Volume 32 Issue 3 February 6, 2024 Scan the QR code to your left with your phone to access our website!
Gabe Hassan Graduates From Wharton! Having Terminal Leukemia Couldn’t Stop This Wharton High Senior From Graduating With A 4.7 GPA
As a father of two sons and now a grandfather of six, it’s almost impossible for me to imagine what graduating Wharton High senior Gabe Hassan and his family are going through. Gabe, who is suffering from terminal leukemia, nonetheless completed all of his required credits to graduate from Wharton — with a 4.7 weighted grade point average (GPA)! — and received his diploma on Jan. 22 at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital personally from Wharton principal Mike Rowan, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Public Schools Van Ayres, and School Board Chair Karen Perez with many members of his family on hand to witness the event. The news release from Hillsborough Public Schools said, “Gabe, we so admire your hard work and perseverance through unimaginable circumstances. We are thinking of you and your family. Gabe Hassan, Wharton High graduate Class of 2024!” So, even though the Neighborhood News was not able to be on hand to see or film or interview anyone about Gabe’s graduation, we still felt that this was such a momentous occasion that he deserved this issue’s front page. Check out pgs. 4-5 to read all about Gabe. — GN
‘LEAPING’ WITH GARY!
Gabe Hassan (in cap & gown), his parents, Wharton principal Mike Rowan, Hillsborough School Board chair Karen Perez and Superintendent of Schools Van Ayres were all on hand to give Gabe his diploma for graduating from Wharton with all of the required credits and a 4.7 weighted GPA. (Photo is a screenshot from the video provided by Hillsborough County Public Schools)
Tell us why you want to help Gary celebrate his 30 years of Neighborhood News! See page 3
GOOD LUCK, SUZY!
Pride Media Specialist Suzy Tkacik is a finalist for the district-wide diversity award! See page 11
NEW TAMPA PLAYERS’ ‘DREAMGIRLS’ Some tickets may still be available for the final weekend of this hit show at NTPAC! See page 16
BELLABRAVA BEXLEY
Despite the distance, former Stonewood execs give this new Italian eatery a local feel! See page 44
Check Out What’s New At Lima! New Tampa’s Peruvian favorite adds more flavor! See pg. 40!
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