🎨 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.
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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.
