Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 3-18-16 Edition

Student Receives ‘Opening Minds And Hearts’ Award
Patricia Guthman, an International Bac- calaureate student at Strawberry Crest High School, received the “Opening Minds and Hearts Award” from Powerstories Theatre, Inc. The award was presented at the Power- stories Theatre Gala event on March 5 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Tampa.
The “Opening Hearts and Minds Award” is given to individuals who embody the qualities of increasing courage and confidence in others, deepening appreciation for diversity, and strengthening bonds between people to open minds and hearts.
Patricia participated in the Girlstories Leadership Theatre, a Powerstories Theatre program aimed at instilling confidence, self- esteem, communication and leadership skills in middle school girls.
In 2010, the program received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award presented at the White House by First Lady Michelle Obama.
Patricia is the first girl in Girlstories Lead- ership Theatre history to receive the Opening Hearts and Minds Award.
During her time in the program, Patricia set very high standards for herself as a per- former, team member, student, and friend. She continues to return to Girlstories in a men- torship role, always going the extra mile to teach the younger girls.
In addition to her rigorous International Baccalaureate studies, Patricia is an active volunteer in the community. A few of the groups she works with are: Buddy Baseball, a non-competitive recreational league for boys
PATRICIA GUTHMAN
and girls with special needs; VSA Florida, the state organization for Arts and Disabilities; and Full Throttle Intermedia where she has in- terned for projects by the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
Patricia’s commitment and heart as a vol- unteer is impressive for anyone, let alone a girl of her age.
Fran Powers, founder and Executive Di- rector of Powerstories Theatre, Inc. said about Patricia: “She is a remarkable young woman who leads by example. Presenting this award to Patricia was my personal highlight of the Gala.”
Patricia is the daughter of proud parents Phyllis and Ed Guthman, and sister to Matthew.
For more information about Powerstories Theatre, Inc. or Girlstories Leadership Theatre please go to www.powerstories.com or call (813) 253-2000.
Local
FYI
College Hill Neighborhood Association/Crime Watch
On Thursday, March 24th at 6 p.m., the College Hill Neighborhood Association and Crime Watch will be meeting at Peace Progressive Church, 2628 East Lake Avenue, Rev. Timothy Kemp, Pastor.
The speaker for this meeting will be Marlin Anderson, who will address the topic, “Keep- ing Your Children Safe From Violence.”
All young people are welcome to attend along with all College Hill residents and business own- ers.
Cynthia Few is president of the College Hill Neighbor- hood Association/Crime Watch, and Gary Onzy is Vice President.
PAGE 10-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016