Hillsborough Schools Achieve Milestones in Music, Scholarships and Robotics Competitions

The Hillsborough County School Board meeting on April 8, 2025, celebrated significant achievements among local students and schools, highlighting the district's commitment to excellence in education and community engagement.

One of the standout moments was the recognition of West Tampa Elementary School as a "rising star" for its educational efforts, with Principal Kevin Kastner and his team receiving commendations for their hard work. Additionally, Gaither High School's orchestra program made headlines by sending 65 students to perform at Carnegie Hall, where they earned a prestigious gold award at the New York Invitational Music Festival. This accomplishment reflects the dedication of music teacher Jacob Heglin and showcases the talent of Hillsborough County's young musicians.

The meeting also honored Miguel Altamirano from Gaither High School, who was named the 2025 Hillsborough County JROTC Cadet of the Year. Chosen from over 5,200 cadets across the district, Miguel's leadership and academic achievements set him apart as a top representative of his peers. Furthermore, Freedom High School celebrated two of its JROTC cadets, Tiana Calzano and DeMario Miller, who each received $180,000 scholarships from the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy, respectively. These scholarships will support their education while participating in ROTC programs, marking a significant milestone for both students and the community.

The board also discussed the recent Grad Nation event, which brought together over 250 students to foster leadership and peer inspiration. This annual event continues to play a vital role in empowering students within the district.

In a notable development, Dr. Jennifer Kennedy was announced as one of three finalists for the Florida Assistant Principal of the Year award. Her recognition underscores the quality of leadership within Hillsborough County schools, and the board expressed excitement for the upcoming announcement regarding the state winner.

The meeting concluded with updates on the Tinkercade groundbreaking at MacDill Air Force Base, a project that promises to enhance educational facilities for military families. The school is expected to be completed by December 2027, with 80% of the funding provided by a Department of Defense Education Activity grant.

As the district prepares for its annual 5K event at Blake High School, which anticipates over 1,400 participants, the community continues to rally around initiatives that promote health, education, and student achievement. The meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment of Hillsborough County Public Schools to foster a supportive and enriching environment for all students.