Tag Archives: Featured

Current Gazette

BNA Celebrates Senior Landon Holschauer with BJ Stelter Award

Bloomingdale High School senior Landon Holschauer has been named the recipient of the B.J. Stelter Scholarship from the Bloomingdale Neighborhood Association, recognizing his leadership, service and commitment to making a difference in his community.

Throughout high school, Holschauer has been heavily involved in community service efforts both on and off campus. His work with the Bloomingdale IncrediBULLS Games, a student-led event supporting the Special Olympics, became one of the defining experiences of his high school career.

“Being part of the planning team showed me that service is not just about volunteering hours, it’s about creating environments where people feel valued and included,” Holschauer wrote in his scholarship essay.

In addition to his work with the IncrediBULLS Games, Holschauer contributed to Relay for Life fundraising efforts, student government initiatives and community events such as Cimino Paint Night. Through those experiences, he said he learned the importance of perseverance, teamwork and servant leadership.

“Leadership is not about recognition, but it is about making sure others feel seen and supported,” Holschauer wrote.

The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate strong character and dedication to serving their community, qualities Holschauer consistently displayed throughout his time at Bloomingdale.

As he looks toward the future, Holschauer said community service has changed the way he defines success. Rather than focusing solely on personal achievement, he hopes to continue creating positive opportunities for others through leadership and service.

“The most fulfilling moments of my high school career have not been personal achievements, but the times I helped create opportunities for others,” Holschauer wrote.

Holschauer said the lessons he learned through community involvement — empathy, humility and leadership — are experiences he plans to carry with him long after graduation.

 
Current Gazette

Bloomingdale Artist’s Work to be Hung in the Capitol

Sophomore artist Ireland Cates is taking Bloomingdale talent all the way to Washington, D.C., after winning the 16th Congressional District Art Competition. Her artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol for the next year as part of the nationwide Congressional Art Competition, a program that recognizes high school artists from across the country.

Sophomore Ireland Cates.

Cates’ win continues a growing tradition for Bloomingdale High School artists. This marks the second consecutive year that Bloomingdale students have entered and won the prestigious competition, further cementing the school’s reputation for artistic excellence.

As part of the honor, Cates will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where winning students from across the nation are recognized for their work. According to the Congressional Institute, the winning artwork from each district is displayed in the U.S. Capitol for approximately one year, where it is viewed by lawmakers, staff members and millions of visitors.

The Congressional Art Competition, sponsored annually by members of the U.S. House of Representatives, was created to encourage and recognize artistic talent among high school students nationwide. Since its launch in 1982, hundreds of thousands of students have participated in the program.

Current Gazette

Electric Road Safety for All Neighbors

As electric scooters, mini bikes and small motorized vehicles become increasingly common in neighborhoods across Bloomingdale, residents are raising concerns about safety on local roads and sidewalks.

Many community members say they have noticed an increase in reckless riding, especially in residential areas where children walk, bike and play outdoors. Concerns include speeding through neighborhoods, weaving between cars and riding motorized vehicles on sidewalks not designed for high-speed traffic.

According to Deputy Clifford Fletcher of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, many riders may not realize that certain vehicles are not legally permitted on sidewalks or roads.

Electric scooters.

“Any scooter over 55cc or goes more than 20 mph is not allowed on road or sidewalk,” Fletcher said. “Electric peddle bike can be on sidewalk or roadway.”

With schools set to release for summer within the next month, residents say the issue becomes even more urgent. Warmer weather and increased free time often lead to more young riders using electric scooters, mini 4-wheelers and other small motorized vehicles throughout neighborhoods.

Safety officials warn that reckless riding can increase the risk of accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Sidewalks are designed to protect walkers from traffic, but high-speed motorized vehicles can create dangerous situations, especially in crowded neighborhoods or near parks and schools.

Residents are encouraging riders and parents to become familiar with Hillsborough County regulations and to prioritize safe, responsible riding practices as summer approaches.