Area students make Ole Miss honor roll

OXFORD, Miss. — Two Pinellas County students have been named to the chancellor’s honor roll at the University of Mississippi for the fall 2025 semester.

• Elizabeth Olenoski, Palm Harbor, in the B.A. in Political Science program

• Neil McClenaghan, of Tarpon Springs, in the B. in Accountancy program.

The chancellor’s honor roll is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00.

Woman’s Club brings 1,800 books to local children

DUNEDIN — GFWC North Pinellas Woman’s Club has completed Books Across Pinellas, a county-wide literacy initiative that resulted in the distribution of 1,800 new high-quality children’s book to underserved families across Dunedin and Pinellas County.

The project was made possible by a $5,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Dunedin. The grant enabled the purchase of 1,400 books and one Little Free Library. A $500 grant from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church funded a second Little Free Library and club funding for 400 additional books.

GFWC North Pinellas Woman’s Club partnered with 12 community nonprofit organizations to distribute books directly to families. Highlights included book distributions at Dunedin Public Library story times, community holiday events, Oldsmar Elementary School, and ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new Little Free Libraries at the Homeless Empowerment Program and Habitat for Humanity townhome community, attended by local officials.

The project expanded access to books for children who may not have them at home, helping strengthen early literacy and foster a lifelong love of reading.

Palm Harbor student named to UAlbany dean’s list

ALBANY, N.Y. — The University at Albany has recognized Vasiliki Provatas of Palm Harbor for selection to the fall 2025 dean’s list.

To qualify for the dean’s list, students must earn a grade point average of 3.25 or higher in their first semester of study and a GPA of 3.50 or higher in subsequent semesters.

Oldsmar student named to Lee dean’s list

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Ella Shelton of Oldsmar has been selected for the dean’s list at Lee University for the fall 2025 semester.

Dean’s list recognition is earned by full-time, undergraduate students with a semester grade point average between 3.7 and 4.00.

Tarpon Springs students make MSU dean’s list

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Gunner Goodwin of Tarpon Springs has been named to the Mississippi State University fall 2025 deans’ list.

To be named to the deans’ list, a student must have achieved a GPA between 3.5 and 3.79, based on a 4.0 scale, while completing at least 12 semester hours of coursework with no incomplete grades or grades lower than a C.

University of Rhode Island names Oldsmar student to dean’s list

KINGSTON, R.I. – Ryleigh Powers of Oldsmar has been named to the fall 2025 dean’s list at the University of Rhode Island.

To be included on the dean’s list, full-time students must have completed 12 or more credits for letter grades which are GPA applicable during a semester and achieved at least a 3.30 quality point average. Part-time students qualify with the accumulation of 12 or more credits for letter grades which are GPA applicable earning at least a 3.30 quality point average.

Local students earn Ole Miss honor roll

OXFORD, Miss. – Two Pinellas County students have been named to the dean’s honor roll at the University of Mississippi:

• Mackenzie Olenoski of Palm Harbor, who is seeking a Bachelor of Arts in allied health studies

• Leah Tokas of Safety Harbor, who is seeking a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing.

To be eligible for honor roll designation, a student must have completed at least 12 graded hours for the semester and may not be on academic probation during the semester.

Dunedin Boat Club to host ‘fun-raiser” for rebuilding effort

The Dunedin Boat Club will host a “fun-raiser” Saturday, March 7, from 7-10 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1240 San Christopher Drive.

After losing their clubhouse to the destructive impacts of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, the Boat Club is working to rebuild not just a structure, but a gathering place that has long been part of Dunedin’s waterfront identity. This event aims to bring neighbors together in support of that effort — and to have a great time doing it. Guests can expect an evening packed with entertainment, including a live auction, casino‑style games, and a James Bond–themed costume contest.

Residents, visitors, and friends of the waterfront are encouraged to come out, show their support, and enjoy a memorable night with the Dunedin community.

Ash named sales director at Fenway Hotel

DUNEDIN — Mainsail Lodging & Development has announced the appointment of Shawna Ash as director of sales at the historic Fenway Hotel. In her new role, Ash will lead sales strategy and revenue growth for the 83-room boutique hotel.

Ash brings more than four years of experience with Mainsail Lodging & Development. Most recently, she served as senior catering sales manager at Fenway’s sister property, Epicurean Atlanta. Her tenure with Mainsail also includes roles at The Karol Hotel, where she held positions in catering sales and event management. Prior to joining Mainsail, Ash worked as an event manager at the W Fort Lauderdale and as a charter sales associate with Dream Yacht Charter.

She graduated from Florida State University with a degree in hospitality and tourism management. Ash served as director of community engagement for the Wedding Industry Professionals Association in Atlanta and has additional professional experience with Visit Florida, as well as with InterContinental Hotels Group in Dublin, Ireland.

Talk to discuss caregiver strategies

SAFETY HARBOR — NextGen Supports for Independence, Inc., a (501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will present “Building Independence, Caregiver Recruitment, Retention; Housing Strategies Across the Lifespan,” at Safety Harbor Library, 101 Second St. N., on Saturday, Feb. 28, 1-3 p.m.

This free educational talk explores practical, real-world strategies for recruiting and retaining quality caregivers and developing sustainable housing solutions that support independence across the lifespan. Ideal for families, professionals, community members supporting autistic adults, individuals with developmental disabilities, and especially aging family caregivers looking for solutions.

RSVP by Monday, Feb. 23, by email info@nextgensupports.org or visit the website, nextgensupports.org.

Tarpon student named to Mississippi State dean’s list

STARKVILLE, Miss. — Gunner Goodwin of Tarpon Springs has been named to the Mississippi State University fall 2025 deans’ list.

To be named to the deans’ list, a student must have achieved a GPA between 3.5 and 3.79, based on a 4.0 scale, while completing at least 12 semester hours of coursework with no incomplete grades or grades lower than a C.