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Pasco launches Civic Scholar program; students present kindness and orientation projects
Summary
The board highlighted a new Pasco Civic Scholar Program (tassels for students passing the Florida Civic Literacy exam and a Florida Prepaid-funded scholarship) and heard student presentations on Kindness Week, new-student breakfasts and community service projects.
Pasco County School Board members on March 17 unveiled a suite of civics initiatives and heard student-led presentations showcasing local civic engagement.
Superintendent Legg and Board member Megan Harding described the Pasco Civic Scholar Program, which will award a red, white and blue tassel to students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy exam and will include a two-year scholarship funded by Florida Prepaid for a pupil demonstrating civic leadership. "We're calling it the Pasco Civic Scholar Program," the superintendent said, noting the district's pass rate on the state civic-literacy exam was cited as roughly 51 percent compared with a state average of about 44 percent.
Board members also announced a pilot Florida civics leadership course in partnership with the University of South Florida at River Ridge High School that will offer college-level coursework and credit. Board and staff said the course and the student-tassel recognition are aimed at strengthening civic knowledge and student voice ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary.
Students then presented short projects. Myla Shore of Hudson High described Kindness Week activities including a "Take a kind word, leave a kind word" poster, themed dress-up days and a kindness-hearts scavenger challenge to build inclusion across the school. Cypress Creek student leaders outlined a monthly new-student breakfast with orientation video and team-building activities. River Ridge's Interact Club described volunteer partnerships that engage about 100 students in regular community service.
District staff also recognized seniors and presented the district Outstanding Senior award; the honoree for 2026, Jaden Wilson of Wesley Chapel High School, received a $1,000 scholarship from the Pasco Education Foundation.
The board approved routine items and a proclamation recognizing the United States' 250th anniversary; that resolution passed without recorded objection. The civics initiatives and student presentations were presented for board and public awareness; no formal board action was required for the student projects themselves.
Board members praised the student presenters and the civic initiatives and flagged opportunities for further district collaboration with higher-education and community partners.
