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February 2018 Volume 13, Issue 2 Ph: 657-2418 1 6
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HCC Paramedic Program Wins $50,000 Local Teacher Starts Little Free Library Siemens-Aspen College STEM Award To Encourage Reading In Brandon By Ashley Jeffery
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Dr. Ginger Clark. “This award recognizes our faculty’s longstanding commitment to working with employers to build high quality academic pathways to employment and to providHillsborough Community College paramedic program has been named a winner of the Siemens-Aspen Community College STEM ing compreAward by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the hensive supSiemens Foundation. port services The Hillsborough Community promote student success.” that College (HCC) paramedic program has Overall, STEM occupations are probeen named a winner of the Siemensjected to grow at almost double the rate Aspen Community College STEM of non-STEM occupations. Community Award by the Aspen Institute College like HCC are playing a huge role colleges Excellence Program (CEP) and the in working to meet this demand. More Siemens Foundation. The HCC parahalf of all STEM jobs across the than medic program provides future first United States require no more than an responders with the advanced skills associate degree and pay wages that needed to serve Bay area families when average more than $50,000 annually. they need it the most. HCC paramedic “Community college STEM programs students are trained to leave the classare a strong pathway to job security and room and directly enter the workforce financial success for many students — ready to serve our community. whether that means heading right into a HCC will receive $50,000 and is great paying job or getting a more among eight exceptional community coladvanced degree,” said David Etzwiler, leges in science, technology, engineering CEO of the Siemens Foundation. “This and math (STEM) recognized for providaward recognizes the colleges that proing outstanding preparation for highvide an excellent STEM education and demand jobs in advanced manufacturing, develop talent from every community.” energy, healthcare and information techHCC serves over 45,000 students nology. Half of the $50,000 award will be annually at its five campuses located allocated for further program developthroughout Tampa Bay. The college is ment, and half will be allocated as scholaccredited by the Commission on arships to HCC paramedic students. Colleges of the Southern Association of “HCC is honored to have been Colleges and Schools. For more informaselected for the Siemens Award,” said tion, visit hccfl.edu. HCC Vice President of Academic Affairs,
By Amy Schechter
Increased access to books in the home is thought to increase children’s reading proficiency, yet the U.S. Department of Education estimates that up to 61% of lowincome families do not have any books for their children at home. Children may not have access to their local library simply because of distance or parents not having time to take them during the day. It’s a need Chris Rexroad saw in her own backyard and worked to fix. Rexroad, a VPK teacher with Primrose South Tampa, knew how important building early reading skills is to a student’s later success: “I’m a big proponent of reading. This is one of the major things that I do with my kids. I don’t just want to teach them the skills they need to be readers, but I want to get them excited about reading.” However, when she drove home to Brandon, she noticed a need in speaking to the children who live on her street for whom she often buys books. This is where the idea for a Little Free Library took root. With the help of her Bay Life Bible study group who worked together to build the container to house the books, a grant from Thrivent Financial, and book donations from Primrose of South Tampa, Rexroad is set to have the grand opening by the end of February or early March. Once open, the Little Free Library works as a “take a book, return a book”
free book exchange that builds community and a love of reading. “I was a huge reader as a kid. I want kids to have access to books,” Rexroad reiterates, as she already sees the love of reading developing in the few children who live next door. She cannot wait to expand this service to her entire neighborhood. For more information or to donate, email rexroad8839@gmail.com and keep checking Facebook for grand opening information: www.facebook.com/Brandon-Little-FreeLibrary-165528494089586/. Visit littlefreelibrary.org for more information on the non-profit or to start your own. The Brandon Little Free Library will be located at 827 Louise St., Brandon, 33511.
In This Issue BLOOMINGDALE HS CHEFS WIN........PG 3 TRANSPORTATION MEETING .............PG 9 TWO LOCAL AUTHORS.....................PG 11 SAFETY AROUND WATER .................PG 14 EYE ON BUSINESS ............................PG 25 CHALKLINES .....................................PG 34 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT................PG 37 HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR ...................PG 38 BENEFIT RUN ...................................PG 39
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Marine Reserve Lt. Col. Ret. Dave St. John was recognized by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and Governor Rick Scott at the kick-off breakfast for the Florida State Fair in February for his 20 years of service. An additional 20 service members and first responders were recognized with service medals at the event kicking of the 2018 Florida State Fair.