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FREE • FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

CLASS OF 2015

Jake Meachum is Crest football team’s no. 1 fan.

Plant City, Durant and Strawberry Crest high schools celebrate seniors.

PAGES 14

PAGES 10-12

by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor OUR TOWN doesn’t add up

WLCA candidate files dispute after recounts don’t match Lynn Buehler requested a recount in the April election because the votes were close between him and winner Jan Griffin.

+ Student named scholar Sydney N. Johnson, of Plant City, has been accepted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

NSCS is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and is the nation’s only interdisciplinary honors organization for first-year and secondyear college students.

Membership is by innovation only and based on grade point average and class standing. NSCS has over one million lifetime members and 300 chapters in 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Johnson is a freshman at Auburn University. She is on the dean’s list, and she is majoring in pre vet animal sciences with plans on becoming a veterinarian.

+ Tomlin student wins contest

Former Walden Lake Community Association candidate Lynn Buehler is filing a petition for arbitration for election dispute after he asked for two recounts of the April 9 election and found different outcomes each time.

The election served to fill three open seats. In the official tally, there are just four votes between Lynn Buehler, 289, and incumbent and winner Jan Griffin, 293. Because of the closeness, Buehler asked for a recount.

The first recount was done April 22. The WLCA monitored Buehler as he counted. He was not allowed to touch the proxies or ballots. The result came out to a significant win for Buehler.

He asked to do another re-

count, with two, signed witnesses, to be sure. The second recount was April 27. The votes came out in Griffin’s favor but only by one vote.

“During this recount, we found several proxies (which had me selected as the candidate voted for) had the word ‘BALLOT’ written on them with yellow voting ballots affixed behind them,” Buehler said in

BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT by Abby Baker | Contributing Writer

Lynn Buehler: 289 Robert Farkas: 167 Jan Griffin: 293 Joshua Hall: 67 Blake Mienecke: 73 Daniel Orrico: 356 Daniel Pinero: 260 Robert Rogers: 76 David Sollenberger: 330 a letter. “When we asked the supervisor of elections (who is also WLCA’s attorney) he stated that the reason ‘BALLOT’ was written across the proxies is because it probably meant the voter had decided to vote in

SEE WLCA / PAGE 4

education

by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

District to hire new PCHS principal The school district is planning to select a principal June 9.

Imani Woomera, owner of The Koa Yoga studio, has been practicing yoga for 20 years.

Photo by Emily Topper

NAMASTE

Tomlin Middle School student Emma Poole competed against five other contestants from across North Florida and won the North Florida District Optimist Oratorical Contest for the Optimist Club Saturday, May 16.

The district finals are part of the North Florida district’s third quarter conference, held this year in Cape Canaveral. As winner of the district level she has secured a $2,500 college scholarship, which was awarded to both the top female and to the top male district participant.

The North Florida District of Optimist International is comprised of over 50 clubs and over 1,000 members in North Florida as far south as Sarasota, Manatee, Polk,

The Hillsborough County School District is planning to select a new principal for Plant City High School Tuesday, June 9. A community panel interviewed eight candidates Thursday, May 28, at the school.

Everyone who applied for the job was interviewed, according to Jerry Jackson, the area director for Area 4 of Hillsborough County Public Schools.

PRINCIPAL / PAGE 4

#LIFE

by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

The Koa Yoga studio is an unlikely addition for a city known for its agriculture but is nonetheless a significant tally to the culture of the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.

T

he plaza of sea-foam painted businesses nestled between the south side city staples of Walmart and Sonic are a break from suburbia and give off a beach-like, island feel to a passing car or gazing shopper.

In this cluster of commerce is one new addition to Plant City: The Koa Yoga studio.

The studio, owned by Hawaiian native Imani Woomera, opened for classes May 18.

Woomera, 33, requires pa-

OUR TOWN / PAGE 5

, 3&

IF YOU GO WHERE: 2806 James L. Redman Parkway WHEN: Open House 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27; other classes posted online each week.

WEBSITE: TheKoaYoga.com CONTACT: (813) 7165086 or info@thekoayoga. com

This week’s winner is

Emily Topper

trons to be shoeless when entering the studio.

She effortlessly sits in the middle of the room offering Aztec-patterned blankets for patrons to sit on. Even without a class going on, a visitor can feel the tranquil mood that hums with the ceiling fan.

The artwork and layout of the room captures an exotic radiance. It reflects a little of Woomera’s background.

Woomera moved from Hawaii to Kenya with her father, a doctor of plants and soil with the United Nations. She lived in Kenya for 18 years before moving to Florida.

She is more than just the legal owner of the studio — she is a seasoned instructor who fell in love with yoga 20 years ago.

“I discovered yoga from watching a VHS tape when

Hashtag Life’s boom at Strawberry Crest happened just over a month ago.

App creators credit SCHS students for success Tampa Bay-based Hashtag Life focuses on community rather than the individual.

In between classes at Strawberry Crest High School, students are glued to their phones. As they juggle tweets and Facebook posts, Snapchat stories and Instagram pictures, they

SEE YOGA / PAGE 5

SEE APP / PAGE 4

Wendy DePalo See her photo on PAGE 17.

RESULTS

INDEX Calendar.......................2

Vol. 2, No. 36 | One section Crossword...................17

Obituaries...................13

Sports.........................14

Weather ......................17

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COMMUNITYCALENDAR FRIDAY, JUNE 5 Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 5, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

Christian Contemporary Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Friday, June 5, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.

Michael LuBeck Live! — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100.

Saturday, June 6, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100.

VBS Fun Day Kick Off — takes place from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at First Thonotosassa Baptist Church, 10650 McIntosh Road, Thonotosassa. There will be water activities, games, food and fun. Free. Young and old are welcome. (813) 986-4756.

Young Adult Nite — takes place from 7:33 to 10:33 p.m.

Saturday, June 6, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd.

Enjoy live music from local artists. (813) 752-1220.

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

MONDAY, JUNE 8

Masonic Lodge Breakfast — takes place from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at 304 Acacia Drive. Breakfast includes eggs to order, pancakes, bacon and sausage, sausage gravy and biscuits, toast or biscuits, along with coffee and juice for a $5 donation. Breakfast is held the first Saturday of each month with proceeds going to scholarships for Plant City High School.

Come out and support the Class of 2016 as it awards two scholarships each year. The public is welcome.

Skip Frye Blues Live! — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Celebrate Recovery — takes place beginning at 7 p.m.

Monday, June 8, at Parkway Baptist Church, 4305 James L. Redman Parkway. A free recovery program for those struggling with addictions, depression, co-depency, anger and grief.

Contact Lauren at (813) 7634355 for more information.

Mike Gottman Youth Football Camp — takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 8, to Thursday, June 11, at Durant High School, 4748 Cougar Path. Durant High head football coach Mike Gottman hosts an annual summer skills and drills camp

at the high school’s practice field. Gottman’s camp caters to everyone from fifth graders to incoming freshmen. $125 per person; pre-registration will be held at 8 a.m. June 6, at the school gymnasium, and the coaches will also accept on-site registrations June 8.

Parks & Rec Summer Program — takes place from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 8, to Friday, Aug. 14, Planteen Rec Center, 301 Dort St., and the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd. $300 (MLK) and $400 (Planteen) per camper; payment plans are available. Contact Jason Hargrove, (813) 659-4256 (Planteen); Lillie Brown, (813) 757-9196 (MLK).

Senshi Do Kai Street Fighter Summer Camp — takes place from Monday, June 8, to Friday, August 21, at Senshi Do Kai, 2909 James L. Redman Parkway. Inspired by the popular “Street Fighter” video game series, Senshi Do Kai MMA’s summer camp will promote its “Bully-Proof” program and teach campers self-defense skills and bullying prevention advice. There will be breaks in between the fiveday camps, and includes trips to Legoland, Dinosaur World, SeaWorld and more. $55 per session; (813) 754-4128 or

To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563; or by email: ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday. mentoring younger campers. For more information, and to register online, visit TampaYMCA.org/plantcity.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10

BEST BET Crawfish Boil — takes place beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

SenshiDoKaimma.com.

Turkey Creek Stables Horse Camp — takes place with first ride beginning at 9 a.m.

Monday, June 8, at Turkey Creek Stables, 5534 Turkey Creek Road. Open to anyone 7 and older. Campers can choose their own horse and learn the ins and outs of horseback riding and more. All campers must bring their own lunch on most days, but the stables will have a hot dog cookout for the campers and staff every Friday.

Campers may arrive as early as 7:30 a.m., with first ride starting at 9 a.m., and they must be picked up by 6 p.m.

Riders must wear long pants and closed-toed shoes. Anyone

under age 16 must wear a helmet when riding in Edward Medard Park. $150 per week or $50 per day; (813) 737-1312 or TurkeyCreekStables.net.

YMCA Summer Camp — takes place beginning Monday, June 8, to Friday, August 21, at Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place. Costs vary based on program and YMCA membership, which is not required to enroll in a camp.

For ages 5 to 12 there is a traditional summer day camp or sports camp. The leaders in training (L.I.T.) Camp, for ages 13 to 16, teaches teens how to work better in teams, use leadership skills and prepare for the real world while

The Recovery for Life — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, June 10, at the Lorena Jaeb Rainbow House, 504 N. Palm Drive. It is a 12-step Bible-based program to help free individuals from all forms of addiction. Debbie Ray, (813) 763-1562.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11 Open Mic Night — takes place beginning at 8 p.m.

Wednesday, June 11, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

Plant City Local Harvest Farmers Market — takes place from 4 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, June 11, at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. PCLocalHarvestFarmersmarket. com.

THURSDAY, JUNE 12 Network Professionals Inc. — meeting takes place beginning at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, June 12, at IHOP, 805 S. Collins Street. For more information call Guy Howerton at (813) 310-2860.

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home sweet no by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

Friends in the Park prepares to move to new location City Manager Mike Herr has proposed the Friends in the Park homeless feeding program move to the Planteen Recreation Center.

CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS Recent Immigration Natural 159 0.6% Disaster 377

1.4%

No Response 2,260

8.3%

2013 Family Problems 3,197 11.7% Housing/Forced to Relocate 3,820 14.1% Medical/ Disability 4,403 14.9.%

Recent Immigration 95

Employment/ Financial 13,310 49.0%

Natural Disaster 222

1.2%

0.5% Forced to Relocate 3,054 16.1% Family Problems 3,268 17.2%

2014 Employment/ Financial 9,105 48.0%

Medical/ Disability 3,267 17.2%

MILITARY VETERANS ACTIVE/SERVED YES 4,915 16.1% NO 25,616 83.9%

2013

YES 3,974 14.0% NO 24,139 86.0%

2014 Source: Council on Homelessness, Florida Department of Children and Families, 2014 report.

Numbers come from direct interviews or from agency data on homeless persons served as entered into the Homeless Management Information System. The 2014 data is compared to 2013 data.

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series following the transition of the Friends in the Park program from Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park to the Planteen Recreation Center.

Spaghetti with feta cheese and olives: It’s what’s on the dinner menu at the Friday, May 23, homeless outreach program in Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park.

The hungry come to the green square from all walks of life — migrants, mothers, drifters, veterans, elderly, and addicts in recovery. Most arrive right at five. Straw hats, overalls, pajama pants, stained clothes and scuffed tennis shoes line up to get a heaping plate of spaghetti, beans, salad, Girl Scout cookies, chips and fresh cantaloupe slices.

Today is a small group of 50.

Usually there are 70.

Friends in the Park feeding program, organized by church members and do-gooders with big hearts, has been at Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park for five years and grown from three nights to five nights to seven nights a week. Volunteers serve homeless and needy people under the shade of the pavilion.

The program offers an important service in Plant City, a town that is lacking in its homeless outreach. According to the Department of Children and Families, there are 85,907 people who are homeless on any given day, and only about 9,000 emergency shelter beds in Florida. Plant City does not have a shelter.

Residents have voiced opposition to the feedings. They say the feedings cause homeless to linger at the park, which until recently had a playground at it.

With the playground gone and Plant City Police officer Priscilla Clark on duty every night at the pavilion they are fed at, the homeless are no longer allowed to loiter before the meal or hang around the park after they are finished eating.

Still there are problems for the patrons and volunteers.

“It’s not hot today, but you wouldn’t believe the storms we’ve been in,” organizer Shirley Chamberlain said. “We’ve been out here when it’s been so stormy. We’ve had to congregate under the center table here because the rain has blown into the pavilion, getting everything wet.”

There is a resolution in the works for Friends in the Park.

At a May city commission meeting, City Manager Mike Herr proposed to offer the Winter Visitor Center, an indoor, multi-purpose building on the campus of the Planteen Recreation Center on Dort Street, for Friends in the Park feedings.

The visitor center is equipped with a restroom and kitchen. It is about one mile west of Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park, but sidewalks along the way make it easy for pedestrians to access.

It won’t interfere with activities scheduled at the center.

“We’ll provide a better location, and hopefully over a period of time we can transition into some programming that would probably help people be more self-sustainable,” Herr said at the commission meeting.

That programming could include financial skills training, or job search and placement services. Chamberlain expects the decision on whether or not to move the feedings to the Planteen Recreation Center to be made this month.

“I love it,” Chamberlain says about the feedings. “I really, really love it. I love the people.”

It is all about the people for her.

NOT WHO YOU THINK

A migrant worker rolls up the brick path on his mountain bike. He washes his hands in the men’s room before he eats. He is lucky enough to have an apart-

31,076 <18 YEARS 5,794

18-24 YEARS 2,736

FLORIDA’S 2014 HOMELESS POPULATION BY AGE GROUP 24-60 YEARS 20,128

> 60 YEARS 2,418

Source: Council on Homelessness, Florida Department of Children and Families, 2014 report. Numbers come from direct interviews or from agency data on homeless persons served as entered into the Homeless Management Information System. The 2014 data is compared to 2013 data.

ment. But many of his friends do not — they walk to get food at the park from their tent camp in the woods north of Interstate 4.

One arrives just in time to get a plate. His clothing is smudged with dirt. His eyes are bloodshot. He pulls a plastic bag out of his unraveling backpack. It is full of plantains. He wants the volunteers to have them.

Clark points out a grizzled man with smiling eyes from Plant City Towers, a senior living facility in downtown near the park. He comes when his social security check runs out.

After she’s done talking with him, she gets a high five from a 20-something-year-old saying goodbye before he leaves to couch surf at his friend’s.

But many of the people who come to the feedings aren’t the single, transient, adult drifters that fit the stereotype.

Homelessness among families with children is the fastestgrowing homeless population in the nation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reports. According to DCF, 40% of all homeless people in Florida are families.

“Most people are in the area,” Chamberlain says. “They’re not traveling. They live at Wilson Court, couch surfing, living in the woods. A lot of them have homes, but can’t feed their families.”

Families like Melissa Voyles and her two sons. She walks into the park from the north side on

the breezy spring day. One of her sons is in tow on his bicycle. She does what she can to help her family get by. But when the food stamps run out, she’s at the park.

“Some of us are not always homeless,” Voyles says. “We’re hungry. We don’t have food. So we come here to eat. We don’t cause any trouble.”

Her son eats first. She goes for the bed of a pick-up truck filled with donated clothing next to the pavilion. Voyles stacks up a pair of new jeans on top of the boys’ clothing. The donations are just in time for the summer weather.

“I’m very thankful,” Voyles says. “If it wasn’t for them, where else? If it wasn’t for them, I’ll tell you now, people wouldn’t have bread and butter.”

FULL STOMACHS AND HEARTS

“Its’ a fellowship time,” Chamberlain says.

Today she is working alongside volunteer Sherry Kaufmann.

Kaufmann took it upon herself to round up the clothing each patron is browsing through after their meal. But it is her first time handing out food and interacting with patrons face to face.

She sees herself and so many of her friends in each of them.

She’s been there.

“I remember sleeping in the woods — in a broke-down recliner in the woods,” Kaufmann says. She is sharing her story

with them while sitting at the buffet table lined with bowls and plates. “I’ve ate green oranges off trees in a grove. Back then, we did not have services and people like this.”

She was addicted to crack cocaine for 25 years.

She has 47 felonies.

She is in recovery.

Everyone claps.

It’s chicken soup for the soul she is dishing out.

“Is that your Camaro?” One of the patrons asks.

An orange muscle car is parked near the pavilion.

“Now I own my own home, car, motorcycle. I’ve had a job for 10 years, all because I’ve decided to change my life,” Kaufmann says.

“You’ve come a long way from being homeless,” the patron says.

But it’s not about the material possessions. It’s about hope.

Clark watches over the Historic Downtown neighborhoods in Plant City as her patrol area.

She has been working with the Friends of the Park homeless feeding program since she started her gig almost a year ago.

“It gives them an opportunity to see they can have positive contact with the community — It doesn’t always have to be negative,” Clark says. “They watch over each other, help each other.

They are their own little family.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

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WLCA / PAGE 1 person by yellow ballot, and therefore, their proxies would not count so the vote didn’t get counted twice.”

Buehler contacted several of the voters whose proxies had ballots behind them to ask if they had voted in person or submitted yellow ballots instead of their proxies. He found that several did not submit a ballot or rescind their proxies. He was able to get several signed affidavits.

Besides the confusion with the ballots, two proxies were stamped “not listed,” meaning that the proxy submitter is not listed on the WLCA resident list. The individuals who signed these proxies were legal property owners, therefore, their votes should have counted.

Another proxy was undated.

PRINCIPAL / PAGE 1 Jackson was assisted by a panel of members who represented the community. The panel members included students, teachers and PCHS alumni.

The current principal, Colleen Richardson, is retiring at the end of the 2014-15 school year.

THE CANDIDATES

Gregory Basham is the assistant principal for magnet curriculum at Howard W. Blake High School in Tampa, as well as a master mentor for Hillsborough County Public Schools. Basham attended East Tennessee State University and earned his master’s degree from the University of South Florida. He believes that it takes all members of the community to come together to provide a successful education for students, and has worked to create these bonds between students and the community at his past and present schools.

Tim Binder is a lifetime resident of Hillsborough County and has been a previous principal at two schools.

In regards to changes, Binder believes in collaborative leadership while still focusing on tradition within the community. At his previous schools, Binder would inform his administrative team five minutes before the bell rang so that they could assemble in the hallway. This, he believes, prevented a number of discipline issues. If selected as the new principal for PCHS, he would enforce a respectful environment where everyone feels welcome.

Jay Blavatt is the current assistant principal at C. Leon King High School but served as an assistant principal at Plant City High School from 2010 to 2013. Blavatt grew up in a family of educators.

If chosen as the new principal, he will focus on the community’s role, specifically in having open lines of communication with the business world. Blavatt would also focus on at-risk graduates and increasing students’ participation in accelerated programs. Blavatt also wants students to do the right thing and be accountable while making the school a hospitable environment.

Traci Durrance is the current assistant principal for administration and athletic director at Plant City High School. Durrance grew up in Plant City and attended Plant City High School. Durrance’s platform focuses around community involvement and making sure that the students’ voices are heard. Additionally, Durrance is focused on improving the graduation rate at PCHS, as well as the test scores for reading. If hired as the new principal, Durrance will push more industry certifications and promote positive behavior within the school, and focus on a new mission for the school that will improve student character.

Peggy Obel’s passion has been with students since the start of her career in education. Currently, Obel is the assistant principal for curriculum at Plant City High School. Although Obel does not want to make major changes to the school right away, she wants to continue the school’s current traditions, and promote school culture by being visible and positive. Obel’s background

Undated proxies are invalid according to Florida Statute 720: “To be valid, a proxy must be dated, must state the date, time, and place of the meeting for which it was given.”

A fourth proxy did not have a property address listed, leading to more ambiguity if a vote was double cast by a particular property owner. Without a property address, there is no way to check.

“I think everyone agrees we need to improve upon the process,” WLCA President Bob Hunter said. “People came out the night of the meeting in great numbers. It was overwhelming. We need to enforce a more stringent process.”

Buehler also thought the voting process at Plant City Church of God was confusing.

“Even if I wasn’t to win, there was such a mass confusion,” Buehler said. “People didn’t is in discipline, which has led her to interact with troubled students in a manner that allows for dialogue.

Christie Raburn has worked across Hillsborough County. A Plant City native, Raburn graduated from Plant City High School before becoming an assistant principal at Durant High School.

Later she became one of the first administrators at Strawberry Crest High School and is its current assistant principal for curriculum. If selected as the new principal at PCHS, Raburn would focus on developing individual plans for at-risk students in order to improve the current graduation rate. She believes that PCHS should be a focal point within the community and that student input and interaction is the best way to improve school culture.

Jennifer Sporano has experience in both magnet and neighborhood schools. She believes the largest factor in solving disciplinary issues is to have a positive relationship between students and administrators. In order to have greater student success, Sporano will work across content areas to achieve passing rates in core classes.

She believes in the legacy and sense of community at PCHS, and believes that the community should be part of the school’s culture.

Susan Sullivan attended Plant City High School and later returned to work as a teacher, swimming coach and guidance resource specialist. She is the current principal at Tomlin Middle School, where she has instilled in students a code of respect, integrity and community. Sullivan wants to increase student achievement at Plant City High School, and encourages mentorships between students and teachers. Sullivan has also found that talking to students and their parents allows for teachers and the administration to determine what changes need to be made to the school.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

MEET THE PANEL The interview panel was composed of the following members: Calvin Callins, pastor and assistant basketball coach Lori Yarbrough, PCHS alumna and parent Dan Walden, PCHS alumnus and Florida Strawberry Festival president Yvonne Fry, PTSA president Rebecca Hendrix, teacher of the year Iris Lewis, AVID instructor Lindsey Blankenbaker, social studies teacher and CTA representative Veronica Gutierrez, migrant advocate Three students from PCHS leadership positions To voice your opinion about who you would like to see in the principal’s office, call Hillsborough County School acting superintendent Jeff Eakins, (813) 272-4000 or jeff.eakins@sdhc. kk12.fl.us.

know where to go, which were voters and proxies.”

At a special meeting, Buehler asked for an official recount instead of filing arbitration. But the WLCA chose to let Buehler file.

“We chose not to get involved in the process at the advice of our attorney,” Hunter said. “We cleared up with the attorney which was the right vote, and we’re comfortable with it.”

Buehler is actively working with an attorney and is planing to file this month. After he files, it could take about two months to get a response. From there, the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation will decide if there needs to be another recount or election, or if the vote will stay the same.

After speaking with his attorney, Buehler said the los-

ing party’s cost in an arbitration dispute can be anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000 in court and attorney fees. This doesn’t include the costs if the case should go into a trial de novo status: into a new trial if the original trial doesn’t make a determination. In that case the costs could go as high as $200,000 to $300,000, according to Buehler.

“I have a solid case and would hate to see WLCA have to reimburse me for my attorney fees and pay their own attorney fees as well, when all the Board would have had to do is hold a recount of their own,” Buehler said. “WLCA’s attorney, however, advised them not to do a recount. … I’m just as sure that all the residents in Walden Lake want to be sure that their board of directors elections are fair and are upheld with the upmost integrity.”

GOING POSTAL by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Historic downtown post office for sale No price has been set for the 80-year-old post office building across from City Hall.

The building that once held the post office in Historic Downtown Plant City is for sale.

The post office, located at 301 W. Reynolds St., originally closed two years ago on June 27, 2013.

A postal employee found deterioration and mold in the basement. The roof was also leaking. The post office was then deemed to be in violation of health and safety precautions.

The 80-year-old building would have cost over $1 million to repair. In October 2013, the Postal Service initiated a discontinuance study to decided where or not to close it permanently. They decided to close it.

Discontinuing a post office is a fairly rare occurrence. According to the Postal Service’s annual compliance report, “The Postal Service closed no Post Offices and no stations or branches in FY 2014.”

After it closed, residents had to use the newer post office on Walden Woods Drive.

The closure proposed inconveniences for citizens living in the surrounding neighborhood, including Plant City Towers residents who were able to walk to the historic post office just two blocks away.

APP / PAGE 1 open a new app that has managed to break into the social media storm.

Hashtag Life was created

by Grant Horvath and his colleague over a year ago, and is currently being used in Florida high schools and colleges. In the age where teenagers and young adults feel pressured to have a popular online identity, Hashtag Life brings together high school and college students with an app that focuses on the community rather than the individual.

After Hashtag Life exploded in popularity at Strawberry Crest, Horvath attended a sporting event and met two students, Jose Lozoya and Sydney Pickern. He says they were a large part of why the app was successful at SCHS and asked for their input on the app. Horvath plans on using student suggestions to make Hashtag Life even more appealing.

Jose, a junior, and Sydney, a senior, found out about the app from their friends, and then began telling their other peers about it. They used the school’s yearbook club and Student Government Association to promote it even more.

“This is like one huge story,” Lozoya said. “It’s not towards you, it’s more towards the school. Anything up there can be the talk of the day — whether it’s bad or good.”

According to Horvath, the app is perfect for teens who want a presence on social media but are nervous about creating personal accounts, such as on Facebook or Instagram.

“We found an opportunity to create a different environment,” Horvath said. “When you’re afraid to create Instagram, you don’t have to be

POSTAL FACTS At the end of FY 2014 there were: 26,655 post offices 4,948 stations and branches 698 carrier annexes Source: United States Postal Service FY 2014 Annual Compliance Report.

The downtown building was Plant City’s only post office until the new oneopened in 1996.

City leaders are in agreement that the building will need a lot of work before the next business is up and running. The building is 20,020 square feet “I’m hoping it will attract some type of retail business to go in,” Commissioner Mike Sparkman said.

The parking lot accompanying the business is also for sale.

Appraisal work has not yet started on the building, according to spokeswoman Enola Rice.

The notice posted on the building is for the public’s edification and will remain up for 15 days.

Residents can drop off their outgoing mail at the Plant City Walden Woods main post office, located at 2501 Walden Woods Drive.

NOT JUST FOR HIGH SCHOOLS

Hashtag Life is now trying to create a presence in the college demographic.

It is currently in use at the University of Tampa, the University of Miami and Florida State University.

afraid to create this.”

To use the app, students simply create a username, select what school they attend and begin posting. All posts are anonymous, and other users can vote a post up or down.

Unlike the popular app Snapchat, where posts automatically delete after 24 hours and are associated with a particular user, Hashtag Life posts are deleted based on popularity.

The more positive votes a post receives, the longer it is visible.

Users of the app are also able to change locations and view posts from other schools, all while remaining anonymous.

Users can post images with their friends, pictures of school elections and snapshots of weekend hangouts to their school’s designated page.

Although the school year is coming to a close, Lozoya said he thinks the app will survive the summer break.

“I’ll continue to use it,” Lozoya said. “Even if it dies down in the summer, I’m sure it’ll pick up when school starts again.”

Hashtag Life is a free app available for download on Google Play and the App Store.

“We’re focused on getting out of the realm of identity,” Horvath said. “We’re trying to create something people will love.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com .

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OUR TOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Osceola and Brevard counties.

The theme of this year’s contest is “How My Optimism Will Help Me Press On To ‘Greater Achievements of the Future.’” The students presented their four- to fiveminute orations in front of an audience including their

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family and guests, as well as club members from the North Florida district and their families.

“We thought that Emma had a great chance to win the district finals as she improved at each level of the competition” Plant City Oratorical Contest Chairman Dave Robbins said.

“Emma stood out among her peers and did a great job.”

Students were judged on

SCHEDULE TIME

TYPE

INSTRUCTOR

MONDAY 9 to 10:15 a.m.

3 to 4:15 p.m.

6 to 7:15 p.m.

7:30 to 9 p.m.

Gentle Teen Beginners Hatha Flow & Restore

Jean Imani Chanel Imani

TUESDAY 8:30 to 9:45 a.m.

4 to 5 p.m.

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Beginners Hatha Beginners Vinyasa Prenatal

Jenna Imani Imani

WEDNESDAY 9 to 10:15 a.m.

12 to 1 p.m.

4 to 5:15 p.m.

6 to 7:15 p.m.

7:30 to 9 p.m.

Yin Lunch Flow Teen Beginners Hatha Flow & Restore

Jenna Imani Imani Chanel Imani

THURSDAY 9 to 10:15 a.m.

10:30 to 11:45 a.m.

4 to 5:30 p.m.

6:30 to 7:45 p.m.

Beginners Hatha Slow Flow Teen Yin & Restore

Imani Imani Imani Jenna

FRIDAY 8 a.m.

4 to 5 p.m.

5:30 to 6:15 p.m.

Vinyasa Kids Beginners Hatha

Imani Jean Imani

SATURDAY 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Absolute Beginners

Imani

SUNDAY 5 to 6:15 p.m.

Beginners Hatha

Chanel

YOGA / PAGE 1 I was only 13,” Woomera said.

“There was no Google, and no one that I knew understood what it was, but I continued matching the same poses every morning.”

After jetting across the ocean, Woomera settled in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. She wanted to open a studio where she lived and

hopes to spread the budding culture of yoga through a place where she believes it is missing.

The Koa Yoga studio offers classes for beginners, kids and even pregnant women. The prenatal classes are led by an expecting, yet still flexible, Woomera. She is six months pregnant with her second child, and she still breezily lifts her leg into her favorite pose,

poise, content, delivery, effectiveness, attributed quotes, length and topics.

The Optimist Club of Plant City has been involved with local youth through the Oratorical Contest for over 40 years. First conducted

by Optimist International in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International program, with over 2,000 clubs participating each year. compass. She demonstrates the way one can accelerate physically through classes and guidance.

“We cater to the beginner for sure,” Woomera said. “If you can breathe, you can do yoga.”

No one at The Koa Yoga Studio is going to be expected to break into a split after two classes. It is about gradual knowledge and the mental awareness of your being.

In the tree of yoga, there are eight limbs. Two are more widely practiced in the Western world: asana (posture) and pranayama (breathing). If you can use both together, they can make you a calmer and more centered person, she said.

Woomera’s studio is simplistic and relaxing. It is clear it is nothing like a gym. There are no pumping exercise bikes or intimating weightlifters. It is more than a place to visit twice a week or after a pizza indulgence.

Yoga is about physically helping your body, but it is also a lifestyle change that focuses on personal happiness.

If you have time to stop, you have time to do yoga, the studio’s instructors said.

“If you want to become better at anything you do, a better mom, more compassionate, an improved person, then you cannot afford to not do yoga,” Woomera said.

Woomera encourages Plant City residents of all ages and walks of life to attend the studio’s first open house at 10 a.m.

Saturday, June 27. Attendees will be able to partake in a free class, enjoy mimosas and receive a free class pass.

Abby Baker is a senior at Plant City High School and a contributing writer.

CUTESTCRITTER

S

arah Machell’s 8-year-old toy poodle, Samson, wears pajamas. She has had him since he was just a few months old. “Even though he’s a bit of a grumpy old man sometimes, he’s the best dog I could have hoped for (just don’t tell his sister Roxie, my pit/lab rescue),” Sarah says.

Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center have partnered to present a weekly Cutest Critter Contest.

Entering is simple: Just submit a high-resolution photo (200 dpi or better) and a sentence or two about why your pet is the cutest. Include your name and contact information. Winners will be showcased in the Plant City Times & Observer and will receive a free bag of dental chews to be picked up at Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center.

Submit your entries to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com; subject line: Cutest Critter Contest. Good luck!

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OWNER’S NOTE

What should the Bruton Memorial Library be in 2030?

THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS

THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOQUIZ ANSWERS 1) Chicago 2) Veteran 3) Eugene O’Neill 4) The Disenchanted 5) Magnolia. Jason Robards

Plant City Times & Observer Locally Owned by Ed Verner, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a joint-venture of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.

110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 www.PlantCityObserver.com &RS\ULJKW 3ODQW &LW\ 0HGLD //& $OO 5LJKWV 5HVHUYHG

Nationwide, public libraries These databases can be mixed are changing. What started as and compared at will and in buildings of books about many real time, without the need subjects — fiction and nonficto reorganize information by tion — are morphing. hand, and reprint it with ink In Plant City, Judge James and paper.

Bruton and his wife, QuinAt least some of Bruton’s coltilla Geer Bruton, partlection of 100,000 books, nered with the Plant periodicals and DVDs City Women’s Club in will soon be computerthe early 1950s to start ized, and library patrons the Bruton Memorial can download them to Library. Operating as a desktop computers or department of the City hand-held computer of Plant City, the Brudevices known by brand ton Memorial Library names like Kindle. maintains a cooperaEven if all 100,000 are FELIX tive agreement with not computerized, the HAYNES about 30 other libraries amount of electronic run by Hillsborough file space (and the floor County and Temple Terrace. space to house the computers That agreement allows Bruton on which the electronic files to offer many more services are held) to store the digitized than a typical 20,000-squarematerial will be considerably foot library with an annual less than the amount of square $800,000 budget, a dozen staff footage to shelve them in hard members, and a collection of copy form.

100,000 books, periodicals, and This revolution is creating DVDs could. excess capacity in libraries like Like many other libraries, Bruton, and library operators one obvious change agent at have already begun to provide Bruton over the past 20 years new services in libraries and has been its 46 public-use to consider other new services computers. The way knowlwhich libraries will be able to edge is stored has gone from provide in the future. books and paper files to large Citizens who need advice online computer databases. on where and how to obtain

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SEND US YOUR NEWS

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements.

To contact us, send your information via: Email: Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com.

Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays.

It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City.

The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

government services such as license plates, registering for homestead exemption, applying for unemployment, Social Security and Medicare can already go to Bruton Memorial Library for help or to use a public-use computer to apply online. This service is called Egovernment by librarians, and many of the 20,000 patrons per month who pass through the doors of Bruton do so for this service.

The John Germany Library in downtown Tampa has dedicated space as an economic development incubator where newly-created small businesses can start on their economic journeys. Other libraries provide maker spaces where creative patrons can paint, write or draw. Some libraries are considering the expansion of their collections to include community history and media like pictures and audio files created by citizens who have witnessed growth and change in their communities in their lifetimes. Bruton provides space for community meetings and tutoring of students.

The range of new knowledgerelated services which libraries may provide in the future is

virtually limitless.

Our new City Manager Mike Herr, Library Director Tonda Morris and our City Commission-appointed library board, chaired by Jim Chancey, are discussing a new visioning and planning process for Bruton Memorial Library in the near future. The question is not whether Bruton should change, but how.

Alert and interested Plant City Times & Observer readers, many of whom are patrons of Bruton, are encouraged to begin thinking about what Bruton should become and what new services it should provide. The vision of Bruton in 2030 should be created by the good people who operate it and the patrons who use the fine services it provides.

Felix Haynes is an owner of the Plant City Observer.

Plant City Times &

Observer

General Manager/Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com General Manager/Advertising / Stacey Hudson, shudson@tampabay.com Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writers / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com; Emily Topper, etopper@ PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Executive / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@PlantCityObserver.com; Circulation/Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

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PLASTIC PARTY by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

LidWorks to celebrate 30th anniversary The lid manufacturing company is celebrating its milestone this month.

If you’ve ever used a plastic disposable lid for your iced coffee or soda drink, there’s a chance that it was made on Turkey Creek Road in Plant City.

Ugo Mazzarolo, vice president and general manager of LidWorks, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of LidWorks this month. Despite the ups and downs over the years, Mazzarolo is pleased with the direction that the company, which specializes in creating disposable lids for plastic cups, is taking.

“I’ve got a great team,” Mazzarolo said. “Everyone is marching in the same direction, and I’m very proud of that.”

The company creates a variety of lids in different colors and shapes, which are then sent off to distribution centers.

After receiving modifications, the lids go to different quickserve restaurants like Burger King and Jamba Juice.

LidWorks has also had its product distributed to other companies, such as Cumberland Farms, Taco Bell, Speedway Gas Station and 7-Eleven.

But for Mazzarolo, who began

Emily Topper

Ugo Mazzarolo is the vice president and general manager of LidWorks off Turkey Creek Road. working with the company owned by his family in 1999, LidWorks still has plenty of room to grow.

Within the next five years, Mazzarolo says the company is planning on doubling the size

of their business.

LidWorks is also focused on educating the public about environmental issues, especially those involving the plastics industry.

“Plastic has a negative im-

pact if not dealt with responsibly,” Mazzarolo said.

The company mostly uses a type of plastic called polyethylene terephthalate, more commonly known as PET. This plastic is one of the most wide-

ly recycled types and is typically used in clear lids for soda drinks. Additionally, LidWorks also purchases a recycled form of polystyrene plastic, or PS. The plastics used depend on the needs of the customers, but Mazzarolo’s company remains conscious about their environmental impact.

“Our customer base is always changing,” Mazzarolo said. “It’s a big, vast industry.

We’ve had a bunch of innovations in the industry over the years.”

LidWorks also has an Earth Day event every year for the employees of the company, as well as their friends and family.

Besides working to benefit the environment, Mazzarolo believes that he has also made positive changes in the Plant City community. LidWorks production is somewhat seasonal, with a strong summer season. This summer, the company will have about 150 to 160 employees.

“There are 150 people who depend on me for their livelihood, and I take that very seriously,” Mazzarolo said. “It makes me want to come here and do it all the time.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

IT’S ALL IN THE PLASTIC LidWorks uses polyethylene terephthalate to make its lids. PET (or PETE) is a form of polyester (just like the clothing fabric).

Pellets of PET resin are heated to a molten liquid, which can be easily be molded into almost any shape, and is used for plastic bottles and containers for packaging foods and beverages, personal care products, and many other consumer products. PET was first synthesized in the U.S. during the mid-1940s by DuPont chemists searching for polymers that could be used to make new textile fibers.

You can distinguish PET bottles, lids and packaging from others from a symbol on the bottom or sides of PET containers: the number 1 surrounded by the triangular “chasing arrows” symbol and the acronym PET or PETE below the triangle.

Only PET carries the #1 identification code.

BENEFITS OF PET

• strong and lightweight • non-reactive • economical • shatterproof • safe for food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical and medical applications

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smokin’ by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Durant PTSA volunteers honored with Sonny’s Random Acts of BBQ Mary VanDeGrift and Madeleine Landau, PTSA volunteers for Durant High School, were awarded a catered feast for their service to the school.

Durant High School PTSA volunteers Mary VanDeGrift and Madeleine Landau thought they were attending a typical end of the year meeting Thursday, May 21.

They were in for a treat — a barbecue-flavored one.

Led by Irv Dupre, the current PTSA president, the other members of PTSA joined forces with popular chain Sonny’s BBQ to plan a small surprise party for the two women, who were awarded PTSA Volunteers of the Year. Sonny’s catered the ceremony as part of its Random Acts of BBQ program.

“Certain members of our board agreed that this would be a wonderful thing,” Dupre said. “We’re so pleased to be a part of it.”

Sonny’s BBQ began Random Acts of BBQ to recognize those who dedicate their time to benefit the community. Recipients, like Landau and VanDeGrift, are surprised with a catered BBQ feast, as they were at Durant High School.

The recipient’s families were also in attendance.

Landau serves as the corresponding secretary for PTSA and helped bring the Reflections program to Durant. Reflections encourages students to become involved in the arts outside of school through music, creative writing and other activities. Through the program, Durant students have

NEWS BRIEFS + Body of boy with autism found in pond The body of 5-year-old Michael Bolden was found in a lake near a Plant City farmer’s market at State Road 39 and Sam Allen Road, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee, who briefed reporters Sunday, May 31. He appears to have drowned in what Gee is calling an accident.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s dive team was searching the pond as a precaution after they were contacted by the boy’s father.

Deputies said the boy, Michael Bolden, of Waverly, became separated from his father at about 10 a.m. The caregiver searched for the boy for 40 minutes to an hour before calling HCSO. The boy was severely autistic and could only communicate through baby talk, said deputies, who

Emily Topper

Irv Dupre, current PTSA president at Durant High School, announced Mary VanDeGrift and Madeline Landau as volunteers of the year. entered multiple contests and taken home numerous awards in the creative fields, including five creative writing awards for a Reflections prompt, “The World Would Be A Better Place If…” Landau’s daughter, Jennifer, will be graduating from Durant this year. Although her time as secretary is coming to an end, Landau will still continue to serve as the Reflections coordinator next year.

Landau also works with Franci Dupre, Durant’s college and career counselor, with students who are applying for scholarships.

Landau was shocked at the gesture from the PTSA, but grateful.

“I’m overwhelmed and totally surprised and extremely blessed by these wonderful people,” she said at the party.

The other recipient of the award, VanDeGrift, serves

spoke to the child’s mother.

“The caregiver (father) is distraught and confused, and so far the facts and circumstances are inconsistent,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. Deputies said they are working with the father to get more information.

electrical power, fiber optic communications lines, and the city’s potable water mains and sewer collection system.

Three bids were submitted for the work with Kamminga & Roodvoets Inc. providing the lowest bid. The other bids were submitted by BUN Construction Company, $375,984, and Ajax Paving Industries of Florida Inc., $437,790.

The work for the construction contract includes removing the existing pavement surface features, such as mailboxes and fences, and the utility lines.

A new 450-foot road will be constructed. New utility lines will be installed including TECO power lines, Verizon communication lines, a new water distribution main and a wastewater collection system.

The construction will be partially funded by a $177,312 Community Development Block Grant through Hillsborough County.

The city will pay $180,898 from road maintenance and utility replacement sources.

+ Howard Street to undergo repairs A $375,984 contract has been put out for construction of roadway and utility improvements on South Howard Street.

Howard Street is subject to flooding during rainstorms.

To eliminate the flooding, the road will be reconstructed to provide better drainage. The road construction will also bring the road in compliance with current roadway standards. The construction r e q u i r e s utilities to be relocated, including

+ Carjacker takes off with kids in car A masked carjacker took off from the Marathon gas station off Interstate 4 on Branch Forbes Road with two young

as the PTSA vice president of volunteers. VanDeGrift’s daughter, Amery, is a junior at Durant. VanDeGrift is responsible for bringing in other volunteers to the PTSA. According to Dupre, the organization has grown to over 500 members.

VanDeGrift is also known as “Sno Cone Mary” among the other PTSA members for her fundraising efforts. The money she raises included minigrants for teachers and scholarships for graduating Durant seniors.

Other PTSA volunteers say VanDeGrift has positive attitude at Durant events.

Like Landau, VanDeGrift had no idea that she was being honored and was surprised to find out she was chosen as a recipient for the award.

“I was totally shocked,” she said.

In addition to Volunteer of the Year, the PTSA also recognizes Teacher of the Month and Student of the Month, and works to raise scholarship funds for students.

During the surprise dinner, Dupre was presented with a gift, and both of the award recipients were presented with trophies. Landau and VanDeGrift plan on remaining involved in PTSA through the end of this year and next year.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com. children in the car Sunday, May 24.

At about 11 p.m., Susan Davidson, 61, of Hudson, stopped to get gas in her 2010 Chrysler minivan. She left the keys in the car while pumping gas. The masked suspect walked up, got in the van and drove off with her two grandchildren, a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old, asleep in their car seats in the back.

The van was found abandoned one half mile away on the side of Branch Forbes Road at about 11:30 p.m. The children were still in their car seats and uninjured.

The only description of the suspect is a male with his face covered.

+ Pot on stove causes house fire A home off Jerry Smith Road caught fire early Thursday, May 21.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded the fire at 2813 Jerry Smith Road.

The heavy smoke and flames caused firefighters to fight the fire from outside of the home.

The residents were evacuated prior to HCFR arrival. There were no injuries to civilians or personnel.

It was determined by the HCFR fire investigator that the fire was a result of a pot left unattended on the stove.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. It’s important to be alert to prevent cooking fires.

+ Businesses on Park Road to clean up The Code Enforcement Department began contacting businesses located in the area of East Baker Street and Park Road to encourage an areawide cleanup and compliance effort.

Contacts include the current owner of the former Plant City Steel building and CSX for their property located on the south side of East Baker Street. The department was able to secure a commitment to clean and paint the Plant City Steel building and several other commitments to mow and cleanup the area from other businesses and property owners.

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THAT’S THE BOOK by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

OTHER GRADUATIONS SIMMONS CAREER CENTER CLASS OF 2015 72 Total Graduates Leanna Adkinson Oscar Aquilar-Perales Monica Amberiz Aldo J. Anglero Marlene Briones Rachel Blount Coleman B. Christensen Brittany Cox Caitlin D. Craig Checoria Davis Infinity Dean Johnathon R. Dempsey Kristen M. Farmer Ryan S. Fernandes Daniel L. Forbes Angel F. Garcia Ashley Green Martin Guzman Thomas Harris Brittany N. Heagney Omar Hernandez Mayra Herrera Megan Hodge Perry T. Hudson MiEshia Hugee Miquel Ibarra Shawn Icenogle Aquavius Jackson Cody M. Jarvis Taylor Kehoe Madison P. Kocsis Amber P. Lamb Laura Landaverde Hannah Langford Chaz J. Landry Terranique L. Lewis September L. Lindsey Victoria R. Lindsey Christina N. Littleton Nayeli Lozano Dennis Martin Brooklyn McClelland Joedy Medina Josh Moreland Jesus Munoz-Mendez Miranda Neely Jessica H. Orozco Dawn Pickard Anthony Powers Chasity Rademacher Rigoberto Ramirez Lorena Ramirez Walter Rehl Alexander Reiner Rosalia Rentas-Castillo Carlos Reyes Texy M. Rivera Daira Rodriguez Emmanuel Rodriguez Ezequiel Rodriguez Crystalia Rojo Austin Roe Miguel Rosario Ronald Rosson Uriel Salmeron Jasmine Samaniego La’Myra D. Sanders Courtney Sands Jessica Ward Cassandra D. Wiggins Jonathan Wright Flora Yanez

Brenda Ruiz’s family was at the graduation ceremony to support her.

BLI graduates first students under its new moniker Seven students earned degrees and certificates from Biblical Leadership Institute this school year.

This spring, pride and relief will abound at graduation ceremonies throughout the Plant City area. But not all of the graduates are in their teens or early 20s.

Seven adult students at the Biblical Leadership Institute, located in Historic Downtown, finished up their certificates and degrees in Biblical studies this year. They were celebrated at an April graduation ceremony.

These students were the first whose degrees are from BLI. Though the institution began offering classes in 2007, as Evangelical University and Seminary, its name and some services changed last year, when Dan Morris came on board as president.

“We’re trying to keep the good things we had, plus we’re trying to offer new things and connect with the churches more,” Morris said. “We’re looking at a great future with what we’re doing.”

Students at BLI can earn a one-year certificate, two-year associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or master’s degree.

Academic dean Wallace Cont said that a lot of students choose to take a few courses for credit, or audit them, just for the sake of learning.

“The key really is the knowl-

GRACE CHRISTIAN CLASS OF 2015 24 total; three from P.C. Melissa Elaine Harnage (Salutatorian) Chaun Causey Simmons Christopher Robin Tatum

O

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Catherine Sinclair

2014-2015 GRADUATES Michael Fredette, certificate Randy Holeyfield, associate’s Bruce Manning, bachelor’s Russell Pondo, master’s Brenda Ruiz, certificate Luisa Self, master’s Robert Stone, associate’s edge, the information that they’re gaining,” Cont said.

“Our whole emphasis is not to bring students in from a distance, but really to minister to the greater Plant City area.”

Brenda Ruiz is one of the graduates who was honored last month, though she earned her Bible certificate in 2014.

A few years ago, Ruiz became a translator at First Baptist Church and a leader of Spanish Sunday school. She decided to start taking classes at BLI, then Evangelical University, to improve her ministry and leadership skills.

“It’s about being prepared to give an account of the hope that’s in us,” Ruiz said. “I might not be able to go to the big colleges, but I still want to be equipped to have an impact in the community.”

Now Ruiz attends a fully

Spanish-speaking church with her husband, who does not know English well. And her leadership in the Christian community has increased.

She volunteers with one of Tampa Bay’s top Hispanic Christian radio shows, Genesis 680 AM. Eventually, she hopes to have her own radio show for Spanish-speaking women.

And she isn’t finished with her studies at BLI. “I’m taking more classes because I just want to be more knowledgable,” Ruiz said. “I want to be able to minister to anyone. People have a lot of questions out there, and this way, I’m able to help them.”

Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.

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Proud families and friends watched over 400 seniors graduate.

PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL

CLASS OF 2015

Rashid Muhammad Abdullah Amy Alejo Makenzie Ann Allen Treye Layton Almaguer Corey Crystal Alvarado Kyle Joseph Anderson Philicia Lasharon Anderson Michael Matthew Andrade Isaias Aquino Triston Wyatt Armstrong Andrew Tyler Bak Noah Raleigh Barnett Trent McKinley Bass Gregory Beasley Richard Allen Best Adrian Ishwar Bhagwandeen Melody Blanchard Armand Patacco Bland Jr. Dalvin Deseante Bond Jordan Alaina Boothe Kyle Lee Bowe Telma Boxtha Kaitlyn Paige Bracewell Jared David Braner Devin Elton Brewer Damon Matthew Bridgmon Zachary Ronald Brink Dalia Brito Taylor Ann Brock Jazmine Alaja Brown Kelsey Danielle Browning Katelynn Marie Burgess Caylin Aubrey Burgett Roderick Antwan Burney Jr. Jesse Austin Butterworth Emily Elizabeth Buzza London Alexis Night Caldwell Sophia Quay Camacho Reece Christopher Campbell Kendall Morgan Cantu Emma Frances Carlson Jailan Cierra Carpenter Cesar Carranza Baltazar CarrIzales Cheyenne Marie Carroll Thomas B. Case Krysten Maree Castillo Lino Castillo Myriam Castillo-Hernandez Elizabeth Ashley Chancey Christopher Charles Clearo Chelsea Kyber Coffee Reginald Lee Cornelius Coffee Jr. Cody Travis Colding Kyle Joseph Cole Patrick Enden Colleran Ethan Zachary Cook Beatriz Christine Cortez Dallas Lee Cotton Danielle Vanessa Cravero Michaleria Shornae Crocker

Elisabeth Seifter, Kaitlyn Goodall and Hayley Queen

Alicia Spring and Daniel Lizcano Allyssa Noelle Cross Martin Alexander Crosson Gabriela Cuevas Jesse Waylon Culpepper Jade Marie Curran Quinisha Jybrail Untanye Daniels Danielle Michelle Dannison Kaleb Isaiah Daughtery Elias Davila Dusti Jayne Davis Kyle Alexander Davis Morgan Lynn Davis Sandra Ann-Marie Davis Shedrick Jovahn Davis

Benjamin Sawyer Dawson Rosemary De La Rosa Bruce Morgan Dean Krislynn Kelly Daisy DelValle Bomani Naye Denson Daytona Starr Dey Hailey Rachel Diaz Thuy Vi Ai Do Luis Enrique Duarte Tyler Matthew Dulje Lizbeth Duque Gladys Espinosa Peter Espinoza Evelia Zuleyma Fabian Olivera Stephen Eugene Falkenstein

HONOR GRADUATES (4.0 grade-point average or higher)

Maricarmen Acevedo* Brandy Gabriela Adams* Nicole Page Adams* William Reid Adams* Aleceia Jordyn AndersonBurchett* Luis Aldair Arellano* Miguel Arevalo Cole Robert Arn* Abigail Joan Baker* Benjamin Alexander Baker* Taylor Renee Ballantyne* Courtney Elizabeth Beahn* Jamie Rene Beasley* Samantha Roxanne Black* Victoria A. Bowen Lindsey Morgan Box* Yesica Boxtha* Avery Lane Brown* Victor Ismiael Burlingame* Ty’China Janae Bush* Ashley Suzanne Calkins* Elisa Fernanda Caraza Zamora* Austin Michael Carswell* Araseli Castizo* Josalyn Chavez-Gonzalez* Dominique Nicole Cook* Janae A Cooke* Evan Joseph Crowell Nydia Cruz* Rachel Lynn Curci* Michelle Kathryn Daubach*

Jose Patino, Jarrett Gillman and Taylor Kelly Reganne A. Day* Juan DeLaGarza Alexandria Rain DeLuca Noelle Alexandra Dietrich* Andrew Seth Ebner Luke Anthony Emery Brett Michael Estrada* Brodie Shane Everhart* Kaitlynne Summer Fincher* Ana M. Flores Kendra Leighann Freeland* Emily N. Fry* Mary Clare Futch* Zachary Allen Gauthier*

Jarrett Daniel Gillman* Faith Marie Girmscheid Luis Miguel GonzalezAtehortua* Kaitlyn Rose Goodall* Lorena Ivette Gutierrez* Alecsander Joseph Hafner Andrew Michael Hakkarainen* Jackson Connor Hardee Emilie Paige Harrell* Megan Liberty Harris Amber Diane Harwell* Anna Mariah Heredy* Nelly Hernandez*

Samantha Elise Fedeles Justin Erubiel Felix Flor Maria Flores Kristian Guadalupe Flores Justin Allen Ford Aleazea Charlee Foster Alibel Fragoso Julia Franchetti Alejandro Garcia Martin Garcia Deondre Mikel Gatlin Samonja Lashara Godbolt Monica Marleny Godoy-Diaz Linda Gomez Pedro Gomez Karina Mariee Gonzalez Magen Dannisse Gonzalez Shelby Elaine Goss Christian Vladimire Guevara Dustyn McKai Hart Anthony James Hartley Clara Grace Harvey Katie Marie Halswanter Logan Doyle Haueter Nicholas Fong Her Miguel Alexis Hernandez Martin Hernandez Jr. Maricela Hernandez-Lopez Christopher Richard Herrick Ruba Haitham Hijaz Nicholas James Homesley Jessica Lorraine Huffman Xi’Aire Ta’Lae Da’Shon Hutchins Monica Tuyet-Ha Huynh Armando Ibarra Kaitlyn Nicole Hinkle* William Walker Hippler* Emily Holland* Carlos L. Honors* Noah Kenneth Humphrey Crystal Dawn Johnson* Jada Joyel Johnson Patricia Juarez* Taylor Linzy Kelly Russell Lewis Kemp Garrett William Kitchens* James Cameron Knight Viktorea Brooke Knotts* Amber Adylin Leab Lori Ann Lozoya* Kasi Danielle Maguire* Jenny Magaly Mansilla* Alicia Adeleida Marquez Navarrete* Elizabeth Martinez Graciela Marie Martinez* Kassandra E. Martinez* Miguel Angel Martinez Rigoberto Martinez* Thomas Jasper Matthews, III* Logan M. McEwen Victoria Elizabeth McRory* Miriam Melendez* Pedro Enrique Mendoza* Lauren Taylor Michael* Kyle A. Miller* Eric Richard Molina Ramirez Emily Catherine Molinowski* Merrialle Irene Montalbano* Jessica Nichole Moore* Sharice Ann Morales

Alejandro Isidro Baltazar Islas Kristopher Milan Jackson Jr. Jessica Ann James Jesse Jaramillo Roberto Jaramillo Da’Quarius Imiarie Jenkins Garrett Martin Johnson Horace Johnson Tristen Ione Joiner Vahira Lynette Domeisha Jones Keaunia Aolhi Kaa’a Katie Marie Koehler Erika Renee LaBarbera Tanya Shauntice Lathan Jennifer Leon Jeronimo Leon Alvaro Manuel Leyva Danielle Nicole Livingston Remi Lanaye Lockhart Joel Tyler Long Bryan Alejandro Lopez Luis Enrique Lopez Thomas Wade Lovett Shandi Lowry Lynne Lugo Oscar Lumbreras Chrystian Donovan Lyons Michael Shae Quinton Mahoney Jecsiany Adaliz MaldonadoRivera Astrid Manzano Denise Erin Mariscal Jasmin De La Paz Martinez Lesley Vanessa Martinez Cheyenne Destiny Mayes Morgan Wallece McCarthy Christopher Charles McKee Christopher Aaron McKeen David Medina Edwin Alexander Mejia Hilda Mendoza Brittaney Elizabeth Miller Corbyn Rae Miller Todd Jerard Miller Jr. Kendra Jocelyn Molina-Ramirez Tyler William Michael Moll Ambrea Denise Monroe Julian Gary Moore Steven Alexander Moore Emily Jasmine Morales Sean F. Mulholland Jorge Alfredo Navarrete Sharmay Negron Avis Lee Oliver Pedro Moyeda Orozco Abigail Ortiz Elizabeth Padilla Anisha Dilip Patel Roberto Patino Askyiea Meneleek Patterson Linda Yanina Paz Stacey Wayne Pearce Jr. Meghan Rene Polk Breonna Nicole Porter Maritza Lynette Prado Keith Richard Purvis Kiara Tarquavia Ragins Kevin Douglas Rainbolt Kevin Jacob Ralyea Agustin Hernan Ramirez Rojas Christopher Daniel Ratcliff Ubaldo Reyes Tacoria Kiana Reynolds Koraly Marie Rivera Nogueras Danielle Elizabeth Robbins Jacob Clay Roberts Marquis D’Monde Roberts Jared Isaiah Robinson Kristian Annalisa Robinson Esmeralda Rodriguez Rosario Rodriguez Yaslin Rodriguez Cole Anthony Rogers Megan Page Rogers Juventino Rojas Jr. Rodney Stewart Ross Julia Kristie Rowe Servando Ruedas

CLASS OF 2015: Valedictorian: Vanessa Cortes* Salutatorian: Yessica ChavezGrimaldo* 164 Honor Graduates 265 Traditional Graduates 429 Total Graduates Christopher Ruiz Evelyn Ivette Ruiz Jennifer Ruiz Jeffrey Jerome Ruth Megan Elizabeth Ryals Esmeralda Salmeron Vaneza Santiago Ryan Joseph Seda Tonya Renee Selph Joseph Ross Shannon Cassidy Lynn Smith Denzel Lamar Smith Kayla Elizabeth Snyder Iris Angelica Sorenson Kayla Hope Sperlak Alicia Isul Spring Damion Kanton Springfield Cheyanne Michelle Stone Chandler Ross Storms Austin Nathaniel Styer Alexander James Sustek Nicholas Howard Sutherland Lakeisha Michelle Sykes Michael Tyler Taylor Kashia Thao Tashandre Jane’ Thomas Karina Torres Lazaro Israel Torres Matthew Scott Tucker Carlee Nicole Turner Ryan George VanValkenburg Sharonkay Vargas Bryan Louis Vasquez Jazmin Velasquez Leticia Velasquez Gustavo Velasquez Morales Olivia Bianca Villegas Skyler Evan Vogel Emarjai Tyrel Walker Tiara Monique Walker Megan Lee Watson Wesley Robert Weaver Reginald Antonio Welch Jr. Austin Daniel Wertman Jordan Luke Wetherington Rebekah Ann Wetherington Michael Dashawn Whitehead Javaris Trayron Whitsett Galand Ka’von Williams Zachary James Williams Kayla Marie Williamson Reaquavious Ramon Young * National Honor Society

Jada Johnson prepared to line up behind her peers before the processional.

Times Observer intern, Abby Baker, graduated with honors from PCHS. Kellen Alysse Morris* Bertha Alejandra Muratalla Caleb Lee Myers* Morgan E. Napper* Sergio Nava Kaylah Ranae Nelson Brittany J. Nesbitt* Vickie Tu Nhi Nguyen* Emily Violet Noble Jacqueline Nolasco* Rebecca Lynn Odom Hayley O. Okonski* Allysen Naomi Parker* Krupa Pravin Patel Jose G. Patino Brenda Elizabeth Pecina David Jeffrey PeQueen* Huriel Perez* Kellie Elizabeth Pernula* Anna Ryce Peterson* Jacinda Thilah Phonsasa* Edward Anthony Plante* Ivonne Polanco* Bryceson Javier Polk Cynthia Posada Hayley Layne Queen* Kionsha T. Ragins* Anel Guadalupe Ramirez Daniela Ramirez* Ariana Lizzette Reyes* Deanna Nicole Rhodes Leslie A. Rivas* Dayvia Ronique Robinson Yaritza Caridad Romero* Angel Rosales Emily Jean Rosenbaum*

Ashton Virginia Russell* Samuel Pete Rypkema Mario Alberto Saldana* Robert Matthew Scarff Elisabeth Gabriella Seifter* Luis Enrique Serrano-Velasquez Brennen Stephen Shea Megan Kathryn Shulmister* Tyler John Silvers Julissa Soto* Blake Alan Stafford* Jacob Robert Studstill* Cynthia Lynn Tharrington* Jennifer Suzanne Tharrington* Kierstan Ray Thomas* Trent Allen Thomas Sierra C. Tollar* Elizabeth Jo Toth* Nathalie Pearl Toth* Ngocquynh Elmie Tran* Eduardo Trejo Yesenia Trevino Bradley William Trout Justin Paul Turner Emanuel Valle Praphon Vassanapradit Andrea Villalobos-Carril* Nicholas Xaobyuteng Vue* Shelby Anne Wharton Austin Tait Williams* Taylor Rae Williams* Tyrus E. Williams* Zachary David Wrenn* JaQuavia D. Youngblood* Nancy Marie Zenteno* Megan Samantha Zimmer*

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Students were excited for their future endeavors.

DURANT HIGH SCHOOL

CLASS OF 2015

Michelle Diane Aguilar Lataijah Yhane Alexander Daisy Alvarez Horacio Aguado Amador Allyson Nicole Arndt Crispian Rashad Atkins Steven Neil Atkins Luis Angel Avila Castro Michael Walter Baccamazzi III Jessica Rachelle Baird Azan Ali Balouch Lizeth Baltazar Tepetate Juan Barrera Cierra Josselyn Bateman Lauren Amber Baxley Thomas Eugene Belcher Emilio Alfred Ellis Bel Bryce Christopher Bening Steven Alexander Bermudez Javien Burnard Bitting Arley Blas Denise Rikaiyah Bogle Steven Cory Boldizar Hollie Elizabeth Boortz Vanessa Marie Braico Adriana Michelle Bravo Keyona Nacole Breedlove Jose Humberto Briones Lauren Marie Brocato Keilan Dean Burtz Heather Meagan Bybee Teresa Diane Cantrell Jason Paul Carlton Anthony Dean Carter Mercy Shane Cervantes Jr. Joel Evan Chapman Alexis Marie Charron Dillon Kieran Cheddie Kevin Dylan Clifford Dallas Denise Cline Luke Houston Coggins Breanna Suzanne Colceri Dahlia Jalea Coleman Cody Reese Collier Kayla Mae Collins Peyton Dale Collins Ronyee’ Jamesha Lenyell Collins Katelyn Kathleen Cook Brian Austin Copen Mark Nicholas Cornella Bertha Margarita Cruz Gilberto Daniel Cuebas Devion Jyquell Curry Joseph Anthony D’Azzo Jaquez Leevontae Dasher Erick Dewayne Davis Jr.

Grace Skeens and Alexandra Passaur Kensey William Davis Saikwon Antonio Davis William Shaun Davis Dalton Lee Dean Michael David Degrange Jeremiah Thomas Delaney III Austin Scott Dempsey Christopher Doran Deshong Nicole Elizabeth Dillman Joseph Cole Dorsett Bailey Nicole Downs Kelsey Jordan Dubose Dalton James Duffey Zsalan Astin Durant Adrian Michael Dyer Marfelia Espinoza Dakota Eutermark Gavin Michael Farnsworth Esther Fidele Wyman Eddie Fletcher III* Julia Nicole Fowler Jeremy Joseph Frederique Bryce Clayton Gainer Sam Cosmo Garcia Ashleigh Hope Inez Garrison Melanie Marie Garrison Isabelle Jean Gerson Samantha Nicole Gipson Krystal Simmone Glenn Zachary Douglas Goble Patrick Dylan Goeckner Joanna Lissette Gomez Levin Marcos Gonzalez Naileem Gonzalez Oms James Michael Gowland Jawun Jamal Jemetrius Green Kelly Ann Gruber Faith Elaine Gude

Kayla Reed Joshua Daniel Gude Cristina Guerrero Riguiz Kayla Annmarie Hall Stephen Michael Hall II John Edward Harris III Denzel Steven Haynes O’Shay Monterrio Haynes Shayna Renea Haynes Chloe Nina Heffez Christian Anthony Hendrick D’Ana Marie Hernandez Stephanie Susana Hernandez Ashley Ann Hobbs Alexander James Huff Makenna Frances Hungerford Luke James Hutchinson Maneah Rose Jean-Jaques Shelbi Lynn Jernigan Claudio Jimenez Javier Aldayr Jimenez Christian Phillip Johns

HONOR GRADUATES (4.0 grade-point average or higher)

Celeste Marie Abeledo* Colton John Adams Madison Danielle Adkins* Leslie Janeth Alvarez Brittaney Nicole Anderson Payton Raye Astin* Toffa Junior Ayala Coelho Chelsea Cheyanne Baker Erin Nicole Baxter Mackenzie Brianne Beauchamp Rachael Ellen Bogle Halle Lynn Braden Steven Andrew Bradley Lindsey Lee Brock* Enes Muhammed Bulut Haley Paige Burleson Alexandra Michelle Burns* Raul Camargo Jacqueline Carabeo Cesar Angel Caro* Gonzalo Carrizales Jr.* Norman Robert Carter Allison Marie Casey Rosa Maria Castillo Baylee Janelle Cauwels* Adrian Chavez Alyssa Nicole Chevalier* Isaiah Dominic Cintron Chloe Noelle Clemis Brett Daniel Coleman* Simone Marguerite Collins Samantha Adrian Conway Nicholas Steven Cooper Nataly Cordova* Trenisse Sylvia Cox* Sarah Elizabeth Cribbs* Tia Reese Cross*

Emily Ottinger and Samantha Kavanaugh Rodrigo Cruz David Ian D’Angelo Bradley Callahan Davison Careena Lee Dean* Emily Faith Ann Deese* Yaneli Maricruz DeLeon Caylin Shelby Delones Marjanna Laurel Dismuke Lacie Diane Dixon* Austin James Dungelman Brandon Michael Emerson Amy Marie Eschenfelder Andrew William Fahrenback Joel David Fernandez Genevieve Fletcher Joseph Anthony Fontana Elena Kristine Fraser* Nathan Henry Fuentes Gavin Adrian Garcia* Maricarmen Garcia-Ramos Brilly Andres Gomez Lumaris Dhalia Gonzalez Isaac Malik Graham* Miguel Mario Granados* Francesca Leigh Gray

Zachary Alan Gray Nathan Gerald Greaves* Keri Ann Greenwood Cody Charles Gregory Kadarius Deontay Griffin Antonio Christian Grimaldi Melissa Guevara* Robert Carl Hall Lauren Diane Hamilton* Josey Lisette Hampton* Cassandra Caitlin Hanlon Cailin Gayle Hasson Emily Kathryn Heidel Elizabeth Grace Hilber* Thomas Joseph Hirtzel Jr. Adam William Hogue* Logan Dewey Holland* Coby Lane Horak Jose Eduardo Iriarte Brittany Demi Johnn Deja Takeko Johnson Morgan Elizabeth Jones* Samantha Ann Kavanaugh Ann Marie Mathew Kavumkal* Jessica Denea Kaye

David Lee Pearce Jr. Nicole Altagracia Perez Samantha Leigh Perkins Dominic Michael Perna Justin Tyler Pettys Christopher Lorenzo-Phillips Michaela Anne Phillips Justin Wayne Peichowiak Tyler Shelton Pollard Taylor Jenea Poole Logan Riley Profitt Aaliyah Nalani Ramirez Abdiel Ramirez Jr. Alexander Scotty Ramirez Jr. Ismael Ramirez Edgar Ramos Joshua Harold Rayos Marc Justin Reid Lucy Marie Reiner Javier Reyes Jose Alejandro Reyes Delgado Shane Austin Ricker Denis Fernando Rivas Angelo Omar Rivera Eliu John Rivera Bryant Michael Robinson Cheniece Quinae Robinson Evelyn Marie Rock Adrian Luther Rodriguez Antonio De Jesus Rodriguez Cristhian Lazaro RodriguezHernandez Alexis Jovany Rodriguez-Torres Karen Jocabed Roman Ezequiel Rosales Jeromy Lewis Rosario Reba Desarai Sallee Daniel Salmeron David Joseph Sands Marilyn Janell Santana Jennifer Santiago Brant Alexander Scott Rebecca Anne Sebastian Juan Bautista Serrano III Madison Marie Sevigny Michelle Leigh Sevign Christopher William Shaw Jr. Jordan Ali Shoti Joy Oluwatumin Shyngle Sonya Daniell Silva Kaitlynn Grace Skeens Elizabeth Maxine Smiley Kiersten Victoria Smith Rachel Courtney Smith Sara Diane Smith Brianna Nicole Spath Tristan Daniel Sperry Kara Nicole Stover Allen Isaiah Straker Lance Michael Strickland Reginald Eugene Sutton Gabriel Asbury Sweet Nathan Jack Swift Kathryn Cecilia Tagliarini Patricia Nichole Tanner Jordan Williams Taylor Kaleb Chandler Tew Brianna Maryum Thomas

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CLASS OF 2015 Valedictorian: Ashley Womer Salutatorian: Mario ReyesMunoz 278 traditional graduates 211 honor graduates 489 total graduates Corey Adam Thomas Joshua Rodney Thomas Kyla Nicole Thomas Tyler Wayne Thomas Dylan Wayne Tice Douglas McAuthor Tolbert III Kristal Marie Torres John Connor Toth Christopher Phillip Trutsch Dakota Lace Tucker Michael Andrew Tuero Ryan Samuel Tur Jonathan Andrew Turley II Carlos Valle-Rodriguez Ana Mirella Ventura-Chavez Abdel Arkill Vigo My’Isha Maxine Vincent Jamey Alexander Vizcarrondo Joshua Scott Wadsworth Avry Manuel Walden Keion Baqi Walker Martez Eddie Walker Brittany Tyler Nicole Wallace Shane Matthew Walls Kali Safira Walsh Rachel Anna Ward Noah James Waters Tracy Sebastian Watson Jr. Brandon Michael Wheat Justin Williams Justin Isaiah Williams Quenton Tyran Williams William Kristopher Williams Jena Marie Willis Lamont Nathaniel Wilson Jr. Daytron Marquise Winn Alyssa Karina Woods Michael Gerald Dee Woody Madison Faith Young Jing Ming Zhang

Jordan Timothy Jolly Thomas Edward Jordan Emeley Venecia Jorge Alexis Juarez Chase Austin Kelley Shayla Lashawn Kelly Dylan Price Kennedy Kirsten Alexis Kenyon Jacklyn Marie King Steven Terry Knapp Annalise Quinn Koback Brittany AnnNicole Lamura Shelby Joan Landers Hailey Rebekah Lang Amber Renee Lashley Luca Antonio Lauro Steven Thomas Leath Alexis Lee Joshua Aaron Liebman Samantha Christine Mackey Kristin Nicole Martin Alexis Louise Martinez Cristian Martinez Alioune Malik Mbodj Naomi Deon McCloud Brittany Marie McCoy Victoria Mar-Rain McCroan Stephany Julissa Medina-Molina Miles Jeffrey Meek John David Mejia Michael Anthony Melenciano Elber Mendoza Imani Wynnakie Mercado Angelica Maria Mercado Fumero Cydney Jordyn Messier Meredith Brianne Meyer Dustin Anthony Miller Rain Leigh Milner Jaiden Alexandra Molina Mirella Molina Alexandra Merie Montellano Justin Richard Moore Brock Logan Morris Barry Jay Morton Jr. Jacob Riley Murphy Nicholas Nappi Justin Alexander Nardello James Trent Newport Marisa Lauren Ng Tang Hunter Alexander Niblett Indira Renee O’Halloran Kelsey Lynn Oosting Roman Daren Osborne Mariel Pacheco Brittany Nicole Payne Samuel Charzell Pea

The class of 2015 had multiple honor graduates.

Shelby Breanne Keely Cade Everett Kelley* Gloria Elizabeth Kelly Thomas Conlan Kelly Morgan Taylor Kennedy Robert Dylan Kidwell* Marty Joe Kinter Jr. Yudisthir Ramnarine Lachman Roberta Audrey Lamothe Hannah Grayson Lamoureux* Jennifer Norma Landau Brittany Nicole Laurion* Nadine Mallory Lawton Jasmine Paige Lemley* Marissa Jeanett Lewis* Destiny Lyn Lockard Limay Lopez Trevor Brandon Loudermilk Dajuan Raven Madison Jamye Bedal Mallory Veronica Chantel Manganelli Johart Jareth Maroto* Kaitlyn Carmaine Marra Clifford Lee Martin Benjamin Thomas Mathews Dallas Blue Medley Joshua Ryan Mejia Christina Alise Millard Pamela Minaya Alexus Myya Mitchell* Susannah Elyse Monnik* John Joseph Mooney Abigail Lynn Moore Kyla Leigh Ann Moore Savannah Dezirae Morales McKenzie Noel-Cosper Navicky Thu Anh Nguyen* Kevin Thomas O’Hare Teagan Elizabeth Rose Olfson Emily Nichole Ottinger Sarah Lynn Paetz

Alexandra Erin Passaur Monica Michelle Patino Courtney Marie Peoples* Jonah Francisco Perez* Ashley Nicole Peichowiak Shawn Mitchell Pierce Ivan Felipe Pineda Rodriguez Abigail Ponce* Betsy Posadas* Blake Alexander Powell Kade Adam Powell Roman Edward Puleo Adrianna Lee Quinn Ruby Ramos* James Christopher Rayburn Brandon Lee Reed Kayla Rio Reed Justine Lynette Reeves Daniela Maria Reinoso Rios Garrett Edward Rentz Carla Herminia Reyes* Eva Vannessa Reyes* Mario Alberto Reyes-Munoz* Rachael Elizabeth Rice* Justin Joseph Robertson Lindsey Brianne Robinson* Andrea Michelle Rodriguez-Roussel Ashley Marie Rosa* Michelle Saiz John Thomas Sajecki Victoria Jacklyn Salinas* Kira Nicole Salisbury* Jessica Salmeron Luis David Sanchez Edgar Sandoval* Mitty Ann Santhosh* Kynewyn Grace Saunders Elexcia Nichelle Schommer* Blake Andrew Seaman Robert Mitchell Seguin* Jena Nicole Sempek

* National Honor Society

Jasmine Reid Shamberger Marc Andrew Shea Justen Robert Shillato Ian Alexander Showen Jessica Robin Simmons Kalli Marie Sizemore Sara Rose Skapyak* Colleen Marie Smith Derrek Allen Smith Klayton David Smith* Savannah Rayne Smith Shannon Nicole Smith Dalton Bryce Spare* Christopher Joel Springfield Lindsay Ann Staffieri Gloria Jean Stewart Justin Michael Street Taylor Frances Struth* Katelyn Marie Swank Kayla Marie Tague Christopher Sanan Taylor Tyler James Trapnell Rebecca Jo Tyler Ida Christine Vandamme Abraham Vasquez* Brandon Shay Vernon Sara Elisabeth Waddell Jacob Theodore Ward Derek Jeffrey Wells David Franklin Whatley Patrick Logan Whitehouse Levi Dean Williams Joseph Wayne Williamson Abraham Ray Willmore Amanda Lynn Winner Jarrett Dillon Wise-Spratt Ashley Marie Womer Sierra Cheyeanne Woodside* Myra Sierra Wright Zaccheus Amman Wright-Walker Justin Arthur Yoder*

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Valedictorians Anuj Desai (IB) and Rebecca Stephens (Traditional)

STRAWBERRY CREST

CLASS OF 2015

Tiffany Joyce Acevedo Kyle Matthew Austin Brett Lee Baker Jacob Ryan Baker Ashton Deon Barber Aaron Samuel Barnes Chyenne Mari Barnes Jacob Anthony Batronie Jason Orion Benson Angelica Rae Biggs Ashley Michelle Bingham Rachel Ann Blount Jeremy Lee Boggs Jr. Cole Anthony Boozer John Anthony Boscia Shelby Page Brannon Marlen Briones Janiyah Simone Brown Cassandra Bueno Rogelio Bueno Cristian Alfredo Canales Deras Genesis Nery Cancio Yvette Carbajal Tyler Ray Carney Jeffrey Dean Carr Jr. Nathan Ryan Carroll Jacob Jay Castillo Myra Castro Joshua Cattery Tyler Ronald Chancey Isaiah Marley Channer Taylor Cheyenne Childress Steve Scott Coleman Jr. Shannon Marie Colson Katelyn Nicole Conner Claudia Correa Brittany Nicole Cox Alexander Julian Crick Johnathan Dominic Crick Amberlyn Dameron Davis Laura Ashley Davis Laura Escobar De Jesus

Greg Griffis and Marquel James Miguel Emilio De Los Santos Jennifer Annette Del Angel Ricardo Andres Diaz-Guzman Halee Mashay Dixon Payton Nicole Doty Destiny Tia Dubose Rachel Hope Ellison Hunter Cole Epps Erik Adan Espinoza Mykahla Diane Euchner Ashley Renee Faulk Mallory Amber Faulkenberry Zachariah Eli Faulkner Ashley Miynon Nicole Finney Faith Madeline Flint Madison Martha-Ann Fuller Clayton Del Fultz Hannah Lynn Futch Alec Javier Garcia Brenda Bautista Garcia Candida Garcia Marbella Garcia

Graduates spotted family in the stands before they walked across the stage.

Jorge Garcia Jr. Roberto Garcia-Ibarra Austyn Darrell Garstka Dalton Wade Givens Jocelyn Gomez-Ramirez

HONOR GRADUATES (4.0 grade-point average or higher)

Kassandra A. Abdel-Kader Shelby Lynn Adams-Todd Juliana Marie Alfonso Emily Taylor Anderson Collin Lewis Archer Selena Catherine Arias Cecilia Nallely Arias Sanchez Zainab Omolara Aro-Lambo Sharon Christina Babu Zachary George Baker Amelia Leigh Barr Esmeralda Barrera Nandi Logan Bryan Barrett James Howard Barrow Brooke Leann Bass Ezra Nathanael Baucom Nickolas Tyler Bell Rebecca Elizabeth Bell Aaliyah Dene’ Bellamy Ethan Paul Benford Sarah Ann Elizabeth Bergkvist Homero Bernal Jr. Marial Megan Bolando Kayli Marie Bomar Eva-Lynn Grace Bouwkamp Blake Hunter Brooks Anisa Janae Brown Taylor Rayann Brown Mariah Bueno Bree Burnsworth Olivia Austin Buth Lexus Dawn Byrd Jailene Enid Caraballo Vanessa Kay Carter Jesse Lynn Cartwright Katlyn Nicole CasaGrande Lindsey Rachel Chacko Angela Marie Collins Austn Tyler Cook Ricardo Correa Gregory Michael Crandall Clay Matthew Cullins Channon Tamika Culmer Madison Lynn Dale Jocelyn Daniel Rylan Mackenzie Darr Anuj Mahesh Desai Erin Jade Doherty Erica Daniela Dominguez Thomas Conor Doyle

Amelia Barr, Esmeralda Barrera Nandi and James Barrow Alexander James Drapp Kenneth Edward Ellington Joshua Gabriel Engram Kyle Lawrence Erlendsson Shelby Ann Farley Brendan Patrick Flanigan Georgia Anne Foster Andrew John Frost Savannah Kay Fuller Daniel Enrique Galloza Brandon Alexander Garvin Morgan Amber Gaudens Ashlymol Madhavappallil George Virginia Lee Gibbs Mary Shannon Gill Jessie Marie Glennon Chandler Dylan Gomis Graciela Gonzalez Karla Gonzalez Michael Alan Gray McKenzie Marie Greene Danielle Alyse Grimes Stephanie Guerra Lacey Marie Hall Zachary Arthur Hamel Michael Nicholas Hansen Jr. Elizabeth Joy Hart Carlos Hernandez Marissa Hernandez Olivia Francesca Houghtalin Mackenzie Rae Howard Michelle Hua Stacy Angela Hudson Tristan James Hyde

Madison Kay Jarrard Ronnie Garrett Jernigan Emily Anna Johnson Gabrielle Lane Johnson Sabrina Marie Jones Sean Michael Jones Nandi Ebonique Jorden Kimberly Aprille Jumpp Bansari B. Kaasindra Sahana Kamisetty Nathan Riley Kanahan Amber McKay Kauth Jeffrey Charles Keene III David Michael Kelley Mayank Kesarwani Nicolette Roze Khoussainov Lindsey Noelle Killebrew Justin Tyler Kunz Veronica Kuteyeva John Ross Kwater Mary Cressend Lambert Marisa Isabel Lara Rohaib Shahid Latif Ryan Joseph Laycock Dylan Phong Le Joseph Lesofsky Jr. Kayla Rae Lewis Savannah Lee Lingo Harry Lewis Linsinbigler IV Lakara Lasharon Little Danny Edvin Lopez Elena Angelica Lopez Brianna Michelle Lucarini Marviana Denise Mackey

Hugo Fabian Gonzalez Jennifer Gonzalez Jesse Gonzalez Desmond Joshua Graham Ashley Marie Green Greg Dennis Griffis Jr. Rebecca Ann Grundner Jamilet Guerrero David Guillen Alison Mackenzie Harrell Emily Elizabeth Harrell Makayla Christine Harrison Cynthia Marie Hernandez Jaime Ulises Hernandez Ruby Hernandez David Hernandez Aquino Adrianna Hernandez-Santiago Jesus Alejandro Herrera Paige Nicole Heverling Candace Leigh Hill Peter Nolan Holmes Jr. Kelsey Lynn Howard Jacob Leon Howell Jared Austin Jackson Jonathan Jacob Marquel Alijah D’Andre James Alexandra Ruth Jett Aaron Allen Johnson Amber Lizette Johnson Garrett Thomas Johnson Jordan Ashley Johnson Katie Lyn Johnson Morgan M. Johnson Alexander Kenneth Jones Brittany Michelle Jones Eleta Mary Joseph Marisol Juarez-Sanchez Abigail Rose Keating Fantasia Deanne Keightley Caleb Christopher Kennon Kurt Ryan Kenworthy Alex James Khianthalat

Robert Eric Mahoney Kelsey Justiniano Maldonado Jonathan Martinez Nicholas Manuel Martinez Leobardo Martinez Jr. Alyson Patricia Maessa Nichole Mary Mathew Faith Lee Cheyen Matthews Danielle Nicole Mayo Mary Katherine McBurney Marissa Grace McCurdy Cody Keith McDaniel Meagan Joyce McLeod Bailey Erin McPhee Radhe Ramesh Mehta Guillermo Adrian Melendez Javier Mendoza Jr. Laura Grace Mikos Dennis Stanley Mitchell Jr. Julie Elizabeth Mixon Mark David Moclair II Mark Fraser Molvie Faith Elise Moore Rebecca Lynn Moore Adrian Morales Brooke Nalani Mott-Smith Taylor Rene Mott-Smith Jeffrey Thomas Murray Ajay N. Nair Nicholas Sil-Gate Ng Valeria Nieves-Feliciano Abigail Marie Ninan Lauren Celestine Noel Alexa Cheyenne O’Brien

Andrew Douglas Kinner Kohl Scott Kreit Danny Scott Lamb III Harrison Glen Lane Sean Douglas Langford Ramon Craig Lara Caleb Andrew Lassiter Christian Emmanuel Leon Jackeline Loera Christopher Michael Longval Jr. Julio Cesar Lopez Jr. Epifanio Lopez Ramos Lionel Lonzano Anna Graciela Lozoya Savannah Elizabeth Maples Jason Doniver Markart Billie Lynn Martin Angela Renee Martinez Crystal Martinez David Lee Martinez Toria Nichole McClellan Brian Hunter McCoy Alexander James McFaul Darshaun Malik McGuire Lane R. Medina Arnulfo Mendez Jonathan Ivan Mendoza Daniel John Menge Sean William Michael Miller Stevie Rae Voughn Millerleile Lindsea Nicole Minck Aldaena Alexis Molina Kristopher Albert Morhard Erica Munoz Efren Munoz-Ramos Ricardo Nolasco Skylar Brooke North Agustin Ontiveros III Maria Isabel Ortega Ramon Ortiz Abraham Ortiz-Hernandez Chase Brennan O’Steen Megan Lyn O’Steen Deja Marie Pagan Caleb Wyatt Parker Marisela Paz Daniel Perez Jorge Luis Perez Mario Perez III Alexandra Louise Perkins Connor Jayson Perry Dalton James Phillips Dillon James Powell Johnathan Andrew Preston Farron Mack Rainford Paulina Martinez Ramirez Tyler Jacob Ransom Robert Redd Peter William Reyle Anjelica Maria Reynoso Jacob Allen Ricks Caitlynn Jean-Marie Riles Edgar Rivera-Gonzalez Edgardo Rivera-Gonzalez Lindsay Lee Robbins Diego Robles Alejandro Felipe Rodriguez Hernan Rodriguez Jomal Rodriguez Jonatan Rojas

CLASS OF 2015 Valedictorian: Anuj Desai (IB) and Rebecca Stephens (Traditional) Salutatorian: Nichole Mathew (IB) and Madison Jarrard (Traditional) 241 Honor Graduates 236 Traditional Graduates 477 Total Graduates Epifania Rojas-Bautista Epifanio Daniel Roque Christopher Stephan Sacco Nury Salazar Joseph Eura Sales Rodrigo Salgado Jessica M. Sanchez Marcelino Oscar Sanchez Senaida Sanchez Aracelis Santiago Fausto Santiago Mayra Edith Santiago Dalton Charles Sariano Morgan Janelle Shepard Emily Jean Silas Tonia Inez Silver Kylie Madison Sinclair Arjay Patrick Smith Kendra Ashton Smith Bailey Morgan Smrstick Briyit Arisbe Soto Caleb Christian Spano Ashley Leann Spaulding Jackson Robert Spencer Janeé Hannah St. Amand Shelby Denise Staples Spencer Ryan Tatum Kade Durell Taylor Ja’Von Uamari Thornton Wesley Patrick Tillis Sonia Trejo Fernando Trejo-Rojo Maiya Jh’ana Trigg Kandie Nicole Tucker Guadalupe Dominguez Ugarte Sergio Diandre Valentin Alexandro Velasquez Miguel Angel Ventura Fredy Ventura-Reyes Kevin Guillermo Vidal Megan Seraphina Volpe Abrielle Adoral Walley Jonathon Aloysius Wasierski Rafet Branden White Antonio Juwaun Williams Darius Trae Williams Justin James-Quinn Wills Brian Emerson Wilmoth Amber Marie Wilson Mareena Winson Jason Austin Wladyka Kendra Caroline Diane Wood Ivan Zamarripa Jaime Baltazar Zamarripa Jr. Victoria Rose-Zora Zannone

Jailene Caraballo, Stevie Millerleile and Abbi Keating Alyssa Olivares Amrutha Tony Ooroth Christian Alexander Oquendo Jacquelyn Ortega Christian Albert Ortiz Zachary Ian Owens-Smith Riddhi A. Patel Tejas Nitin Patel Jennifer Paige Patton Adam Wesley Payne Dylan Scot Peak Vanessa Pena Aleimy Perez Ovidio Alexis Perez Nestor Octavio Perez-Pereira David Mark Peyton Peter Quang Pham Timothy Austin Phillips Sydney Brooke Pickern Krista Marie Portas Chandler Joseph Powell Daniel James Pritchard Anna Rose Pulley Nicholas Matthew Rajcoomar Pablo Anthony Ramirez Ashley Marie Ravins Kaitlyn Denise Reed Glenn Truman Richardson Rebekah Katherine Rose Riebow NiKiya Tenese Robinson Alena Victoria Rodriguez Viviana Rodriguez Lauren Taylor Romeo Juan Rosales Jr.

Anna Smith, Brianna Lucarini and Jessie Glennon

Lucero Ruballos Casey John Rybak Taylor Rose Rynkowski Erick Jonatan Sanchez-Flores Jaqueline Rae Saneli Darien Xavier Santmyer Rachelle Alinia Sapp Richelle Alaina Sapp Seth Anderson Scarbrough Matthew James Schlosser Derek James Schonacher Brooke Autumn Shannon Logan Wayne Sharp David Joseph Sherrier Christina Shoji Ashli Nicole Small Trae Jordan Smart Anna Katherine Smith Amanda Karelle Soderstrom MaKenzie Elizabeth Spanola Ashton Leigh Sparkman Amanda Nicole Spivey Andrew Lane Spooner Jacob John Stasiak Jasmine Lynne Steed Rebecca Shannon Stephens Cierra Renee’ Stiles Sarah Sieglinde Subko Lindsay Taylor Sutton Elizabeth Rose Tibbetts Srihari Tiptur Chandra Kristian Luis Torres Jillian Faith Tumlin Autumn Rae Tussing Taylor Reid Tyson Zachary Tyler Vaughan Dominic Antonio Vazquez Matilde Velasco Juan Carlos Velasquez Taylor Jaye Vest Elizabeth Suzanne Walsh Emelia Katharine Watts Krislyn Nicole Welch Megan Dawn White Garry Preston White Jr. Cody Alan Williamson Danielle Raye Willis Joseph Valentine Wills Jesse Daniel Wilson Joel Andrew Wilson Aubrey Faith Wolfe Kassidy Matea Wollert Sophia P. Xiong Tadd Russell Yeager

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OBSERVER OBITUARIES Sarah Dean Brown

Sarah Dean Brown, 93, of Plant City, died May 8, 2015 at Community Care Center.

A native of Kenvir, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late James and Fannie Farley Dean.

Survivors include son, Loyed Brown (Diane); daughter, Mable McIntosh Adams; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

Sarah was preceded in death by daughter, Ethel McIntosh Whaley.

The family will be having private services.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Aaron Campbell Jr.

Aaron Campbell Jr., 97, of Plant City, died May 30, 2015.

Mr. Campbell was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in World War II. He was a retired funeral director with Blount-Curry in Tampa.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Trawick Campell; son, Robert A. Campbell; stepson, Richard English; and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wives, Betty Zones Campbell and Opal Campbell; and stepson, Nick English.

Funeral services were held June 4 at the First Baptist Church of Plant City. Interment was held at Oaklawn Cemetery, Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Mavis L. Evers

Mavis L. Evers, 89, of Plant City, died May 25, 2015.

She is survived by her son, Lloyd Jr.; daughters, Janis Carol Harris, Gayle Campbell (Charles) and Sylvia Montefu (Henry); 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Evers was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd T. Evers Sr. A celebration of life was held May 29 at Hopewell Baptist Church. Interment was held at Old Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church: Building Fund. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

Aline Green

Aline Green, 71, of Plant City, and formerly of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, died May 29, 2015.

She is survived by her children, Ronda Herman (Mark Householder) and John Green (Shannon), of Plant City; grandchildren, Randy Herman, Ryan Herman, Kevin Green, Mason Green and Levi Green, of Plant City; and siblings, Alice Ellis (Ernie), of Brandon, and Andy Morgan (Charlotte), of Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Mrs. Green was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Green.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at Hopewell Funeral Home. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m., with interment to follow at Hopewell Memorial Gardens.

Expressions of condolence may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Hugh David Grooms

Hugh David Grooms, 63, died May 27, 2015.

Mr. Grooms was born Dec. 23, 1951 in Plant City to Willa Dean and the late Clerance Tillman Grooms. He was a lifelong resident of Plant City and spent 35 years raising strawberries and citrus for Fancy Farms Inc. He loved farming, fishing, old cars and his family.

He is survived by his daughter, Emily Grooms; son, Darrin Grooms; siblings, Diane Tate, Carl Grooms (Dee Dee), Tim Grooms (Debbie) and Joy Sims (Jesse); and two grandchildren, Aiden and Hailey Grooms.

A graveside service was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at Sunset Memory Gardens. Online condolences may be made at SunsetMemory.com.

A.B. Ham

A.B. Ham, 78, of Lithia, died May 26, 2015.

Mr. Ham was an Army veteran who loved fishing and spending time with his grandchildren. He was also retired from Suburban Propane.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Edna Ham; son, Alan Bryan Ham (Shelia); daughters, Lori Ireton (Jeff) and Terri Lee (Alvin); sisters, Dora, Catherine and Elaine; eight grandchildren, Kayla Delong, Rebecca Kolacsky,

with military honors followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Billie Jean Stephens

Eddy Totherow, Jennifer Totherow, Shannon Ham, Jasmine Lee, Brittany Lee and Kenny Edwards; and greatgrandchildren, Riley, Keigan, Ellie, Jaidan, Lillian, Bryson and Alleigah. Mr. Ham is preceded in death by his first wife, Audrey Jane Ham; brother, Frank Ham; and sister, Louise Ham. A visitation was held June 1 at Wells Memorial, followed by a funeral service. A burial followed at Socrum Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

Raymond C. Holbrook Sr.

Raymond C. Holbrook Sr., 88, of Lakeland, died May 26, 2015.

Mr. Holbrook was born in Frostproof, Florida. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in World War II. He was employed by Suburban as a heating and A/C technician for 32 years, and at Imperial Auto Auction for 17 years. Mr. Holbrook was a charter member at Faith Temple Assembly of God. He enjoyed gardening and fishing, and was an avid NASCAR fan. He will be remembered for his humor and compassion for people; he never met a stranger.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Joan Holbrook; and his sons, Bruce Holbrook and Raymond Holbrook Jr., and their families.

The family received friends May 29 at Hopewell Funeral Home. A graveside service

Billie Jean Stephens, 82, of Brandon, and formerly a longtime resident of LaFollette, Tennessee, died May 22, 2015.

Mrs. Stephens was born in Jellico, Tennessee. She was a member of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Tampa and of the Order of the Eastern Star. She migrated to Florida in 1994 after retiring from the Campbell County, Tennessee school system as a cafeteria manager. She will be missed by her husband, sons and many friends.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Robert O. Stephens; sons, Robert David Stephens (Mary Nasca) and Terry Charles Stephens, of Brandon; and grandchildren, Jaclyn-Marie Stephens and Robby Stephens.

A private interment was held at Fellowship Cemetery, Wimauma. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Beginnings Baptist Church, Tampa. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Betty Jo McCoy (Wasden)

Betty Jo McCoy (Wasden), 77, of Plant City, died May 22, 2015.

Mrs. McCoy was a member of Countryside Baptist Church. She spent much of her time gardening and reading.

She is survived by sons, James T. Wasden and James E. Wasden; sister, Shirley Ann Turner; grandchildren, Maranda Wasden, Cody Wasden and Jacob Wasden; greatgrandson, Landon Wasden; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her first husband, James N. Wasden; second husband, Roy McCoy; and daughter,

Teri Wasden.

A visitation was held May 29 at Wells Memorial Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service. A burial was held at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Durant.

Cathy A. Tkacs

Cathy A. Tkacs, 56, of Plant City, died Sunday, May 24, 2015 at Brandon Regional Hospital.

Ms. Tkacs was born in 1958 in Ohio and moved to Florida in 1973. She was a preschool teacher at First Baptist Learning Center, where she started working in 1985. Over 30 years, she has taught several generations of families. She loved all her kids as they were own and enjoyed watching each kid grow up. Ms. Tkacs had a song for every type of situation at school, whether it be for new shoes or a new haircut, she would come up with a song for her kids to sing. Her students loved and adored her, and they were her second family. Although she never had children of her own, she helped raise her twin nieces Linda and Brenda, and her great-niece, Kali. She loved dogs, going to the beach, and collecting seashells and sand dollars.

She will be deeply missed as she had an impact on many lives.

She is survived by her sisters, Susan, Carol, Loraine, Barb; brothers, John, Carl, Joe, Paul, Dennis; many nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law. Ms. Tkacs is preceded in death by her mother, Mertice Tkacs; father, Paul Robert Tkacs; brothers, Gary and Jim Tkacs; and sister, Chris Tkacs.

The family received friends Saturday, May 30, at Wells Memorial, followed by a funeral service. A burial followed at Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Blaine Rowland pitches a perfect game with All- Star dreams. 16 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

SIDELINES Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com, or Tweet us at @PCTOSports.

BASEBALL

+ Durant alums win championship The University of Tampa Spartans are, as of Saturday, May 30, riding high as the NCAA Division II National Champions.

Over the weekend, the Spartans picked up a 3-1 win over Catawba College (North Carolina) to seal the deal.

Three of the players are Durant High graduates: Brett Jones (’11), Dylan Barrow (’11) and former Plant City Times & Observer Athlete of the Week Paxton Sims (’14).

In the national championship game, Jones tacked on the final run of the game after being scored

by Casey Scoggins’ twoout single.

Most impressively, Tampa went on an 8-0 postseason streak en route to the school’s seventh D-II national championship.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015

basketball by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

Plant City Vipers wrap up second season The team recently completed their second season of existence, coming out stronger through the ups and downs of the travel basketball grind.

Every new organization goes through its fair share of growing pains, and the Plant City Vipers have been no different. The team completed its second season, and its first fielding two teams. The administration is pleased with the way things went.

The Vipers didn’t win any of the four tournaments they

competed in this season, but coaches Wade Rogers and Terry Thompson Jr. say that they’ve seen their players make great strides developmentally and look forward to working with them over the summer.

“Even though we didn’t have the season success we were hoping for, we fought hard

and the kids stayed positive throughout,” Rogers says. “Because we played such talented teams, I feel we met our main goal, which was to make our kids better basketball players.”

The high school team posted a 2-2 record in its most recent tournament and made it to the championship game.

But it lost to the Polk Coun-

ty Pride, 72-62. The middle school team did get to end its season with a win: a 55-51 grinder over the U’Nec Ballers.

There was also a chance that the team could have finished the season under a different name. The Vipers, a non-profit organization, rely heavily on donations for the players’ equipment and

travel costs. But earlier in the season, when there wasn’t as much money coming in, the Lakeland Xpress made an offer to acquire the Vipers.

The Xpress have all of the resources a travel team could want: access to indoor practice facilities, an established internal structure and the resources to field many squads.

While the idea was intriguing, it wasn’t something the Vipers’

SEE VIPERS / PAGE 15

FOOTBALL by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

FISHING

+ Strawberry Crest teams win big Strawberry Crest’s fishing teams put on a show at Sunday’s state championships on Lake Okeechobee, and both are packing their bags for Tennessee.

To advance to the 2015 Costa Bassmaster High School National Championship, which will be held near Nashville, teams had to have place in the top three. The Chargers teams took first and third place, and will get to compete on Kentucky Lake from July 22 to 25.

BASEBALL

+ Brewington’s finishes unbeaten Plant City Little League has an undefeated city champion this season.

The Brewington’s Towing 9-10 minors baseball squad captured the championship Thursday, May 28, with a 14-4 victory. Starter Blaine Rowland went 3 2/3 innings to get the win, and the boys are now awaiting selection to the Plant City Little League All-Star team.

The team finished with a 20-0 record, a 17-0 mark in the regular season, and only three games were decided by less than five runs: 5-4 over Chemical Dynamics March 30; 6-5 over Rollyson Fearnow Insurance April 23; and 12-10 over B&G Tire Service April 30.

NEW LIFE, NEW BROTHERHOOD An accident changed SCHS student Jake Meachum’s life June 3, 2012. The school’s football team has since adopted Meachum as one of its own and motivated the junior more than ever.

S

trawberry Crest fans packed the school’s home section May 21. They were as hyped for the team as if they were under Friday night lights in late August.

A small sea of black-and-redclad Charger fans rose for every positive play and filled the evening air with their own brand of thunder.

Just outside the wall, junior Jake Meachum was cheering from his spot on the Crest sideline.

He stands.

Doctors had told him he would never do that after June 3, 2012.

Three years ago, Meachum was hit by a drunk driver and airlifted to Tampa General Hospital with life-threatening injuries. After waking from a fourmonth coma, his motor skills were so damaged that he was confined to a motorized chair.

A tracheotomy damaged his vocal chords. He does much of his speaking through a program on his iPad.

But this chapter of Meachum’s life has been defined not by what he can’t do, but by what he’s been able to accomplish with the support of family, friends and Chargers football.

A THIRD CHANCE

Just over three years ago, Meachum, his brother, Bailey, and some friends were hanging out as they normally would, near the Meachums’ grand-

SEE MEACHUM / PAGE 15

Jake Meachum is considered a part of Crest’s football team and is always on the sideline with the players.

Top: Coach Will Terry and running back Theo Williams are Jake Meachum’s closest friends in the program.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Nothing is as contagious as a strong human spirit Most journalists can tell you why they first got into the business, and they can also tell you exactly when they realized they made the right choice.

I’m sure our managing editor, Amber Jurgensen, could tell you JUSTIN KLINE her story off the top of her head.

Now that I’ve found my go-to example, let me share it with you.

The day after the spring football games, Strawberry Crest coach John Kelly called to tell me about junior Jake Meachum. I had the interviews set up just a few days later. I knew it was going to be

SEE KLINE / PAGE 15

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MEACHUM / PAGE 11 mother’s home. After playing basketball, the boys decided to take the 2011 Kawasaki Mule out for a ride and cruise around the property.

They rode west on Futch Loop. Bailey was driving, and friend Trent Toler also had a seat.

The stop sign at Wiggins Road got closer.

Bailey applied the brakes.

“But something was going on — nothing was happening with the brakes,” Bailey says.

“By the time I had any time to react, I heard (Jake) say, ‘Whoa,’ and when I looked over my left shoulder all I saw was the grille.

I don’t remember much after that.”

A drunk driver on the same road slammed into them.

Toler was strapped in and went into the ditch with the Mule. Bailey and Meachum flew off into a field. It was the exact spot where their mother’s current home was later built on.

There weren’t many places in Meachum’s brain that weren’t bleeding. He was airlifted to Tampa General to fight for his life.

Meachum died twice as doctors rushed to relieve the pressure put on his brain. They performed a tracheotomy to help him breathe. He had around 72 hours to live — if things went well.

The driver blew a .248 four hours after the accident.

“You see people at .11, and they can’t even say their ABCs and walk,” Joie Shell, Meachum’s mother, says.

Meachum sunk into a coma.

His blood pressure and heart rate were uncontrollable. His stroke levels were at 220 over 180. His heart rate at 108 beats per minute.

“We struggled for those four months he was in a coma,” Shell says. “The injury was called a severe diffuse axonal injury with sharing.”

That meant that the force of the impact detached the neuron connections in his brain and caused bleeding all over his brain that threatened to leak down into the brain stem and spinal cord.

But he pushed through.

His recovery went better than the doctors thought. Somehow, the brain trauma Meachum suffered did not reach so far as to affect his cognition. He may have been as banged up as one could be, but the boy never lost his sharpness, quick wit or mo-

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“HOT WHEELS” When coach Will Terry was getting to know Jake Meachum, he noticed Meachum moved around a lot — and as quickly as possible. He’s a speed demon in the chair. Terry gave him a nickname to reflect that.

“We hooked him up with some helmet stickers, and I gave him the nickname, ‘Hot Wheels,’” Terry says. “He tools around on campus like he owns the place. He’s got a couple gears on there.”

The name has stuck with everyone, including Meachum’s family. tivation.

He’d need all three traits to get through the tough times ahead.

MAJOR ADJUSTMENTS

The road to recovery presented a slew of new challenges for Meachum, as he had to work to gain control over many functions people take for granted. Eating, drinking and general movement were difficult. The accident weakened his left hip greater than the right one. The family had to bring in a full-time nurse to help care for him. It took several tries to find one who could match his strong personality.

Meachum did, and still does, have a strong support system in family and friends. But another thing he had to adjust to was switching schools from Plant City to Strawberry Crest this past year. Shell describes it as a “fresh start.”

Switching schools is always a challenge, especially for high schoolers. Adding in the drive time from the eastern edge of Plant City to Dover, Meachum knew it wouldn’t be easy.

Shell planned to get her son any extra support she could.

She turned to his love of football.

Fortunately for her, one of Meachum’s new teachers was already one step ahead.

PART OF THE TEAM

Chargers assistant football coach Will Terry works with special needs students at the school. As soon as he met Meachum, the two struck up an immediate friendship.

“He came in, and every day he always had on a new pair of shoes,” Terry says. “I’m a sports guy, and I know whose shoes he’s rocking. And that’s

SEE FOR YOURSELF

Meachum’s big moment from the spring game was captured on video, which Terry has since shared on Facebook for all to see. To watch, visit Facebook.com/sunceray.dean/ videos/1610817499194898/?pnref=story

KLINE / PAGE 14 an emotional story, but I didn’t know the full extent of it.

As longtime readers may know, I’ve been in the business in some form or another since my sophomore year of college. Having worked four different beats, I can tell you I’ve seen and written a ton of prep sports stories, and spoke with kids from all walks of life.

But until last week, I’ve never encountered anyone like Jake.

This kid had the biggest smile on his face the entire time I was at the family home.

He was surrounded by his family, his nurse, Chargers coach Will Terry and running back Theo Williams.

He’s got a ton of charisma, is quick with a joke and can’t stop moving around. He got a few stern warnings for trying to move too fast while on his walker and has probably gotten several more since I left the house.

But that’s awesome because his doctors will probably tell you he shouldn’t be walking or leaving his chair during football games. Jake wants to prove them wrong and prove to himself that he can one day leave the chair for good.

We went through his entire story over the hour I was there, with his mother leading the way in the conversation while we all sat quietly and soaked it in. Every injury, every detail of Jake’s accident was covered, and I watched him as he heard everything. Not once did he break down or lament about what could have been had the driver not been on the road that day.

Toward the end of my time there — right after I stopped recording — his mother

showed me a photograph taken the day of the accident: Jake stood in black and white, positioned to take a free throw in a game of basketball. For once, his typical grin was replaced by a look of pure concentration as he squared up to get a quick bucket. The picture sits in a small frame in the family living room, and I have no doubt that Jake sees it every single day.

But I also know that it must be inspiring him to keep working his tail off in physical therapy to be able to shoot a ball, swing a golf club and do anything else a young athlete would do, without assistance.

I really believe that he’ll achieve his goals one day.

This is one of those rare stories that comes around. For a journalist, it seems to justify everything in more ways than one could explain verbally, off the cuff. This is the kind of story that makes me proud to attach my name to because I truly feel like I must be doing something right for this family to invite a total stranger into their home and share such an

how we struck up a conversation, over sports.”

Meachum’s involvement with the team started with a set of helmet stickers for his chair. But as Terry got to know Meachum better, he became so impressed that he wanted to do something special to help with the transition between schools. He spoke with Chargers head coach John Kelly about getting Meachum involved with the team.

“I said, ‘Listen, there’s this kid named Jacob Meachum, and I want to make him part of the football team,’” Terry says.

Kelly agreed, and the Chargers have done everything short of giving Meachum pads and a playbook. He was given his own white jersey: no. 7.

“God’s number,” Meachum says, referring to the number of days it took for God to create man and the world.

He shares the number with linebacker/running back hybrid Chase Blackmon.

He didn’t just gain teammates. He gained friends.

Running back Theo Williams attended Tomlin Middle School with Meachum in seventh grade, and Williams says that they quickly rekindled a solid friendship.

“We had P.E. together,” Williams says. “He liked clowning around a lot, and I do, too, so that’s how we became friends.”

Now that the two are reunited, Williams played a big part in helping Meachum go beyond friendship with the team and feel more like part of a brotherhood — exactly what Meachum, Terry and Shell were hoping for.

“Theo is my best friend on the whole team,” Meachum says.

Meachum gets the full team treatment at Crest’s games, attends practices and is held to the same standards in the classroom as the football players.

“For us, and guys like Theo, to see what Jake has been through, you think doing sprints out in the summer heat is hell,” Terry says. “No. That’s easy. This, right here, is tough. … Now, we have a model of what hard work is.

Now, we have a model of what perseverance is.”

The extra support has given Meachum more motivation to get out of the chair for good. He uses a walker whenever he can and often pushes himself to see how quickly he can move with it. His goal is to one day walk independently.

Should he reach that goal, he and Terry want the same thing: to be able to coach football together.

Meachum has a long way to go to reach that point. But if he’s already defied his doctors’ predictions, then maybe — just maybe — he will.

emotionally wrenching story knowing it’s my job to re-tell it for the public.

Being able to write about Jake’s personal triumph is one of those instances that’s made me proud to call myself a journalist, even if I don’t get big-time exposure or make Scrooge McDuck money. Walking out of an interview feeling lifted by a story like Jake’s is a fine reward.

We enjoy sports because we’re captivated by the triumph of the human spirit, though it’s true that some victories are far more meaningful than others. In instances like this, I don’t think there’s a soul alive who can hear Jake’s story and not come away with even a hint of inspiration, whether it’s a sports fanatic or a sports hater.

If he can get put through the wringer like he did, survive and come out of it all with a burning work ethic and a persistently positive attitude, who’s to say that you or I can’t overcome a challenge that we think is holding us back right now?

Justin Kline

The Plant City Vipers had their end-of-season party at Off the Wall Paintball Sunday, May 31.

VIPERS / PAGE 14 administration had an inclination to agree to.

“It just didn’t work with our vision,” Reggie Rivers, the Vipers vice president, says.

Plant City chose to remain independent and locally based. The decision appears to have paid off. The vision Rivers and the board often spoke of was to have a competitive, well-run team in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World to keep talent from slipping away to Lakeland or Brandon — where players have typically gone in the past.

The team is now working on

GET READY FOR NEXT YEAR

Anyone interested in playing or coaching for the Vipers next season, or becoming a team sponsor, can get started by contacting Lili Armatrout at vbpaplantcity@aol.com.

further expansions, including adding a girls’ team.

Over the rest of the summer, Rogers and Thompson will continue working with their players, honing fundamentals and building strength to prepare them for high school tryouts. They’re hoping to see the kids grow through their high

school programs, and should they come back to the Vipers next summer, get the program its first-ever tournament win.

“I’m sure all of the players are capable of this because I have seen their work ethic, as well as their will to want to improve and win,” Thompson says.

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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

BLAINE ROWLAND In the Thursday, May 28, Plant City Little League 9-10 Minors championship game, Brewington’s Towing starter Blaine Rowland pitched 3 2/3 innings in his team’s 14-4 win. Rowland, who threw a perfect game Monday, March 22, is staying in baseball shape with the Raiders and hopes to make the 9-10 All-Star team while developing his skills on the tennis court.

Tell me about the game. It went four innings, you pitched most of the way, and things worked out. So what was working for you guys out there?

Mainly our pitching. Mainly how the rubber was, and how there was a hole right in front of it. It made it easier to plant.

You got a lot of run support out there, but you had to have pitched well to keep the other team’s score low.

What was your best pitch that day?

Probably when I pitched it outside on a right-handed batter. He thought it was gonna go in the other box, but instead it went in the other corner.

How long have you been playing baseball?

About seven years. I’m turning 10.

Do you play any other positions?

I play everywhere.

What’s your favorite, though?

Probably catcher. Usually, you can throw guys out and make better plays.

You also pitched a perfect game earlier this season. I know you didn’t realize until it was over, so how did you feel when your coach told you what you did?

Good.

What were you throwing well that night to get everybody out?

Mainly my fastball. I was mainly cutting the corners.

What’s your favorite thing about playing baseball?

Probably fielding and hitting.

If the perfect game is the coolest thing you ever did on a baseball field, what do you think is the secondcoolest thing you’ve ever done?

When I threw two guys out in one game. They stole (bases) too late.

How long have you been playing tennis?

Two years.

What made you want to play?

When I first saw how I was able to hit the ball.

Do you play competitively or just for fun?

I play competitively. I’ve played in two tournaments. I lost.

When you’re not playing baseball or tennis what do you like to do for fun?

I like to run around outside and play baseball.

Is there any sport you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t?

Soccer.

Would you want to be out there scoring goals or setting up the plays?

Scoring the goals.

Where do you go to school?

Robinson Elementary.

What’s your favorite subject?

Math, because I like adding and subtracting and multiplying and division.

Do you have any favorite books?

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” If you could meet any famous person, who would it be?

Ben Zobrist. I like how he’s a switch hitter and how I can learn how he hits lefty.

If you could play baseball for any pro team, what would it be?

The Tampa Bay Rays.

If you could be either rich or famous what would you pick?

I’d be a billionaire. I’d buy a mansion.

If you could have any superpower what would it be?

Super speed. I’d get a rope and tie up the enemy.

Is there anything in baseball or tennis that you really want to accomplish this year?

To throw another perfect game.

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PLANT CITY

RAIN

(INCHES)

WEATHER

THURS. May 28

0.00

FRI.

TEMPERATURES

May 29

0.00

SAT.

Friday, June 5 Saturday, June 6 Sunday, June 7 Monday, June 8 Tuesday, June 9 Wednesday, June 10 Thursday, June 11

May 30

0.00

SUN.

May 31

0.00

MON.

June 1

HIGH 94 92 93 93 93 93 93

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

0.28

TUES.

SUNRISE Friday, June 5 6:32 a.m.

Saturday, June 6 6:32 a.m.

Sunday, June 7 6:32 a.m.

Monday, June 8 6:32 a.m.

Tuesday, June 9 6:32 a.m.

Wednesday, June 10 6:31 a.m.

Thursday, June 11 6:31 a.m.

June 2

0.02

WED.

June 3

0.00

June

TO DATE

0.30 (2014: 0.02)

YEAR

TO DATE 13.44 (2014: 9.50)

SUNSET 8:22 p.m.

8:22 p.m.

8:23 p.m.

8:23 p.m.

8:24 p.m.

8:24 p.m.

8:25 p.m.

LOW 71 72 72 73 94 74 74

MOON PHASES

June 9

PICKLES

June 16

$20.90 to $22.90

June 24

SHIPPING POINT: Orlando

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

, 3&

Wendy DePalo took a picture of these juicy strawberries at Spivey Farms.

Parkesdale Farm Market provided a $15 gift certificate for this week’s I Love PC winner. Know for its strawberry milkshake and strawberry shortcake, Parkesdale is the place to go for a sweet treat, fresh produce and southern seasoning. The gift certificate can be picked up at the Plant City Times & Observer office, 110 E. Reynolds St. Suite 100A. To enter, email your photo, along with a caption, to Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: I Love Plant City.

July 1

CROSSWORD PUZZLE FOR MORE THAN ONE by Agnes Brown

CRYPTOQUIZ Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a Tony award winner. Using the hints O=E and D=N, decipher the clues to name the entertainer.

1. J V U J E B X 2. C O K O Y E D 3. O S B O D O X ’ D O U Q Q 4. K V O R U M O D J V E D K O R 5. N E B D X Q U E

This entertainer was nominated for a Tony eight times and won one in 1959:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box.

1

3

2

7 2

4 5

4

1 7 2

9

6

7

3

8

3

5 5

8

1

2 6

8

9 9 8

4

8

3

ACROSS 1 Reveals 6 Music award 12 Tell a secret 16 Outward flow of the tide 19 Plain folk 20 Take the reins again 21 Indian royal 22 “___ bad!”

23 Valentine’s Day celebrants 25 Relating to the armpit 27 “___ never believe it!”

28 Edgar Allen and family 29 Unavoidably involved 30 Starchy tuber 32 Carve in stone 35 Beanery sign 36 Brownish purple 40 Artist Chagall 43 They all lead to Rome, it’s said 45 Troop camp 49 Soon, to a bard 50 Dichotomies 52 Summary 53 Andes capital 54 Paris railway 55 Victorian, for one 56 Sailing ship with three or more masts (var.)

57 One of the Brady Bunch 59 Suffixes with “two” or “four” 61 Hair piece 63 Function 64 Motor parts 66 Summer shade 67 Top-of-the-line 68 Bakers’ wares 69 Some insurance policy clauses 73 Affirm 75 Ilsa ___ (“Casablanca” character) 76 Alternative to “com” or “org” 77 Act of twisting 80 Fleur-de-___ 81 Prepared for a drive 82 Official of old Rome 84 Really irritate 85 Dismissive scoffs 87 Dinner table dropping 89 Daughter of Ops and Saturn 91 “Mona ___” 92 Half of Hispaniola 93 Well-pitched game 95 “... happily ___ after” 96 Colorado resort 97 Big Bertha’s birthplace 98 Carry a tune 100 Some animal shelters 101 ___-bodied 103 Europe’s high points 105 Tool with teeth 107 Ardent emotions 111 Electrical measures 114 Analyzes, as a sentence 119 Word of praise 120 A ton, to 1,000 pounds 122 Trident-shaped letter 123 Mortgage security

©2015 Universal Uclick

124 Word in a Presley song title 125 Like some buckets 126 Bread for dipping, e.g.

127 Arid 128 End of a threat 129 Give your two cents’ worth

31 Earned 33 Dove houses 34 “Aquarius” musical 36 Tropical trees of Florida 37 An Eastern Christian 38 Russian craft?

39 Battle recreator DOWN 41 Dead-end jobs 1 Thai currency 42 Jugular’s counterpart 2 Eastern nurse 44 Church official 3 Ready to be picked 46 Eager to possess things 4 Catch a glimpse of 47 Take a breather 5 Coyly 48 Fencing equipment 6 Miracle-___ (gardening brand) 51 “Death of a Salesman” name 7 Join again, as the army 54 Game with shooters 8 Food fit for a dog 56 Dwellers by the English Chan9 Confused hand-to-hand fighting nel 10 Experts (var.)

58 Gambler’s chit 11 Rusher’s stats 60 Concluded 12 Highlands hillside 62 Single condo, e.g.

13 Lack of strictness 65 Pivot 14 Santa ___ Park (racetrack) 67 Magic charms 15 Like some agreements 68 Crushed, as a spice 16 And others, for short 70 Funds 17 Make yawn 71 Decree 18 “Cheers” bartender Woody 72 Anger 24 Chowder morsel 73 Greek “A” 26 “Tiny” of films 74 Passport endorsements

78 Football Hall-of-Famer Merlin 79 Approaches 81 Two games for the price of one 82 “I Love Lucy” name 83 “... ___ saw Elba” 86 “Relax, and that’s an order!”

88 Santa ___, California 90 Coastal raptors 93 Even smaller 94 Like current heads of state 99 Breaks 102 Danny DeVito’s “Taxi” role 104 Perform brilliantly 106 “Yippee!”

107 Baby foods 108 “Not to mention ...”

109 Berth place 110 Playing with a full deck 112 1450, in Rome 113 Calls, in poker 115 Bring in the sheaves 116 H.H. Munro’s pen name 117 Knotted up 118 “Auld Lang ___” 120 General on some Chinese menus 121 “___ we having fun yet?”

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