Marie Gilmore

Members of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue’s Rescue 7/A crew receive HCA Florida Brandon Hospital’s LifeSaver’s Award from Caddie Schelle and her family during EMS Week. When Bloomingdale High School student Caddie Schelle collapsed during a summer golf practice after complaining of the “worst headache” of her life, few could have predicted the extraordinary chain of events that would follow.

First place — “The Capitol,” by Ireland Cates of Bloomingdale High School. Student artists from Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) earned top recognition in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, a district‑wide showcase announced by Congressman Vern Buchanan celebrating the creativity of high school students across Florida’s 16th Congressional District. This year, 31 student artworks were submitted for consideration.

First place — “The Capitol,” by Ireland Cates of Bloomingdale High School. Student artists from Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) earned top recognition in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, a district‑wide showcase announced by Congressman Vern Buchanan celebrating the creativity of high school students across Florida’s 16th Congressional District. This year, 31 student artworks were submitted for consideration.