Chamber Recognizes 19 Students

The Greater Temple Terrace Chamber of Commerce recognized 19 students at its monthly luncheon May 15.

The annual Student Awards Luncheon took place at the Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club. Students were honored for their service to their school communities and fellow students, as well as their academic achievements, said Barbara Sparks McGlinchy, the chamber’s executive director.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham was the featured speaker, and the luncheon was sponsored by State Farm Insurance-Jimmy Fisher, Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union Foundation and Tampa Electric Company.

Let Patch save you time. Get local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast, sign-up here.

Here is a list from the chamber of the students, their schools and bios that were read by Mayor Frank Chillura, and the sponsors: Jimmy Fisher, State Farm Insurance; Eddie Vance, Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union Foundation; and Alan Denham, Tampa Electric Company.

Sarah Quneibi

Senior - American Youth Academy

Parents – Samir and Samera Quniebi

Sarah Quneibi has maintained a straight “A” average for the past 8 years. She says she was able to do this by training herself to compete against herself and always shooting for the highest achievement.

She devotes much of her time to community service which include tutoring at the elementary school, assisting with monthly Mosque and community center activities; school sporting competitions and participating in awareness and clean-up campaigns on campus and throughout Hillsborough County.

Her achievements include:

• Principal’s Honor Roll

• Student of the Quarter Recognitions

• Student Council Treasurer

• National Honor Society President

• Acceptance at University of South Florida – where she plans to pursue a degree in Medicine

Sarah is loved by her peers and by the teachers and administrators.

Her nomination letter described has as being responsible, very helpful and always willing to assist. They all concurred that her good manners, wonderful behavior and positive attitude make her a good role model for her fellow students.

Ashley Gerlach

Senior – Brooks- DeBartolo Collegiate HS

Parents – Timothy and Carol Gerlach

Ashley Gelach is a member and honorary officer of the National Honor Society, President of the Student Ambassador Club and has been recognized as the Salutatorian of her graduating class. She volunteers her time at Metropolitan Ministries and at Shaw Elementary school.

Her achievements include:

• Outstanding Student of the Year

• Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Rising Star Leadership Academy

• University of Tampa Summer Scholars

• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk

• Acceptance into St Leo University

She readily takes charge of getting tasks accomplished and volunteers her time, efforts and ideas in her clubs to maximize their success. She has all the characteristics of a leader and is a young woman of great promise.

Benjamin Carpenter

Senior - King HS

Parents – James and Tari Carpenter

Ben Carpenter is a member of the National Honor Society, French

Honor Society and the Beta Club. He serves as the captain of the Tampa Thunder Power Wheelchair Soccer team and as a patient ambassador for Shriner’s Hospital.

He founded Ben’s Mends, a non-profit that refurbishes books and donated them to other nonprofits that help women and the elderly.

His awards include:

• National Merit Finalist

• US Army Pro Football Hall of Fame “Award for Excellence”

• Take Stock in Children “Leaders 4 Life Fellowship”

• Junior Achievement – Outstanding Achievement of the Year

• Tampa Bay Lightning – Community Hero (the first person to be  honored)

• University of Rochester “Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology

• Florida Holocaust Museum “Anne Frank Humanitarian Award”

Ben is an inspiration to those around him and is well respected by all who know him. He is a very caring, thoughtful person who is already making a difference in our community and beyond.

Naydeliz DeJesus

12th  grader – Tampa Bay Technical HS

Parents – Wanda Garcia and Carlos DeJesus

For an entire year, it was rumored that there was a “non-member” of the TBT BETA Club. What was true was that an 8th-grader began helping her older sister with BETA and Relay for Life events and thus once she arrived as a 9th- grader – she had already proven herself worthy of membership. She has proven her worth over and over again. Her efforts with Relay for Life are a huge factor in the club being named the Top Philanthropic club in Florida and ranked nationally for service.

Her accomplishment:

• Relay for Life Team Captain and designer (remember the leaning tower of Pisa?)

• BETA Club Secretary

• Redefining Beautiful, Founding Officer

• Honor Graduate from Academy of Health Professions with a certificate in Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy Assisting

Under Naydeliz direction, the By-Laws were rewritten to make Relay for Life Team Captain a member of the Executive Board of BETA Club.

Future Team Captains have huge shoes to fill.

Nadia Khan Khalil

12th grader – Universal Academy

Parents – Mr. Mamin and Mrs. Terri Khalil

Responsibility and respect – it seems these traits have been important to her since pre-K when she arrived at Universal Academy. This versatile, accomplished and cosmopolitan young lady of Pakistani and American heritage brings to the Academy not only her distinctive ethnicity and background but also her admirable personal qualities.

Her accomplishments:

• AP Scholar with Honors

• National Merit commended Student

• President, National Honor Society

• Vice President,  Humanitarian Outreach Club

• School newsletter staff writer

• MS 150 bike marathon participant and division winner of the Lizard Tail Race for Veterans

• Moffitt Cancer Center volunteer every summer since 9

• Accepted to the USF’s Honor College with a Presidential Scholarship

Nadia is reliable and dependable, and as such she is often asked to fill in, help out and lend a hand, something she always does with a smile.

Allison Wehle

8th grader – Corpus Christi Catholic School

Parents – Gerard and Joann Wehle

Allison Wehle is a focused learner who always sets her signets at high achievement and takes the necessary actions to maintain academic excellence. She maintains balance in her life by being involved in numerous school, church and community activities.

Her accomplishments:

• Elected to MOSI Advisory Board “Kids in Charge”

• Member of Corpus Christi Catholic School chorus

• Church Sacristan and Altar Server

• Member of Leaven, a spiritual leader group

• Honor Roll

• Super cougar distinction

• Volleyball, softball and flag football team

Allison Wehle demonstrates extraordinary maturity and a deep and abiding faith. She has won the respect of her peers as well as her teachers. She is on her way to a stellar high school career.

Conner Duff

8th grade – Florida College Academy

Parents – Jay and Judi Duff

Conner is an outstanding and well rounded student. He participates in most of the school’s varsity teams. He diligently contributes his time to his Boy Scout troop and to his church. While participating in many extra-curricular activities, he consistently performs academically at a very high level. He also serves as a mentor to his peers and is often found helping other students both in middle and elementary grades.

His accomplishments:

• President of Student Council

• Principal’s Honor Roll

• Perfect Attendance

• Boy School Life Ranks

• Crowned “King of Winter Fest” at the middle school banquet

Conner is an exemplary young man who truly is a servant leader. He always lends a helping hand and will continue to do so in his high school career.

Shelton Watt

8th Grader – Greco Middle School

Parents –

Shelton is a 3 year member of the Greco Engineering STEM program. He has a history of participation in community and school events and does a great job of representing Greco Middle School.  Over the years he has shown the ability to include all students in activities no matter which social circle they are a part of. He never backs away and grade level administrators agree that he displays great examples of citizenship on a daily basis.

A perfect example happened in the school cafeteria where music is played to make the lunch experience more enjoyable for the students. One afternoon, an intellectually disabled student started to dance and the assistant Principal on duty invited other students to join in. Unfortunately, no one stepped forward so Shelton, without hesitation, jumped up to dance with the student in an effort to make her feel welcome and part of the group. What seemed like a simple act of kindness was an everyday action for Shelton and encouraged other students in the cafeteria to be more inclusive with our students with special educational needs. Shelton is his own person and is a great example for all students at Greco. Among his peers he is known for being a great friend and advocate.

James Ro

8th grader Terrace Community Middle School

Parents – James Ro and Sung Cho

James Ro is described by his teachers as a “classroom leader”. He is extremely bright, disciplined, has strong leadership qualities and is always ready to assist a teacher or a classmate. He also possesses an excellent sense of humor, and takes constructive criticisms well and doesn’t take himself too seriously.

His accomplishments:

• President National Junior Honor Society

• Student Government Association

• Math League member

• Principal’s Honor Roll

• Perfect Attendance – every year

• TCMS Soccer Team

• Duke Talent Identification Program State Award winner

• Duke TIP Summer Program – New College in Sarasota

James is a busy boy – playing golf, soccer and practicing martial art of Kendo (Ken-doe). He is currently working on his Eagle Scout project and wants to involve cancer prevention. James has been accepted into the HS IB program.

Nandika Patel

7th  Grade Woodmont Charter School

Parent – Hema Patel

Nandika has been recognized by staff members to exhibit exceptional qualities that make her a valuable student who is focused on academics. She is an honor student who completes her work to the best of her abilities. She can be counted on in class to assist other students and works well in group assignments and discussions by setting good behavior for students to model.  Volunteering comes second nature to her and she can be seen around the school helping in the office, cleaning the classroom and making copies for her teachers. 

As a member of the yearbook club, she is inquisitive and always looking for an opportunity to be available to help out at school. Woodmont Charter School is happy to recognize Nandika Patel.

Jae’da Hildenbrand

Folsom Elementary School

Parent – Janelle Hildenbrand

Jae’da has demonstrated leadership qualities in academics, school activities and also in her community during her six years at Folsom Elementary. She is a role model to her peers by encouraging others to always try their best and straighten up when they are getting distracted. Her community streets are clean due to her constant efforts to pick up trash!

Her accomplishments:

• Honor Roll

• Perfect Attendance

• Citizenship awards

• Safety Patrol.

• Peer Tutor assisting 4th graders with FCAT Writes

• Participant in Black History performances at Folsom Elementary

Her teachers wish her the best in middle school. She will be missed.

Lauryn Hordge

Kimbell Elementary

Parents – Sonia Conway-Hordge and Larry Hordge

Lauryn has consistently proven to be a leader among her peers, academically and around the school. She is a student who surpasses expectations of effort and responsibility, giving her absolute best in everything she does. She works hard but never misses the chance to be a good role model for her fellow classmates or younger students.

Accomplishments:

• School Patrol Team

• Media Helper

• School Chorus

• Cougar Club

• Terrific Kid

• Principal’s Honor Roll

Lauryn has set her goals high and even though she reached high honors, willingly participated in the Kimball Afternoon Learning and Monday Learning clubs. She knew that these programs would allow her to strengthen her math, science and reading skills. Lauryn Hordge is ready for middle school.

Benjamin Vantoorenburg

Lewis Elementary

Parents – Robin and Steve Vantoorenburg

Benjamin is a highly self-motivated young man with academic ability and great potential for success. The number of awards and distinguished honors that have been bestowed upon him are quite impressive.

Accomplishments:

• Honor Roll and Principal’s Honor – every year since Kindergarten

• FCAT scores in the highest levels – in both Reading and Mathematics

• Science Olympics

• Battle of the Books

• District Science Fair

• National Jr. Beta Honor Society

• Student Council

• District Reflections program for the arts – every year since 2nd grade – placing 2nd this year with a piece he composed himself

• 1st place in TT Arts Festival

• Safety Patrol

• Panther Pride and All County Chorus

• Member of the school Guitar Club

Benjamin has an overwhelming sense of school pride that is evident in all that he does and he continually strives for excellence working diligently to reach his highest potential.  His astonishing qualities make him every school’s dream!

Josier Joseph

MOSI Partnership School

Parents – St. Fluer and Clairesine Joseph

Josier is an extremely kind and polite student who treats his classmates and adults with respect every single day, no matter what. Although he is quiet, he is a tremendous leader because he leads by his actions, not by his words – which is rare to find. These qualities have made him a model safety patrol officer. Students know him and strive to be like him. Academically, he had made tremendous gains in all subjects, especially in reading. One of the reasons for his extreme success is that he has missed only 8 days of school since kindergarten, coupled with the fact that he is a very hardworking student. He sets high goals for himself and no matter how difficult or challenging, he never gives up. One of his goals for 5th grade was to read all 15 Battle Books and passing every Accelerated Reader test – he did it!

Josier is a student who will be successful in whatever he does in life because of his intelligence, positive attitude, determination and the kind way he treats others. He has made a significant impact in his classroom and the entire school. Everyone at MOSI is proud of him.

Rachel Watkins

Pizzo Elementary

Parent – Suh Young Kim

Rachel Watkins is a stellar model to not only her classmates but to the entire Pizzo Elementary student body. Her interests include gymnastics, cheerleading, and animals. She is a consistent Honor Roll student who has been known to watch a little TV too!  At school, she is a safety patrol, peer mediator, a member of the Beta Club and chorus. When asked what she likes most about being involved in all these activities her reply was, “I love helping people. It makes me feel good inside and I believe that when you help others, good things will come your way”.

And since her favorite subject is Math she may be right! Rachel’s teachers say she is focused, conscientious and always gives 100% of herself. She is always willing to help others and share her knowledge but she sets her standards high and does not allow others to influence her decisions. At this time, she is thinking of becoming a Doctor or a lawyer but whatever it is we know that it will be done with helping others in mind.

Zanaya Coleman

Riverhills Elementary

Parent – Tina Blue

Zanaya was selected for this award for her dedication and hard work.

She has been active within the school community as a media assistant for the last 2 years.

This year she was selected for her leadership skills and exemplary behavior to be a safety patrol. Despite her additional responsibilities,

Zanaya continues to put forth 100% effort in all of her school work and is a model student who is looked up to by her peers. During Enrichment Clusters, she was an active member of the Regal Express, learning business skills and also American Girls, learning about life during difficult time periods. With her group, she wrote and starred in a special skit for the school’s Showcase Night.

Laura Neylan

Temple Terrace Elementary

Parents – Tammi and William Neylan

Laura was selected by a Team of Teachers and Staff members to represent the school. She is recognized as a classroom leader who is a hard worker, very reliable, an excellent role model for her classmates and one who always goes out of her way for others.

Accomplishments:

• Pride Chorus as well as a soloist

• Kiwanis Club for Kids

• a consistent member of the academic honor roll

• selected for Terrific Kid for the month of January

• Safety Patrol of the week

• District Science Fair 

Other students look up to her as a role model as she is a great reader and student who models excellent manners. Whatever Laura decides to be when she grows up, she will without doubt be successful.

Jonnell Nicole Thompson

USF Patel Partnership School

Parent – Bobbie Coleman

Jonnelle is a mature, responsible young lady who is a great leader and role model for her peers.  She has learned to manage her time well, work effectively both independently and in groups - often as a group leader -  and to recognize the importance of persistence and a strong work ethic. Jonnell has many achievement to her credit. She continues to be awarded High Honor Roll for her strong academics,  is a valued member of our Robotics Team and serves as a Safety Patrol every day, guarding the safety of our students. She has represented her grade level for two years as Student Council Representative and participated in the Battle of Books in 4th grade.

She strives for excellence outside the classroom as well. She is currently a member of the Eastern Star’s newly formed Youth Council and will be involved in various fundraisers and community acuities to benefit shelters. She is an active Girl Scout and participated in the All Children’s Hospital Walk-A-Thon.

For these reasons, we recommend Jonnell as an exemplar student

citizen. Her drive, leadership abilities and integrity will truly be a benefit not only to herself but to those she interacts with daily as she goes forward in her life.

Janae Dalia Newton

Village of Excellence Academy

Parents:  Cantrece Walker and  Jeff Newton

Janae, is a current 5th grade student. Her commitment to achieving high academic standards while maintaining superior self disciplined behavior are the standout qualities that make Janae a perfect candidate for this award.  She is the complete academic scholar as well as a participant in the performing arts programs at the Academy and has earned a place on the Honor Roll each year of her enrollment at the school.

Janae currently boasts a grade 12 and beyond reading level.  She enjoys the calmness and serenity of immersing herself in different varieties of text and considers herself a “bookworm” who manages to grapple with any level of reading material.

Janae is a problem solver in mathematics and science.  She won the Village Science Fair in Grade four and went on to represent her class at the Hillsborough County School District Science Fair in 2012.  She participated in the Charter School Battle of the Books in 2012.

The nominator writes that Janae is a great asset to her school community and students such as her are precious rarities that create an active, engaging and progressive environment.