Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 6-7-19

Local
State Rep. Partners With Organizations To Provide 500 Meals To Families
One Student To Win A New Car For Perfect Attendance
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Saturday, June 8th, the Farmshare Program will visit East Tampa and provide meals for 500 families. There are no restrictions or require- ments to receive the free food.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 1 p.m., at the NFL YET Center, 3310 E. Lake Avenue. Those wishing to receive the food are encouraged to come early.
State Rep. Dianne Hart (D-Tampa) has part- nered with Farmshare, the East Tampa Business and Civic Association, Men of Vi- sion, Charmettes, EOS 321,
DIANNE HART State Representative
Health Matters Pharmacy and the ATU Local 1464 to provide over 500 meals to families in need.
Rep. Hart said, “I am
beyond grateful for the out- pouring of business sponsors and the 40+ volunteers who have committed to lifting up their neighbors in need.
“The ability to create fresh food packages and as- sist in distributing, sorting and delivering food to my community means so much to me and certainly those families who need it.”
She further stated that this is an opportunity for anyone who does not need the food to help others.
“If you have an elderly neighbor or knows someone in need, then come by and pick it up for them. It is not limited to families, but the food is for anyone who needs it.
One lucky student will drive away with a brand new car, from Toyota of Tampa Bay, as part of the Perfect Car for Perfect Attendance event.
On Tuesday, June 11, at noon, 21 students will take turns trying their key, for the chance to win a new car. The event will take place on the ramp at school district head- quarters, 901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa.
Ten graduating seniors from Hillsborough County Public Schools who had per- fect attendance kindergarten through 12th grade are auto- matically invited to partici- pate in the event. In addition, eleven graduating seniors with at least one- year perfect attendance while in high school were randomly selected to take part in the event.
Good attendance is a leading indicator for gradu- ation. “Research shows when students are coming to school and engaged in their course work, they are more likely to reach graduation and become successful in life,” explained Superin- tendent Jeff Eakins.
More than 1,987 high school seniors were eligible and during the May 14 School Board meeting, eleven students were ran- domly selected to participate in the event.
It will be an exciting af-
JEFF EAKINS Hillsborough County School Superintendent
ternoon as participating stu- dents will pick one of 21 keys. The students will take turns trying their key in the car, hoping to unlock the door.
Mark Schols, General Manager of Toyota of Tampa Bay, is thrilled to be hosting this event for the ninth year.
“Students with perfect at- tendance demonstrate a high degree of commitment to both the teacher and the class by being there every single day.”
Perfect attendance also teaches the importance of seeing something through to the end. Arriving to school each day, on time, is a skill that easily translates to the workforce and leading a re- sponsible adult life."
Students must be present to win and must sign in by 11:45 a.m. at the event.
Schools To Receive New Air Conditioners
Twenty-one schools have been chosen to receive new air conditioners. The project is the result of the the half-penny sales tax passed by voters in November.
The following schools will receive new sys- tems are: Alonso High School, Benito Middle School, Burnett Middle School, Clark Elemen- tary School, Colson Elementary School, Dick- enson Elementary School, and Dunbar Elementary School.
Durant High School, Folsom Elementary School, Knights Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Lithia Springs Elementary School, and Lowry Elementary School are also in line to receive the new systems.
The list of schools rounds out with Riverview High School, Schwarzkopf Elemen- tary School, Sickles High School, Walden Lake Elementary School, Walker Middle School, Wharton High School, and Woodbridge Ele- mentary School.
Over the next 10 years, funds from the half- cent tax will overhaul or replace the air condi- tioning units at 203 schools. Each summer, the
district expects to complete approximately 20 major school air conditioning projects.
A total of 32 local companies, design pro- fessionals, and construction companies will work on the project this summer.
PAGE 8-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019