Pasco-Hernando State College Volume XIII, Issue II Fall 2019 | Page 30

ALUMNI
PROFILE
Heather Rose-Fiorentino
CLASS OF 1978
A
t a student awards reception held
She served on the New Port Richey city
this past spring at PHSC’s
council from 1993 - 98, followed by
West Campus in New Port
three terms in the Florida House of
Richey, Heather Rose-Fiorentino
Representatives, writing legislation
was honored as the College’s
that still positively influences
2019 Distinguished Alumna of the
Florida’s K-12 system today.
Year. Fiorentino was among the
first students attending the West
She was elected Pasco County’s
Campus in New Port Richey in first female Superintendent of
1976, the year the campus Schools, a post in which she
was established.
served from 2004 - 12. During her
tenure, graduation rates rose and
During her comments to students
Pasco County schools was among
and guests, she marveled that PHSC
select districts statewide to receive
now offers more than 50 student clubs
Southern Association of Colleges and
and organizations. “We started an intramural
volleyball team – but we had to build the course
Schools’ Council on Accreditation and
School improvement.
ourselves in the parking lot. That was hard work,” quipped
Fiorentino. She also called her experience at PHSC the foundation Despite her busy schedule and dedication to her family, Fiorentino
on which she built her life and career. has served on countless volunteer boards and co-founded the
Pasco County Deaf Service Center.
Fiorentino first began working professionally as a sign language
instructor at the college in 1984, the same year that she received “I am very honored to receive this award from Pasco-Hernando
a degree in elementary education from the University of South State College,” Fiorentino told the crowded room full of students.
Florida. She served as an elementary school teacher from 1984 - “One day, I know, some of you will be standing here accepting
98 and honored as Pasco County’s Teacher of the Year in 1994. this award.”
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PHSC Perspective