SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
Leaders with Hillsborough County Public Schools understand the importance of ensuring our students have access to nutritious meals while on summer break. Beginning on May 28 and continuing through July 25, students will have several opportunities to receive free meals as Hillsborough County Public Schools hosts its annual Summer Food Service Program for Children.
The program offers students breakfast and lunch for free at schools that provide summer learning programs. All children, 18 years and younger, can arrive at an open school Monday through Thursday. Breakfast and lunch mealtimes will be posted on the front office window. The child does not have to be enrolled in a summer learning program to take advantage of the free meals.
“Many students rely on our schools for access to nutritious breakfast and lunch meals during the school year and that need continues throughout the summer months. These well-balanced meals will nourish our students and eliminate food insecurity. Thank you to our dedicated Student Nutrition Services team, who will feed thousands of children this summer,” said Superintendent Van Ayres.
This summer, there will be 144 summer feeding sites available. This includes YMCA programs and city and county parks and recreation sites. To find summer meals near you, visit www.summerbreakspot.org or text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304. Plant City locations are Cork Elementary School at 3501 Cork Road, and Wilson Elementary School at 702 W. English Street.
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced winners of National Merit $2,500 Scholarships. Chosen from a pool of more than 15,000 outstanding students were two Strawberry Crest High School seniors Aarushi Pant and Teja Katipalli. The finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.
These scholars were selected by a committee of college admission officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the finalists and their high schools: their academic record, including difficulty of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.
“Our students continue to challenge themselves by taking rigorous courses. This is an amazing accomplishment for these students, and I want to congratulate them,” said Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres. “I would also like to send my sincere gratitude to their teachers for building a strong school culture where these students thrive, and to their families for supporting their educational journey.”
Students may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.
PLANT CITY COMMUNITY CHORALE
The Plant City Community Chorale will present A Nation’s Strength on Saturday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Limona Village Chapel, 408 Limona Road in Brandon. The Chorale will offer patriotic music, songs of hope, and will debut music from local composers. Tickets are $15.
PREPARE FOR HURRICANES TAX FREE
Florida Attorney General and Plant City native, Ashley Moody, announced the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday runs June 1-14. A second exemption period will start Aug. 24 and extend through Sept. 6. During these times, Floridians can stock up on specified storm supplies in this list sales-tax free.