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BLOOMINGDALE SOFTBALL REACHES
STATES FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2014; HAS UNDEFEATED REGULAR SEASON By Nick Nahas
The Lady Bulls went undefeated in a regular season for the first time in program history.
played for one another. She also said they did a lot of team bonding off the field. “We had a conversation with our seniors at the beginning of the season about making sure that we don’t settle for a loss, or a one-run win, or practices that we didn’t do well,” said Pemberton. “That was our whole mentality change this year. The girls bonded so well and made an effort to be a team.” University of California, Los Angeles, commit Natalie Cable was the standout star of the team, breaking the record for most strikeouts in a season by a pitcher. Junior Durant transfer Paige Sanchez was a clutch hitter for the team and Bryanna Rawling and VanGalder were key contributors. “This team and coaching staff has prepared me for the next level by teaching me not to give up,” said Sanchez. “No matter what has happened in the innings before, those don’t matter, and to keep fighting and focus on the inning I’m in right now, and to always believe in yourself and keep going.” Pemberton said that her team learned to have fun in not just winning but in the hardships as well, and they learned a great deal. The team will have to replace five seniors, but they will have 12 returning players next season, including Cable. They will look to continue the winning culture.
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FLIGHT TO HONOR SEEKS GUARDIANS AND FUNDS FOR MISSION 10 IN APRIL 2025
By Gunnar Wagner Being a veteran is cation as well.” deemed an honorable When asked if Flight sacrifice by many citto Honor is seeing many izens in this country. World War II veterans The fact that there are or if it is helping more people so patriotic that Vietnam War veterans they have the guts to nowadays, Clark said, serve their country “Few remaining World speaks volumes about War II vets are able to the magnificence of travel. Most veterans America and its popnow are Vietnam or ulace. So, what better later.” way to respect our vetHow does Flight to erans than by giving Honor reach out to pothem an unforgettable tential veterans who The Korean War Veterans Memorial was experience? would be interested? visited by Mission 8 participants. The Polk Clark answered, County Veter“The media, vetans Council’s eran organizaFlight to Honor tions, market at missions do just events, etc.” He that. Plans are also said that the currently undercommunity can way, and funds help by “volunare being raised teering, donating for the next and sharing inforFlight to Honor mation.” trip, Mission 10, According to Polk County residents welcoming back veterans and in April 2025. Flight to Honor’s guardians from Flight to Honor Mission 8. Flight to Honwebsite, fundraisor is an organization that ing is underway to cover was established in 2015 the cost of its efforts. by United States Air Force For more information Col. Gary Clark and he about Flight to Honor or has been with the orgato sign up to become a nization since then as a guardian today, visit www. chairman. He also founded polkveteranscouncil.com/ the Polk County Veterans flight-to-honor.html or Council in 2003 and is its call 863-602-0921. If you chairman. have any questions, you can email the orgaFlight to Honor provides veterans from nization at flighttohonorpolk@gmail.com. World War II to now a free one-day trip You can also donate to the organization (called ‘missions’) to our nation’s capital, through ‘GiveWell Community Foundation: specifically to see the veteran memorials Flight to Honor 1501 S. Florida Ave., Lakethat were erected there. Each veteran is land, FL 33803’ or by visiting the website accompanied by a ‘guardian,’ someone who at www.givecf.org. ensures the safety of the veteran they are assigned to, so that both the veteran and the guardian have a safe and memorable DUAL ENROLLMENT..........................PG 3 experience. When asked how someone can become a MOTORING TAMPA BAY..................PG 5 guardian and how a veteran can be a part VOODOO BREWING CO..................PG 12 of the trip, Clark said, “You must fill out an SUMMER FOOD SERVICE.............PG 35 application to become a guardian and a veteran must also fill out a separate appli- EYE ON BUSINESS...........................PG 46
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The Bloomingdale High School Bulls softball team had a bullseye on their back all season long with an undefeated record. The Lady Bulls started the season with a perfect 25-0 record before losing to Palmetto High School 4-1 in the district championship. Bloomingdale broke the record for most consecutive wins and had the best winning percentage in team history. It was also the first time in program history that the Lady Bulls went undefeated in the regular season, and it was their first regional championship since they won the state championship in 2014. They also won the Bay Made Invitational and the Leopard Slam Invitational. They lost to Pace High School 1-0 in the state semifinal game. “At the beginning of the season, we talked about establishing a winning culture,” said senior infielder Camryn VanGalder. “I really feel as if everyone bought into it and trusted each other, and that is a huge reason for our success this season.” The team was led by fifth-year head coach Leah Pemberton, who played for the program from 2009-12. She was named the Hillsborough County Federal Division Western Conference Coach of the Year in 2023 after leading her team to back-to-back district championships. Pemberton said that her players had great team chemistry this season and
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