Congratulations to Candace Culpepper, the new principal of Spoto High School!
Candace began her HCPS career as a science teacher at Tampa Bay Tech High, later teaching at Hillsborough High and serving as an AP at Durant High and Sumner High.
We can’t wait to see her lead our Spartans and build on the great work happening at Spoto!
REMARKABLE ACCOMPLISHMENT 👏🎉 This week, we proudly recognized four graduates who have achieved a rare and inspiring feat — perfect attendance for their entire K-12 educational journey!
Congratulations to…
📚Chloe Wilson, Bloomingdale High School
📚 Colby Wilson, Bloomingdale High School
📚 Hailey Irvan, Robinson High School
📚 Dalton Bramlett, Durant High School
A huge thank you to our partner in education, Suncoast Credit Union/Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, for providing these students with a new laptop and $500 in gift cards! Your support is invaluable!
Congratulations to everyone who participated in the first ever HCPS Grade 3 Geography Bee! The students' command of geography skills and knowledge is very impressive! Four students achieved a 100% on the district championship quiz... The winner was determined by time.
Congratulations to the Geography Bee Champion... Jace Velasquez from Claywell Elementary!
A lot of fun this morning at Chiles Elementary School! These amazing kiddos created a Living Museum and really went all out on the learning fun!
We are so excited for our high school graduations!
🎨 Congratulations to three talented students recognized at the Hillsborough County Bar Association Law Day Luncheon for their outstanding artwork in the 2025 Law Day Art Contest!
👏 Senior Yarely Orozco-Jaimes and 9th grader Mayrin Montiel-Montiel from Plant City High School, along with 8th grader Venkata Tatikonda from Roland Park K-8 School, were honored for their creative interpretations of this year’s theme: "The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One."
📸 Pictured: Debra Blossom, Dr. Rick Grayes, Dr. Marie Whalen, Board Member Patti Rendon, Venkata Tatikonda, Yarely Orozco-Jaimes, Shaylia McRae, and Major Zamir Ode
As we draw closer to graduation, we will highlight one senior each day who has overcome great obstacles to succeed. Thank you to these extraordinary students for allowing us to share your stories.
🎓
Allison Burk is a graduating senior from Plant City High School.
Allison’s mom was a teacher who taught students with disabilities. Allison says she always saw the joy her mom experienced when helping students, and she wants to do the same thing after graduation.
Allison’s mom passed away a few years ago, and as you can imagine, Allison struggled with her loss. However, despite all the challenges, she kept a smile on her face, and persevered.
Allison will graduate this year and she’s still determined to be like her mom – a teacher.
The administration at Plant City High say teachers and staff love Allison and she is an inspiration to many.
Congratulations Allison, Plant City High’s #Classof2025
Meet Tena Hopper – Access Teacher, Mentor, and a proud part of Hillsborough County Public Schools for over 25 years.
“What I do every day is not just a job. I love my job. Every single day, I wake up knowing that I’m going to see my kiddos and watch them grow,” Tena shares. Her commitment to student success and meaningful relationships is what makes her more than a teacher.
Tena believes HCPS stands out because of its strong sense of community and involvement—it may be one of the largest districts, but it feels like a close-knit family.
Interested in becoming a teacher through our STEP program? Join one of our upcoming Information Sessions:
• Tuesday, May 20 | 6–8 PM
• Wednesday, May 21 | 1–3 PM
• Tuesday, May 27 | 6–8 PM
• Tuesday, June 3 | 6–8 PM
• Wednesday, June 4 | 6–8 PM
Reminder Teacher Appreciation Week starts today!
Happy School Principals’ Day! 🎉 Today, we celebrate the incredible leaders who guide our schools to greatness. Thank you to our dedicated principals for your hard work, vision, and commitment to our students' success. You play a crucial role in shaping in preparing students for life and creating a positive learning environment.
Today we kick off Mental Health Awareness Month! At HCPS, we prioritize the health and well-being of our students every day!
This year's theme is “Strive to Thrive.” Join us for Motivating Mondays and Wellness Wednesdays, where we’ll share healthy coping skills and ways to enhance positive mental well-being.
