By Matt Wiley
It’s no secret that the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (WCCC) takes pride in the education provided to students at the 12 different elementary, middle and high schools in our area. After all, this year was the milestone 15th annual WCCC Student Pride Awards Breakfast, held on April 29 at the packed Performing Arts Center at Wesley Chapel High (WCH), located on Wells Rd., where 140 students were recognized for their excellence in academic achievement.
In addition to recognizing students from each school in Wesley Chapel, with the help of community sponsors, a WCCC record 12 high school students received $500 scholarships to go toward continuing their education after graduating from WCH and Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH). Last year’s previous record for total scholarships awarded was only eight, so this year’s total number of scholarships was another 50-percent increase for the WCCC.
Pasco County supervisor of elections Brian Corley announced each student’s name to the auditorium full of proud parents, who watched their children receive a customized plaque and walk the stage, while shaking hands with Pasco superintendent of schools Kurt Browning, several Board members of the WCCC and other local leaders.
“For Wesley Chapel to grow successfully, all of our community partners need to work together, and it starts with them having pride in their communities.” said WCCC president Jeff Novotny. “That’s why we call this the ‘Pride’ awards ceremony.”
The individual $500 scholarships were awarded to WCH’s Abby Devisfruto, Ethan Taylor, Jordan Hardin, Helena Polansky, Matthew Quiles and Ashley St. Charles, as well as Savannah Goode, Bryce Wilson, Matthew Bradshaw, Matthew Menendez, Selyne Smith and Briana Swain from WRH.
In addition, eleven students from Double Branch Elementary, twelve students from New River Elem., six from Sand Pine Elem., twelve from Seven Oaks Elem., ten from Veterans Elem., seven from Watergrass Elem., ten from Wesley Chapel Elem., 13 from John Long Middle School, eleven from Weightman Middle School and eight each from WRH and WCH were called to the podium to receive recognition for finishing in the top ten percent of their classes at their respective schools.
“The entire Wesley Chapel Community is proud of all our students and all of those we recognized today,” Novotny said to the crowd.
Chamber education committee co-chair Maureen Moore of St. Leo University gave the welcome for the program and Pasco clerk of court and comptroller Dr. Paula O’Neil led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Chamber also sends special thanks out to all of the sponsors that made the event possible, including American Engineering Consultants, BrightHouse Networks, Centennial Bank, Cypress Creek Chiropractic & Wellness, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, Home Buyers Marketing II & Chamber Ambassadors, Nova Southeastern University, Parks Motor Group, Wesley Chapel Self Storage and, of course, the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce.
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