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SPORTS
CONTEST
Plant City’s NRG needs a lift to NYC.
Area athletes excel on fields, in classrooms.
See inside for this week’s photo contest winner.
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graduation 2013
OUR TOWN
by Michael Eng | Managing Editor
by Michael Eng | Managing Editor
Michael Eng
Private investigator Brad Sparkman and Mel Ardelean
+ Woman’s Club awards scholarships The Plant City Woman’s Club awarded three $1,000 scholarships to students at Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest high schools May 14, at its annual spring social and scholarship awards luncheon. This year’s recipients include Kelsey Newsome (Durant), Hannah Cowart (Plant City) and Zora Millerleile (Strawberry Crest). Plant City High rising senior Kellyanne Hurst, last year’s Hugh O’Brien Leadership Award recipient, also spoke at the luncheon.
The graduates filed into the center of the building in two long lines. Left: Jamell Garrett with cousin B.J. Johnson, 5
COUGAR PRIDE The graduates, including Jerri Rowell, enjoyed receiving their diplomas in front of a packed house.
+ Duffy takes reins at SUNY Adirondack Dr. Kristine Duffy, of Syracuse, N.Y., recently was named president of State University of New York Adirondack, in Glens Falls, N.Y. She is the daughter of Jan L. and Amity W. Kokochak, of Plant City. The Kokochaks have lived in Plant City for about four years, after moving from Vestal, N.Y. Amity is a member of the Plant City Noon Rotary Club and a mentor at Plant City High School. Jan is a member of Plant City Daybreak Rotary, Plant City Elks Lodge 1727 and Lone Palm Country Club, in Lakeland. Jan is president and CEO of World Radio Inc. and a partner in its subsidiary, Goals International.
crime
Durant High Schools Class of 2013 celebrated its Commencement Program at 8 p.m. June 3, at the Florida State Fairgrounds Exposition Hall. The program included speeches by Principal Pam Bowden, Salutatorian Natalie Raschke and Valedictorian Jacob Bernier. Senior members of the choir also performed a special song, “The River.” Coverage of Plant City and Strawberry Crest high schools will be in the June 13 edition.
Senior choir members performed a special song.
Parents snapped lots of photos of their children.
Valedictorian Jacob Bernier
For more photos and a complete list of graduates, visit PlantCityObserver.com. INDEX Classifieds............15
Hundreds light night for Misti Whitfield Residents gathered for a candlelight vigil to pray for the missing woman. Investigators now are treating the case as a homicide. The sky was gray and the air heavy with humidity as the words came out of Mel Ardelean’s mouth. More than 200 had gathered for a candlelight vigil June 4, at the Train Depot in Historic Downtown Plant City, to offer prayers and support for Ardelean’s stepdaughter, Misti Whitfield, 35, who has been missing since May 2. They came hopeful that she still may be found alive. But, at the podium, before the candles were lit, Ardelean shared the heartbreaking news his family still is trying to comprehend. “The case has taken a more ominous turn; I’m not going to sugarcoat it for you,” he said. “The fact of the matter is Misti has not been found. It has taken an ominous turn toward, unfortunately, a homicide.” Just two-and-one-half hours earlier, also under the Train Depot’s canopy, Ardelean and private investigator Brad Sparkman in a press conference said they believe Whitfield was murdered the night she disappeared. She was last seen at about midnight May 2, at Nautical Marine, 5525 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa. Through interviews, Sparkman said he learned Whitfield had two physical altercations with a man named Richard Corn, who also is
SEE WHITFIELD / PAGE 2 Vol. 1, No. 49 | One section
Crossword.............14
Obituaries...............9
Sports...................10 PlantCityObserver.com
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Plant city observer
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lasting legacy
THURSDAY, june 6, 2013
by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Tomlin Middle School honors teachers with signs Tomlin Middle School honored two teachers who died recently from cancer by naming the halls outside of their former classrooms after them. Principal Susan Sullivan led the May 30 sign ceremony for Bethanne Pearce and Marilyn Westfall. “We want to remember the great things they did for Tomlin,” Sullivan said. “We are so grateful for the legacy they left here.” It was physical education teacher Bert Gideons who came up with the idea to name the hallways after the teachers. Along with the PTSA and the city, he worked to get true street PE teacher Bert Gideons, Principal Susan signs, which were hung up by their Sullivan, Barry Chapman and Evonne Simmons former classrooms. This is the first time Tomlin has named hallways after teachers. “We are honored to be a part of the legacy they left behind to not only the students but parents and faculty too,” PTSA member Yvonne Fry said. Pearce died Nov. 22, 2012, at 56. She began as an ESE teacher at Tomlin, teaching special-education students. After 10 years, she became the ESE specialist. Her husband, Richard, and stepsons, Trevor and Greg Pearce, attended the ceremony. Westfall, a sixth-grade language Richard Pearce unveiled the sign. arts teacher, died April 21, 2012, at 54. She was born July 15, 1957 in Rich- band, Michael, who was in West Virginia. “We’re greatly honored that the teachwood, W. Va., and moved to Zephyrhills 11 years ago from Summersville, W. Va. ers came up with this and that the PTA Westfall’s youngest brother, Barry Chap- followed through,” Simmons said. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurman, and niece, Evonne Simmons, attended the ceremony in place of her hus- gensen@plantcityobserver.com.
Michael Eng
More than 200 residents attended the candlelight vigil June 4, in downtown Plant City.
WHITFIELD/PAGE 1 the last known person to see Whitfield alive. Through his investigation, Sparkman has identified three people of interest in the case — including an individual he believes murdered Whitfield. Sparkman would not confirm whether one of those people of interest is Corn. “I believe we do have one individual that committed murder, that murdered Misti Whitfield,” he said. “It was calculated, and it was with malice and forethought. All of that information has been turned over to the Tampa Police Department. “I have no professional reason to believe Misti Whitfield is alive,” Sparkman said. Now that Sparkman’s investigation is complete, he hopes the Tampa Police Department will arrest the three individuals by the end of the week. Sparkman also said his agency is offering $25,000 to any individual who will lead him or the Tampa Police Department to Whitfield’s body. Ardelean and his wife, Sharon, own Cuzzins Bar, in Historic Downtown Plant City. They realized Whitfield was missing on Mother’s Day, when she did not call. The Ar-
deleans have custody of one of Whitfield’s five children, and she called every few days to talk. Ardelean and his wife have been working to keep their grandson focused on school. “The grandchild we have living with us asked us if there was anything he could do,” Ardelean said. “We just told him that his mother would want him to graduate from the sixth grade. ... So, we just asked him to focus on his school, and believe it or not, the boy has actually been doing that.” Despite the sobering news, Ardelean thanked the residents who attended the vigil and credited Whitfield’s friends for aiding the investigation. “Plant City does not like its sons or daughters manipulated in this way, whether it’s drugs or prostitution,” he said. “That’s why you’re here; that’s why you did what you did. Keep going. Keep doing what you’re doing. “The family is braced for whatever happens,” Ardelean said. “We will not stop until Misti is brought home. One way or the other.” Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
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THURSDAY, June 6, 2013
out with the old
by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
education by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Area students to compete at FFA State Convention The convention will be from June 10 to 14, in Orlando.
Construction crews expect the demolition to be complete by the end of June.
Amber Jurgensen
JUDGMENT DAY
Demolition of the old Plant City Courthouse began in May. It is scheduled to be complete by the end of this month. Two excavators devoured parts of the old Plant City Courthouse May 22, off North Michigan Avenue. The demolition began about a week prior and is scheduled to be finished by the end of June. Planning began about one month ago, including securing the area with a chain-link fence. Behind the fence sits piles of debris and, in some places, walls that refuse to come down. With missing letters, a dilapidated sign that reads, “Hillsborough County Office Building,” clings to one of these walls. “A lot of us have a sentimental attachment to the old building,” lawyer David Barnhill said. Barnhill said many of the younger lawyers in town had their first cases in the old courthouse. He recalls his own, which was in small claims court. The Plant City County Courthouse was built in 1950. Located next to a Kwik Chek and Winn Dixie, the location was bustling with activity. Former Plant City Mayor Dick Elston was there for its dedication. “We didn’t have anything in Plant City at the time,” Elston said. “Everyone had to go all the way to Tampa.” The health department was built in 1958, on the north side of the courthouse, only adding to its heyday. In 1970, an expansion was added to the back side of the courthouse. At one point, the property appraiser and tax collectors office also were located on the site but have since moved. Bill Hand, the project manager of the demolition, said he can
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A year’s worth of hard work is paying off for 30 Plant Cityarea FFA students. The students, representing Durant and Strawberry Crest high schools and Tomlin Middle School, will compete at the FFA State Convention June 10 to 14, in Orlando. “We are very proud of our students,” said Pam Walden, supervisor of agriculture for Area Six schools. “It’s pretty rigorous.” The state convention features about 150 different competitions, ranging from ag mechanics to citrus to livestock judging. “It runs the gamut,” Walden said. “You name it; we judge it.” Students have spent hours practicing both at home and at school with instructors. Some of the instructors have even spent their own money to get real-life examples of trees,
vegetables and plants for their students, so the students don’t have to learn from only a book. Many of the students have won their competitions at the district level. Other students go straight to state after completing a comprehensive portfolio and delivering presentations ahead of time. Only high school students are eligible to compete in nationals, with the exception of the agriscience competition for middleschoolers. Last year, a team from Tomlin also went to nationals in parliamentary procedure for the first time. “Nothing will impress you more than seeing the sea of blue jackets,” Walden said about the convention. The awards ceremony will be June 12. Middle-schoolers will be presented with their awards starting at 8:30 a.m. High-schoolers will start receiving their awards at 1 p.m. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
STATE REPRESENTATIVES Courtesy of the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center
The old courthouse was located next to a Kwik Check. still see remnants of a segregated bathroom from when the courthouse was first built. “It’s amazing to see that,” Hand said. “But with older buildings like this, it’s not uncommon.” Despite being decorated with local art that ranged from quilt designs and stained-glass windows, the courthouse aged. Although there was no special remediation needed for the demolition or any asbestos found, the building leaked and was too small for Plant City’s growing population. “The new building is definitely an upgrade,” Barnhill said. “The new building is a lot nicer. It’s more modern; it’s more convenient.” The new courthouse is nearly twice the size of the old one and features four courtrooms, a mediation suite and a larger clerks office. It also has more holding areas for alleged perpetrators. Hand and his team have managed to salvage some of the art from the old courthouse. They
The Plant City County Courthouse was built in 1950.
also saved the original dedication plaques from its opening. Currently, the memorabilia is being stored in the new courthouse. The plan is to put the items on display. During the demolition, Hand ran into one interesting problem. A 120-foot communication tower was located on-site. The team discovered an osprey had been nesting in it. The nest pushed the project back, as the team waited for it to finish. They then built an osprey nest platform in its place. While the demolition was on hold, Plant City firefighters used the building for search-and-rescue training for about three weekends. Once the demolition is complete, a new parking lot will be built for the new courthouse and service center. Hand anticipates the project to be completed by May 2014 and cost about $1.5 million. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
Courtesy of the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center
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STRAWBERRY CREST HIGH SCHOOL First Place State Ornamental Horticulture Demonstration Artistic Arrangement: Ashley Modrow and Jamee Townsend Agriculture Issues Contest at the State Level: Adrian Dyer, Levi Mayo, Jamee Townsend, Victoria Harris, Nick Fernandez and Megan Snyder First Place District to compete at State Level Creed Speaking: Clay Joyner Extemporaneous Speaking: Anna Conrad
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THURSDAY, June 6, 2013
LET THE MUSIC PLAY
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by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Community choir founder hopes to strike up the band Joseph Mendolia is seeking musicians to form Plant City’s first community concert band. The founder of the Plant City Community Choir is seeking a few good musicians. Founder and University of South Florida graduate student Joseph Mendolia is working to launch a Plant City community band. So far, he has about 10 musicians interested. He hopes to start with about 20 members and have it grow to 50 or 60 members. The idea for a community band came following the choir’s 2012 Christmas concert. The popular event featured the choir performing with a live band — but hiring those musicians cost $4,500, even with the help of some of Mendolia’s musically gifted friends. This year, Mendolia hopes to have a band of his own to perform with the choir. “We have a community choir,” Mendolia said. “Why can’t we have an orchestra, too?” Mendolia launched the community choir in 2008, with only 12 singers. Since then, it has grown to 35. He expects use the same model to launch the band. After spending the summer recruiting members, Mendolia hopes to start weekly practices in August. “(That) will give them enough time to rehearse and to get the word out to their friends about the Christmas concert,” Mendolia said. Any instruments are welcome. Mendolia is looking for strings, winds and percussion instruments. With percussion, there are some challenges, because most percussionists don’t own their own instruments. Instead, they use what the band supplies. Mendolia is looking into borrowing equipment from schools or churches.
WANT TO PLAY?
Interested in becoming a member of the Plant City concert band? Contact Joe Mendolia at (813) 444-TUNE or email him with your name, instrument and contact information at director@pccommunitychoir.com.
If all goes well, Mendolia is also thinking about adding a Fourth of July appearance, as well. “There is tons of music for Christmas and Fourth of July that brings together the choir and orchestra,” Mendolia said. The style of music played will be more pop and upbeat, rather than classical. “It’s the Broadway style of Christmas music,” Mendolia said. Besides the money issue, Mendolia wants to start the concert band to expand on blooming talent. He invites musicians as young as eighth-graders to join. “Students at that age don’t really get a lot of experience outside of the classroom,” Mendolia said. “We’d really love to give them that experience outside their regular ensembles. It would be a supplement.” Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
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PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, june 6, 2013
tribute by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
Pioneer remembered for work, philanthropy Lester Wishnatzki was influential in the growth of the strawberry industry in Plant City.
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Plant City is as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. Lester Wishnatzki is a big reason why. After growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mr. Wishnatzki began working for the family business in the late 1930s, along with his brother, Joe. When their father and Wishnatzki & Nathel co-founder Harris Wishnatzki died in 1955, Mr. Wishnatzki and Joe took over the Plant City-based family produce business, which eventually became Wish Farms. The brothers represented the second generation in the business. Their father started the company under humble beginnings in New York City after emigrating in 1900, from Russia. Mr. Wishnatzki, 96, died May 19, from age-related causes. He is survived by his two daughters, Elinor and Susan.
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As much as he will be remembered for his work in establishing what Wish Farms is today, many remember Mr. Wishnatzki for his work outside of the crops.
Lester also will be remembered for his love of friends and family. “Family meant a lot to him,” Gary Wishnatzki said. Gary Wishnatzki described him as “the life of the party,” saying he loved throwing and attending shindigs. He remained active in the family business well through his 80s before slowing down in his 90s. Naturally, Gary Wishnatzki called Mr. Wishnatzki “Uncle Lester,” but it didn’t take long before others would refer to him by the same title. “That’s how people knew him — as Uncle Lester,” he said. “As Uncle Lester.” Mr. Wishnatzki was the primary caregiver for Selma when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and took care of her until she died 10 years ago. “His ability to help people says a lot about who he was as a person and I think that transparency has reflected on other generations in the family,” Peterson said. Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@ plantcityobserver.com.
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He and his late wife, Selma, were involved in local organizations in the Plant City and Lakeland areas. “The thing that I think was passed down to my dad and then to me was his generosity,” Gary Wishnatzki’s daughter, Elizabeth Peterson, said. “He would do anything to help someone.” Contributions Mr. Wishnatzki and his wife made benefited Lakeland Regional Cancer Center, the Polk Museum of Art, the Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, Central Florida Speech and Hearing and Volunteers in Service to the Elderly, and more. The Wishnatzkis were named the Philanthropists of the Year in 2001, by Lakeland Regional Medical Center. In 2009, Mr. Wishnatzki received a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, honorary degree from Florida Southern College, where he was a donor.
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After the Wishnatzki brothers took over the company after the operation moved to Plant City, they became a driving force for the company and helped push the growing strawberry industry in the region. Mr. Wishnatzki ran the company with his father, while Joe and another brother, Earnest, served during World War II. “Lester and my dad were both mentors for me and taught me about the family business,” said current Wish Farms owner Gary Wishnatzki, Joe’s son and Lester’s nephew. Gary Wishnatzki began working for the company in 1974, and worked for Mr. Wishnatzki when he ran the Webster Packinghouse. “The thing that I probably learned the most from my uncle was the proper way of dealing with customers and growers,” Gary Wishnatzki said. “He taught me the right way to speak with people and always was very transparent when he worked with me over the years. For that, I’m indebted to him.” Mr. Wishnatzki was one of the first in the industry to use mechanical refrigeration in packinghouses and trucks. “Back in the early days, there was no mechanical refrigeration when shipping,” Gary Wishnatzki said. “Railcars would have to stop to fill up on ice and have fans blow cold air on the produce. To my knowledge, my dad and uncle were one of the first in the area to use refrigeration packing.”
Courtesy photo
Lester Wishnatzki, left, and his brother, Joe
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PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, June 6, 2013
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PlantCityObserver.com
olympic fun
THURSDAY, june 6, 2013
by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Gobblers go for gold Students at Turkey Creek Middle School competed in their very own Olympics May 22, at the school. Sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders competed for gold, silver and bronze medals in a
variety of events, including races, long jump, bocce ball, basketball and archery, among others. Parents and peers took a seat in the bleachers to spectate the sports.
Students showed off their skills in a variety of events.
Students competed for gold, silver and bronze medals in a variety of challenges. Left: Basketball was among the many competitions.
Veterans from MacDill Air Force Base presented winners with their medals.
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PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, June 6, 2013
education
by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
OBSERVEROBITUARIES Harold Theodore Anklam
Harold Theodore Anklam, 77 of Plant City, died May 28, 2013. Born Aug. 10, 1935, in Chicago, he was the son of the late Theodore and the late Edna Ingraham Anklam. He was the husband of the late Ann Albrecht Anklam. Harold was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a member of Hope Lutheran Church, owned a print shop in Chicago and worked as a printer for the Chicago Tribune. Survivors include a son, Mark (Laura) Anklam; daughter, Debra Anderson; and grandchildren, Matthew and Michelle Anklam, Paige and Wesley Anderson. A memorial service was June 4, at Hope Lutheran Church, Plant City. Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.
Mary Louise (Gwaltney) Crews
Rose and Benjamin Gainer
Bealsville celebrates end of school year with banquet Families from Bealsville gathered to dine and celebrate the end of an academic school year during the annual Bealsville Banquet Saturday June 1, at the Bealsville Recreation Center. Proceeds from the banquet are split among all the current-year graduating seniors to assist with college expenses. The tradition dates back to days of segregation era, when African-American communities held a banquet during the first Saturday in June. Bealsville residents consists of primarily retired teachers, farmers and former employees of local phosLeola McDonald and Clodaijah Tholas phate/mining industry.
Flag Day Thursday
June 14
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially established June 14th as Flag Day. This day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States. In 1949, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress. The United States Army also celebrates its birthday on this day in June. According to the U.S. Code, Title 4, Chapter I Section 8(j) says “The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.”
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Mary Louise (Gwaltney) Crews, 85, died May 31, 2013. She is survived by her three daughters, Mary Loper, Denise Chandler and Tami Best; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Funeral services were June 4, at Wells Memorial and Event Center, Plant City. Interment followed at Mt. Enon Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at wellsmemorial.com.
Miriam MacFarland Galloway
Miriam MacFarland Galloway, 89, died June 1, 2013. Born in Philadelphia, Mrs. Galloway lived 54 years in Plant City. She died days after her 64th wedding anniversary to her husband, Bruce Galloway. Mrs. Galloway was active in her church, First Presbyterian, organizing the library, teaching Sunday School, serving as an el-
When the honor guard correctly folds the American Flag (as seen in military funerals) 13 times, there is a reason for each fold. 1st fold 2nd fold 3rd fold 4th fold 5th fold 6th fold 7th fold 8th fold 9th fold 10th fold 11th fold
12th fold 13th fold
Represents a symbol of life Our belief in eternal life Honor and remembrance of vet Our weaker nature and trust in God Tribute to our country Where our hearts lie Tribute to our Armed Forces One who enters into the valley of the shadow of death Tribute to womanhood and Mothers Tribute of father Represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob Represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit “In God We Trust”
der and was honored with an Honorary Life Membership in the Presbyterian Women’s organization. She was active in the community, serving in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts leadership, in sorority and Women’s Club leadership and volunteered for years in Florida Strawberry Festival events. She had a passion for the study of birds, became an expert in ornithology and shared her knowledge in school and service club programs. For more than 20 years, on annual trips to Las Vegas, she spent all of her time on birding adventures. She is survived by children, Rodney and wife, Barbara Galloway, David and wife, Lisa Galloway, and Ginny and husband, Bill McLeod; six grandchildren; and eight greatgrandchildren. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. June 8, at First Presbyterian Church, 404 W. Reynolds St., Plant City. Donations may be made to Life Path Hospice or First Presbyterian Church.
Susan Corvette Salermo
Susan Corvette Salermo, 57 of Thonotosassa, died May 17, 2013, at her home. Born Oct. 24, 1955, in Greenville, S.C., she was the daughter of the late William Hopkins. She served from 1975 to 1976, as a private second class in the U.S. Army, was an executive secretary with Tandy Corporation and loved her dogs. Survivors include her mother, Martha Teague Hopkins; son, Joshua Salermo; and brothers, Bill, Guy and Joe Hopkins. A memorial service was June 1, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, Plant City. Salermo will be interred at Florida National Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today. The colors of the American Flag also have meaning … RED — Valor and Hardiness WHITE — Innocence and Purity BLUE — Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice The FLAG CODE allows any deceased to be allowed to have the flag adorning a coffin. Veterans are the most common to flag theirs, but anyone is allowed to use the flag in this manner.
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Sports
YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | SENIORS | COMMUNITY | TENNIS
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK St. Leo’s Megan Still completes college career. 12
PLANTCITYObserver.com
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2013
B A T L C A A N G C T I BALANCING ACT N A L A B N A C T A B mind of a champion
by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
With area high schools holding graduations this week, the Plant City Observer is taking a look at two athletes who excelled in both the classroom and on the playing field.
Hitting the Books Some high school seniors wait anxiously to find out if they got accepted into their dream school. Savannah Bradley had nearly every prestigious school in the country vying for her. The Strawberry Crest softball standout chose Harvard over eight schools, including five Ivy League universities. “My final decision came down to Harvard and Princeton, with location being the main factor,” she said. “Harvard is located near Boston, which likely will set up many internship opportunities for me and maybe job opportunities.” With financial aid provided by Harvard and outside scholarships, Bradley will attend the Ivy League school fully covered for her freshman year. “The common misconception is that places like Harvard are very expensive, but it’s really not,” she said. “They don’t give merit or athletic scholarships, because they focus on need-based financial aid, so if you need money to
Strawberry Crest softball player and swimmer Savannah Bradley is headed to Harvard to study biology, with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. She also plans to play softball for the Crimson.
go there, they’ll give it to you.” The senior has a 6.8 weighted GPA (4.0 unweighted) and scored a 1,410 (2,170 including writing) on her SAT. She plans to take a pre-med track at Harvard, with the goal of becoming a pediatrician, a lifelong dream. Bradley passed up softball offers from highly ranked academic institutions, including the University of Chicago, Georgetown and Rollins College. But, she isn’t ready to put away her bat and glove just yet. The first baseman plans to walk-on the Crimson softball team, after having several conversations with Harvard head coach Jenny Allard. Bradley was also the co-captain on the Strawberry Crest swim team, a member of the school’s orchestra, the treasurer of the Key Club and a volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries.
PAVING THE WAY
Bradley discovered she may
SEE BRADLEY / PAGE 11
Savannah Bradley batted over .300 this season for Strawberry Crest and holds a 6.8 GPA to go along with a 1,410 on her SAT.
Numbers Game
Durant offensive lineman Alex Wood is headed to Carnegie Mellon University, where he will play football and study material science and engineering.
Photos by Matt Mauney
Durant High School’s Alex Wood is an expert in formulas — on and off the field.
It wasn’t something he set out to do, but Durant’s Alex Wood is breaking stereotypes. “I never really looked at it like that until someone pointed it out to me,” the Cougar offensive lineman said. “They said something about going against the jock stereotype and I thought, ‘Yeah, I guess it does.’ It actually makes things kind of fun, because I feel that I’m smarter than I look, just by virtue of size.” Wood, a 6-foot, 255-pound center, has been accepted into Carnegie Mellon University, a private research university in Pittsburgh that ranks top 50 in the world and 23rd in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Wood will play football for the Tartans while pursuing a degree in material science engineering. He is one of 47 football recruits for the 2013 class, a recruiting class filled with athletic and academic talent. With a 6.44 weighted (3.8 unweighted) GPA, a full course load including four AP classes and a 1,350 SAT score, Wood should feel right at home.
WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION
Usually, you get one or the other. Students tend to gravitate to math and science or liberal arts. Although Wood excels in the former, he also enjoys the latter, especially a type of writing you may not expect from someone who hits people for fun. “I really like to write, and I write a lot of poetry,” he said, saying the interest came from his AP literature class this year. “I’ve been doing a lot of that, but I’m definitely the best at math. I can enjoy writing all I want, but I’ll still get higher grades in math.” Material science and engineering focuses on electricity and magnetism. Wood plans to pursue a master’s degree after completing his undergraduate work. “Material science is a direction that is growing,” he said. Wood discovered he had a knack for math his junior year, when he took pre-calculus.
SEE WOOD / PAGE 11
Plant city observer
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, June 6, 2013
BALL AND BOOKS
With five AP classes and six IB classes as a senior, one may wonder how Bradley can balance her time while participating in two sports and a host of other extracurricular
COLLEGE BALL
Just like her potential to attend a highly ranked college, Bradley, who has played softball since she was 6, knew she had an opportunity to play college softball early on in her high school career. While the University of Chicago, Georgetown and Rollins were recruiting her for softball, Bradley said being able to play factored into all of her college choices, whether it was on a walk-on or scholarship basis. “Whether you’re a recruited athlete or a walk-on doesn’t matter once you’re there,” she said. Bradley ended her final season at Strawberry Crest with a .306 batting average and 14 RBI. “Growing with this team for the past four years has just been amazing,” she said. “The girls have become like 20 sisters to me, and it’s been fun to just grow with them and learn from each other.” Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@ plantcityobserver.com.
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BECOMING A TARTAN
WOOD / 10 “I was in the gifted program in elementary school and was always with a group of kids that was good at math, so it wasn’t really a surprising thing to be good at math until you were in high school,” he said. “Pre-calculus, I feel, really separated people.”
ASPIRATIONS FOR SUCCESS
Wood entered Durant with aspirations of attending a prestigious college but never had a particular one in mind. Carnegie Mellon became an option his junior year through the help of Durant assistant football coach Troy Martin. “He really helped me out and gave them some of my information and film,” Wood said. “That’s how I got interested in them and started looking more into the school after they were interested in me.” Wood had heard of the prestigious college from watching Randy Pausch’s “Last Lecture” in one of his classes at Durant. Pausch, a Carnegie Mellon professor and alumnus, delivered the lecture in 2007 and it became an Internet sensation, an internationally media story and a bestselling book. Pausch died in 2008 of complications from pancreatic cancer. “That lecture was the last lecture of his life and let me know about Carnegie Mellon and that it was a good school,” Wood said. “When the name came up a year later when they were scouting me, I just like, ‘Wow,’ because I knew how good of a school it was.”
Playing college football wasn’t always a goal for Wood. Before going on his official visit to Carnegie, Wood said he was “three-quarters set” on not playing football in college. “The coach kind of talked me into it when I got up there,” he said. “I also found out that I get extra financial aid for playing.” Wood said he has been overwhelmed by support he’s received from family, friends and his Durant football family. It’s something Wood was unaccustomed to as an offensive lineman — often the unsung heroes on a football team. “Everyone here that I see on a daily basis will ask me about where I’m going. I know that they’re supporting me, and it’s a strange feeling, because I haven’t had that,” he said. Wood’s SAT score ties fellow Durant offensive lineman Michael Watkins for best on the team. Quarterback Trey VanDeGrift will continue the growing academic success of Cougar football, as the rising senior has interest from several Ivy League schools. Many football memories stand out for Wood during his career at Durant, but none more than last fall’s undefeated regular season, a first in school history. “That was awesome to be a part of that,” he said. “Pretty much every game last season was exciting.” Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@ plantcityobserver.com.
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have an opportunity to go to a prestigious school during her freshman year at Strawberry Crest. “After being placed in the IB program and doing well in it, that’s when I first realized that I can go places with this,” she said. “Since then, the IB program has really developed me as an individual, and I think I’ve continually started to realize throughout high school that I’m capable of such things.” Bradley’s neighborhood school is Durant, and her IB high school was King, before Strawberry Crest opened in 2009. Bradley is a part of the first full four-year graduating class at SCHS, a moment that seems far from four years ago, when she was nervous about attending a new school. “It was kind of scary at first, coming into a first-year school and a first-year program that hadn’t been established yet,” she said. “At King, there was a big and established program, and everyone knew what to expect, but we didn’t have all of the established things ahead of us, so we kind of paved our own way.” Bradley and the rest of the Strawberry Crest seniors did a great job of that, making the IB program at the school one of the most successful in the county.
activities. But on the contrary, she thrives with a full plate. “During the times I’m not in a season with a sport is the worst time,” she said. “When you have a lot to do, you seem to get it done better and manage your time well.” Bradley admits the month of May was stressful, with five AP exams and two to three exams for each of her IB classes. She knows this will continue at Harvard, balancing a rigorous class schedule with playing a Division I sport, but she says she’s up for the challenge.
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holding their own
THURSDAY, june 6, 2013
by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
athlete of the week
by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
MEGAN STILL Megan Still had a memorable senior year at St. Leo University. The former Plant City High softball standout was named second team Sunshine State Conference, after helping lead her team to the program’s first conference championship and a 40-14 record. Still, a pitcher, finished with a 1.90 ERA and led her team with 93 strikeouts.
Players had to deal with wet field conditions after heavy rain hit the area.
VSI Tampa Bay draws to tie with Portland Timbers Reserves VSI Tampa Bay FC squandered a three-goal lead in the second half to draw a 4-4 tie with the Portland Timbers Reserves (MLS) in out-of-league play June 1, at Plant City Stadium. Andriy Budnyy picked up a hat trick for VSI in the first half, scoring three of four goals for VSI. All three of Bydnyy’s goals came in the first 19 minutes, while Douglas Dos Santos added a goal for VSI in the 45th minute. Michael Nanchoff tied the game at 1-1 in the fourth minute of play on a
long shot from 25 feet out. Portland came out recharged in the second half, scoring twice in the first 10 minutes before adding another on a penalty kick from Sal Zizzo. VSI will return to USL PRO action against Antigua June 7, at Plant City Stadium, before hosting Phoenix June 9. Friday’s game is set for 7:30 p.m., while Sunday’s game will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for kids 12 and under.
What were expectations like your senior season? We were picked to finish seventh out of nine teams in our conference. That day, we had a talk at practice, and it kind of made us mad that we were ranked that low, because even though we didn’t have a great season the year before, I felt like we were going to be better. Did you believe the team could be conference champions at the beginning of the year? I would have to say I didn’t at that point, but then game by game, we were just beating teams and doing things we haven’t done in the past. We won every series in our conference but the Tampa series. Once that started happening, I realized that this team had something that the other two teams I was on here didn’t have. What was it like to win the title? It was just the best feeling I’ve ever had and was awesome for it to happen my senior year.
What was it like having Kendall Dawson as an assistant coach? I played against Kendall most my life, and then when I got (to Plant City), I got to play with her, and that was really exciting for me. Kendall was always somebody I looked up to, so when I got (to PCHS) and actually had her catch me, that was just a huge honor for me, being the younger of the two. I was proud of the career she had at Alabama, and once I found out she was coming to St. Leo, I was ecstatic, because I knew she could bring a lot to the girls. You were a sport business major. What are your plans now? I’m currently interning with Polk County Tourism and Sports Marketing. I’d really like to get a job there with the sports side of that, and if not then somewhere within a sports organization. What would you say your dream job would be? I would really like to be a college coach one day. I know it’s a task, and I would have to be a grad assistant at some point, but I think over my experience, that’s something I would really like to do.
Chad Burt is a former player with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
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THURSDAY, June 6, 2013
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Show Me the Mauney
Plant City athletes impressive both on and off field
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Bay Swamp Former Fort Green Mine, Polk County
114355
One of the most interesting things about covering high school sports is getting to see great athletes play at the prep level. After a while, you develop a keen eye and can spot the “special ones,” the ones who likely will play at the college level and perhaps even further. Plant City has had plenty of these athletes. Durant’s Brooke Bennett went on to be an Olympic champion, and former Cougar baseball standout Ryan Raburn is having a great season with the Cleveland Indians. Most also remember PCHS standout Kenny Rogers, a four-time MLB All-Star and World Series champion. Plant City is producing even more great talent in various sports. Athletes from the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World are sprinkled on different college rosters across the nation, with some already making major impacts. The past and present athletic talent in a small town such as Plant City is impressive, but even more so is the success these athletes are having off the court and playing MATT fields. MAUNEY It didn’t take long for me to realize athletes here take academics seriously, and I’m not just talking about staying academically eligible to play their sport of choice. Many athletes shine brighter in the classroom than they do when wearing a uniform. Some have more impressive academic résumés than toptier students at their schools that solely focus on academics. Anyone who has played a sport in their lives, especially in high school, knows the level of dedication takes. I know when I got home from practice every night, the last thing I wanted to do was open a textbook and start studying or doing homework. Many Plant City-area athletes go above and beyond the minimum requirements. Many are taking honors and Advanced Placement classes. If you look down the list of students at Strawberry Crest in the IB program, many names of athletes will pop out. These kids not only are dedicating their time to excelling at a sport but also are learning collegelevel material in the process. Many local athletes are faced with tough, yet unique, decisions — go play the sport they love in college on a full athletic scholarship or attend a prestigious university on their academic merits. Strawberry Crest softball player Savannah Bradley had several Division I softball offers, along with practically every Ivy League school begging her to attend their institution. Fellow Charger Mazeed Aro-Lambo had a similar decision. The soccer standout could have played Division I soccer on an athletic scholarship but instead took an academic scholarship to Northwestern University, a private research university in Illinois ranked 12th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Not bad options to have. Durant offensive linemen Alex Wood and Michael Watkins scored 1,350 on their SATs. Plant City rising senior Kellyanne Hurst will join about 2,550 other high school students this summer for the U.S. Naval Academy’s 2013 Summer Seminar, in Annapolis, Md. The golf standout has a 5.84 GPA, is dual-enrolled at Hillsborough Community College and plans to attend the academy after graduation. It never ceases to amaze me the level of dedication shown by local athletes in Plant City. Many could take the easy road, forgoing honors and AP classes and IB programs and coast through high school while playing their sport at a high level and gaining interest from colleges. But our athletes have the correct prospective. They understand they are student-athletes — and that there is a reason “student” comes first in that term. There will come a day when these athletes will have to hang up their uniform and cleats and put away their equipment, but with their academic accolades and their drive to succeed before they even enter a college classroom, they have bright futures ahead of them.
Plant city observer
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, june 6, 2013
Plant City
RAIN
(inches)
Weather
WED.
May 29
0.07
THURS.
TemperatureS
Thurs., June 6 Fri., June 7 Sat., June 8 Sun., June 9 Mon., June 10 Tues., June 11 Wed., June 12
FRI.
May 31
0.00
SAT.
June 1
1.64
SUN.
High Low 84 77 88 75 90 75 91 72 91 73 91 73 93 75
June 2
sunrise/sunset times
MON.
Sunrise Sunset Thurs., June 6 6:32 a.m. 8:23 p.m. Fri., June 7 6:33 a.m. 8:23 p.m. Sat., June 8 6:32 a.m. 8:24 p.m. Sun., June 9 6:32 a.m. 8:24 p.m. Mon., June 10 6:31 a.m. 8:24 p.m. Tues., June 11 6:32 a.m. 8:25 p.m. Wed., June 12 6:32 a.m. 8:25 p.m.
0.10
June 3
0.01
TUES.
June 4
0.07
JUNE
TO DATE
1.81 (2012: 2.78)
MOON
PHASES
June 16
June 23
GRAPE TOMATO PRICES
SHIPPING POINT: CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA
YEAR
TO DATE 10.62 (2012: 6.19)
PACKAGES 20-pound cartons loose 12 1-pint containers
LOW $21.95 $11.95
HIGH $22.95 $12.95
Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture
Community starts with neighbors who care.
June 29
June 8
I PC
PL E
0.02
Kathy Flemister captured this beautiful shot of the sunlight shining through a spider web during one of her morning walks along Cowart Road. The Plant City Observer, State Farm Insurance agent Tony Lee and The Corner Store have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest. Weekly winners will have their photo featured and receive a $10 gift certifiTony Lee CLU, Agent cate to The Corner Store! To enter, submit your photos, caption, That’s with whata our townto 1702 S Alexander Street is made of. Managing Editor Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com; subject: I Love Plant City, FL 33563 Plant City. Bus: 813-752-7202
State Farm® has a long heritage of helping out in the community. That’s why I’m proud to support Event/Charity. Get to a better State .
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May 30
www.tonyleeagent.com
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Need someone that speaks fluent insurance? I’m your agent for that. 1702 S Alexander Street Plant City, FL 33563
813-752-7202 www.tonyleeagent.com
O B S E RV E R C RO S S WO R D Edited by Timothy E. Parker
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1 Word-puzzle direction 7 Family clans 12 It’s peculiar 19 Mollify 20 Pirate’s bird 21 Political exile 22 Hardly a spring chicken 24 Gown material 25 Swine’s confines 26 Is inquisitive 27 Part of a rose 29 Orchestra area 30 Highest naval rank 34 “The ___ Kid” (‘50s TV Western) 38 One in a cast 41 “Hit Me With Your ___ Shot” 42 “Star Trek” creator Roddenberry 44 Abe’s boy 45 Bear offspring 46 Faux ___ 47 Last word of “The Raven” 49 George Jetson’s wife 50 Obtained through threats 54 Jason’s mythical ship 55 Nestling hawk 56 Hide in the shadows 57 White poplar tree 58 Assess, as a dress 59 Topographic map feature 61 Betel nut tree 62 “Lord, ___ thou wash my feet?” (John 13:6) 63 Letters of discharge 64 English class subjects, sometimes 68 “Gross!” 71 Tire trouble 73Window sections 74Exonerate
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76Pass along jokes via computer 78 Dixon’s geography partner 79 Moore of “Bobby” 81 Buckwheat pancake 82 Sausage type 83 Feature of a wild and crazy guy 85 Text messaging command 86 Not very often 88 Small battery 89 Faith in music 90 Keats’ urn tribute, e.g. 91 Creator of impressions 92 “Chow” or “lo” follower 94 Weightroom exercises 96 Comedian Cohen 98 Feelings of excitement 101 Education org. 103 Not filleted, as fish 104 Cathedral display 105 Photo ___ (White House events) 108 Like Scrooge McDuck 112 Certain commodities exchange 116 Reason for wear and tear 117 White-knuckle emotion 118 Come from the shadows 119 Energetic ones 120 Word with “night” or “grand” 121 Supper
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53Is friendly to felons 58Coin flip 60 Milky Australian gem 61 Rile or rankle 62 Bookkeeper’s entry 65 Piece of pork 66 Some bridge players 67 ___-Am (Dr. Seuss character) 69 Make evident 70 Dave Thomas’ place 72 Have good feelings about 75 Fixate 76 Type of salt used in bath products 77 Subject to depression 78 “Glengarry Glen Ross” author David 79 Former Princess of Wales 80 The Roaring Twenties, e.g. 83 An ace has one 84 Jill’s tote 87 Hissy fit 89 Sing Sing or Folsom? 92 Slow, stately dance in triple meter 93Front wings on a beetle 94Short shots? 95 Boarder 97 Covent Garden presentation 99 Hereford homesteads 100 Amphitheater feature 102 In addition 105 Soup pod 106 Violin pins 107 Blue pencil marking 108 Up-to-date 109 It may climb the walls 110 Six-year VIP 111 “Undoubtedly” 113 Cafeteria coffeepot 114 Stewart or Serling 115 One push-up, e.g. CROSSWORD_060613
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Items Under $200 For Sale LINOLEUM FLOORING roll 19 1/2’x20’, 2 etagere wicker, twin bedspread, sham/skirt set. $200 all. 813-650-8189
Driveways
RAULERSON & COMPANY, P.A. Certified Public Accountants and Consultants Irene Castillo. Certified Public Accountant 813-752-6604 E-mail: irene@rccpas.biz See our ad in the Service directory
THE BRICK PAVER MAN Custom Paving & Sealing Bruce Frei 813-546-8694 brickpaverman@verizon.net Commercial/Residential Lic./Insured
See our ad in the Service Directory
First 15 words ................... 15 per week Each Add’l word ...............................50¢ 15% discount for 4 week Run Yellow color $5 per Week Border as low as $2 per Week
FABRIC AND Craft Sale: quilting, notions. June 8th, 7am-2pm, 1008 Williams Rd. Plant City 813-708-3041.
HARRINGTON PAINTING COMMERCIAL / RESIDENTIAL CHUCK HARRINGTON 813-453-0507 LIC./INS. Please see our ad in the Service Directory
RETAIL
Redneck Steak
Bob Adams
President/CEO Bob@homestarsins.com
Irene Castillo
Premium Oak Wood Smoked
Beef Jerky
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Classified Ads Bring Results 877-308-5642 112609
Pennie Gregory
The to company for your construction needs.
www.jerkyrocks.com
Premium Jerky, Sauces & Rubs
Kaleidoscope Educational Services
813-763-3967
CGC 1511143
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INSURANCE
BUSINESS NAVIGATION
and Insured
1. A patient complained his front teeth and gums were very sore and extremely painful. He said this was driving him to extraction. 2. How can an excellent grammarian become a political moralist? By having a levy on verbs, while imposing a syntax.
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RAULERSON & COMPANY, P.A.
Greg Gregory
2013
QUALITY READY-MADE picture frames. Variety of sizes and colors. Starting at $7. Walden Lake Art & Frame, 813-752-7460.
ACCOUNTING
813-763-3903
HOUSE CLASSIFIEDS LP # 108051
Email: classified@yourobserver.com
Garage/Moving/Estate Sales COLORADOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CALLING! 2-Family Moving Sale, June 8th & 9th, 8-4pm. 3702 Medulla Road.
Classified Ads Bring Results 877-308-5642 Painting/Wallpapering
$
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call: 877-308-5642
Crafts
This weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossword answers
113619
ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month, 15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising or garage sale advertising Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks. Call Toll Free: 1-877-308-5642 Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please include your name and address) Or mail to: The Observer Group P.O. Box 3169 Sarasota, Fl 34230
Accounting
DRIVEWAYS
Grow your business in the Service Directory
$RIVEWAYS s 0OOL $ECKS 3IDEWALKS s 2ETAINING 7ALLS %NTRANCE 7AYS s 3TREETS "RUCE &REI s 112509
brickpaverman@verizon.net
Commercial Residential
Licensed Insured
4026 Highgate Dr., Valrico, FL 33594
112512
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Call today to reserve your space 877-308-5642
PlantCityObserver.com
Plant city observer
THURSDAY, june 6, 2013
111217
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