Stetson University has reported that it plans to break ground this summer for a new 305-bed residence hall in the center of campus. The building will be a four-story residence hall that is to open in 2026 near the Carlton Union Building and the Templeton Fountain.
Other projects on the Stetson campus include renovating Elizabeth Hall by this fall, adding new restrooms and an elevator to improve accessibility; beginning the first phase of renovations to the Edmunds Center; and rebuilding Hulley Tower with 100-percent donor funding and grants.
Volusia County Schools is currently doing its annual Climate Survey, which can be found at www.vcsedu.org. There are several different surveys, including student engagement, family engagement and community engagement, with most being in English and Spanish. The survey deadline is Friday, May 10.
World Languages Festival results
Students who took first place in the Volusia County World Languages Festival who are in the classes of Nathacha Curras at Deltona High School are Angel Ayala Lebron, Kamilia Berrios Velazquez, Karina Berrios Velazquez, Alissa Burgos, Camila Colon, Alana Fong, Valeria Garcia Pinto, Zobeida Lopez Soto, Laysha Montes, Alejandra Moreno, Katia Mujica, Luis Quinones Castiblanco, Jayani Soto and Melany Valverde. Also, Ashley Miguel from the classes of Anaimid Burgos Casiano, who also teaches at Deltona High School.
College football players
Readers of this column have mentioned several more West Volusia college-football players who hail from West Volusia. The list includes Cedric Hawkins, who played high-school football at Trinity Christian Academy in Deltona and is playing college ball at Southeastern University in Lakeland. Hawkins had 14 solo tackles and 17 assists, with one forced fumble and five pass breakups.
Another is Jay Brockhaus, who played for Pine Ridge High School in Deltona and is now at Southeastern, as well. He made 50 punts covering 1,940 yards for a 38.8-yard average per punt, with the longest being 73 yards.
Traquan McNair played at DeLand High School and is now at the University of West Florida, where he had four solo tackles and two assists.
Marlon Bradley, who played at Deltona High School, is now at Florida Atlantic University, where he made 38 tackles, with three sacks.
DeLand Middle School
i9 Sports is offering numerous organized programs for boys and girls on all skill levels. There are spring and summer leagues that are now available at DeLand Middle School offering numerous sports. This is a one-day-per-week program, with practice first and a game following.
For more information, contact i9sports.com or call 386-324-4240. Don’t call the school, as the program is independent of DeLand Middle.
DeLand High School
At DeLand High School this summer, there will be a Kitchen Chemistry program that is about the science of cooking. It is open to high-school students, with incoming freshmen welcome. Students should expect a fun-filled summer, where they learn all about the science behind cooking.
The course will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 3-27, with breakfast and lunch provided.
Go to teturner@volusia.k12.fl.us for more information.
Looks like another 10 years of sub one-percent raises for Stetson’s second-class employees.