For Immediate Release

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

Tampa, Fla. – (May 24, 2024) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:

• 5/26/2024 - 8:30 AM
  Lennard High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/26/2024 -12:00 PM
  Armwood High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/26/2024 - 3:30 PM
  Spoto High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/26/2024 - 7:00 PM
  Blake High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/28/2024 - 8:30 AM
  Jefferson High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/28/2024 -12:00 PM
  East Bay High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/28/2024 - 3:30 PM
  Durant High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/28/2024 - 7:00 PM
  Sickles High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/29/2024 - 8:30 AM
  Tampa Bay Technical Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/29/2024 - 12:00 PM
  King High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/29/2024 - 3:30 PM
  Bloomingdale High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/30/2024 - 4:30 PM
  Hillsborough Association of School Administrators Summer Event, Dave & Busters, 10209 Estuary Lakes Drive, Tampa
• 5/31/2024 - 4:00 PM
  Seminole Heights West University Graduation, Hilton Downtown Tampa, 211 N Tampa Street, Tampa
• 6/1/2024 - 5:00 PM
  Gentlemen's Quest of Tampa Awards Gala, 2001 N 14th Street, Tampa

For Immediate Release

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

Tampa, Fla. – (May 17, 2024) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:

• 5/20/2024 - 9:00 AM
  Hillsborough County Public Schools Community Partnership Alliance Breakfast, Tampa River Center, 402 W Laurel St, Tampa
• 5/20/2024 - 10:00 AM
  Congresswoman Castor Check Presentation at Building Construction Academy, 13609 N 22nd St, Tampa
• 5/20/2024 - 11:00 AM
  Hispanic Latinx Forum, Virtual
• 5/21/2024 - 7:30 AM
  Face the Chamber, Hotel Flor Tampa Downtown, 905 N Florida Ave, Tampa
• 5/21/2024 - 8:00 AM
  Adult Schools & Technical Colleges Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/21/2024 - 11:30 AM
  Career Centers Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/21/2024 - 2:00 PM
  Rome Yards Groundbreaking, 2609 N Rome Ave, Tampa
• 5/21/2024 - 3:00 PM
  Hillsborough Virtual K12 Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/21/2024 - 6:00 PM
  Sumner High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/22/2024 - 8:00 AM
  Newsome High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/22/2024 - 12:00 PM
  Chamberlain High School, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/22/2024 - 3:30 PM
  Riverview High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/22/2024 - 7:00 PM
  Plant City High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/23/2024 - 8:00 AM
  Feeding Tampa Bay Grand Opening Ceremony, 3624 Causeway Blvd, Tampa
• 5/23/2024 - 8:30 AM
  Freedom High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/23/2024 - 12:00 PM
  Steinbrenner High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/23/2024 - 3:30 PM
  Alonso High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/24/2024 - 5:00 PM
  Focus Academy Graduation, 304 Druid Hills Blvd, Temple Terrace
• 5/23/2024 - 7:00 PM
  Strawberry Crest High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/24/2024 - 8:30 AM
  Brandon High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/24/2024 - 12:00 PM
  Plant High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/24/2024 - 3:30 PM
  Gaither High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/24/2024 - 7:00 PM
  Leto High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/25/2024 - 8:30 AM
  Middleton High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/25/2024 - 12:00 PM
  Wharton High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/25/2024 - 3:30 PM
  Robinson High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/25/2024 - 7:00 PM
  Hillsborough High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/26/2024 - 8:30 AM
  Lennard High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/26/2024 - 12:00 PM
  Armwood High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
•  5/26/2024 - 3:30 PM
  Spoto High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa
• 5/26/2024 - 7:00 PM
  Blake High School Graduation, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 N US Hwy 301, Tampa

For Immediate Release

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

**Link to Photos**

Tampa, Fla. – (May 15, 2024) – Hillsborough County Public Schools honored student athletes for individual awards and team GPA awards at their Spring Sports Awards on Thursday, May 16th.

Team Academic GPA Awards

Newsome Baseball – 3.791 GPA
Newsome Softball – 3.675 GPA
Steinbrenner Boys Track – 3.580 GPA
Plant Girls Track – 3.713 GPA
Armwood Boys Tennis – 3.850 GPA
Newsome Girls Tennis – 3.932 GPA
Alonso Girls Flag Football – 3.714 GPA
Robinson Boys Lacrosse – 3.587 GPA
Newsome Girls Lacrosse – 3.767 GPA
Newsome Girls Wrestling – 3.763 GPA
Brandon Boys Wrestling – 3.491 GPA

Female Wrestler of the Year
Arden Swindle, Strawberry Crest High School

Arden started wrestling in 10^th grade.  Her record was 15-1 as a sophomore, 23-3 as a junior, and 17-6 for her senior year.  She is a two-time state qualifier and a three-time region qualifier.  In 2023 she was the Ben Richards Tournament runner-up and placed third at the 2023 Let Freedom Ring 2023 Tournament. She is the two-time Hillsborough County Champ and the 2024 FHSAA District Champion.  Her coach said she is an excellent wrestler that is very positive and motivates those around her.  She is a team leader and one of the most accomplished female wrestlers in the school’s history.  Arden’s Weighted GPA is 4.1 and her Unweighted GPA is 3.7.  She will be attending Hillsborough Community College and plans to major in Nursing.

Male Wrestler of the Year
Thomas Gernhart, Brandon High School

Thomas “TJ” has wrestled all four years in high school and was the varsity team captain for years.  He has 100 career pins with 138 wins and 18 losses.  He is a three-time state placer and three-time District Champion.  As a freshman he was fourth at States at 106 pounds; District Champion; and second in Regions.  As a sophomore his varsity record was 11-3 before he suffered a knee injury and was out for the season.  As a junior his record was 45-9; District Champion; second in Regions; and seventh in the State.  His senior year his record was 56-1; District Champion; Region Champion; and third in State.  His coach said he has a positive attitude and a great spirit for competitiveness.  He has a high moral fiber for athletics, sportsmanship, and academic accountability.  TJ’s Weighted GPA is 3.0 and his Unweighted GPA is 2.6.  He will be attending Coker University on a wrestling scholarship.

Joel Medgebow Wrestling Coach of the Year
Mark Church, Bloomingdale High School

Mark Church is the head wrestling coach as well as the assistant girls wrestling coach.  His team was in the top-three finish in the Jerry Mita Memorial, the Ben Richards Memorial, County Championships, and Districts.  The team placed first at the John Joyce Memorial.  He had nine regional qualifiers, four state qualifiers, and one medalist.  He is building the girls program with two regional qualifiers this year.  His fellow wrestling coaches said he is a great coach.  He shows great character and devotion. He excels in the sport and sets a great example.  His APA, Sara Bogue, said Coach Church has continued to grow our wrestling program this year and always puts his athletes in the best position to be successful.  He is constantly challenging his best wrestlers to never settle while also encouraging and providing opportunities to those who are brand new to the sport. His wrestling knowledge is unmatched, and he gives countless hours to his athletes and the sport of wrestling. He has high expectations and holds his athletes accountable on and off the mat.  Bloomingdale is lucky to have him as part of our team!

Happy Home Center Outstanding Flag Football Player of the Year
Abigail Elwell, Lennard High School

Abigail “Abby” is the team quarterback and a linebacker.  She has been the quarterback of the team since her freshman year.  Her freshman year she was third team All-State and second team Western Conference.  Her sophomore year she was second team All-State and first team Western Conference.  Her junior year she was in the first team All-State and first team Western Conference.  She finishes her senior year as the school’s all-time leading passer in yards with over 15,000 yards and all-time passing touchdowns leader with 220.  She has the most wins as a QB with 57.  Her coach said she leads by example with kindness, friendship, and commitment.  She was the team captain in her junior and senior year.  She is one of the most truth worthy kids he has ever coached.  He has no worries that she’s not doing what she’s supposed to do when she’s supposed to do it at the best of her abilities. Abby is who she is 24/7 and that is an outstanding young adult.  Abby’s Weighted GPA is 7.56 and her Unweighted GPA is 4.0.  She will be attending the University of Florida and plans to major in exercise science. 

Andres Garcia Memorial Tennis Award - Male
Nathan Ly, Armwood High School

Nathan lettered all four years in tennis and is a four-year team captain.  His performance this season has led him to a 7-3 personal record which he has reached through his strong serve, consistent returns, and adaptable gameplay.  His coach said his leadership ability is seen in his selfless love for the game and his willingness to share that knowledge. Without asking, he can count on him to work with the players and to have the patience to go over every detail and mechanic necessary to improve their game.  This knowledge is not just for the younger players on the team but for all his teammates. No matter the skill level of the player, they will go to Nathan to look at their play and get feedback on how to improve it.  He always has a cool head and is a voice of reason on the team when frustrations come up. He has proven himself to be an upstanding athlete and teammate.  His character is shown by his honesty and pride.  Whether it benefits his team or not, he will uphold the rules and regulations of the game.  He is also someone who will treat every player with respect no matter their level.  His kindness and character set a precedent for the team and gives a model for the younger players to look up to.  Nathan’s Weighted GPA is 7.04 and his Unweighted GPA is 4.0.  He will be attending the University of Florida and plans to major in electrical engineering.

HALAX Outstanding Lacrosse Player - Female
Reagan Quinn, Plant High School

Reagan has been a starter in lacrosse for the last three years.  She played attack and some midfield.  She has impressive stats this season with 18 goals, 17 assists, 21 ground balls, and 8 takeaways to date. Her team made it to the State Final Four.  She was selected as the team captain in 2024.  Her coach said she is a dominant player with a high level of lacrosse skill.  She is a quiet, thoughtful leader.  She lets her play speak for itself and always exhibits a level of sportsmanship that we want all our players to emulate.  She never takes off a single rep.  She is always willing to help less experienced/less skilled players by pulling them aside to explain concepts and by working to help them improve.  She never stops pushing her teammates to practice and play their best.  While other players worry about their individual stats, she reminds her teammates that it’s about more than winning, and she models that sportsmanship for her team.  She makes a difference when she is on the field.  Her high level of stick skills, lacrosse IQ, speed, and stamina made her a key component of the team's push getting to States.  Reagan’s Weighted GPA is 4.4 and her Unweighted GPA is 3.7.  She will be attending The Catholic University of America where she committed for lacrosse and plans to major in business/marketing.

HALAX Outstanding Lacrosse Player - Male
James Gataky, Plant High School

James was the team’s goalie.  His team made it to the State Final Four.  He was selected as the team captain in 2024.  His coach said he leads by example and inspires his teammates to be their best every day and holds them to high standards.  He takes accountability and has been instrumental in changing the team’s culture on and off the field.  He excels not only on the field as a player but off the field as a friend, mentor, and leader. At the beginning of the year the coach asked the seniors what their goal for the year was and he immediately responded, “to change the culture” and to “leave the program better than he found”.  He has stuck to that mission day in and day out and the program has changed for the better because of James’ leadership, attitude, and work ethic.  James’ Weighted GPA is 5.94 and his Unweighted GPA is 3.33.  He will be attending Colorado University of Boulder and plans to major in history.

For Immediate Release

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

Tampa, Fla. – (May 16, 2024) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:

• Thursday, May 16 – 5:00 p.m.

  • Irish 31 Cheers to Public Service, Irish 31, 10102 Montague St., Westchase
• Thursday, May 16 – 6 p.m.
  • May Equality Social: School Board Edition Forum, Corner Club, 1502 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa
• Thursday, May 16 - 6:30 p.m. 
  • Middle School Scholar Athlete Awards, Jefferson High School, 4401 W Cypress St., Tampa
• Friday, May 17 – 8:30 a.m.
  • Partner Appreciation Breakfast, Mort Elementary School, 1806 E Bears Ave., Tampa
• Saturday, May 18 – 11:00 a.m.
  • Brooks Debartolo Graduation, Straz Performing Arts Center, 1010 NW C. MacInnis, Tampa

For Immediate Release

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

**link to video of the surprise announcement**

Tampa, Fla. – (May 15, 2024) – Today, the Florida Department of Education announced Dr. Clayton Nylund, a science teacher at Blake High School in Hillsborough County, as one of the five 2025 Teacher of the Year state finalists.

Representatives from the Florida Department of Education joined Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres, Hillsborough County School Board Members, and district staff to surprise Dr. Nylund with the announcement in class.

“I am thrilled that Dr. Nylund has been selected as a finalist for Florida’s Teacher of the Year. Dr. Nylund has made physics and engineering sought-after courses that students are lining up to join. He doesn’t just teach; he absorbs knowledge and culture and breathes that back into the school,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “He has made Blake High School proud, Hillsborough County Public Schools proud, and I know, given the opportunity, he will make our state proud.”

Dr. Nylund has been with Hillsborough County Public Schools since 2011, teaching Physics and Engineering. In 2019, he introduced a PTech (Principles of Technology) course, allowing students to research, design, build, test, and compete with their projects, just like real engineers in the marketplace. Students have the opportunity to build pinewood derby cars, catapults, rockets, bridges, and mousetrap cars. They also learn about circuits, coding, programming, and robotics. Dr. Nylund was asked by district leaders to rewrite the PTech curriculum for the district, now expanding the course to six other high schools across the county, with close to 1,000 students experiencing this engaging course.

“It’s a once in a career opportunity. I have always dreamed of having this opportunity but the fact that it is actually happening is beyond anything I could have imagined,” said Dr. Clayton Nylund.

The five state finalists were chosen from 74 district Teachers of the Year. The 2025 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year winner will be announced at a gala in Orlando on July 25, 2024.

For more information about the Florida Teacher of the Year program, please visit Florida Teachers Lead.

For Immediate Release

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

Tampa, Fla. – (May 10, 2024) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:

• Tuesday, May 14 – 10:00 AM:
  Caminiti Exceptional Student Center Graduation, Caminiti ESC, 2600 W Humphrey St., Tampa 
• Tuesday, May 14 – 1:00 PM:
  LaVoy Exceptional Student Center Graduation, LaVoy ESC, 4410 W Main St., Tampa
• Tuesday, May 14 – 5:30 PM:
  School Board Recognition Meeting, ROSSAC, 901 E Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
• Wednesday, May 15 – 10:00 AM:
  Lopez Exceptional Student Center Graduation, Lopez ESC, 200 N Kingsway Rd., Seffner
• Wednesday, May 15 – 1:00 PM:
  Willis Peters Exceptional Student Graduation, Willis Peters ESC, 2919 Nelson Ave., Dover
• Wednesday, May 15 – 5:00 PM:
  Irish 31 Cheers to Public Service, Irish 31, 1611 W Swann Ave., Tampa
• Wednesday, May 15 – 6:00 PM:
  Swope Rodante Vanguard Awards, Swope Rodante, 1234 E 5^th Ave., Tampa
• Thursday, May 16 – 10:00 AM:
  Carver and Dorothy Thomas Exceptional Student Centers Graduation, Dorothy Thomas Center, 3215 Nundy Rd., Tampa
• Thursday, May 16 – 10:00 AM
  Spring Sports Awards, ROSSAC, 901 E Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
• Thursday, May 16 – 1:00 PM
  Eisenhower Exceptional Student Center Graduation, Eisenhower Middle School, 7620 Old Big Bend Rd., Gibsonton
• Thursday, May 16 – 5:00 PM
  Irish 31 Cheers to Public Service, Irish 31, 10102 Montague St., Westchase
• Thursday, May 16 – 6:30 PM
  Middle School Scholar Athlete Awards, Jefferson High School, 4401 W Cypress St., Tampa
• Friday, May 17 – 8:30 AM
  Partner Appreciation Breakfast, Mort Elementary School, 1806 E Bears Ave., Tampa
• Saturday, May 18 – 11:00 AM
  Brooks Debartolo Graduation, Straz Performing Arts Center, 1010 NW C. MacInnis, Tampa

For Immediate Release

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

Tampa, Fla. – (May 9, 2024) – Today, Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres surprised three outstanding high school seniors with a 2-year, $8,000 scholarship.  Link to video 

This year’s scholarship winners:

Lenaira Williams – Middleton High School

Misael Lebron - Gaither High School

Alabama Allen - Steinbrenner High School

“It was an honor to award Lenaira, Misael, and Alabama who have shown perseverance, hard work, and academic success through some hard challenges,” said Van Ayres. “We are excited to recognize these deserving students on behalf of Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Florida Prepaid team and wish them the best of luck in all their future endeavors.”

Florida Prepaid, the largest and longest running college savings plan in the nation, partnered with Superintendent Ayres and Hillsborough County Public Schools to help create awareness about the importance of education and saving for college early.  

More about the scholarship recipients:

Lenaira Williams – Middleton HS

Despite a challenging upbringing, marked by familial struggles, and emotional difficulties, Lenaira overcame adversity to pursue a brighter future. Raised by a cousin, she struggled with confusion and self-doubt before finding support through school clubs and social workers. Her turning point came during her sophomore year, and after joining the "Starting Right Now" program, she found the guidance needed to turn her life around. Now, with unwavering determination, she is proud to attend Miles College this fall to study social work and criminal justice, proving that she is not just developing but thriving.

Misael Lebron - Gaither HS

Misael, a middle child from Puerto Rico, grew up facing financial challenges but was inspired by his parents' hard work and determination to pursue success. Despite battling leukemia in the 8th grade and enduring "chemo-fog" during treatment, he remained anchored in his faith and emerged cancer-free. Graduating from Gaither High School with a 4.88 weighted GPA, Misael plans to attend the University of South Florida to major in Biology, with aspirations to transfer to the University of Florida to study botany and entomology. He aims to discover less harmful compounds for chemotherapy, a goal shaped by his own inspiring journey of overcoming adversity and his unwavering faith.

Alabama Allen - Steinbrenner HS

Alabama's volunteer experiences and involvement in school clubs reflect her caring and genuine character. Despite losing her mother to an overdose at age 9 and moving to Florida to live with her grandparents after her father's struggles with addiction, she has turned her life around since joining Steinbrenner High School. With a 5.43 GPA in honors and AP courses, Alabama has discovered her faith and takes on growing responsibilities at her church while holding a full-time job at Publix. Her volunteer work focuses on making others feel welcome and accepted, inspired by her own experiences of isolation and hopelessness. After graduation, she plans to attend USF to major in health science and pursue a career in nursing.

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

Tampa, Florida (May 9, 2024) –Hillsborough County Public Schools’ Health Insurance Committee will meet on Thursday, May 16, from noon - 3 p.m. to discuss general health insurance trends. The meeting will take place at the Instructional Services Center, room #164, 2920 N 40th St., Tampa. 

For Immediate Release

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

Tampa, Fl. (May 9, 2024) – Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Hillsborough School Employees Federation (HSEF) will begin negotiations on Friday, May 10, beginning at 2 p.m.

This session is scheduled at the HSEF Office located at 5126 N. Florida Avenue, Tampa. HSEF represents instructional support employees in the areas of transportation, student nutrition services, security, and custodial services.