Florida Sentinel Bulletin

BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

On Wednesday, the Hillsborough County Public School District recognized several middle and high school students for grade improvement. This is the 27^th Annual Turnaround Achievement Awards Ceremony the district has held.

Middle school students were honored Wednesday and Thursday at Blake High School, 1701 N. Blvd., in the Black Box Theatre during the three-day event.

The ceremony for the high school students was held at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center Maestro’s Restaurant on (today) Friday. One student from each middle and high school is selected for the honor.

Greg Pietz, President of Bowling Centers of Tampa Bay oversaw the opening of the three programs with the recognition and presentation of sponsors. He also closed the programs.

On Wednesday, Dave Friedberg, Director of Security Services, introduced Sam Marsonek, of Score International Baseball as the guest speaker.

On Thursday, Ms. Joyce Wieland, General Director, Student Planning, Placement, and Support Programs introduced Carlos Jimenez, Army Staff Sergeant and Director of the West Tampa Boys & Girls Club, as the guest speaker.

On Friday, Ms. Alva Simmons, Administrator, of Alternative to Out of School Suspensions Program introduced James Marcus Evans, of Eagle Quest Group, as the guest speaker.

Walt Shaffner, Director of Non-Traditional Programs conducted the presentation of awards and Blake High School’s Fine Arts Department provided the entertainment at all three programs.

The 2013 Turnaround Achievement Award recipients recognized on Wednesday were: Hector Rios, Bartels Middle School; Dartavious Garland, Benito Middle School; Jadejha Edwards, Buchanan Middle School;  Tyrique Richardson, Coleman Middle School; Kaylynn Hayes, Community Charter Middle School; Peterson Mercegard, Greco Middle School; Daeqwan Butler, Kids Community College Middle Charter School; Kalijahe Spann, Liberty Middle School; Karel Garcia, Madison Middle School; Savon Rosa, Monroe Middle School; Giselle Ponce, Pierce Middle School; Yarelis Roldan, Rampello Downtown Partnership; Ayanna Matthews, Roland Park Middle School; Bryce Davis, Stewart Middle School; Miguel A. Hernandez, Walker Middle School; Luisander Marrero, Webb Middle School; and Deju Spencer, Wilson Middle School.

Read the rest of this story in the Florida Sentinel’s Friday edition.