I want to thank everyone for their support and thoughtfulness during the past few difficult weeks. I have been truly touched by the outpouring of kindness and concern. Your notes, cards, and donations in memory of my mother all have been greatly appreciated. The Shorecrest community has always been special to me special, but at times like this I realize once again how I am fortunate to be part of it. On behalf of my family and myself, thank you so very much.

Betty Gootson
Director of Early Childhood

Annual Fund Reminder

Thank you to all the Shorecrest families, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, and other donors who have contributed to the 2007/2008 Annual Fund. Click here for more information on the Annual Fund and on this link for a complete list of donors as of May 29, 2008.

Please help us end the school year with no open pledge balances. If you have an open pledge balance, please remember to send in your payment as soon as possible, as most pledges are due on May 31. This will enable us to put your gifts to use as quickly as possible.

To those of you who are still considering a donation, don't miss out on having your name added to the list of Annual Fund donors that will be published this summer in the new Shorecrest Annual Report. Tax deductible donations can be made conveniently online or with a check or Visa/MC information sent to the attention of the Office of Advancement. Don't forget that matching gifts from employers are a terrific way to increase your donation as they also will be credited to your giving total.

All donations directly benefit our students and faculty. Thank you for your support!

Office of Advancement
Shorecrest Preparatory School
5101 1st Street NE
St. Petersburg, FL 33703
(727) 456-7516
(727) 521-1452 (fax)

Poll Responses

Where do you plan to travel this summer?

Nashville.
- Beast times a billion

Everywhere.
- Secret penguin spy

France, beach, maybe my friend's house, Baywalk, mall! Anywhere with friends and family.
- Summerrr

Mexico, Jamaica, Cayman Islands! North Carolina, D.C., Floridaaaaa.
- Crazybusy

To Michigan (To start world tour.)
- Second grade guitarist

To Vermont and to New York City.
- Teacher

Through the depths of my mind and fate's potential.

North Carolina, Tennessee.
- Kid

I plan to travel to Columbus, Ohio. Also I will fly by myself to Chicago, Illinois.
- Sixth grader (almost)

New York!
- Awesome student

Hollywood, California and Springfield, Missouri.
- Jo Bro fan

France, Monaco and Spain!
- Mom

Swimming!
- Dream girl fifth grader

I'm going to Egypt and visit my family. I am also going to Ohio to go to my friend's wedding. For my birthday (which is in the summer) I plan to go to Dolphin Cove and have a great time with my family.
- Girl

Parents Page

Please see the Parents Page of the website for additional school information.

Links to :

Early Childhood

Lower Division

Middle Division

Upper Division

Updating E-mail

If you need to change your e-mail address or would like to add additional e-mail addresses, please send your e-mail addresses to the registrar at jroberge @shorecrest.org. Thanks!

Sign Up for E-Bytes Reminders

If you do not currently receive a weekly e-mail on Fridays notifying you that E-Bytes is updated, please send a request with your name and e-mail address to ebytes @shorecrest.org and we will be happy to add you to the list.

E-Bytes is a collaborative effort of dozens of members of the Shorecrest community.

To submit material to E-Bytes, please send it to Diana Whittle at dwhittle @shorecrest.org and remember to write "For E-Bytes" in the subject line of your message.

Diana Whittle, Director of Marketing and Communications
Bob Clingman, Editor

Commencement

Commencement took place on Saturday, May 24 in the Janet Root Theatre where 63 proud seniors heard their names called by their Head of Upper Division Stephen Manella and happily received their diplomas from Headmaster Mike Murphy. After the gold tassel was moved to the right side of the cap, each senior posed for a photograph and shook hands with the Board of Trustees Chair Julie Klavans.

commencement

The ceremony began with the Shorecrest Concert Band playing "Pomp and Circumstance" as the seniors, Upper Division faculty and Board of Trustees processed onto the stage. Co-Salutatorian Elizabeth R. welcomed the guests, after which Mr. Murphy spoke about the individuals who make up the Class of '08 as well as the class as a whole.

"In the final analysis for me, the Class of 2008 will be remembered for the broad range of talent and service they offered to the school, the community and to each other. They have been accepted to wonderful colleges and universities…Graduates, to each of you I wish continued happiness and success."

Valedictorian

Valedictorian Blake F., who was also named the Outstanding Senior of the Class of '08, delivered a heartfelt and humorous speech about the meaning of Commencement.

"Nowhere in Shorecrest's Mission Statement does it guarantee that students enrolled here will go on to attend Harvard or Princeton, become an athletic star, blossom into a top-notch thespian or become an outstanding artist, but you'll find all of those people on this stage. It doesn't assure academic success, moral strength or acceptance of responsibility, but you've got that up here too. It merely suggests that the school will provide "exceptional opportunities" for students to meet these goals…. They [the students] were provided with excellent opportunities by teachers, coaches, directors, mentors, and most importantly, parents to excel not just academically, but also athletically, artistically and socially. In attaining this success today, we took advantage of the opportunities presented to us whether they were in the classroom, on the field, or on the stage. It certainly took hard work from every single student up here, although there was certainly quite a bit of fun and shenanigans mixed in along the way."

Dean of Faculty Richard Beaton introduced the Commencement speaker, Matthew Mussett, Outstanding Senior of the Class of '98. Mr. Mussett offered these thought-provoking remarks to the seniors.

"I am not here to preach politics to you, nor do I expect any of you to save the world all by yourselves. However, please do not for one second fall for the ruse that the environmentally unsustainable lifestyle that we as a species have immersed ourselves into will not affect you in your lifetimes. In fact, many people in this lovely theater may live to see parts of humanity alarmingly destabilized due to the effects of over population and deforestation, food and water shortages, hyperinflation, uncontrolled pollution, accelerated disease epidemics, politically sanctioned genocide, and systematic economic starvation. You must do your best in the coming months to really think more than just about going to college - think about how you are going to stand up to these and other developing crises when your education is complete… awareness and education are the most effective means of generating a solution, and those efforts must begin with you… please continue to remind yourselves that the quality of your lives will be directly influenced by how you and your fellow human beings work together to solve many of the problems created by humanity's rapid expansion during the previous centuries."

commencement

The ceremony concluded with co-Salutatorian Tommy M. talking about the positive experiences he had at Shorecrest and thanking his teachers and classmates. He also offered the following thoughts, "While researching this speech, I came across several ideas that I could include to hopefully inspire us. One that truly resonates with me is the importance of finding your passion. Some of us have already found this passion…most of us are still looking. But I know that if we persevere, every one of us has the potential to find something that gives our lives meaning…'It is not the things we do in life that we regret, it is the things we do not.'"

hat toss

After the recessional, the graduates stood on the steps outside of the theater for the traditional cap toss, and the celebrations began. Good luck to all of our new graduates. We will miss you!

Matriculation List

To view and order photos from Baccalaureate and Commencement, log on to:

www.eliseschreiner.smugmug.com and click on the folder titled "Shorecrest Graduation"

Password: Chargers

For more information, please contact Elise at e2fl@aol.com or (727) 385-1962.

Message from Mike Murphy

Summer Vacation - Time to Grow

Mike Murphy With summer approaching, I know I will have more time to read, exercise, travel and think than I do during the school year. Although most of my days will be spent at Shorecrest working on projects, supporting colleagues with their projects and needs while preparing for the coming year, summer provides those of us in the education field more time to engage in professional development and personal growth.

Like other educators, I encourage our students and their parents to build a summer schedule that will enhance the educational experiences gained during the past year. Past experience and observations show that those students who schedule time to develop skills, serve others and broaden themselves will be the ones who most often thrive when we return to school. I am well aware that "all work and no play can make Jack a bad boy." I am also even more aware that 2 ½ months of unplanned, unscheduled, non-productive activity will not allow a young person to develop the strengths and abilities that need to be nurtured.

Most of our students will spend the summer doing wonderful activities to develop their minds, bodies and spirits. Some will do these things here in St. Petersburg and others will venture to new places. Reading, reading and reading are my top three activities for students trying to develop their minds. Classes, on-line courses, workshops, and camps with an academic focus are a close second. Many of our students will have coaches provide them with workout schedules. Others will play on teams, attend camps or employ a coach to help them develop skills and knowledge. Service work and summer jobs are important and meaningful activities for many of our Shorecrest students. These experiences often lead to leadership and heightened levels of self worth.

I am very sympathetic with both the students and parents who form the minority of people who are not inspired to commit time and energy into self-improvement or service to others. My love for reading did not develop until I was ready for college. I have paid for that shortcoming. Fortunately, I was obsessed with sports and spent countless hours at camps and on teams focusing on my passion. Finally, one of my Headmasters would not allow me to ignore the academic side of life and insisted that I read if I wanted to play. I was also fortunate, even though there were times when I did not realize my fortune, that my father insisted I work whenever there might be a moment when I might sit down. Even when I was a little boy, he found jobs for me to do that to this day allow me to respect the men and women who do those jobs for a living.

Whether you are the inspired student or not, whether you are the parent of a motivated student or not, I implore you to make summer a positive and productive time. Balance the activities so you return to school recharged and, at the same time, better able to perform than ever before. I will try to do the same, and I will look forward to hearing about your adventures.

Cheers!

Three Cheers for...

• Sophomore Katy A., who is heading to Syracuse, New York this summer to compete in the Synchronized Swimming Age Group National Championships. Katy qualified all three of her routines at the regional championships held in Coral Springs in May. Her team took silver, her duet took bronze, and her solo placed fourth.

synchronized swimming

This will be Katy's seventh year swimming for Suncoast WaterWorks, the Largo-based synchronized swim team. She will be performing in their annual water show at the Largo Recreation Center on Saturday, May 31. The gates will open at 4:30 p.m.

Service Learning

SPCA Visit

After weeks of preparation, the fifth graders visited the SPCA on Thursday, May 29. They came bearing gifts for the animals served by this organization. During the past two weeks, they collected over 1,200 lbs. of pet food as well as toys, empty shoe boxes, old newspaper, worn-out towels, and other supplies.

Students took a tour of the facility that included special areas for puppies, older dogs, cats and kittens waiting to be adopted. They also visited rabbits, chickens and the large yard with barn animals such as goats, a cow, a donkey, and long-term resident turkey Mr. Gobbles and the horse, Tabitha. Students brought along fresh carrots and apples that they shared with the farm animals.

During Drama over the past several weeks, the students created and performed skits that delivered SPCA's messages about pet population control and adoption. The performances were recorded on video and will be provided to the SPCA as a DVD.

Katherina F. gets some special love from the donkey, Moe, who was recently rescued from an abusive home along with five wild mustangs.

Thank You

As learning through service to others is a crucial part of a Shorecrest education, I am impressed and moved by the large number of students who took part in service activities this year. I am grateful, also, to all of the parents, faculty and staff who took an active role in making service a part of our students' lives.

I want to share a heartfelt thank you with all of you for your efforts. The work you did this year touched a lot of lives in our own community and beyond and made a difference to all of our service partner organizations.

If you find time to volunteer and be of service to others this summer, do share your stories and photos with me.

Have an enjoyable and restful summer, and I look forward to working with you next year. As always, I can be reached at sstevens@shorecrest.org or (727) 456-7510.

Su Warna Stevens
Director of Service Learning

Alumni Variety Show

Friday, May 30
7:30 p.m.
Janet Root Theatre

Don't miss this event - a variety show featuring Shorecrest alumni. There will be group numbers from past Shorecrest musicals, some improvisation, a few specialty numbers, and some surprises. Our cast list includes many past Shorecrest stars, such as Sue and Jimmy Rowe '76, David Weakly Powers '78, Bill Leavengood '78, Emilee Dupre '01, Aaron Abelman '00, Todd Miller '98, Sonya Nanda '07, Will Raymund '06, and many others.

Summer Programs 2008

School is out, but there is still time left to register your child for summer camp. Please get your forms in as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Amber Hutton at (727) 409-1668 or by e-mail at summerprograms @shorecrest.org. For those of you already signed up, we look forward to seeing you next week!

Camp of the Week

Digital Depictions with Mrs. Baralt

Does your child love using your digital camera? Is he/she always asking to take pictures on family vacations or during special events? Then Digital Depictions is the perfect summer camp.

Mrs. Baralt is excited to offer three sessions of Digital Depictions this summer. Digital Depictions I, offered the weeks of June 16-20 and July 7-11, will focus on basic camera features as well as lighting, close-ups, and composition. Campers will go on photo scavenger hunts for geometric shapes, take action shots of people, shoot self-portraits along with wildlife and nature photos. iPhoto and PhotoShop will be used for image manipulation and enhancement, and campers will create a portfolio of their best work.

Digital Depictions II, offered the week of July 14-18, is for the more experienced photographer. Campers will explore advanced camera features and go off campus for photo safaris. More extensive features of iPhoto and PhotoShop will be explored, as well as other applications such as VoiceThread and Animoto. Before long, they'll be shooting photos like a pro!

Don't have a digital camera? Don't worry, Mrs. Baralt has one for you to use. Even if you have already taken this program in the past, there are many new and exciting things to learn about digital photography, so come and join us again.

Girls Introductory Softball

The Middle Division Girls Softball team coaches will be running a week-long introductory softball camp the week of July 7-11 from 9 a.m. -12 p.m. on the Reilly Softball Field. At this camp, topics covered will include throwing, catching, hitting, base running and offensive and defensive strategies. It is open to girls entering fourth through eighth grades next fall. It will provide a great opportunity for those who may want to try out for the team next year or for those who just want to learn about a new sport. The cost is $150 for the week, and snacks will be provided daily.

Cheer Camp is back this summer...

For girls in second through fifth grades, Coach Artze is going to offer Cheer Camp again this summer the weeks of July 21-25 and July 28-Aug 1 from 1-4 p.m. So come and learn some Charger Cheers and a dance. Be ready to perform at Spirit Night! Charger Cheerleaders will be assisting.

The following camps have small numbers at this time and may be cancelled if we do not get some more participants. If you are registered for any of these programs, ask your friends to join us as well. We will let you know as soon as any permanent changes are made.

Exercise is Fun (the week of June 16)
Practically Pikasso (the week of July 7)
Girls Intro to Volleyball
Boys Basketball
Mr. Lee's Science Camps

Summer Program Updates

Important Changes

Indoor Soccer Camp the week of July 7-14 has been changed. It is now the week of July 21-25 from 9 a.m. -12 noon, and it is now an outdoor camp. Those who are already signed up will be asked to change; if they can not, they will receive a full refund.
Mr. Lee's Secret Agent Lab Camp has now been changed to Engineering Mania the week of July 28-Aug 1. For more details please see the list of camp descriptions.
Coach Every's Golf and Fun Camp is cancelled the week of June 16th and the week of June 23rd. It is rescheduled for the week of June 9th only.
Wee Chargers, for incoming Alpha students, has been added for the week of July 21-25 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., with Ms. Uebel.
Safer Dixie Driving has been cancelled the week of June 23rd and rescheduled for the week of June 16th. It is still being held the week of June 9th.
History Fair Camp is now the week of July 28-August 1.

The following Camps are full

iMovie the week of July 7
Digital Depictions I week of June 16
Safer Dixie Driving (the weeks of June 9 and June 16)
iMovie (weeks of June 9 and June 23)
Creative Kids Theater (the week of June 23)
Advanced Golf

The following camps have been cancelled due to lack of registration

NASA with Mr. Lee (week of June 23)
Girls Intro to Volleyball (week of June 16)
SAT/ACT Prep
Boys Basketball camp (week of June 9)
Guerilla Film Making
You're the Coach (week of June 9 only)
Spanish is Fun (all 3 weeks)
Once Upon an Art Time
Science Madness
Taste of Sports
Fun Fitness

(Registration Form)

E-Bytes Poll

Keep in touch this summer! Tell us where you've been, and don't forget to send in photos!

Name

I'm a

Be sure to click this button!

Selected responses will appear in E-Bytes.

Athletic News

football banner

Football Team Dominates in Spring Game

Last Friday evening, May 23, the Chargers hosted the Bradenton Christian Panthers in the Spring Classic and won 28-0. The offense was led by sophomore Hunter T. who rushed for 91 yards, scored two touchdowns rushing, and passed for another touchdown. Jack S. led all rushers with 93 yards and a touchdown. Toms B. rounded out the scoring with a touchdown reception of 40 yards. Evan J. was perfect on the night with four extra points!

extra point

Describing the defense, Coach Quezon commented, "Our defense was crazy, wicked good tonight!" Tackle leaders for the Chargers were Phil T., Harrison S., Toms B., and Stephen M. Other outstanding plays were Phil T. interception and Blake E. and Alex D. fumble recoveries. Coach Hayford loved the enthusiastic play of the 2008 squad, and he has "High Hopes" for next season!

football

Coach Field Hangs Up His Whistle

It was a great win for the Chargers last Friday night, but it was a bittersweet win because Coach Field will not be back next fall coaching football. Coach Field will still be in the classroom next year but will be retiring from his football coaching duties.

Coaches Hayford and Field

Coach Hayford and Coach Field have been coaching together for 28 years, so it will be quite an adjustment for both of them. Coach Field will still stay involved with the team by announcing the games up in the press box. Mr. Haskell, our long time announcer, will be handing off his duties to Coach Field.

Videos of Athletic Events

Varsity and Middle Division football and volleyball games, girls and boys soccer, a swim team video, and baseball are available for $20 each by ordering directly from www.Stefio.TV.

Duathlon Photos

To purchase Duathlon pictures:

Log onto www.eliseschreiner.smugmug.com and click on Shorecrest Duathlon to view and order pictures.

For more information or to contact Elise,

go to www.eliseschreiner.com.

Harold Bruggeman Award Presented to Middle Division Student

On Tuesday, May 26, Coach Phil Hayford presented the Harold Bruggeman Award to sixth grader Timmy M. at the Middle Division Awards ceremony. The award is sponsored by the Shorecrest Booster Club and Timmy received a plaque and a $50 savings bond. The criteria for the award is that the winner must demonstrate the qualities of sportsmanship, display a positive attitude, always encourage others, and have a love of sports.

Harold Bruggeman Award

This award is given every year to a sixth grade boy or girl who represents these qualities that Coach Harold Bruggeman stood for in his life. Coach Bruggeman was a physical education teacher and coach for many years. He passed away in 1998 and has been missed by his family and friends. Congratulations, Timmy, on this prestigious award!

Hillsborough vs. Pinellas County All Star Baseball Game

Congratulations to Jeff R. and Robby T., who have been chosen to play in the Hillsborough vs. Pinellas County All Star Baseball Game.

Jeff

Robby

The game will be played next Sunday, June 1 at Tropicana Field at 7:30 p.m. The matchup, which features 50 of the top seniors from private and public schools, will air live on Catch 47. Admission will be a donation towards the Hillsborough and Pinellas County Education Foundations. Come out and support Jeff and Robby and enjoy an evening watching some of the top high school baseball players in the area.

Summer Weight Room Workouts

Coach Hayford will be holding workouts this summer on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons starting at 5pm and finishing at 6 p.m. beginning on Monday, June 9. These workouts are open to all Upper and Middle Division athletes. Improve your strength and speed for next season!

Sign Up for Summer Sports Camps Now

Now is the time to sign up for Shorecrest's summer sports camps! There are opportunities to participate in the following sports camps:

Baseball
Basketball
Cheerleading
Football
Golf
Lacrosse and Street Hockey
Soccer
Volleyball

Check out the dates, times, and age groups on the Shorecrest website.

Turn in All Uniforms

Please check your closets, drawers, and car trunks for any Shorecrest sports teams uniforms. Turn them in at the Athletic Office as soon as possible. Report cards will be held if an athlete's uniform has not been turned in by the end of the school year.

2007-2008 Shorecrest Sports Pictures

If you forgot to order team or individual sports pictures this year, you still have some time! Take some time to relive the special memories from the Shorecrest Sports 2007-2008 website. Your favorite photos can be easily ordered with your credit card in a highly secure purchasing environment. Please visit http://www.collages.net, and fill in the following information:

Username: allsports
Password: 7348

Have a Wonderful Summer Break!

Co-Salutatorian Elizabeth R. spoke at the Shorecrest Commencement on May 24, 2008. (photo pages)

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May 30 Friday

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Calendar

A Note of Appreciation