Riverview/Apollo Beach
6
April 2023
Volume 21, Issue 4
52
Ph: 813-657-2418
CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
A HORSE’S TOUCH ATHLETES COMPETE IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS FOR EQUESTRIANISM By Madeline Gardner
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
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On February 24 and While the Florida February 25, riders Special Olympics was from A Horse’s Touch not hosted in 2020 participated in the anand 2021 due to nual Florida Special COVID-19, A Horse’s Olympics held at the Touch has otherwise Bakas Equestrian Cencompeted in these ter in Tampa. Competannual events since ing against individuals 2018. In 2019, Mcfrom across Pasco, PiClellan’s students adnellas and Hillsborough vanced to and comcounties, A Horse’s peted at the state level Touch was representin Ocala. ed by four riders, all Competition events challenge horse riders Seeking to secure of whom placed in and further these to use their motor skills in various tasks, the trail and equita- such as retrieving mail from a mailbox or opportunities for tion events this year: motivated individuwalking over cavaletti poles. 12-year-old twins, a als, A Horse’s Touch 13-year-old female and welcomes those with a 19-year-old male. varying conditions, Residing in the Fishsuch as attention defiHawk and Riverview cit disorder (ADD) and areas, each of these cerebral palsy. Furriders trained for one thermore, foster chilyear under the founddren and those who er of A Horse’s Touch, have suffered previMercedes McClellan, ous abuse are also enregardless of their couraged to become level of experience in involved. A Horse’s Touch was represented by four competition. Riders In addition to A riders this year at the Florida Special faced a series of chalHorse’s Touch, McClelOlympics competition. lenges during the Spelan offers other procial Olympics, such as having to walk over grams. This includes the Work Exchange cavaletti poles and making their horse re- (WE) program, an opportunity for students treat three steps backward independently. interested in the Bright Futures ScholarBoth twins placed fourth in the trail ship Program to contribute help around event; in the equitation event, one was the property in return for lessons on variawarded third and the other fourth. The ous topics, such as fundamental riding skills female placed fifth in both the trail and eq- and learning to care for the horses. Horse uitation events, and the male was awarded camps for children, birthday parties and third in both the trail and equitation events. horse recitals are also featured activities of McClellan cites that witnessing their ac- McClellan’s. complishments and her riders’ pride as the For more information about A Horse’s most rewarding aspect. Touch, visit https://ahorsestouch.godad“This is the greatest experience a coach dysites.com/. Further details can be found can have — when you look over and see by emailing mmbarn4@gmail.com or calltheir parents tear up to watch their son or ing 813-992-0743. A Horse’s Touch is locatdaughter win a ribbon,” said McClellan. ed at 12435 Cody Dr. in Wimauma.
The Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival has returned with a globally inspired culinary experience featuring 79 chef-crafted and mixologistcurated tastes inspired by cultures from around the world. Plus, 23 headlining acts from different genres will take the stage throughout 11 event weekends. The festival runs now through Sunday, May 21.
SUMNER HIGH’S TEACHER OF THE YEAR TONY PIROTTA WINS NATIONAL AWARD FOR CIVICS PROGRAM
By Jane Owen
John F. Kennedy only become what said, “One person we make them,” can make a differPirotta said. ence and everyone Sumner’s Stushould try.” Tony dent Government Pirotta, Sumner Association said High School’s Pirotta makes teacher of the year, them desire to be is making a daily engaged citizens. difference, and his Pirotta leads the impact will be felt Ought to Be a Law in our community program, created for years to come. in 2008, for HillPirotta teaches sborough County civics at Sumner Schools. Ought High School. He Sumner High School Teacher of the Year Tony to Be a Law is a Pirotta was one of just three educators in was one of three student-led serthe country to win the 2022 American Civic educators in the vice-learning procountry to win the Education Teacher Award, which he won for his gram that provides leadership in the Ought to Be a Law program. 2022 American students an opporCivic Education tunity to work with Teacher Award. Tony also the Florida State Legislature sponsors Sumner’s student in drafting, lobbying and pregovernment association, senting real legislative bills. coaches the girls’ soccer “While I hope the students team, announces football enjoy the learning experience games on Fridays in the fall Ought to Be a Law provides and spearheads Hillsborough for them. I hope even more County Public Schools’ Ought that they learn about being to Be a Law program. The engaged and responsible cithours he puts in at school are izens that help build better nothing compared to his pasand stronger communities. I sion for integrity. hope they learn about service Sumner High School Prinand treating people with recipal Robert Nelson said Prispect,” Pirotta said. otta’s impact reaches well To watch the Out To Be Without a doubt, Pirotta’s beyond the classroom. students in the Ought to Be a A Law video, scan the QR code. “Tony is an amazing civics Law program and at Sumner teacher who connects with his students High School learn service, respect and on a daily basis. He is an incredible asset compassion. Our community is different to our school and community. I am bless- and better because of Pirotta. ed and honored to have him on my staff,” For more information or to read more Nelson said. about Ought to Be a Law, please https:// Pirotta focuses on teaching students otbal.jimdofree.com/. that there is no better time to have an impact than today. “I want to help my students understand PG 3 that they can make a difference now. I TAMPA ELECTRIC UPDATE feel that many Americans feel as though CARDEL CELEBRATES 50 ..............PG 9 they are just one person that is somewhat MARINE CORPS WORKSHOP.....PG 11 powerless to effect change in their community. I want to show my students that EYE ON BUSINESS.........................PG 25 that is just not true. Our communities will SUMMER CAMP GUIDE .............. SEC 3
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