Contributed by Barbara Phillips
Twenty two years ago, Tampa Bowling Proprietors brought the Turnaround Awards program to Hillsborough County Schools, recognizing one student from each Middle and High School. These students are selected based on a combination of improvements in behavior, attendance, attitude, and scholastic effort.
For twenty-two years, those proprietors have shown their own EFFORT and COMMITMENT by presenting each of those students with a beautiful recognition plaque as well as providing a first-class banquet. Not only do they provide for the student, but for their parent and a teacher/counselor from their school. The stories of these students TURNAROUND have ranged from poignant to heart-wrenching, but are always inspiring. This year’s program was no exception, where there wasn’t a dry eye in the house! Maestro’s Restaurants at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center was the scene of the 2008 events April 17th, 21st, and 24th.
Seventy-Six students were honored this year, before an audience of proud parents, and proud counselors and teachers. Many members of the Hillsborough County School Board, School Administrators were on hand to salute these students! This year’s prominent guest speakers were Herbert J. Baumann, Jr., Circuit Judge, Honorable Mark Ober, State Attorney, and Barron Johnson, Business Performance Consultant.
This EFFORT and COMMITTMENT by the Tampa Bay Bowling Proprietors has drawn community attention and support. The proprietors won the 2003 EDDIE award (for dedication to education) presented by the Hillsborough County School Board. Association President Barbara Phillips said “This is a program that is close to our hearts. We are honored to be the sponsor of a program that reaches far beyond the business of bowling, and into the future of our community”
“The Tampa Bay Bowling Proprietors are one of the few active local associations in the state, and the only one providing a program of this magnitude. I’m very proud to be part of this association, one that has a tremendous impact on the youth of this community” said Anthony Perrone, President of the Bowling Centers Association of Florida, and CEO of Pin Chasers.
Member Centers are AMF Florida and University, Alley at Southshore and BCB, Pin Chasers Midtown and Veterans, Family Bowl, Oakfield, Pinarama and Royal. These centers work together for the good of bowling and our community.
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