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DECEMBER 11, 2019
Event honors Pearl Harbor anniversary By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
It was 78 years ago — Dec. 7, 1941 — when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, killing nearly 2,500 Americans and wounding 1,000 others. The attack precipitated the entry of the United States into World War II and, as years pass, those associated with the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History believe it’s even more critical to share and preserve the sto-
ries of the fateful day. “We can’t let people forget about it,” longtime museum volunteer Dan Evans said. “It’s just too important what happened in our own history, what happened in the world’s history. “War is a horrible thing — a lot of people die. But, you want people to remember it because you don’t want that to happen anymore.” To help keep the memory alive, every year since 2012, the museum has organized
a Pearl Harbor Commemoration Day, at 39444 South Ave. The Dec. 7 daylong event featured World War II men and women reenactors, as well as more than a dozen displays of World War II military vehicles and aircraft, including half-tracks and C-47B aircraft, all brought in by dedicated military collectors. The biggest attraction, however, was the appearance of two Pearl Harbor veteran surSee EVENT, page 15A
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Want to get in the holiday mood? If you’re in the market for holiday cheer, drop by The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel. There’s a nightly lights show, photos with Santa are available, there’s ice skating on synthetic ice, rides on the Wiregrass Express steam train, and performances by local groups. Above, The Symphony in Lights, The Shops at Wiregrass’ annual holiday show, features holiday décor decked out with dazzling lights — choreographed to dance to the holiday music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The free show is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., until Dec. 31.
Get all your favorite local news stories online. During a recent evening at The Shops at Wiregrass, the Wiregrass Express takes passengers for a leisurely cruise down Paseo Drive at sunset. The train is being driven by engineer David Waite, of Wesley Chapel, who has worked at The Shops for three years. The retired banker said that his job is fun because he likes to put a smile on the face of everyone riding the train.
Twelve-year-old singer Larkin Mainwaring’s performance of ‘Silent Night,’ captivated the audience at The Shops at Wiregrass. The singer, from Dade City, was performing as part of the Graham Music Studios’ holiday show at the Wesley Chapel regional mall.
School band marches into Pasco history Sunlake student By Brian Fernandes bfernandes@lakerlutznews.com
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inside this week pages 6A & 7A
The Wiregrass Ranch High School made Pasco County history by bringing home the first place prize in Class 4A in the Florida Marching Band Championships, on Nov. 23. The Marching Bulls became 4A Grand Champions at the competition, at Daytona Beach.The school also won best color guard in its class, as well. Josh Hobbs is the school’s band director and Alexander Kopp is the band’s drum major. Both were instrumental in the marching band’s success. “It’s all about focus,” said Kopp, a junior at Wiregrass Ranch.“That’s what we always preach to everyone.” Being a part of the 135-member band, which includes the color guard team and musicians, requires practicing three days to four days a week. Beyond competing at band competitions
across the country, the marching band also supports the high school’s football team at games. Competing at various events requires fundraising, which the band does through the sale of items on its website, carwashes and partnering with local restaurants. During the holidays, band members collect donations in exchange for wrapping gifts at the Barnes & Noble bookstore. To get to state finals, marching bands must compete at the regional level first. If they make it to state, they compete in the semifinal round before moving to the finals. The Marching Bulls were among the top five semifinalists, propelling them closer to a victory. Senior Kurt Smith, the Bulls’ band captain, said the judges are meticulous. They focus on precision, quality of music and visual performances. See BAND, page 15A
named Pasco’s ‘Outstanding Senior’
By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
Whether its focusing on rigorous academics or taking part in extracurriculars and church activities, Sunlake High’s Alexis Paredes enjoys being busy. Actually,“having so much to do” is how the 17-year-old senior thrives best. “I like to keep moving. I know if I don’t, I’ll get bored,” she said. It’s that self-starter mindset that earned Paredes the Pasco County School District’s 2019-2020 Outstanding Senior Award. The annual honor is bestowed based on academic record, service, leadership, citizenship, and commitment to school and See STUDENT, page 15A