Category: Education

The New Tampa Dance Theatre Is Not Just For Future Professionals

Whether you or your child likes to dance for fun or dreams of a career on stage one day, the New Tampa Dance Theatre (NTDT) offers dancers a world-class, professional experience that is unmatched in the Tampa Bay area.

Located on Cross Creek Blvd. (across from Heritage Isles) in New Tampa, the 7,500-sq.-ft. NTDT is the largest professional dance training facility in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. Owner and artistic director Dyane Elkins IronWing is in her 29th season of creating dance memories and futures for her students, many of whom have gone on to study dance in college and/or dance professionally.

“As always, I’m very proud of our students,” says Elkins IronWing. “Our dancers become excellent college students, with their impressive time-management skills, perseverance and creative thinking. Each season, our hearts burst with excitement creating with our beautiful students again. We plan to continue giving back to our community with the ‘Pay It Forward’ program by offering all new students $25 per month tuition for every class!”

Follow In My Footsteps?

Elkins IronWing says she started dancing at age 5, later trained in New York City and performed with Ballet Metropolitan in Columbus, OH.

She moved to Tampa in 1995 and immediately opened NTDT in the Pebble Creek Collection. In 2002, she purchased the current NTDT property on Cross Creek Blvd, and moved her school to the new building in January 2006.

With the bigger location, Elkins IronWing was off and running, offering smaller class sizes and larger, more varied schedules.

She says NTDT also has a larger pool of students today, with the ongoing explosive growth in Wesley Chapel, as well as in New Tampa.

“Our name might say New Tampa,” she says, “but our location is much closer to Wesley Chapel than one might assume. We are extremely convenient to all the current growth (there). Wesley Chapel families are shocked to discover just how close we are and excited how quickly they can drive to our facility.”

Not Just For Future Pros!

NTDT caters to both the recreational dance lover (even adults, photo left) as well as the devoted pre-professional — and every level in between. The studio’s leveled curriculum offers multiple art forms for students to explore. Through personalized attention and professional expertise, NTDT’s professional faculty strives to provide a positive educational experience.

Children ages 3-4 can participate in the studio’s Early Childhood Program, ages 5-8 can take part in the Children’s Program and ages 9-18 are invited to join NTDT’s Youth Program.

In addition to classical ballet, NTDT offers full programs in creative movement, modern, jazz, tap and hip-hop.

Each program has its own directors and specific syllabuses guiding students in a structured manner through their studies.

The facilities at NTDT are as top notch as the instructors, and include maple flooring for the tap classes, 20-25-ft.-tall mirrored walls, student locker rooms and a large studio space that can accommodate up to 200 people.

Sprung floors provide shock absorption to protect the dancers’ joints and an on-site physical therapist ensures the health of the dancers. NTDT also features a café for a break, meal, or homework.

World-Class Credentials

NTDT has developed a reputation for creating strong, professional dancers with alumni who have moved on to highly respected dance companies, Broadway productions, national tours, and Walt Disney Company.

Because NTDT students learn to be proficient in multiple art forms, these students have an edge in the competitive world of dance and many of them have been accepted into prestigious summer intensive programs, including the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theater in New York City, The Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago and the Boston Ballet.

“Reflecting on 28 years in our community, it’s beyond words the gratitude and love for the amazing people who have been a part of our dance programs and family,” says Elkins IronWing.

One local former student certainly agrees with that assessment.

“I credit all of my success as a professional dancer to the foundational training I received at NTDT from ages 6-18,” says Victoria DeRenzo, who today is a professional dancer and choreographer who has toured internationally in 28 countries on four continents, most notably with the renowned Pilobolus Dance Theatre in Washington Depot, CT.

“I loved every second of my experience growing up there,” DeRenzo adds, “but I had no idea how spoiled I was until I graduated. Not many people receive a top-notch dance education in multiple artforms during their lifetimes, let alone at the age of 6.”

If a student doesn’t choose to pursue a career in dance after high school, they can still reach a level of artistry to be accepted into many college dance programs, says Elkins IronWing.

“Believing in yourself, respecting the process of working towards a goal, and having a well-rounded dance education give our students the tools and confidence to continue discovering new passions throughout their lifetimes,” she says.

Participating In Productions

All students have the opportunity to perform in NTDT’s “Spring Production” and — through the studio’s nonprofit partner, the Dance Theatre of Tampa (DTT) — in the winter production of “The Nutcracker,” as well as the “Summer Concert Series,” held in June at the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus.

DTT provides more than 300 free tickets to NTDT’s corporate sponsors, local community supporters, alumni members and students.

New Tampa residents Brian and Trisha Mangan enrolled their daughters Mattie and Mikayla at any early age with NTDT.

“New Tampa Dance Theatre holds a special place in our hearts, as our daughters’ second home since the age of three, guiding them into their teenage years,” Trisha says. “What began as tentative steps has blossomed into a journey of incredible growth, thanks to the dedicated and caring instructors. NTDT has not only shaped them into skilled dancers, but into confident and determined young women embodying the values of hard work and perseverance, attributes that extend far beyond the studio.”

Every holiday season, Elkins IronWing says local residents look forward to the community’s largest and longest-running interpretation of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, “The Nutcracker,” now in its 24th DTT season. This year, it will be held Friday-Sunday, December 15-17, at the USF Tampa College of Arts Theater 1.

Prior to the performances at USF, DTT also will perform “The Nutcracker Suite” Saturday & Sunday, December 2-3, at 6, 7 & 8 p.m., at The Shops at Wiregrass.

“It’s all about the children at NTDT, always has been and always will be,” Elkins IronWing says. “We are a company that enables children to succeed. The key is setting high expectations, all while having fun and building self-confidence. With the new season ahead of us, we would like to thank all of our trusting and loyal families over the years and organizations that continually support our vision. Without their recognition and time, NTDT wouldn’t be the magical place it has become!”

The New Tampa Dance Theatre offers year-round free trial classes for prospective dancers of all ages. To tour the facility or to rent it for a meeting, party or function, visit NTDT at 10701 Cross Creek Blvd. For more information and to check out the exciting lineup of Fall 2023 classes, visit NewTampaDanceTheatre.com, call (813) 994-NTDT (6838). You also can follow NTDT on Facebook and Instagram at “New Tampa Dance Theatre.”

Wesley Chapel Seven Oaks Library To Break Ground In Early 2024!

When the new library opens, sometime in 2025, it will have access from both Mystic Oak Blvd. (bottom road) and Seven Oaks Elementary. (Renderings provided by Pasco County)

It’s not happening right away, but by sometime in 2025, Wesley Chapel will be home to two Pasco County public libraries.

The recently remodeled and completely revamped New River Library reopened on S.R. 54 — to rave reviews — last year.

But, wait until you get a look at the new 14,000-sq.-ft. Wesley Chapel Seven Oaks Library, which is now under permitting review and should begin building next to Seven Oaks Elementary by early 2024.

According to Pasco County public information officer Sarah Andeara, the county is in the process of evaluating and selecting a contractor for the award of the $10-million contract later this year.

“The groundbreaking of the Wesley Chapel Seven Oaks Library is expected in early 2024 and the project will take approximately 16 months to complete,” Andeara says. “The architecture firm of Fleischman Garcia Maslowski has provided the building’s design and the $10 million budgeted by the county is expected to cover the design, construction, furniture, equipment and collection materials.”

In addition to books, audiobooks, and DVDs, the new library will feature public computers, printers, a separate children’s area, collaborative spaces, a gallery wall in the lobby, an outdoor reading porch, a multi-purpose room for “makerspace” and other activities, a meeting room, and study rooms. Drive-up services also will be available at this location.

The Wesley Chapel Seven Oaks Library’s design has been provided by Fleischman Garcia Maslowski
Architects.

The Wesley Chapel Seven Oaks library’s unique multipurpose makerspace room, with a designated outdoor mobile makerspace area, will provide all kinds of activities from Pasco’s other library makerspaces to the Wesley Chapel community. Some examples of these activities include woodworking, music and multimedia recording, ceramics and pottery, cooking, gardening, and more.

After receiving input from the local community, it was decided that the best use of the new library’s makerspace space would be to go with a multipurpose room option.

The intent for the multipurpose room is for it to serve as a “launch pad” for a mobile makerspace — which is expected to be a mobile van outfitted with a wide variety of different classic makerspace activities, such as woodworking activities, gardening, cooking, musical instruments, and recording options, as well as STEM activities.

For more information about the Wesley Chapel Seven Oaks Library, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Fleischman Garcia Maslowski Seven Oaks Library Wesley Chapel Wesley Chapel Seven Oaks Library

Saddlebrook Prep To Accept Academic-Only, Non-Boarding Students

*Students get to enjoy meals together in the Saddlebrook Preparatory School cafeteria. (All photos provided by Saddlebrook Prep)*

Since 1993, Saddlebrook Preparatory School, also known as Saddlebrook Prep, has been a place where outstanding young (middle and high school-aged) golfers and tennis players from all over the world have come to receive top-notch training in their respective sports while also receiving a quality education that truly — as the school’s name indicates — prepares these young athletes for college, the possibility of a professional career and even for life after college if they’re not among those lucky enough to reach the pinnacle of their respective sports.

Rob Riehle, the grandson of Saddlebrook Resort founder and former owner Tom Dempsey, graduated from Saddlebrook Prep and is one of those former athletes (he started out as a tennis player but soon found he was better at golf) who appreciates both the training and the tremendous education he received at the school. He also was one of the few students at Saddlebrook Prep who didn’t need to have room and board at the school, since he lived in the community.

Riehle, who is now the director of marketing for the resort, graduated with a B.A. degree in Critical Media & Cultural Studies from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. He says that Saddlebrook Prep was an important part of his life and now, he wants to expand the school’s reach beyond those who attend the school to receive concurrent enrollment in the prestigious Harry Hopman Tennis Program or Saddlebrook Golf Academy.

“When Mast Capital purchased Saddlebrook last year,” Riehle says, “there was some concern about what would happen to Saddlebrook Prep, as most of the other ownership groups who looked into buying the resort and adjacent property had no interest in the school. But, not only did Mast want to continue the school’s programs, it wanted to make an investment in its future; they definitely were interested in keeping the resort and school the way they were while also making them better.”

*The driving range for Saddlebrook Resort, where the Saddlebrook Prep golfers practice, will be moved, as part of Mast Capital’s planned renovations of the entire property.*

Included in the improvements Mast has planned, as we reported in a previous issue, is to move the driving range (which currently sits just inside the resort’s front gate on S.R. 54) to a portion of Saddlebrook’s two Arnold Palmer-designed 18-hole championship golf courses, leaving Saddlebrook with 27 “outstanding golf holes,” according to Riehle, “instead of 36 mediocre ones.” He notes that although the courses themselves are still great, their irrigation and drainage systems will be replaced as part of Mast’s $25-million investment in resort renovations. “And,” he adds, “the new driving range will be two-sided — one for members and hotel guests and the other for golf academy students.”

A Private School For Wesley Chapel

The Mast group also recognized that, as a former Saddlebrook Prep student whose family had owned the resort since it first opened in 1981, Riehle was in a unique position in terms of being able to help grow the school’s student population, which has rarely exceeded 100 total middle and (mostly) high schoolers and currently is home to around 75 students. All of those are boarding students, including about 70% from other countries.

“One of the things we noticed,” Riehle says, “is that a lot of local residents are looking for a local private school option, whether because their public school is overcrowded, their kids can’t get enough one-on-one time with their teachers, they’re not happy with the curriculum, have safety concerns or for a combination of reasons. We believed, and Mast agreed, that these locals should at least take a look at Saddlebrook Prep.”

He adds that, “This is a beautiful, gated community with on-site security, so your kids can feel safe attending here.”

Although the Covid-19 pandemic affected pretty much everyone and everything, Riehle says that Saddlebrook Prep was hit particularly hard and has never fully recovered. “With our students always having been so international, and with many countries not allowing their residents to travel, much less to the U.S., the school really suffered,” he says. “It’s come back somewhat, but Covid definitely created room for more students to attend Saddlebrook Prep.”

Riehle also notes that although Saddlebrook Prep’s middle school has traditionally been mostly younger siblings of boarding high school students, “that is one area we think will grow with this new opportunity. In fact, although we think our ideal student population is 100-120 students as of right now, and that number could grow if there’s enough demand because we can always add more faculty and staff to accommodate that greater need.”

*Your child doesn’t have to be a future tennis pro to attend Saddlebrook Prep.*

One of the things Riehle wants to stress is that this is the first time in Saddlebrook Prep’s three-decade history that being a golf or tennis player will not be a requirement to attend the school.

“We have been doing golf and tennis for 30 years and we’re very good at it,” he says. “But, let’s say your child is into gymnastics, or plays hockey. They can be done with school here by 1:30 in the afternoon and have plenty of time to pursue their own sports. Or, they can get extra schooling, or pursue hobbies or charities — whatever they’re doing to get ready for college, because preparing your child for whatever they decide to do after high school is what we’re all about. This school will give them the freedom to pursue their goals.”

Riehle also notes, however, that some people reading this story may not have known that there even was a golf and tennis academy right here in Wesley Chapel and that they may be interested in sending their kids to the school for those programs.

“How much better would it be for them to attend an actual golf or tennis academy, where they can practice and train every day with world-class instructors?,” he asks.

In fact, Saddlebrook Prep students also receive sport-specific exercise instruction for an hour every day with certified professionals.

He says that even though pros like Martina Hingis, Mardy Fish, Andy Roddick and so many others got such great training at the school, your child doesn’t have to make it to that level to benefit from attending Saddlebrook Prep.

“It isn’t cheap to send your kid here,” Riehle admits. “But, we see it as investing in your kid now so that maybe they get that scholarship and you don’t have to pay as much for college. Plus, a lot of jobs look for kids who played college sports because they build dedication, time-management skills and perseverance — all the skills that you learn by playing a sport.”

And, he adds that, “When I speak to college coaches, they tell me they’re happy to get kids from Saddlebrook Prep because they come to college already ready. That’s a big advantage.”

What To Expect

*The fitness facility and quality instruction by certified professionals also will be available for students who aren’t attending Saddlebrook Prep’s tennis or golf academies.*

Students enrolling in the Academics-Only program at Saddlebrook Prep will take six classes each day between 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Advanced tutoring is available most days. Core classes meet college admissions and NCAA standards and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available both on campus and online. There also are dual enrollment opportunities at Pasco Hernando State College, SAT prep courses, educational trips to locations of scientific and historical significance, school events throughout the year (including, for seniors, to Orlando’s Grad Bash), fitness courses designed, and with instruction by, certified pros and public service opportunities.

“The opportunity to learn with and from students from all across the globe is another advantage,” Riehle says. “It’s a great way for local kids to be exposed to different languages and cultures.”

Riehle also notes that Mast Capital’s investment in the school will allow for upgrades to Saddlebrook Prep’s technology, transportation, campus and programs.

Meet Deanna Garrett

Originally from nearby Dade City, Saddlebrook Prep Head of School Deanna Garrett earned her Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University. Prior to that, she earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Early Childhood Education from USF. She has been a member of the school’s faculty since 2016 and the Head of School since 2018.

Prior to joining the staff at Saddlebrook Prep, Garrett worked in the Pasco County School District for 22 years in a variety of teaching, instructional support and administrative roles.

Her educational philosophy is that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused academic team, an encouraging community, and supportive family.

For more info about Saddlebrook Prep, call (813) 907-4300 or email Nona Wagh at nwagh@saddlebrook.com.

saddlebrook Saddlebrook Prep Saddlebrook Prep School Saddlebrook Preparatory School Wesley Chapel

Wiregrass Ranch Students Grab Awards At Statewide HOSA Event!

Congratulations to the Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH) students who won awards at the Health Occupations Students of America (aka HOSA-Future Health Professionals) State Leadership Conference held in Orlando Apr. 13-16.

These students have the opportunity to represent Florida at the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Dallas in late June.

WRH dominated the CPR & First Aid skills competitions, with Mahek Mody and Aizah Rahman taking first place, and Ava Sullivan and Angelika Domenech finishing second.

“They did a lot of practicing,” says HOSA sponsor Allison Wiley. “They were working every day to perfect their craft.”

In addition, Khushi Chitalia took second place in Veterinary Services and Jasmine Ahmed finished in second for Clinical Nursing. In Epidemiology, Tanmay Patil grabbed fourth place.

In the Public Service Announcement category, Calina Levy, Nuha Naveen and Chris O’Donell finished in second place.

Wiley says all of the students showed a lot of initiative when they chose to participate in this competition.

“They are very dedicated,” she says. “Most of them are taking AP classes and have a mindset of achieving their goals, and this is something that builds their self-esteem and looks good in their portfolios.”

In at least one case, a team that didn’t finish in the State top five is using the competition as a platform for something more. Junior Aleah Diaz says she and her teammates — Anda Tram-Lan, Tristan Pasquale, Maria Dsouza (photo, above) — took on a project they became passionate about.

It focused on public awareness surrounding endometriosis, a serious gynecologic disorder they learned affects one in 10 women and is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The group’s goal is to raise awareness of the problem so that more women get a proper diagnosis earlier.

The four of them already have attended a medical conference, shown a documentary at their school and are sharing information via their Instagram account @endoawareness.

Diaz says that although the four of them are done with the competition for this year, she will continue the effort to share what they’ve learned.

“I want to keep advocating on this topic,” she says. “I was interested in the medical field but not sure what I wanted to do specifically. But now, I think I’ll do medical research or maybe go the OB/GYN route.”

A team from John Long Middle School took home second place in the Middle School “HOSA Bowl” category, but the students’ names were not released.

HOSA Wesley Chapel Wiregrass Ranch

Congratulations To Wesley Chapel’s Top Of The Class Of 2023!

We wish we could congratulate every student graduating from Wesley Chapel’s three high schools, but we simply don’t have room to even list every name in these pages. Rather than just do our usual recognition of each school’s valedictorian and salutatorian, freelance correspondent Celeste McLaughlin aimed a little higher — or lower, in this case — as she actually got the top-10 students (with just a few exceptions) in the 2022-23 graduating classes of Cypress Creek, Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch high schools to provide some pretty terrific information about themselves for this article and photo spread. Congrats on a job well done, Celeste, and to all of those graduating at and near the top of their respective classes! Get ready to don those caps & gowns! — GN

Cypress Creek High

1. Anastasia Bogdatova

(Co-Valedictorian/not pictured)

GPA: 4.7182

College planning to attend: University of South Florida

1. Sienna Silvest (Co-Valedictorian)

GPA: 4.7054

Clubs/Activities: Varsity weightlifting (captain). Varsity cheer (co-captain & team academic advisor). National Honor Society (NHS; secretary).

College planning to attend: University of Florida

Planned Major or Future Career: Geology & Sustainability Studies

Best thing about High School: Being involved in sports & senior activities like Powderpuff and Grad Bash.

2. Reagan Alapa (Co-Salutatorian)

GPA: 4.602

Clubs/Activities: Varsity & club softball, varsity weightlifting, National History Day Fair researcher, youth softball summer camp coach, NHS.

College planning to attend: University of Florida

Planned major or future career: Political Science

Best thing about high school: The freedom to define who you are as a person, the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them, time to figure out where my values and passions lie and opportunities to pursue those passions through a variety of extracurricular activities.

2. Sarah Nasreen Raza (Co-Salutatorian)

GPA: 4.602

Clubs/Activities: NHS, NEHS, Girl Scouts, volunteer at Moffitt Cancer Center, Radiant Hands, Feeding Tampa Bay

College planning to attend: University of South Florida

Planned major or future career: Biomedical Sciences

Best thing about high school: Dedication from my teachers, always ready to answer my questions and have their doors open for tutoring when I’m dealing with a difficult topic.

4. Brian Roof

GPA: 4.6019

Clubs/Activities: ASL Club, ASL Honor Society, NHS, volunteering at Wesley Chapel Elem.

College planning to attend: University of Florida

Planned Major: Engineering

Best thing about high school: Being able to make connections and friends that will last a lifetime and the unique ability to get involved with various clubs, communities, and activities.

6. Advika Snigda Duggudurti (not pictured)

Clubs/Activities: Piano, including musical performance exams and theory exams conducted by Trinity College London. NHS (VP of service)

College planning to attend: University of South Florida

Planned major or future career: Biomedical sciences/microbiology major, planning to attend med school in the future

Best thing about high school: My best friends who helped make happy memories with me.

7. Gabriel M. Fernandez

GPA: 4.5686

Clubs/Activities: NHS, Tampa Bay United Recreational Soccer, volunteering, Phi Theta Kappa

College planning to attend: University of Florida

Planned major or future career: Nurse anesthetist

Best thing about high school: How I found myself & became independent.

8. Colin Mendoza

GPA: 4.549

Clubs/Activities: NHS

College planning to attend: University of Florida

Planned major or future career: Computer Science

Best thing about high school: Meeting new friends and talking to old ones.

9. Name: Madeleine Ward (not pictured)

GPA: 4.5313

Best thing about high school: Learned how to create decent study habits and conquer procrastination.

10. Nouri Clarke

GPA: 4.5196

Clubs/Activities: Robotics Club

College planning to attend: University of Florida

Planned major or future career: Computer Science

Best thing about high school: Getting to make friends.

Wesley Chapel High

1. Julia (Faith) Olsen (Valedictorian)

GPA: 4.66

Clubs/Activities: NHS

College planning to attend: University of South Florida

Planned major or future career: Nursing

Best thing about high school: The teachers and staff!

2. Olivia Kawalya (Salutatorian)

GPA: 4.637

Clubs/Activities: Colorguard & Winterguard, African Student Association, NHS, Spanish NHS.

College planning to attend: Georgia Institute of Technology

Planned major or future career: Computer Science

Best thing about high school: All the time I spent and friends I made through Colorguard

3. Hannah Burkhart

GPA: 4.630

Clubs/Activities: Colorguard/Winterguard

College planning to attend: University of Central Florida

Planned major or future career: Optical or Photonics Engineering

Best thing about high school: Spending time with friends and laughing until we felt like we couldn’t breathe.

4. Alex Leon

GPA: 4.58

Clubs/activities: NHS, NEHS, Envirothon, SNHS

College planning to attend: University of Central Florida

Planned major or future career: Major in Communication Sciences & Disorders and Master’s degree in Speech & Language Pathologist

Best thing about high school: The clubs

5. Alexis Simpson

GPA: 4.57

Clubs/Activities: Clean Earth Club, National English Honor Society, NHS, Science National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Varsity Tennis, JV Cheer, Steering Class of 2023

College planning to attend: University of Florida

Planned major: Computer Science

Best thing about high school: Making new friends and exploring interests through clubs.

6. Isabella Guzman

GPA: 4.57

Clubs/Activities: Founder of the Art & Gaming Club, NHS, NEHS, Best Buddies Club & Gay Straight Alliance.

College planning to attend: University of Florida

Planned major or future career: I am majoring in Biology, following the pre-med track. I’m aiming for a future career in invasive cardiology.

Best thing about high school: My friends! The experiences I’ve had alongside them have always brightened my day, providing me with many memories to forever cherish.

7. Wen Yang

GPA: 4.56

Clubs/Activities: Clean Earth Club, president. Science National Honor Society, president. NHS, historian. NEHS, Spanish NHS

College planning to attend: University of Florida

Planned major or future career: Biology

Best thing about high school: All of the relationships with classmates and teachers that are formed and being able to enjoy my teenage years with friends and people who helped make it enjoyable.

8. Samantha Tejerero

GPA: 4.55

Clubs/Activities: NHS

College planning to attend: University of South Florida

Planned major or future career: Nursing

Best thing about high school: Prom and Homecoming dances

9. Elizabeth Mays

GPA: 4.53

Clubs/Activities: Student Government, NHS, NEHS, tennis

College planning to attend: Florida Gulf Coast University

Major: Elementary Education, Master in speech pathology

Best thing about high school: The opportunity to do dual enrollment classes!

10. Preston Hammons

GPA: 4.51

Clubs/Activities: GSA, NHS, Science NHS, writing.

College planning to attend: Florida Institute of Technology

Planned major or future career: Biomedical Engineer

Best thing about high school: Progressing and developing through the years. Not only academically, but also socially and emotionally, meeting new friends, development of new passions and even learning itself.

Wiregrass Ranch High

1. Elizabeth “Ellie” Gage (Co-Valedictorian)

GPA: 4.783

Clubs/Activities: Equestrian, independent animator, animal enthusiast

College planning to attend: University of Florida

Planned major or future career: Undergrad in Zoology, hopefully followed by a DVM and a career as an exotic animal veterinarian.

Best thing about high school: The opportunities it grants you. You get to learn so much about yourself and who you want to become.

1. Landyn Williams (Co-Valedictorian)

GPA: 4.7213

Clubs/Activities: Varsity cross country, varsity basketball, varsity track, NHS, Fellowship of Christian Athletes

College planning to attend: University of Central Florida

Planned major or future career: Biomedical Sciences/Doctor

Best thing about high school: Going to the State Championships with my cross country team. Surrounding myself with people who lift me up and inspire me has made the past four years incredible.

3. Marissa Adams

GPA: 4.6967

Clubs/Activities: NHS, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Computer Science Honor Society, Rho Kappa History Honor Society, Best Buddies, Chamber Orchestra/Principal’s Quartet, Varsity Tennis

College planning to attend: University of Florida

Planned Major/Future Career: Political Science

Best thing about high school: I have really enjoyed the friendships that I’ve made throughout high school. They have helped to balance out the rigor of my coursework and make high school a good experience.

4. Rebecca Rose Nieves

GPA: 4.6667

Clubs/Activities: Basketball all four years of high school, Coach’s Award. Musician at church. Phi Theta Kappa. NHS, Legacy, National Hispanic recognition program.

College planning to attend: University of South Florida

Major/career: Biology. Plan to go to Medical School and become an anesthesiologist.

Best thing about High School: Learning about myself and about who I want to be as a person. In high school you really are exposed to many different types of people and I was able to learn from them and become a better person because of it.

5. Ella Riddle

GPA: 4.6522

Clubs/Activities: Work at Sand Pine Elem.

College planning to attend: Nova Southeastern University

Planned major or future career: Marine Biology

Best thing about high school: Having the opportunity to succeed in many different ways.

6. Christian Rios

GPA: 4.6475

Clubs/Activities: Soccer, piano, science fair, chess

College planning to attend: University of Florida

Major: Architecture

Best thing about High School: When I got to pet a pony in freshman year.

7. Emaan Ahmed

GPA: 4.6452

Clubs/Activities: HOSA, Key Club, NHS, SADD club, Mu Alpha Theta, volunteering at AdventHealth

College planning to attend: University of Florida

Planned major or future career: Biology/Pre-med

Best thing about high school: Lifelong friends that make the high school experience so much better.

8. Ella Rivera

GPA: 4.6316

Clubs/Activities: NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, CNA Program, SNHS, job as gymnastics coach

College planning to attend: University of South Florida

Major: Biomedical Sciences

Best thing about high school: Finding my best friends. My best friend Rachel & I have gotten each other through high school. I don’t know what I would do without her.

9. Kate Niehoff

GPA: 4.625

Clubs/Activities: NHS (president). Earth Club (secretary). Class of 2023 Senator for 4 years, Key Club, Student Council, State Delegate for Florida Science and Engineering Fair 2023. Science NHS, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, Event & Auction Manager for Uncork for a Cause.

College planning to attend: Florida State University

Planned major or future career: Double major in psychology & criminology

Best thing about high school: I’ve taken a lot of great classes that have challenged me and helped me grow into a stronger person.

10. Megan Kelly

GPA: 4.6140

Clubs/Activities: School newspaper, photo editor. NEHS, secretary. NHS, Key Club, dual enrollment AA degree with 4.0 college GPA from PHSC.

College planning to attend: University of Florida

Planned major or future career: Accounting & Data Analytics

Best thing about high school: Being so close to my friends and family, and I will definitely miss that when I go college. However, I am looking forward to growing independently in college while I pursue my academic goals, participate in clubs and volunteering, and build new relationships.

Cypress Creek High high school Seniors Wesley Chapel wesley chapel high wiregrass ranch high

Category: Education

The New Tampa Dance Theatre Is Not Just For Future Professionals

Follow In My Footsteps?

Not Just For Future Pros!

World-Class Credentials

Participating In Productions

Wesley Chapel Seven Oaks Library To Break Ground In Early 2024!

Saddlebrook Prep To Accept Academic-Only, Non-Boarding Students

A Private School For Wesley Chapel

What To Expect

Meet Deanna Garrett

Wiregrass Ranch Students Grab Awards At Statewide HOSA Event!

Congratulations To Wesley Chapel’s Top Of The Class Of 2023!

Cypress Creek High

Wesley Chapel High

Wiregrass Ranch High

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