
     
    As a global organization with a 160-year history and part of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge partners with schools and districts around the world with a shared goal of making education transformation a reality. High schools across the U.S. utilize the Cambridge Advanced program to help students develop the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to thrive in a changing world. This program is part of an internationally benchmarked program that allows students to earn college-level credit in high school. Cambridge uniquely provides an instructional system aligning rigorous curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment for all students in grades PreK-12.

    Learn more about Cambridge International Education by visiting https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/
    Comments (-1)
  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: Mar. 6-13, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 3/7/2025 2:00:00 PM
    For Immediate Release
    Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (March 7, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • 3/8/2025 - 11:00 AM
      Hope for Tampa Community Fair, Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy, 4302 N 24th St, Tampa
    • 3/10/2025 - 9:30 AM
      Central Florida School Boards Coalition Meeting, Virtual
    • 3/10/2025 - 11:30 AM
      University of South Florida 2025 Education in Action Luncheon, 4103 Cedar Dr, Tampa
    • 3/10/2025 - 5:00 PM
      Women in Leadership Gathering, 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa
    • 3/10/2025 - 6:00 PM
      Hillsborough County Citizens Advisory Committee, Virtual
    • 3/11/2025 - 4:00 PM
      School Board Meeting, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
    • 3/12/2025 - 4:00 PM
      Elementary Fine Arts Festival, 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa
    • 3/12/2025 - 7:00 PM
      Elementary Fine Arts Festival Awards, 1010 NW C Macinnes Place, Tampa
    • 3/13/2025 - 9:00 AM
      GradNation Community Summit, 10221 Princess Palm Ave, Tampa
    • 3/13/2025 - 5:30 PM
      Oasis Fundraiser, 123 S Westshore Blvd, Tampa
    Comments (-1)
  • Board Members in the Community: March 1-8, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 2/28/2025 3:00:00 PM
    For Immediate Release
    Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fla. – (February 28, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • Saturday, March 1, 9 a.m. – FACE Academy, Tampa Bay Technical High School, 6410 Orient Road, Tampa
    • Monday, March 3, 10 a.m. – Florida Strawberry Festival Parade Day Luncheon, Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Rd., Plant City
    • Tuesday, March 4, 10 a.m. – School Board Workshop, School District Headquarters, 901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
    • Thursday, March 6, 6 p.m. - Junior Achievement 60th Anniversary Celebration, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street 510 E Water St, Tampa
    • Friday, March 7, 11:30 a.m. - 19th Annual Women of Influence Luncheon, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street 510 E Water St, Tampa
    • Saturday, March 8, 11 a.m. – Hope for Tampa Community Fair, Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy, 4302 N. 24th St., Tampa
    Comments (-1)
  • Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Launches New Kindergarten Attendance Initiative in Partnership with Florida Prepaid

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 2/27/2025 3:30:00 PM
    For Immediate Release
    Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Kindergarten students with strong attendance will earn college scholarships through a new partnership with Florida Prepaid
     
    Tampa, Fl. (February 25, 2025) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is putting students on the path to success by launching a new kindergarten attendance initiative in partnership with Florida Prepaid. This effort will reward strong attendance with college scholarships, providing families with an opportunity to start saving early for their child’s future education.
     
    Recognizing the critical link between attendance and academic achievement, this initiative is designed to encourage families to make daily school attendance a priority. Each elementary school principal will award three $1,000 scholarships to randomly selected students from the qualifying group—jump-starting college savings for more than 400 students at elementary schools across the district.  Additionally, kindergarten students who are present for at least 90% of school days during the challenge period will receive a $100 contribution into a Florida 529 Savings Plan. In total, this is a $1.6 million dollar investment from Florida Prepaid.
     
    “We know that consistent attendance in kindergarten sets the foundation for long-term academic success,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “Every day a student is in class, they gain essential skills that prepare them for future learning. Through this partnership with Florida Prepaid, we are not only reinforcing the importance of attendance but also helping families take the first step toward saving for their child’s post-secondary education.”
     
    Florida Prepaid, the largest and longest-running prepaid college program in the country, is making these scholarships possible as part of their Open Enrollment period, which runs from February 1 to April 30, 2025.
     
    “We are so pleased to partner with Superintendent Ayres and the Hillsborough School District on this attendance initiative because we know attendance is a critical factor in a student’s academic progress and ultimately, their college readiness,” said Kevin Thompson, Executive Director of Florida Prepaid. “We hope these scholarships help pave the way for future opportunities for kindergarten students across Hillsborough.” 
     
    For more information about the kindergarten attendance initiative, visit www.hillsboroughschools.org/attendance. To learn more about Florida Prepaid and college savings opportunities, visit www.myfloridaprepaid.com.
    Comments (-1)
  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: Feb. 22-Mar. 1, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 2/21/2025 2:00:00 PM
    For Immediate Release
    Contact:Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (February 14, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • 2/22/2025 - 8:00 AM
      9th Annual Black History Brain Bowl, Middleton High School, 4801 N 22nd St, Tampa

    • 2/22/2025 - 6:00 PM
      Sutherland Hall for the Performing Arts Auditorium Dedication Concert, Bloomingdale High School, 1700 E Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon

    • 2/24/2025 - 11:00 AM
      Hispanic Forum, ROSSAC, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa

    • 2/25/2025 - 8:00 AM
      Tampa Bay Chamber 2025 Legislative Kick Off, University Club, 201 N Franklin St, Tampa 

    • 2/25/2025 - 4:00 PM
      School Board Meeting, ROSSAC, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa

    • 2/26/2025 - 7:00 AM
      Cup of Compassion Breakfast, Armature Works, 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa

    • 2/26/2025 - 10:00 AM
      Hillsborough County African American Task Force, Virtual

    • 2/26/2025 - 1:00 PM
      FSBA West Central Region Members Meeting, 230 S Florida Ave, Wauchula

    • 2/27/2025 - 3:00 PM
      Children’s Board Meeting, 1002 E Palm Ave, Tampa

    • 2/27/2025 - 5:00 PM
      STREAM Night, Tampa Palms Elementary, 6100 Tampa Palms Blvd, Tampa

    • 2/28/2025 - 8:00 AM
      Citizens Oversight Committee, Virtual

    • 2/28/2025 - 7:30 AM
      Special Olympics IncrediBULLS, Newsome High School, 16550 Fishhawk Blvd, Lithia

    • 2/28/2025 - 5:30 PM
      4th Annual Black History Month Event, Tampa Bay History Center, 801 Old Water St, Tampa

    • 3/1/2025 - 9:00 AM
      FACE Academy, Tampa Bay Technical School, 6410 Orient Road, Tampa
    Comments (-1)