PLANT CITY ARTS COUNCIL AWARDS HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS

The Plant City Arts Council has awarded its annual high school scholarships. High School seniors who have high achievements in academics, community service and more are eligible for consideration. This year, three seniors from Plant City High School were selected. Each scholarship recipient was given a $1,000 scholarship to help with fees and costs in college.

The Arts Council of Plant City awarded three scholarships to graduates of Plant City High School. The recipients include Katie Hamilton, Missy Shelton and Barie Fry.

The first scholarship was given to Katie Hamilton, who graduated fifth in her class with a weighted GPA of 8.1. Hamilton will attend the University of Florida and pursue a degree in advertising with a focus on sports marketing. Hamilton was president of both Girls Interact and National Honor Society. She also lettered all four years on the varsity swim team. Her main event was the 100-yard breaststroke.

The second scholarship recipient was Barie Fry, who was born and raised in Plant City. She grew up singing, acting and working on film sets. She will attend New York University and major in film and television.

Fry said, “If you had told me four years ago that in just three short months, I would be moving to New York City to attend NYU, I would have actually laughed

By Kathy L. Collins

in your face.”

Moving to New York City has been her dream. During high school, Fry ran her own business and volunteered with several nonprofits.

The third scholarship was awarded to Missy Shelton, who graduated 18th in her class with a 6.7 GPA. She also earned her A.A. degree from Hillsborough Community College. Shelton will attend Southeastern University and pursue a bachelor’s degree in music education. Shelton, throughout her life, has participated in various music opportunities. In high school, she was in the chorus, where she served as a section leader and student conductor, and she participated in show choir. She received a Superior rating for her solo vocal performance in 2022 and played the saxophone in the jazz band.

The mission of the Arts Council of Plant City is to bring arts to the Plant City community, to promote education in the arts and develop artists and art programs. The Arts Council of Plant City is committed to education and development of enthusiasm for the arts by the next generation.

For more information, please visit www.plantcityarts.com.

There is no better place to be this summer than Busch Gardens parks, voted one of the best theme parks in the U.S. in USA Today’s 10Best 2023 Readers’ Choice awards. Returning this summer is fan-favorite Summer Nights, featuring all-new entertainment, fireworks and more.

“Summer is always an exciting time at Busch Gardens and there are more reasons than ever to celebrate it at one of the best theme parks in the country,” said Marc Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment.

Guests can enjoy great experiences both new and returning this summer.

The all-new Serengeti Flyer is the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind. With each swing of Serengeti Flyer, riders soar higher and higher above Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain while experiencing multiple negative-G moments before plunging back toward the Earth. Guests can also experience a host of other amazing thrills, including Iron Gwazi. New this Summer is Icons, where guests can step into the world of musical icons with a new review show at Dragon Fire Grill. Featuring live performances of fan-favorite hits inspired by musical legends, this show will have guests singing and dancing in their seats. Other fan-favorite entertainment includes Turn It Up! Remix, an award-winning year-round ice-skating show at the Moroccan Palace Theater.

As the sun goes down, the park lights up on 27 select nights with a dazzling display of colors and sound. From jaw-dropping colors to intricate patterns, the Summer Nights Fireworks Spectacular, sponsored by Bad Boy Mowers, will leave guests in awe. Also new this summer is the Summer Nights

Elite VIP Tour, where an experienced Busch Gardens guide will map out a personalized and unforgettable day. In this private, guided tour, guests will be provided the VIP treatment. From front-of-the-line access on Florida’s favorite thrill rides to up-close animal encounters and feeding opportunities, and lunch at fan-favorite restaurants, this tour will provide the elite experience. Other not-to-miss favorites include the Animal Care Center, where guests can see and learn all about animal care at the stateof-the-art care facility. The award-winning Serengeti Safari ofers guests a unique and up-close look at African wildlife with a 30-minute of-road expedition led by an expert guide, providing the opportunity to hand-feed girafes and explore the habitats of the Serengeti Plain.

An annual pass is the best way to enjoy an entire year of family fun, thrilling attractions and exciting seasonal events. Categorized in easy-to-use tiers, options provide guests with unlimited year-round admission and unbeatable benefits, including free parking, in-park discounts and monthly rewards. For more information, visit https:// buschgardenstampa.com/.