Shower of awards delights Pasco senior

By Jeffrey S. Solochek, Times Staff Writer
In print: Thursday, April 24, 2008

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NEW PORT RICHEY — Madeleine Wagner couldn't believe her good fortune.

The Mitchell High School senior had hoped to collect maybe $1,000 in local scholarships, to help offset the costs of attending Flagler College in the fall.

Never did she expect to snare more scholarships at the Education Foundation's Excellence in Academics awards event than any other Pasco senior. But there it was, right on the list that started circulating in advance of tonight's event.

Wagner had received six scholarships, including the district's PRIDE award in the visual arts, for a total of almost $6,000. That amount will help pay the difference between her Bright Futures scholarship and the first year's tuition at Flagler.

"I was surprised," she admitted. "I was just hoping for $1,000. I would be floored by that. … My friend e-mailed me (the list) and said, 'Look at it. It's ridiculous.' "

Wagner plans to put all the money to use studying to become an art educator. She enjoys painting horses and drawing people in a realistic fashion. No modern art, thank you.

With the scholarships accounted for, and her senior project finished, Wagner said she looks forward to celebrating the end of high school.

"I'm pretty excited now," she said.

The Pasco Education Foundation will recognize 118 seniors at its annual Excellence in Academics dinner. The event takes place at 7 p.m. tonight at Wesley Chapel High School. To see a full list of honorees, visit the Gradebook at blogs.tampabay.com/schools.and click on the "Pasco County" category on the left.