Middle school can be a difficult time for many students but not for Katelyn Micko. When she started sixth grade at Espiritu Santo Catholic School in Safety Harbor, she felt right at home. “I was welcomed into a culture of intelligence, acceptance, opportunity, a new perspective on my faith and love,” said Micko. As student …
As part of National Schools Choice Week, the Assistant Secretary of Career Planning, Technology and Adult Education for the U.S. Department of Education, Scott Stump, visited Morning Star Catholic School in Tampa. He visited to see first-hand how students with learning disabilities are benefiting from an accessible curriculum that adapts to their needs, skills and learning …
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Bishop Parkes shares a special message for Catholic Schools Week! Join us in praying for all of our students, teachers, administrators, staff, volunteers and parents! Prayer for Catholic Schools Week
Move-in Day for New Lions Set for August 15, Classes Begin August 20 There will be many new faces at Saint Leo University as the new academic year kicks off next week. Make that: There will be lots and lots of new faces! The university is expecting 815 new freshmen and 186 transfer students—1,001—when classes …
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Congratulations to the valedictorians and salutatorians for the 2018/2019 school year from the seven Catholic high schools in our diocese! Note: The first year that Cristo Rey High School will have a class of seniors is 2020. Academy of the Holy Names Valedictorian Salutatorian Lauren Dingle Sydney Lowman Salutatorian Katherine Taulbee Bishop McLaughlin Catholic …
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Notre Dame de Namur and Saint Leo universities now enrolling students for fall 2019 Two established Catholic universities have come together to make it easier for education, healthcare, law enforcement, and other public-service professionals to pursue a graduate degree for career advancement. Through a collaborative effort, Saint Leo University will provide prospective students with an …
Diane Kledzik, the director of the Diocese of St. Petersburg Marriage and Family Life Office, recently received Clearwater Central Catholic (CCC) High School’s Distinguished Alumni Award for her accomplishments in the area of “Living Faith.” Diane graduated from CCC in 1980 and she went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources with a …
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On May 16, 2019, Tampa Catholic received its largest donation ever. In fact, the $7-million gift from alumnus Arnie Bellini and his wife Lauren is believed to be the largest single gift to a Catholic school in Florida’s history. Bellini is Founder of tech firm ConnectWise and a 1976 graduate of Tampa Catholic. The company …
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A new leadership model has been introduced at St. Petersburg Catholic High School to more intently advance the mission of the school. Effective July 1, 2019, Dr. Daniel Zepp will serve as newly appointed president, while Ross Bubolz will join him in shared leadership ministry continuing as principal of the school. This expanded model was …
The Saint Leo University community came together to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2019 with two commencement ceremonies at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, FL, on Saturday, April 27. The university awarded more than 1,250 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and associate degrees. The festivities kicked off on Friday, April 26, at the main …
Open House Planned for May 4 for Those Interested in Study Florida Transfer Scholarship Saint Leo University is offering a new scholarship to ease the transition for transfer students pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree. The Study Florida Transfer Scholarship, which awards students who have earned an associate degree a 50 percent tuition discount, is …
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As the United States celebrates National Robotics Week (April 6-14), Saint Leo University is expanding its summer robotics camp programs for youths. The university began offering the popular Girls Can! Robotics Camp in 2015, under the direction of Dr. Monika Kiss, professor of mathematics. Last year, a camp for boys was added to Saint Leo’s …
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Prospective students and the community are invited to learn more at an Open House on April 7. ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University has announced it will offer a significant new scholarship to help make higher education more accessible to Catholic high school students in Florida. Available for students beginning in the Fall …
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Results Include More Confidence for Students and Improved Learning What has 116 strings and pinkies on top? The new violin program at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Dunedin. Started last year with 18 students, it has now grown to include almost 50 violin students in Grades 3 and 4. Connor Littlejohn is …
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Christians, Catholics to Take Part in 40-Day Observance, Poll Indicates SAINT LEO, FL –Americans say they will stash the Reese’s Cups and drop their daily Dunkin doughnuts as Lent begins Wednesday (March 6) and they give up candy, sweets, and chocolate for 40 days. A new Saint Leo University Polling Institute survey shows that 29.2 …
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Sold Out Event Raised Over $350,000 for Tuition Assistance More than 600 individuals representing parishes, schools and local businesses gathered together at the Hilton Downtown Tampa on February 2 for the Catholic Foundation’s 15th Annual Gala in support of Catholic education and tuition assistance programs. “It is our privilege to help hundreds of students …
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Commitment to Student-Veterans, Active Duty Military, Families Recognized ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University recently was named a Top 10 Gold-level Military Friendly® School Award recipient for 2019-2020 in the category of private institutions offering doctoral degrees. Saint Leo is ranked seventh in the nation as a Military Friendly® School. Now in its 10th …
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On Wednesday, January 23, 2019, eight students from Corpus Christi Catholic School in Temple Terrace participated in STEMpalooza, a STEM competition sponsored by the Hillsborough County Association of Elementary Science Teachers. The 2nd and 3rd grade team competed in the Robot Maze and Obstacle Course and earned gold medals! The 4th and 5th grade team …
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There are 48 Catholic Schools and Early Childhood Centers in the Diocese of St. Petersburg that provide Catholic education to more than 12,000 students in the counties of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus. These students shine year-round but one week each year is devoted to highlighting what makes Catholic schools so special. National Catholic …
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Saint Leo University was named as providing two of the best online programs in the United States, according to the 2019 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, which was released January 16. Saint Leo ranked 69th in the Best Online Programs for bachelor’s degrees, tied with the University of Cincinnati, University of North Dakota, …
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Earlier this month, Guardian Angels became the first school in Tampa Bay to receive STREAM certification which is issued by the Florida Catholic Conference and the National Council for Private School Accreditation. They are the fifth school statewide to earn this distinction. In 2016, Guardian Angels Catholic School introduced a STREAM curriculum. STREAM provides a …
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Earlier this month, Guardian Angels Catholic School became the first school in Tampa Bay to receive STREAM certification which is issued by the Florida Catholic Conference and the National Council for Private School Accreditation. They are the fifth school statewide to earn this distinction. In 2016, Guardian Angels Catholic School introduced a STREAM curriculum. STREAM …
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ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University on December 5 will celebrate its 20th anniversary of offering online education. Launched in December 1998, Saint Leo was one of the first institutions to embrace online education with the creation of the Center for Online Learning. In 1996, the university faced declining enrollments and increasing deficits. Under …
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Corpus Christi Catholic School’s mission is to develop in their students a passion for the Gospel and building a just and compassionate world through service to God and others. Each year, students participate in different service opportunities throughout the community. Eighth grade students volunteered at Metropolitan Ministries, Best Buddies and St. Vincent De Paul, amongst others. Younger …
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ST. LEO, FL – Saint Leo University kicked off the Christmas season at the university’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the main campus on November 27. Father Kyle Smith, university chaplain, read the Christmas story from gospel of Luke: “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should …
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Four years ago, Principal Susan Conza had a dream of building a Sensory Room for her students at Morning Star Catholic School. Now, it’s finally here and helping to calm and soothe children with autism and learning difficulties. The children are immersed in an environment that engages their senses to help them self-regulate when their …
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The students of St. Cecelia Catholic School of Clearwater, Florida gathered by the school’s flagpole where they honored the courageous of our country, the veterans. A prayer service and flag raising to God Bless America was a very touching sight to behold. The students were asked the question, “Who are veterans?” Among the answers that …
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Notre Dame Catholic School was proud to host its 2nd annual Field of Honor® ceremony on Friday, November 9, 2018 at 9 am. It was attended by over 200 people, not including the student body. The Field of Honor® flag event payed tribute to our veterans and service men and women with a moving display …
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ST. LEO, FL – The Saint Leo University community gathered on November 8 at the Saint Leo Abbey Church for Mass in recognition of feast day for Saint Leo the Great. The feast of Saint Leo is usually observed on November 10; however, Abbot Isaac J. Camacho, OSB, (Saint Leo Class of 1995) transferred it …
Following the tragic shooting in Pittsburgh that killed 11 members of a Jewish synagogue, The Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies (CCJS) of Saint Leo University invites everyone to a dialogue on antisemitism in the United States today, facilitated by Rabbi Jason Rosenberg, of Congregation Beth Am, Tampa, and Dr. Matthew Tapie, Assistant Professor of Theology, and …
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More than 100 students and staff of Morning Star Catholic School in Tampa surprised Bishop Gregory Parkes with a strong show of support for the new diocesan vision, Courageously Living Gospel. On September 19, Bishop Parkes arrived at the school to celebrate their 60th anniversary Mass and found them all wearing matching blue t-shirts with a call to …
September 12, 2018: – Good News! Book Fair launched its inaugural book fair in the Diocese of St. Petersburg in partnership with Notre Dame Catholic School in Spring Hill. “Bringing the Good News! Book Fair to our community at Notre Dame was an honor!” said Mrs. Florence Buono, school principal. “It was extremely refreshing to …
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Prospective Students Invited to Learn More about Academics, Organizations, Financial Aid ST. LEO – Saint Leo University will host two open houses this fall. Students of all ages are welcome to attend with their families and friends from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, September 29. A second open house is planned for November 10. …
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Gannon University President Keith Taylor, Ph.D., recognized graduates of the Occupational Therapy Doctoral program as they become a part of Gannon history and received their diplomas at the University’s inaugural Commencement Ceremony at its Ruskin, Florida Campus. The Ceremony was held on Saturday, August 25 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church and featured feature keynote …
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Dr. Jeffrey D. Senese Creating Plans for National, International Growth Jeffrey D. Senese was elected as president of Saint Leo University on July 26 by the Board of Trustees. Senese is the university’s 10th president. He has served as the acting president of the university since the retirement of William J. Lennox Jr. on April …
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St. Petersburg Catholic High School has announced a multimillion-dollar revitalization project of its two main classroom buildings, Bishop Barry Hall and Notre Dame Hall, marking the first major renovation to the classrooms since they were built in 1957. The buildings, including twenty classrooms and eight departmental offices, are expected to reopen by the first day …
Congratulations to the valedictorians and salutatorians for the 2017/2018 school year from the seven Catholic high schools in our diocese! Note: The first year that Cristo Rey High School will have a class of seniors is 2020. Academy of the Holy Names Valedictorian Salutatorian Emma Gibbs Heston Evelyn Nicole Martinez Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High …
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St. Petersburg Catholic High School has been approved as a candidate school* for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school is now pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education, which St. Petersburg Catholic believes is important for its students. “The …
On April 11, 2018, ground was officially broken for the new field house and football locker room facility at Clearwater Central Catholic High School. The building will be completed about halfway through the 2018-19 Marauder football season, with an estimated completion date of October 2018. The new structure will be alongside the current football field and …
Safety clowns from the Citrus County Fire Department recently visited the students of Saint John Paul II Catholic School in Lecanto. Students learned fire and life safety behaviors.
Three of our Catholic schools made the Tampa Bay Times’ Top 100 Workplaces in Tampa Bay list. Guardian Angels Catholic School was the top employer in the small category. (minimum of 50 local employees). On the list of the top 50 small employers, Clearwater Central Catholic High School was number 42 and St. Cecelia Interparochial …
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See how some of our schools journeyed through the 2018 Holy Week in the photos below. Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in Seminole Click on the album below to scroll through the photos. Christ the King Catholic School in Tampa Click on the album below to scroll through the photos. Clearwater Central Catholic High School in …
“‘My main goal is that, through the medium of violin, that they learn discipline, self-control, and good composure, and become a better person for it,’ said [Aaron Jacobson, a teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School.]” Watch the video from Fox 13 below and read the full story by clicking here.
Close to 15,000 pounds of plastic donated for Caps of Love Project to provide wheelchairs SAINT LEO – Saint Leo University is focused on helping others and saving the planet—one plastic cap at a time. On Thursday, March 22, the university shipped about 15,000 pounds of bottle caps for recycling. The university again collected plastic …
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Students Could Save $6,000 throughout Course of Program Saint Leo University (www.saintleo.edu), a pioneer in online learning, is offering an academic scholarship opportunity for some special students: those who are intent on starting an MBA program this summer, who have the undergraduate grades to prove they can do serious work, and the commitment and discipline …
Edward Sieh of Safety Harbor, a student at St. Cecelia Catholic School has been honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of time to serve their communities and their country, was granted by the Prudential Spirit of …
Student walk-outs were planned all across the country on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, to call attention to school safety in the wake of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Our Catholic high schools and some middle schools classes planned events at their schools to contribute to this national effort …
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Tampa Catholic High School‘s Habitat for Humanity Club recently helped preserve a home for a family in Tampa. According to the site manager, TC volunteers cleared the yard, removed and repaired sheds, restored the garden, and created a list of needed upcoming fixes in almost half the time that the average volunteer groups take! Full …
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Every year, Catholic Schools Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the gift of a Catholic education. Students are given time to renew our faith in God and honor him by growing in our academic and spiritual development. Students at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School in Lutz embraced this year’s theme: LEARN, SERVE, LEAD, SUCCEED by participating in a …
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On Friday, January 26, 2018, the Cathedral School of St. Jude held their first Trike-A-Thon to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The EC2, EC3, EC4, and K students rode their bikes, trikes, and scooters around the school track and raised over $7000. The Trike-A-Thon was organized and run by a student committee …
Catholic Schools Week will be held Jan. 28-Feb. 3 around the country. This week is an opportunity to celebrate Catholic education in the United States and the many ways Catholic schools are improving lives of children from all demographics, faith backgrounds, and ethnicities. Catholic schools place a strong emphasis on academic excellence, community service, and …
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Volunteers from across the nation, including those from Saint Leo University, observed Make A Difference Day on October 28. University Campus hosted a day of community service with volunteer opportunities offered on campus and off. “Saint Leo University participates in Make A Difference Day to demonstrate our core values of community and responsible stewardship,” said …
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Saint Leo University’s core values of community and responsible stewardship were on full display on July 13, 2017, as the university presented a new wheelchair to Michael Ledford, a rising fourth-grader at Woodland Elementary School in Zephyrhills, FL. Michael’s wheelchair was purchased using funds raised by Saint Leo and its many community partners through the …
Saint Leo University welcomed the Most Reverend Gregory L. Parkes, bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, FL, as its newest member of the university’s board of trustees, effective July 1. Members of the volunteer board exemplify the university’s six core values and give of their time and expertise to ensure Saint Leo students receive …
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“When she walked across the stage as a freshly minted graduate of Tampa Catholic High School a couple of weeks ago, Cheyenne Daphney looked out at the audience cheering in the downtown theater and thought about all the help she got along the way. Her mom, DJ Ruhland; her basketball coach, Matt Rocha; her teammates; …
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