Press Releases

  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: June 17-20, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 6/19/2025 4:37:00 PM
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT:  Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (June 12, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • 6/17/25 – 11:00 AM
      Funeral Service for Councilwoman Gwen Henderson, 2101 Lowe St., Tampa

    • 6/17/2025 – 4:00 PM
      School Board Meeting, Auditorium, 901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa

    • 6/20/2025 – 9:30 AM
      1Voice Foundation Club, 1935 Campa Florida Rd., Brandon
    Comments (-1)

  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: June 21-

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 6/19/2025 4:00:00 PM
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (June 19, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • 6/21/2025 - 2:00 PM
      All County Theatre Seussical Jr., Blake High School Auditorium, 1701 N Boulevard, Tampa

    • 6/23/2025 - 10:00 AM
      Summer Referendum Work Media Availability, Hillsborough High School, 5000 N Central Ave, Tampa

    • 6/23/2025 - 11:00 AM
      Hispanic Forum Meeting, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa

    • 6/24/2025 - 10:00 AM
      School Board Workshop, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa

    • 6/25/2025 - 10:00 AM
      Hillsborough African American History Task Force, Virtual
    Comments (-1)

  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: June 7-11, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 6/5/2025 3:00:00 PM
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (June 5, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • 6/7/25 – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
      Tampa Bay Juneteenth Coalition Community Concert, 1125 Spruce St, Tampa

    • 6/9/2025 - 7:00 AM
      Summer Youth Intern Program Kickoff, 411 N Franklin St, Tampa

    • 6/9/2025 - 5:00 PM
      Women in Leadership, 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa

    • 6/11/2025 - 6/13/25
      FSBA/FADSS Annual Summer Conference, 2900 Bayport Dr, Tampa
    Comments (-1)

  • Thirty Hillsborough County Public School Students Named National Merit® Scholarship Winners

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 6/5/2025 9:00:00 AM
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (June 5, 2025) – Hillsborough County Public  Schools (HCPS) is proud to announce thirty students have been named College-Sponsored National Merit Scholarship winners, by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®).
    This scholarship is financed by U.S. colleges and universities and will provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the awarding institution. Students were chosen from a pool of more than 15,000 outstanding students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.

    These Scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, based on their academic record, including difficulty of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.

    "We are incredibly proud of the thirty Hillsborough County students who have earned this prestigious award. Their dedication and perseverance have led them to this achievement, and the entire school district celebrates their success," said Superintendent Van Ayres.
     
    Congratulations to HCPS National Merit Scholarship winners:
    Samuel B. Bleeze, Newsome | University of Florida
    Alan W. Burke, Jr., Hillsborough | University of Florida
    Nicolas J. Bartley, Gaither | Embry-Riddle
    Roham Farhadi, Freedom | University of Florida
    Adeline L. Habgood, Hillsborough | University of Central Florida
    Beckett G. Jones, Tampa Bay Technical | University of Florida
    Caleb K. Joseph, Alonso | University of Florida
    Rishi N. Kamdar, Robinson | University of Florida
    Siah E. Kennedy, Newsome | University of Florida
    Hannah R. Khan, Strawberry Crest | University of South Florida
    Cooper J. Lynn, Plant | University of Florida
    Grace M. Mihiral, Strawberry Crest | University of Florida
    Riley E. Nichols, Plant | Tulane
    Min Joo Mary Noh, Hillsborough | University of Florida
    Rohit S. Paranjape, Hillsborough | University of Florida
    Devan D. Patel, Robinson | University of Florida
    Sophia V. Pergola, Newsome, | University of Florida
    Grace R. Qiang, Hillsborough | University of Florida
    Kaydence Rao, Steinbrenner | University of Florida
    Bradley J. Roberts, Newsome | University of Central Florida
    Madison M. Sergent, Steinbrenner | University of Florida
    Swathi S. Shenoy, Steinbrenner | University of Florida
    Derek Sung, King | University of Florida
    Vanshika Vardhan Takkalapalli, Strawberry Crest | University of South Florida
    Anirudh Sudharshan Vijayaraman, Newsome | University of Florida
    Justin Zixuan Wu, Armwood | University of Florida
    Zoey A. Yarter, Strawberry Crest | Purdue University
    Tyler K. Yee, King | University of Florida
    Jessica L. Yang, Steinbrenner | University of Florida
    Joseph Zhang, Strawberry Crest | University of Florida
    Comments (-1)

  • Four Hillsborough County Public School Students Achieve Remarkable Milestone:  Perfect Attendance from Kindergarten through 12th Grade

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 6/2/2025 5:21:00 PM
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060

    Four Hillsborough County Public School Students Achieve Remarkable Milestone:  Perfect Attendance from Kindergarten through 12th Grade

    Tampa, Fl. (June 2, 2025) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to celebrate four extraordinary graduates who have accomplished a rare and inspiring feat — perfect attendance for their entire K-12 educational journey.  
    Each student below completed 13 years of school in HCPS without missing a single day of class: 
    • Chloe Wilson – Bloomingdale High School 
    • Colby Wilson – Bloomingdale High School 
    • Dalton Bramlett – Durant High School 
    • Hailey Irvan – Robinson High School 
    “These students have demonstrated exceptional perseverance, discipline, and a deep respect for the value of education,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “It’s not just about being present in a seat—it’s about showing up for your future, day in and day out. In Hillsborough County Public Schools, every day matters. We are incredibly proud of Chloe, Colby, Dalton, and Hailey, and we know their futures are bright.” 
     
    Today, the district formally recognized them during the school board meeting. Suncoast Credit Union, a valued Partner in Education, also provided each of the students with a new laptop and $500 scholarship gift card. 
     
    Chloe Wilson Bloomingdale     Colby Wilson Bloomingdale     Hailey Bramlett Robinson     Dalton Bramlett Durant     Students with Sponsor Principals
    Comments (-1)

  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: June 2-6, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 5/30/2025 4:00:00 PM
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT:Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (May 30, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • 6/2/2025 - 8:00 AM
      Secondary Principals Institute, Instructional Service Center, 2920 N 40th St, Tampa

    • 6/2/2025 - 4:00 PM
      School Board Meeting, Auditorium, 901 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
       
    • 6/4/2025 - 8:00 AM
      Elementary Principals Institute, Instructional Service Center, 2920 N 40th St, Tampa
       
    • 6/6/2025 - 4:00 PM
      Seminole Heights/West University Graduation, 211 North Tampa St, Tampa
    Comments (-1)

  • Hillsborough County Public Schools Hosts Summer Food Service Program for Children **Program Flyer Attached**

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 5/30/2025 9:00:00 AM
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    MEDIA CONTACT: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (May 30, 2025) – Hillsborough County Public Schools understands the importance of ensuring our students have access to nutritious meals during summer break. Starting June 2nd and continuing through July 24th, 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. 
     
    This summer, there will be 166 distribution sites available in Hillsborough County. This includes YMCA programs and parks and recreation sites. To find summer meals near you, visit www.summerbreakspot.org or call 211 or 850-617-7170. 
     
    "As the school year ends, the need for nutritious meals continues. Many students depend on their schools for access to healthy breakfasts and lunches, and that support remains vital during the summer. Our goal is to provide well-balanced meals that nourish students and offer families peace of mind," said Superintendent Van Ayres. "We deeply appreciate our dedicated Student Nutrition Services team, who will serve thousands of children in the coming months."
     
    We will be inviting media to our Center for Nutrition and Culinary Services on June 16, 2025, to see preparation and distribution of meals. Please email Debra.Bellanti@hcps.net if you are interested in attending that event.
     
    Comments (-1)

  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: May 31, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 5/23/2025 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. (May 23, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:

    • 5/31/2025 - 10:30 AM
      Anchin Center 30 Year Celebration, 11810 USF Sago Dr, Tampa

    • 5/31/2025 - 5:00 PM
      Gentlemen’s Quest of Tampa Awards Gala, 4860 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa
    Comments (-1)

  • Hillsborough County Public School Board Members in the Community: May 19-25, 2025

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 5/16/2025 4:00:00 PM
    For Immediate Release
    Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
    Tampa, Fl. (May 16, 2025) – One or more Hillsborough County School Board members are scheduled to attend the following events or meetings:
    • 5/19/2025 - 11:00 AM
      Hispanic Forum, Virtual

    • 5/20/2025 - 12:00 PM
      Law Day Luncheon, 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa

    • 5/21/2025 - 8:00 AM
      Hillsborough Virtual School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/21/2025 - 11:00 AM
      Career Acceleration Academies Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/21/2025 - 2:30 PM
      Adult Schools & Technical Colleges Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/21/2025 - 6:30 PM
      Newsome High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/22/2025 - 8:00 AM
      Sumner High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/22/2025 - 11:30 AM
      Steinbrenner High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/22/2025 - 3:00 PM
      Chamberlain High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/22/2025 - 6:30 PM
      Alonso High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/23/2025 - 8:00 AM
      Freedom High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/23/2025 - 11:30 AM
      Plant High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/23/2025 - 3:00 PM
      Gaither High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/23/2025 - 6:30 PM
      Riverview High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/24/2025 - 8:00 AM
      Middleton High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/24/2025 - 11:30 AM
      Blake High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/24/2025 - 3:00 PM
      Brandon High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/24/2025 - 6:30 PM
      Plant City High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/25/2025 - 8:00 AM
      Lennard High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/25/2025 - 11:30 AM
      Strawberry Crest High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/25/2025 - 3:00 PM
      Hillsborough High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa

    • 5/25/2025 - 6:30 PM
      King High School Graduation, 4800 N US Highway, Tampa
    Comments (-1)

  • Student Athletes Honored at Spring Sports Awards

    Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 5/15/2025 2:12:00 PM
    For Immediate Release
    Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
    Hillsborough County Public Schools
    Office of Communications
    813-272-4060
     
     
    Tampa, Fla. – (May 15, 2025) – Hillsborough County Public Schools honored our spring sports student athletes for individual awards and team GPA awards at their Spring Sports Awards on Thursday, May 15th.
    Team GPA Awards
    Newsome Baseball – 3.584 GPA
    Alonso Softball – 3.733 GPA
    Newsome Boys Track – 3.474 GPA
    Bloomingdale Girls Track – 3.679 GPA
    Steinbrenner Boys Tennis – 3.910 GPA
    Middleton Girls Tennis – 3.874 GPA
    Lennard Girls Flag Football – 3.762 GPA
    Newsome Boys Lacrosse – 3.654 GPA
    Steinbrenner Girls Lacrosse – 3.773 GPA

    Jack and Barbara Thompson Softball Player of the Year
    Natalie Cable, Bloomingdale High School
    Natalie is a pitcher who also plays first base and outfield for Bloomingdale High School, lettering all four years in softball. She boasts a .595 batting average, with 17 RBIs, 5 home runs, 2 triples, and 6 doubles. On the mound, she has pitched 37.2 innings with an impressive 1.12 ERA and 85 strikeouts. She has been selected for the First Team Western Conference three times and holds a state record for the most strikeouts during her freshman year. Her coach describes her as the embodiment of integrity, noting that she works hard every day—not for recognition, but for her own growth. Natalie pushes her teammates to excel, cheers them on from the sidelines, and perseveres when the game gets tough. Academically, Natalie maintains a 3.8 unweighted GPA and a 4.6 weighted GPA. She will be attending UCLA on a softball scholarship, where she plans to major in Biochemistry.
     
    Happy Home Center Outstanding Flag Football Player of the Year
    Haidyn Spano, Robinson High School
    Haidyn plays quarterback and corner for Robinson High School and has lettered all four years in flag football. Her stats speak volumes: 2,969 passing yards, a 65% completion rate, 51 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions. Additionally, she has rushed for 490 yards and scored 7 touchdowns. On defense, she has recorded 54 flag pulls and 5 interceptions while competing against one of the toughest schedules in the state. She was named the 2024 State Player of the Year and earned First Team All-State honors as a quarterback in both 2023 and 2024. Holding every school record for quarterbacks, she was also nominated by the Buccaneers for the NFL Player of the Year award. Her coach describes her as one of the best quarterbacks and defensive backs in the state, praising her relentless work ethic and leadership. Haidyn has a 3.96 unweighted GPA and a 6.28 weighted GPA. She will be attending Lynn University on a volleyball scholarship, where she plans to major in Sports Psychology.
     
    Andres Garcia Memorial Tennis Award – Female
    Vanessa Hutto, Freedom High School
    Vanessa plays #1 singles and #1 doubles for Freedom High School and has served as team captain from 2023 to 2025. In 2023, she was selected for First Team All-Conference honors. Her coach describes Vanessa as one of the most remarkable students they have encountered, highlighting her exceptional intelligence, leadership, athleticism, and dedication to her school community. She is a motivating force for her teammates, fosters a collaborative spirit, and leads her teams to success both on and off the court. Vanessa holds a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and an outstanding 7.0 weighted GPA. She will be attending the University of Florida Honors Program, where she plans to major in Mechanical Engineering.
     
    Andres Garcia Memorial Tennis Award – Male
    Tyler Cabrera, Newsome High School
    Tyler plays the #1 line this year, after competing at the #2 line during his freshman, sophomore, and junior years. He has played #1 doubles all four years and currently serves as team captain. He qualified for the state tournament as a freshman and junior and has earned All-Western Conference honors each year. His coach praises him for leading by example, mentoring younger players, and maintaining composure on and off the court. Tyler is respected by his teammates for his maturity, patience, and ability to offer sound advice. With a 3.8793 unweighted GPA and a 6.1993 weighted GPA, Tyler is deciding between the University of Florida and USF, where he plans to major in Computer Science with a focus on Cybersecurity.
     
    HALAX Outstanding Lacrosse Player – Female
    McKenzey Craig, Plant High School
    McKenzey plays midfield for Plant High School and has lettered all four years in lacrosse. She is committed to playing at a top-five Division I school, where she is expected to see significant playing time. Her coach describes her as dominant in the draw circle, possessing a high lacrosse IQ, exceptional speed, stamina, and proficiency with both hands. She is quick to react to ground balls and draw controls, has a diverse range of shots, and adapts strategically to opponents. Despite surpassing 200 career goals, McKenzey embraces sportsmanship, prioritizing team success over personal statistics. With 164 lifetime assists, she holds the all-time assist record in the greater Tampa/Bradenton/St. Pete area. Known for her tireless dedication, she frequently puts in extra training before and after school. McKenzey has a 3.67 unweighted GPA and a 5.35 weighted GPA. She will be attending Johns Hopkins University, where she plans to major in Public Health.
    HALAX Outstanding Lacrosse Player – Male
    Brendan Medearis, Plant High School
    Brendan plays attack for Plant High School and has lettered for three years in lacrosse. Over the past three seasons, he has accumulated 142 goals, 36 assists, 106 ground balls, and 55 caused turnovers. Next year, he will be playing collegiate lacrosse at a Division III powerhouse program. He has been named First Team All-Western Conference and was repeatedly selected as Tampa Lax Report Player of the Week. His coach describes him as an elite shooter and dodger with both hands, known for his hustle, discipline, and leadership. His energy, work ethic, and dedication to his teammates make him a standout both on and off the field. Brendan maintains a 3.5 unweighted GPA and a 4.2 weighted GPA. He will be attending Christopher Newport University, where he plans to major in Business with a minor in Leadership.
    Comments (-1)

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