Page 7 - Florida Sentinel 7-21-17

Local
Six Hundred New Teachers Welcomed To School District
BY KENYA WOODARD Sentinel Feature Writer
After years working as a civil engineer, Louis Lizinea is exchanging sur- veying supplies for school supplies.
In a few weeks, Lizinea is going back to school – not as a student, but to teach Physical Science at Middle- ton High School.
Lizinea said he’s excited about the prospects of help- ing young minds learn and grow and molding the next generation of engineers.
“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, but I wanted to get some real world experience first,” he said. “I want to be able to give them insight into what I’ve seen and get them into Physics and Physical Sci- ence.”
On Monday, Linizea was one of 600 new Hillsborough County Public Schools teach- ers who got a hearty welcome at the district’s annual Edu-
SUPT. JEFF EAKINS ...Encouraged new teachers to ‘go all in’
cators Institute at Gaither High School.
Teachers spent two days learning best practices and participating in workshops on topics ranging from class- room management and data- driven instruction to increasing engagement in classroom activities.
At Monday’s opening ses- sion, Superintendent Jeff Eakins implored teachers to enter their classrooms ready
to “go all in” to ensure their students’ success.
He encouraged teachers to be advocates for their stu- dents and take advantage of the resources available to them to help them succeed in their roles.
Supt. Eakins cautioned teachers that they may en- counter a student who is “challenging.” But that stu- dent could be the one whose life you forever change, he said.
“I’m asking you that whichever students you en- counter...you make them your ‘one’,” he said.
Come August, Sierra Sharp said she will step into her new job as a Math in- structor at King High School ready to “go all in.”
The accomplishment is a long-time dream come true, said Sharp, a University of Tampa alum.
“I’m walking in with an open mind,” she said. “I’m excited to get my feet wet.”
Local Organization Receives $5,500 Donation
Among those attending the presentation were: Ms. Debra S. Reyes, President of Neighborhood Lending Partners, Ms. Dianne Hart, CEO East Tampa Business and Civic Association and Marc Hamburg, East Tampa Business and Civic Association Board Presi- dent. Shown on the back row are East Tampa Business and Civic As- sociation board members Bryant Williams, of Regions Bank, Ms. Lynnea Peters, of Mutual of Omaha, and Ms. Erika Bryant, Nurse Practitioner with WellMed Management.
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Recently, a local not-for- profit organization was pre- sented funding to help with renovations of a home that houses youth. The presenta- tion took place earlier this month.
The Neighborhood Lend- ing Partners of Florida pre- sented East Tampa Business and Civic Association, Inc. (ETBCA), a donation of $5,500. The purpose of the donation is to assist with ad- ditional renovations to the home for youth aging out of foster care.
The East Tampa Business and Civic Association re- ceived a donated duplex on March 19, 2014, through the National Community Sta- bilization Trust (NCST) Pro- gram for abandoned and foreclosed homes.
In May 2015, volunteers from churches, board mem- bers, and Faith Tampa Bay demolished the interior in preparation for renovations.
Since that time, the East Tampa Business and Civic As- sociation has rehabilitated the property and furnished
the home. The original du- plex has been completely re- novated. It is now a five-bedroom, two-bath home. It was originally de- signed for women released from prison after six months.
The structure has since been converted into a home to benefit teenagers ap- proaching adulthood who have been wards of the state. Initially, the home housed five young ladies and has re- mained full through rota- tions.
“The young ladies occupy- ing the home remain there until they become self-suffi- cient while continuing their education and seeking gainful employment,” Ms. Dianne Hart, CEO of the East Tampa Business and Civic As- sociation said.
The East Tampa Business and Civic Association is cur- rently accepting donations to help them continue offering the home for youth who are aging out of foster care.
For more information about the program contact the East Tampa Business and Civic Association at (813) 248-3977.
FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2017 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 7-A