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

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  

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. 

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 

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: 

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  

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 

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 17^th Annual Class of 2023 Scholarship Ceremony -- Middleton High School, 4801 N 22nd St, Tampa 

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.