Freedom High Chorus Set To Perform At New York’s Carnegie Hall In April! 

Freedom High chorus students last got to visit New York City in 2023. In a couple of months, 33 Freedom students will be taking a trip to the Big Apple to perform in the National Concert Chorus at the renowned Carnegie Hall, but they need some financial assistance. (Photo provided by Amber Faircloth) 

Freedom High chorus students are preparing for the experience of a lifetime — an upcoming trip to sing at the renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City. 

Amber Faircloth, the school’s choral director, says Freedom students will perform in the National Concert Chorus, singing a variety of choral repertoire numbers under the direction of esteemed directors, along with several other high schools from across the country. 

The trip will include three days of rehearsals with the students from other schools. The students, their chaperones and teacher also will see the musical “Hadestown” and do some sightseeing. They’ll have a dress rehearsal and concert in Carnegie Hall, then attend a reception at the Hard Rock CafĂ©, where the venue will be shut down exclusively for them from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. 

The event is put on by National Concerts, an organization that aims to “provide impactful performance opportunities for musicians, empowering them to reach their highest potential through innovative collaborations.” 

Of about 70 total students in Freedom’s chorus program, 33 will attend the trip Mar. 29-Apr. 2. The National Concert Chorus performance will be held on Tuesday, April 1. 

Faircloth says her goal is to do a big trip every year. She wasn’t able to lead trips during and shortly after Covid but, in 2023, she took students to New York City to do a Broadway tour, where they saw three shows and participated in a workshop. Last year, they went to Williamsburg, VA, where they participated in the Williamsburg Heritage Festival and were evaluated on their performance. 

“The performance part of the Williamsburg trip made it so much more special because they had something to work toward,” Faircloth says. 

This year, she is thrilled to take them to the next level. “Carnegie Hall is a very special venue they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to perform in,” she says. 

Faircloth has taught at Freedom since her graduation in 2018 from Florida State University in Tallahassee with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. She’s made it a goal to give her students memories that will last a lifetime, like the ones she had as a student in Hillsborough County’s Newsome High in Lithia. 

“My high school chorus teacher gave me the best chorus experience,” she says. “I remember in vivid detail my madrigal dinners and competitions and trips. I want to give my students memories they can take and live with the rest of their lives.” 

She says chorus also offers students a positive experience and something fun in their day to look forward to, and exposes them to new things they can be successful with, such as Freedom’s own annual madrigal dinner, as we reported last issue. 

A madrigal dinner, an evening of Renaissance-style entertainment, may be something students are not familiar with until they join chorus, she says, but “it’s a fun, festive way to ring in the holiday season.” 

Upcoming performances that are open to the public include a coffeehouse fundraiser with solo and small group performances at Lutz Community Church on Friday, April 11, 6 p.m. “Shrek the Musical” will be held in the Freedom auditorium the weekend of May 1-3 and the chorus spring concert will be Thursday, May 15, 6:30 p.m. 

Please Help! 

Faircloth says Freedom is looking for community support to help her chorus students take the trip of a lifetime to perform at Carnegie Hall. 

Students have already paid $1,725 each to attend, but that is well short of the actual cost of the trip. “A lot of students have taken up jobs to pay for the trip themselves, and their families are working very hard for them to have this opportunity,” Faircloth explains. “We’ve done quite a bit of fundraising and applied for grants to cover the cost as much as possible.” 

Faircloth says she’s hoping additional community support could help to limit the amount students have to pay for New York City’s famously expensive meals and activities. 

To support the students’ trip, visit FreedomHSChoralBoosters.square.site and choose the “Donate” option. Businesses that are interested in sponsorship opportunities, which will include recognition on social media and in concert programs, can email AmberFaircloth@HCPS.net for more information.

Phase 1A Of County’s New Branchton Park Opens On Morris Bridge Rd. 

Congratulations to the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department, which has now opened Phase 1A of a new $6.7-million multi-phase expansion of Branchton Park at 15508 Morris Bridge Rd., less than a half-mile south of Cross Creek Blvd. 

On a frosty cold Jan.23, Hillsborough’s director of Parks & Recreation Rick Valdez, District 2 County Commissioner Ken Hagan, park project manager Jason McKenzie, New Tampa resident and Dist. 4 Comm. Christine Miller’s legislative aide Rico Smith were among those who cut the ribbon on the new 43-acre park. 

Valdez said the new park includes a splash pad (which wasn’t yet open, but it was too cold to try that day anyway), a large playground area (with a blue turf facsimile of the Hillsborough River running through it), plus several changing rooms, restrooms and a “Cop Cabin” where Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office (HCS) deputies can have a desk, a lounge (with a working fireplace) and a place to keep an eye on what’s happening in the park. 

Also under construction in Phase 1B are six pickleball courts, large- and small-breed dog parks and an additional restroom. Phase 1B is expected to open by no later than March of this year. 

Phase 2, which is funded and includes renovations to the original 19-acre Branchton Park, also is expected to include a zipline (in partnership between the county and a private contractor, who has not yet been selected) and an event center. Valdez said Phase 2 will take about two years to build. 

“I am thrilled to be here this morning as the commissioner who championed this project for over a decade,” Comm. Hagan said prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony. “How this occurred is that, for six years, I lived around the corner, off Cross Creek Blvd. And every day, I would drive on Morris Bridge Rd., because before we widened Bruce B. Downs (Blvd.), the traffic was terrible. 

“So, I’d go down Morris Bridge, and I’d always look over here and see this beautiful area and I would never see more than two or three people on the basketball courts or in the little picnic area. And I just remember thinking that we could really do something special and make a destination here. Well, many years later, we’ve created it [and we] worked closely with the New Tampa community to get the amenities the residents wanted to see here.” 

Hagan added, “This park will serve 45,000+ people within a ten-minute drive of this area.” 

For more info, visit HCFL.gov. 

Antonyia McCray & Bonnie Walters Win District Honors! 

Leto High’s Edward Bryson Beats Out New Tampa’s Roxi Coriell & Adam Wilinsky For ‘Teacher Of The Year’ 

Hillsborough County Public Schools named the following winners of its “Excellence in Education” awards at the District’s annual awards event at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa on Jan. 23: (l.-r.) Tampa Palms Elementary’s principal’s secretary Bonnie Walters was named the Instructional Support Employee of the Year, AICE history teacher Henry Bryson of Leto High was named the 2025 Teacher of the Year and Freedom High success coach Antonyia McCray won the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year honors. (Photo courtesy of Hillsborough County Public Schools) 

 As we told you on page 1 of last issue, New Tampa’s Hillsborough County Public Schools had four finalists waiting to hear if they would win the District’s coveted “Excellence in Education” awards for 2025. 

When those winners were announced, at the Jan. 23 “Mission to the Stars” Excellence in Education awards event, held at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa, two of New Tampa’s four finalists were the proud recipients of their respective honors. 

First, Freedom High success coach Antonyia McCray was named the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year. Next, Tampa Palms Elementary principal’s secretary Bonnie Walters won the award as the District’s Instructional Support Employee of the Year. 

All that was left for it to be a clean sweep for New Tampa schools was for either Hunter’s Green Elementary Kindergarten teacher Roxanne (“Roxi”) Coriell or Pride Elementary fifth grade math & science teacher Adam Wilinsky to be named as the District’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. 

Freedom High success coach Antonyia McCray is clearly happy about being named the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year.

Sadly, the sweep wasn’t meant to be, as Henry Bryson, the Advanced International Certificate (AICE) history teacher at Leto High, was named the winner of the evening’s final, and most coveted, prize. Even so, it was an amazing night that Jannah and I were thrilled to attend. 

It had been many years since I last attended a Hillsborough Education Foundation Excellence in Education Awards event, but I am so glad Jannah and I attended the one on Jan. 23 at the Straz Center together. Although I can’t personally vouch for any of the finalists, if you think your children’s teachers and support staff in New Tampa’s schools aren’t amazing, I have seen clear evidence that at least some of them actually are. 

Our favorite parts of the evening’s festivities were the speeches by the student “escorts” for each of the finalists. Each of these young people, from age eight or nine to college age, spoke such impassioned words about their current or former teachers (and support staffers) that we couldn’t help but shed tears of joy for many of them — including the finalists that weren’t from New Tampa’s public schools. So, here are some excerpts from the students speaking on behalf of each of the New Tampa finalists. 

Michael, a Freedom High senior, speaking about the school’s success coach, Antonyia McCray: “With her outgoing personality, her unwavering kindness and dedication to her students, Ms. McCray has become a beacon of hope for anyone fortunate enough to cross her path. She has a unique ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life. Her vibrant personality creates an atmosphere of positivity and warmth, which helps even the most hesitant of students achieve their childhood aspirations. 

Tampa Palms Elementary principal’s secretary Bonnie Walters, with TPE 3rd grader Ethan. 

“Ms. McCray always make sure that no student feels left behind. She is a trusted figure that students feel comfortable turning to for guidance. She understands that every individual faces unique challenges. She is much more than just a success coach. She is an amazing mom, mentor, second mom and wife and I love her so much.” 

Ethan, a third grader at Tampa Palms Elementary, speaking about principal’s secretary Bonnie Walters: “I have the honor to speak about someone who is truly the heartbeat of our school, Ms. Bonnie. Every morning, Ms. Bonnie greets me with kindness and a smile, no matter how busy she is. I have known Ms. Bonnie my entire life because my mom is a teacher at Tampa Palms. 

“Even after all these years, I still get excited to see her every single day. Our school is truly blessed to have her. Every school should be lucky enough to have someone like Ms. Bonnie. Parents, students, teachers and staff all know they can count on her. No matter what we need, she’s always there with a smile and a helping hand. When my mom told me Ms. Bonnie was nominated for this award, I was so happy because now everyone can see that Ms. Bonnie is one of a kind and we are so fortunate to have her at Tampa Palms! Thank you!” 

Hunter’s Green Elementary Kindergarten teacher Roxi Coriell may not have been named the Teacher of the Year, but her former student Annabelle made her feel like a winner anyway. 

Annabelle, now a Benito Middle School sixth grader, speaking about her Kindergarten teacher at Hunter’s Green Elementary, Roxanne “Roxi” Coriell: “Looking back at your childhood, everyone has that one teacher…the one teacher that influenced you, the one teacher who made you the amazing person you are today. The teacher that makes you smile, laugh and spreads joy. Well, for me, that teacher came along when I was just five years old. That was the year I walked into Kindergarten with Ms. Coriell. I was new to the area and didn’t know anyone. But the minute I walked in through that classroom door, I was immediately happy and not scared anymore. I knew this was going to be the best year ever. She would always make me feel better with her warm smile and her joy. 

“But what I loved most was Ms. Coriell’s kindness. I know I’m lucky. Not everyone gets to meet their special teacher on their first day of school. This is the teacher who made the difference in my life, who inspired me, who is still teaching me. That teacher is Ms. Coriell!” 

Tanya, now an eighth grader at Benito, speaking about her fifth grade teacher at Pride Elementary, Adam Wilinsky: “I’m here to talk about how Mr. Wilinsky has impacted my life. I was taught early, and told often, that teachers are the most important members of society and belong to the most honorable profession. And, Mr. Wilinsky, you were the best example of this. Mr. Wilinsky is more than just a great teacher. [He is] an inspiration. His passion for teaching is infectious. He sparked a love for learning in me and all of my classmates. He makes every lesson come alive with his creativity and enthusiasm. Fifth grade was the most unforgettable year because of him. His patience and understanding created a safe space for me and so many other students to ask questions and take risks. 

Pride Elementary 5th grade Math & Science teacher Adam Wilinsky’s former student Tanya did the same for him. 

“I still remember when Mr. Wilinsky gave me the opportunity to teach the class a lesson about electricity. I was very nervous at the time because talking in front of my classmates was intimidating. But, when Mr. Wilinsky gave me that ‘thumbs up,’ I knew I had nothing to worry about. He showed me the importance of believing in myself, even when that seemed impossible. He helped me boost my confidence and become the person I am today. He taught us more than just facts and figures. He showed me and my classmates the importance of kindness, perseverance and courage. Mr. Wilinsky, thank you for being such a wonderful teacher and an inspiration. You made a difference in my life and I’m so grateful for that. Congratulations!” 

And, even though neither Coriell nor Wilinsky took home the title of 2025 Teacher of the Year for the District, McCray and Walters both got to make their own speeches as the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator and the Instructional Support Employee of the year, respectively: 

McCray: “It is such an honor to be standing here today accepting the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year award. This moment is truly humbling and I feel incredibly blessed. I want to take a moment to reflect on what this award means to me personally and what it means to me in the context of my role as Freedom High success coach. 

“First, this award is a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion. As a student success coach, I believe every student deserves the support, encouragement and resources they need to succeed. For me, it’s not just about helping student reach their academic milestones, it’s about creating an environment where they feel valued, heard and seen. I truly believe in the power of education to transform minds and I’m inspired by the idea that, as educators, we have the privilege to guide students on their journeys, helping them grow as individuals with the ability to shape their futures…and to watch them grow and succeed.” 

McCray, who has been at Freedom for her entire eight-year career, first as a math teacher, also thanked her husband, her family and her colleagues — “My Freedom family…Thank you so much for providing me with a platform for me to do this work in an environment that truly values inclusion, equity and student success. I am deeply grateful to be a part of this community and to receive this award, not just as recognition of my work, but as a reminder that we are all contributing to something much bigger than ourselves. Thank you all for this honor and for your continued commitment to diversity in education.” 

In addition to her role as success coach, McCray also serves as a FACE ambassador, Title 1 liaison and SAC chair. She holds a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education and gained international teaching experience through a service-learning program in Ghana, where she worked with children at a local orphanage. 

Walters: “Thank you to Ethan — you’re such a trooper — and to my family, my friends, for coming out here on a school night, and for supporting me. Thank you to Tampa Palms Elementary. I just couldn’t think of being in a better place and, thank you to my administrators, past and present, for all of your support. And, thank you to Mr. Ayres (Superintendent of Schools Van Ayres) and to the Education Foundation and everyone for supporting me. “ 

Walters has dedicated 27 years to Hillsborough County Public Schools, beginning as a one-on-one aide in an ESE classroom before serving as a clinic aide and as a Secretary 1. She has been TPE’s principal’s secretary since 2012 and has won the school’s Support Employee honors multiple times, but this is her first time being a District finalist and award winner. She has coordinated TPE’s HeartFELT program, partnering with a local church to provide food for students in need. She also organizes canned food and clothing drives and the school’s annual Turkey Trot. 

Congratulations to all of New Tampa’s finalists and our two award winners!

New Tampa’s Winn-Dixie To Become Another Aldi

As previously announced, the last remaining New Tampa Winn-Dixie supermarket, located at 6425 County Line Rd. (in the same plaza as LA Fitness), closed on Dec. 8 and is in the process of being converted to the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area’s third ALDI grocery store. 

We were told that it would be several months before the new ALDI would open, but this Germany-based international brand already has nearly 2,500 U.S. supermarkets and more than 200 stores in Florida, including at 18002 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. in New Tampa and at 2215 Sun Vista Dr. in Lutz (in front of Costco). 

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the still-open (at least at our press time) Winn-Dixie in the Towne Center of Wesley Chapel plaza on Wesley Chapel Blvd. told us there are no plans to close that store. — GN 

New Tampa’s Holiday Season Includes Two ‘Nutcrackers’ & Much More! 

As a direct-mail newspaper that only hits mailboxes every four weeks, it’s hard for us to publish some stories because they’re already “old” by the time our next issue reaches you. 

For example, by the time this issue reaches you, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa will all be distant memories and the year 2025 will already be in full swing, as even the kids will be back in school the same day this issue is scheduled to reach you. 

Even so, photographer Charmaine George and I attended many of the local holiday-themed events last month — some or even all of which you may have missed — including two different local performances of “The Nutcracker,” the annual New Tampa Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah lighting events and even the unique second-annual Renaissance-era “Madrigal Dinner” hosted by the Freedom High chorus at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, which isn’t specifically a holiday event, but which was held on December 5 and included an actual delicious dinner for those who attended. 

The two photos above are from the New Tampa Dance Theatre’s “preview” performance on Dec. 7 at the Shops at Wiregrass. Charmaine took these pictures since neither she nor I were available to attend NTDT’s full “Nutcracker” ballet performances at the University of South Florida Dec. 20-22. Charmaine said that the huge crowd of people at the mall was definitely captivated by the ballet. 

I took the three photos above during one of the Tampa City Ballet (TCB)’s three performances of “The Nutcracker” at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) Dec. 13-15. Not only were the dancers (adults and children) all amazing, the choreography by TCB’s Paula Nunez, as well as the costumes and sets, were all as impressive as you would see at any big-city ballet company performance of Tchaikovsky’s holiday masterpiece. TCB also performed “The Nutcracker” at USF Dec. 7-10. 

I had really hoped to attend Freedom High’s Madrigal Dinner at NTPAC (see the left photo and the photo below) but Charmaine said it was super-fun, with great singing, funny skits and a delicious dinner of chicken parmesan and salad, plus tiramisu for dessert. 

On Dec. 2, the City of Tampa’s New Tampa Recreation Center and Parks & Recreation Department hosted the annual Christmas tree lighting event and parade (photos below) and a nice crowd of around 200 people attended to participate and watch the youth dance performances, enjoy the lighting ceremony and spend a little quality time with Santa Claus himself! 

And finally, on Dec. 26 (the second night of Hanukkah), the New Tampa Rec Center also hosted the second annual Hanukkah menorah lighting event, which featured prayers, songs and a wonderful message delivered by Rabbi Mendy Yarmush of Chabad of Wiregrass, which is now the only Jewish congregation in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel. Both the Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations at the Rec Center were organized in part by District 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera.

Freedom High’s Madrigal Dinner
Christmas Tree Lighting Event and Parade
Christmas Tree Lighting Event and Parade
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting