Valrico
June 2024 Volume 21, Issue 6
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MAY 24 - AUG.4
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NEW VALRICO VOODOO BREWING CO. ENLISTS DURANT STUDENTS FOR DOOR ART PROJECT
By Brian Bokor
Osprey Observer 2109 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Valrico, FL 33596
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Before Chris in the most Ciulla selected heartfelt way his location for possible. When Voodoo Brewing the students Co. Valrico on presented their State Road 60 artwork and in Kings Mill, he told their stoknew communiries, it brought ty involvement tears to my would be someeyes. I couldn’t thing he wanted be prouder of to embrace. what they have The Durant High School art class’ Looking to participating contestants with art accomplished.” foster this relaPrincipal teacher Jaclyn Bowers (right). tionship, Ciulla Gary Graham approached loadded he was cal high schools, “blown away with the talent,” asking if they reiterating that those chosen were interested “had to be the right student in participating with the right work ethic to in an art contest complete the task.” where the creOut of the 210 students ated artworks enrolled in Durant’s art prowould be disgram, below is the list of the played at Voo10 highly dedicated students doo Valrico for across all four grades selectthe entire year. ed to participate, along with The idea was the titles of their artworks: to present each • Emerald Gottfredsen — student a blank “Opportunities — a self-pordoor as their trait.” canvas, with the • Raley Wilson — “Justice assignment be2024.” ing to express Durant High School art teacher Jaclyn Bow- • Livia Mendonca — “Ocean.” ers with Chris Ciulla of Voodoo Brewing Co. their visions of • Isabella Davila — “Dwell on opportunities beyond the door through Possibility.” their artwork along with a written narra- • Quiarra Cooper — “To the Crib.” tive of what the artwork meant to them. • Asia Gil — “Paint Your Future.” Durant High School art teacher Jaclyn • Madison Willoughby — “Dreams in MoBowers immediately thought this would tion.” be a great idea, but only for students will- • Aiden Clark — “Work to Riches.” ing to put forth the time, energy and effort • Alyssas Knecht — “Cosmetology School.” needed to complete the two-month proj- • Jackson Smith — “Remember When.” ect. “Voodoo Brewing is our pride and joy, “The contest gave students a chance to and we can’t contain our excitement to be express their dreams through painting and part of the Valrico community,” said Ciulla, allowed them to explore and reflect what franchise owner/operator of Voodoo Valriopportunities lay ahead,” said Bowers. co, better known by locals as the large red “It showcased the talent of our students Article continued on page 9...
Two local graduating seniors were among just four county students honored for achieving perfect attendance during their entire educational career, from kindergarten through 12th grade. Nathan Bramlett and Anelise Wyatt, both from Durant High school, were guests at a school board meeting where they were honored by Partners in Education and received a brand-new laptop from PC Connections and a $500 scholarship from Suncoast Credit Union. Each student attended 2,340 consecutive school days: that’s 180 days for 13 straight years.
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HCPS HOSTS ‘SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN’; YMCA LOCATIONS OFFER FREE PICKUP
Staff Report
Leaders with feed thousands Hillsborough of children County Public this summer,” Schools unsaid Superinderstand the tendent Van importance of Ayres. ensuring our This summer, students have there will be access to nu144 summer tritious meals feeding sites while on sumavailable. This mer break. includes YMCA Serving now programs, such and continuing as YMCA Camp through Thurs- Students can pick up free breakfast and lunch all summer at Cristina, the day, July 25, the YMCA Camp Cristina ‘Summer Food Service Program Spurlino Famstudents will ily Y and the for Children’ feeding site. have several opporNorth Brandon Famtunities to receive ily Y, as well as city free meals as Hilland county parks sborough County and recreation sites. Public Schools hosts Some other area loits annual ‘Summer cations are: Cimino Food Service ProElementary School, gram for Children.’ Bloomingdale High The program ofSchool, Mulrenfers students breaknan Middle School, fast and lunch for Navigator Acadefree at schools that my of Leadership, provide summer Barrington Middle learning programs. School, Spoto High All children, 18 School, Kingswood years and youngElementary School Antionette Wilson and Eugene Morgan hand er, can arrive at out almost 250 meals per day at YMCA Camp and McLane Middle an open school or Cristina. Hillsborough County residents are School. feeding site from welcome to pick up free breakfast and lunch To find the comMonday through plete list of sumdaily all summer. Thursday — the breakfast mer break spot locaand lunch mealtimes will tions near you, visit be posted on the front ofw w w. s u m m e r b r e a k fice window. The children spot.org, call 2-1-1 or do not have to be enrolled text “FOOD” or “COMIin a summer learning proDA” to 304-304. gram to take advantage of the free meals. “Many students rely on our schools for access to nutritious breakfast and lunch FREE BOK TOWER TICKETS..........PG 3 meals during the school year and that need continues throughout the summer MOTORING TAMPA BAY..................PG 5 months. These well-balanced meals will SHARKCON IS COMING.................PG 11 nourish our students and eliminate food LOCAL MERMAID ............................PG 17 insecurity. Thank you to our dedicated EYE ON BUSINESS.................PGS 26-27 Student Nutrition Services team who will
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