East Pasco Chamber Foundation Launches 2026–2027 Citizen of the Month Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
East Pasco Chamber Foundation Launches 2026–2027 Citizen of the Month Program
Longstanding program celebrates outstanding citizens from Dade City and Zephyrhills Schools
EAST PASCO, Fl. — The East Pasco Chamber Foundation is proud to announce the start of its 2026–2027 Citizen of the Month program, continuing a tradition of recognizing exceptional local students that has served the East Pasco community for more than 28 years.

Each month during the school year, the program honors 11 citizens from Dade City-area schools and 11 citizens from Zephyrhills-area schools. Citizens are selected by their teachers and school administrators for their outstanding effort, achievement, character, and contributions to their schools, families, and communities.

“The Citizen of the Month program gives us an opportunity to celebrate students who are making a positive difference, often without expecting recognition,” said Vicki Wiggins, President and CEO of the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud to continue this meaningful tradition through the East Pasco Chamber Foundation and to recognize the young people who represent the future of our community.”
During the monthly breakfast ceremonies, citizens receive certificates of achievement, commemorative medallions, and letters of commendation from local and state officials. Each honoree is invited on stage for a brief interview, giving attendees an opportunity to learn more about the citizens and the qualities that led to their selection.

Parents, teachers, and school representatives are also invited to share words of encouragement and celebrate each citizen’s accomplishments. Honorees and their families enjoy breakfast together, and citizens receive bags filled with gifts donated by generous Chamber partners.

The Citizen of the Month program is made possible through the support of chamber member’s businesses, sponsors, schools, elected officials, and volunteers who believe in encouraging and investing in East Pasco’s young people.

As a program of the East Pasco Chamber Foundation, Citizen of the Month supports the Foundation’s commitment to education, leadership development, and the future success of citizens throughout East Pasco County.
Chamber members businesses and community organizations are invited to support the 2026–2027 program by becoming sponsors or donating thoughtful “goodies”. Contributions help ensure that every honoree enjoys a memorable celebration and leaves knowing that the entire East Pasco community is proud of their accomplishments.

Thank you to AdventHealth our Title Sponsor, Chick-fil-A Dade City and Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills our Venue Sponsor, and Stone Imaging Co. our Photographer Sponsor.

For additional information contact the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce. Your chamber for 125 years!
 
About the East Pasco Chamber Foundation
The East Pasco Chamber Foundation (EPCF) acts as the educational, workforce development and economic development arm of the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Inc. The foundation will support community development initiatives, enhance the region’s quality of life, strengthen its education institutions, and engage in the region’s young professionals to develop its next generation of leaders.
 

Photo Sponsor Stone Imaging Co.: Citizen of the Month for Dade City Schools for Sep. 30, 2026, held at Chick-fil-A Dade City
(Back row left to right: Paisley Dees, Lacoochee Elementary School; Charli Vetter, Centennial STEAM Magnet Middle School; Emilia Harraca, Saint Anthony Catholic School; Chief Ann Starling, Dade City Police; Chick-fil-A Dade City Cow; Ricardo Ramirez, Pasco High School. Front row left to right: Liem Wood, Centennial Elementary School; Kya Magriz, Rodney B Cox Elementary School; Zachary Jones, Pasco K-8; Deshawn Dixon, Pasco K-8; Connor Groover, Academy at the Farm; and Noah Clark, East Pasco Education Academy (James Irvin Campus; and Ashley Jablonski, AdventHealth Dade City Marketing Manager. Not pictured: James Ruiz Febo, San Antonio Elementary School)



Photo Sponsor Stone Imaging Co.: Citizen of the Month for Zephyrhills Schools for Sep. 16, 2026, held at Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills
(Back row left to right: Mayor Melonie Monson, City of Zephyrhills; Natalie Keaveny, Heritage Academy; Chick-fil-A Zephyrhills Cow; Sonya-Lee Bedward, Zephyrhills High School. Front row left to right: Daniel Ortiz Quinones, Chester Taylor Elementary School; Aaliyah Harris, West Zephyrhills Elementary School; Cameron Pittman, Woodland Elementary School Jessica Saldana, Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Hope Rife, Innovation Preparatory Academy; and Melody Smith, Children’s Educational Services Elementary. Not pictured: James Tracey, Zephyrhills Christian Academy and Evan Nicholas, Children’s Educational Services Secondary)


Media Contact:
East Pasco Chamber of Commerce
Dade City Office: 352-567-3769 ext. 101
Zephyrhills Office: 813-782-1913 ext. 101
www.eastpascochamber.org
ceo@eastpascochamber.org