Valrico
16
February 2022
Volume 19, Issue 2
Ph: 657-2418
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CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF PUBLISHING P OSITIVE COMMUNIT Y NEWS
MULRENNAN TEACHER RECOGNIZED ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD AND MORE BY TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING AT STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL By Michelle Caceres
data/graphic analysis and more. Using the game of hockey as a STEM learning vehicle, the program helps students understand the real-world applications of science and math principles. “The app uses games to teach students about science through different aspects of hockey,” she said. “One lesson teaches them about the scientific method, and it’s great because my students are learning and having fun at the same time.” Two years ago, she was able to take a group of students to a Lightning hockey practice to see the principles in action. “We all know how vital and important teachers are in the lives of all children, which is why we are thrilled to be able to celebrate them through the Most Valuable Teacher program,” said Rob Zepp, manager of special projects Mulrennan Middle School teacher Kelli Michael was for the NHLPA. “The opportunity to selected for nomination as a National Hockey League recognize teachers who, through their (NHL) Most Valuable Teacher. She was one of up to 20 involvement in the NHL/NHLPA Future teachers that were ‘featured’ for January. Goals program, go above and beyond Mulrennan Middle School science teachis something we are extremely excited er Kelli Michael was selected for nomina- about.” tion by the Tampa Bay Lightning as JanuIf Michael received the most votes in ary’s Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher. January, she will be recognized as the Most Each month, from January through Valuable Teacher for that month. One winMarch, up to 20 Future Goals teachers ner will also be selected in February and throughout the country are selected to March, which will then narrow the field to participate in the National Hockey League three finalists. Final voting will take place (NHL) Most Valuable Teacher program. The from Monday to Friday, May 2-6 during public has the opportunity to vote for the Teacher Appreciation Week 2022 to deterteacher who they think should be declared mine who will be declared the Future Goals Future Goals Most Valuable Teacher of the Most Valuable Teacher of the Year. Month. The nominee with the most votes at the Michael, a Valrico resident, received the end of each month will receive $10,000 nomination because of her participation worth of technology donations for their in the NHL and National Hockey League school district as well as street hockey Players’ Association (NHLPA) Future Goals equipment. program. Michael accesses the program Michael said her principal, assistant printhrough an app on Clever and uses it to cipals and fellow teachers are rooting her teach sixth-grade students skills using a on. STEM sports curriculum, including founda“Our school could really use the technolotional STEM concepts, scientific thinking, gy money,” she said.
By Kate Quesada
youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its strawberry shortcake. The agricultural center features livestock shows, sales and contests and a Kiddie Korral that is open daily with activities for younger guests. The entertainment lineup the first week includes Lady A on March 3; The Beach Boys and Boyz II Men on Friday, March 4; Lauren Daigle on Saturday, March 5; and Sammy Hagar and the Circle on Sunday March 6. Kenzie Wheeler kicks off week two on Monday, March 7, with Lee Greenwood and Jake Owen performing on Wednesday, March 9. Nelly will take The Florida Strawberry Festival will take place in Plant City next month.
It is that time of year again. March in Eastern Hillsborough County means not only delicious strawberries but also world-class entertainment at the Florida Strawberry Festival when it comes to town. Taking place from Thursday, March 3 to Sunday, March 13 GRAMMY Award-winning and chart-topping Christian in Plant City, the theme for this music artists Lauren Daigle and Zach Williams are schedyear’s festival is ‘#1 For FUN.’ It uled to perform at the 2022 Florida Strawberry Festival. is the 87th time the Strawberry Festival has taken place. the stage on Saturday, March 12 and “Our festival and the City of Plant City The Bellamy Brothers and Sam Hunt will hold the strawberry in high regard,” said close down the festival on March 13. President Paul Davis. “We’re No. 1 for Other entertainment at the festival will wholesome family fun and excitement.” include the Belmont Festival of Magic The 11-day event offers something fun Show, K9s in Flight, Circus Incredible, for the whole family with a daily schedule Rock-It the Robot, Robinson’s Racing of events, including concerts, shows and Pigs and the Dakin Dairy Farm Milking even a parade in addition to the midway Parlor. rides and a wide variety of food. For more information and a full listing “We feel like this is a theme other fairs of entertainment times, visit www.flstrawand festivals, in our profession, can re- berryfestival.com, Facebook, Instagram late to,” said Davis. “Like most fairs and and Twitter (#berryfest22). festivals, the Florida Strawberry Festival represents a piece of Americana, a time in American history when events like ours brought communities together to cele- BEEPERMD COVID TESTING PG 3 brate the harvest, and that’s No. 1 in our NAM KNIGHTS K-9 ........................... PG 5 book.” EYE ON BUSINESS ................. PG 25-26 Each year, nearly 500,000 visitors enjoy the festival’s headline entertainment, ARTS......................................................PG 39
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IN THIS ISSUE:
Hope For Her is offering Healthy Habit Classes on Monday evenings in March from 6:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m. To register, call 309-3357. Classes will be held at 140 Yarbrough Rd. in Brandon. To learn more, visit www.hopeforherfl.org. See the full story on Page 9.
