HIGH 5 INC. TO HOST FREE COMMUNITY EVENT FOR 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

By Lily Belcher

wanted to create a way to celebrate her forever,” said Spano. “… All proceeds benefit our special-needs education pillar by providing supplies and resources for projects just like this one.”

Sixth Grader At Randall Middle School Moves To National Competition With Film Finding Your Voice

By Makenzie Atkins Noel

High 5 Inc. is celebrating its 60th anniversary on Saturday, May 20 with free activities and games for the community and the dedication of their new memorial garden.

The event will be held to celebrate 60 years of teaching community members of all ages how to swim and be safe in the water. High 5 will host games, guest speakers, activities and food for those who come to the celebration.

“This will be a free community event where not only will we be celebrating 60 years of impact and driving our mission in the Brandon community and beyond, but we will also be hosting our Blue Wave Swim-A-Thon, Candy Corsi Memorial Garden Dedication, Pool Project Dedication [and] celebrating National Learn to Swim Day,” said director of family experience Jada Spano.

The Memorial Garden will be dedicated to Candy Corsi, former director of Training and Recreation for the Intellectually Disabled, Enhancing Their Natural Talents (TRIDENT), who passed away in 2021.

“Her two sons still remain in the program today, and High 5/Team TRIDENT

Team TRIDENT has learned hydroponics and basic craftsmanship skills during the construction of the memorial garden. While the garden is still being built, it will be dedicated at the event to encourage the community to visit in the future.

In addition to six decades of teaching individuals how to swim, High 5 has served the community with an emphasis on its five pillars: after-school, learn to swim, special-needs education, sports and recreation and community partnerships.

“We encourage families, friends, athletes, past/present program participants, community leaders and businesses, and everyone else, to come enjoy this memorable day with us,” said Spano.

The anniversary celebration will take place at the High 5 facility from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. High 5 is located of U.S. Highway 60 on Beverly Boulevard.

To donate to the memorial garden, visit https://qtego.net/donate/trident. For more information on the nonprofit organization, visit their website at www.high5inc.org or call 813-689-0908.

Through all the pressures of school, friends and social life that come with being a teenager, this is also a crucial time for teens to learn who they are. One sixth grader at Randall Middle School is encouraging her peers to push through the uncomfortable parts of being a young teen and focus on figuring out who you are through her film, Finding Your Voice a sixth grader at Randall Middle School, is moving on to the national Refections competition for her flm, Finding Your Voice, after winning at the county and state levels. Pictured here are Auzriel Simmons, Bridget Bohan, Randall Principal Mawhinney and Arianna Jeans.

Bridget Bohan entered the Reflections Art Contest hosted by the National Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) with Finding Your Voice in the middle school age group. Bohan was awarded Florida’s first-place winner for her film starring some of her friends.

“I love creating videos and I wanted to send a positive message to other kids. My two friends, Arianna and Auzriel, supported the creation of this film with some amazing acting,” said Bohan.

In the competition, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through 12th grade submit their original art to compete based on a student-selected theme. The goal of this program is to help students explore their own minds, develop ideas, increase confidence and find a love for learning.

The theme for this year’s competition was ‘Show Your Voice.’

“I made this video to show everyone that there are many di f erent ways that people can express themselves, and sometimes it takes a while to figure it out, but that’s okay, just keep trying,” said Bohan.

Bohan’s film will now move on to the national competition, with results expected to be announced on May 1. Bohan will also be honored at the Florida State Reflections Awards Ceremony, which will be held at Apopka High School on Saturday, May 6.

“The contest gives students a great opportunity to exhibit their talents in creative and imaginative ways,” said Claire Mawhinney, principal at Randall Middle School. “Bridgett Bohan’s entry was an excellent example of a creative and expressive film in which she encouraged students to express themselves as individuals.”

Randall Middle School is excited to continue supporting Bohan as she inspires other teens through her art to find themselves.