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- **Issue #300**: Pasco’s Teacher of the Year Honored 🏆 | KC-46 Tankers Arrive | USF Cheerleading Dominates
**Issue #300**: Pasco’s Teacher of the Year Honored 🏆 | KC-46 Tankers Arrive | USF Cheerleading Dominates
1/29/2025
Ted Grellner
29 Jan
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In this issue of NewTampa | WesleyChapel
Local Pulse
Our Event Calendar
Local News
— Land O’Lakes High’s Betty Skoglund Named Pasco’s Teacher of the Year
— KC-46 Tankers Coming to MacDill—A Game Changer for Tampa Bay
OMG!
— Carnivore Diet Backfires: Patient Develops Yellow Cholesterol Nodules
Sports
— USF Cheerleading Builds a World-Class Dynasty with Historic Wins
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Land O’Lakes High’s Betty Skoglund Named Pasco’s Teacher of the Year
a high school biology teacher
Elizabeth "Betty" Skoglund, a Land O’Lakes High School biology teacher, has been named Pasco County’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. Skoglund, who has taught at the school since 2004, initially pursued marine biology but turned to teaching after a ruptured eardrum prevented her from scuba diving.
Now in her 20th year, Skoglund is recognized for her leadership, mentoring new teachers, and guiding pre-IB students through their transition into high school. Principal Ric Mellin praised her as “the epitome of teacher leadership.” She also sponsors student service clubs that organize food drives and community cleanups.
Skoglund was surprised by the award but said, “I put my time and energy into teaching students to love science.” Her mother, Nancy Harney, wasn’t shocked: “She earned it.”
Other finalists included Addie Ogden (Double Branch Elementary) and Tabatha Whaley (Cypress Creek Middle). The event also honored top principals and school employees in Pasco County.
KC-46 Tankers Coming to MacDill—A Game Changer for Tampa Bay
MacDill Air Force Base has officially begun construction to prepare for the arrival of 24 KC-46 refueling tankers by 2029, replacing the aging KC-135 fleet. On Tuesday, base officials and Congresswoman Kathy Castor participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for new infrastructure to support the aircraft.
Colonel Edward Szczpanik, commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, called the KC-46 a “game changer”, highlighting its modern capabilities compared to the KC-135, which first flew during Dwight Eisenhower’s presidency. The base will see a $257 million investment, including runway upgrades, hangar expansions, and 20 new buildings.
Castor emphasized the significance of the project, stating it will secure MacDill’s future for decades and provide a major economic boost to Tampa Bay. She also noted that MacDill won the aircraft over competing bases nationwide.
Carnivore Diet Backfires: Patient Develops Yellow Cholesterol Nodules
A Tampa General Hospital patient learned the dangers of excessive fat intake after following a carnivore diet that included consuming 6 to 9 pounds of cheese and butter daily for eight months.
According to Dr. Konstantinos Marmagkiolis and colleagues in JAMA Cardiology, the man, in his 40s, initially experienced weight loss, increased energy, and mental clarity. However, he later developed yellow nodules on his hands, feet, and elbows, which led to a shocking diagnosis: xanthelasma, a condition where cholesterol builds up under the skin.
His cholesterol skyrocketed to over 1000 mg/dL, far beyond the recommended under 200 mg/dL. While lifestyle changes can reduce cholesterol, xanthelasma requires medical treatment and can reoccur if levels remain high.
Experts warn that while the carnivore diet may promote weight loss, its high saturated fat intake increases risks of heart disease, kidney stones, and osteoporosis. Harvard Health strongly advises against it.
USF Cheerleading Builds a World-Class Dynasty with Historic Wins
The University of South Florida (USF) cheerleading teams have solidified their place as a world-class dynasty after their historic victories at the 2025 UCA/UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship in Orlando.
The USF All-Girl squad won its first-ever Premier All-Girl University World Cup championship and its first USA Grand Championship, marking it as the highest-scoring U.S. team at the competition. Meanwhile, the USF Coed squad secured its first national title in the Division I-A Game Day category, narrowly missing another championship by just 0.02 points.
Since 2021, USF cheer teams have won nine national or world championships across six divisions. Coaches credit the program’s success to a strong team culture, relentless dedication, and support from USF Athletics.
“Pressure is a privilege,” said Assistant Coach Kelly Budnick, emphasizing that their winning mindset fuels their dominance.
As USF continues to set the standard in collegiate cheerleading, the program's legacy only grows stronger.
Read More: gousfbulls.com
One astonishing fact about cheerleading is that it originated as an all-male activity!
When cheerleading first began in 1898 at the University of Minnesota, it was entirely led by men. The first official "cheerleader," Johnny Campbell, organized a group of male students to lead chants at football games. In fact, for decades, cheerleading was considered too intense and physically demanding for women. It wasn't until World War II, when many men went off to war, that women started taking over the sport—eventually transforming it into the predominantly female activity we see today.
Fast forward to now, and cheerleading is recognized as one of the most physically demanding sports, requiring elite-level strength, agility, and endurance—whether performed by men or women! 💪🔥
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25 Biggest Music & Comedy Acts Coming to Tampa Bay
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