- July 15, 2025
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Logan Jackson, 8, has his face painted by Valeria Branciforte, a student at Ringling College of Art and Design.
Photo by Ian SwabyJonah Patterson, 2 (center) attended with his parents Jordan Sullivan and Brookes Patterson
Photo by Ian SwabySouthsore Community Church brought experiences including inflatables to the event.
Photo by Ian SwabyAshley Barragan-Hoil, 8, plays musical chairs.
Photo by Ian SwabyCory Mattox, Shae Clippard, Pastor Nic Williams, Matt Page, Hanna Miller, Domonique Smith, Steve Vickroy, Sara Fleming and Lily Clippard.
Photo by Ian SwabyBooks from the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading were set out for students.
Photo by Ian SwabyMonique Thornton of The Patterson Foundation represented the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading.
Photo by Ian SwabyJennifer Bowman and her daughter Marley Bowman, 6.
Photo by Ian SwabyHannah Harden, 10, Tristan Artah, 4 and Leah Nune, 9, watch as MisterRon twists a balloon.
Photo by Ian SwabyTeacher Heather Gomez, River Marshall, 8, her sister Millie Krystyniak, 3, and student Bryan Marchan, 11, meet Scout the Eagle.
Photo by Ian SwabyLuleydi del Rosario, 5, has her face paintedb by Jorja Henwood, a student at Ringling College of Art and Design.
Photo by Ian SwabyNoah Williams, 13, Aubrie Williams, 14, their father Nic Williams, who is pastor of Southshore Community Church, and their mother Lory Williams
Photo by Ian SwabyFor students at Alta Vista Elementary, summer didn't mark the end of school — and neither was it the end of fun school activities.
The school hosted its Eagle Fest to celebrate the completion of summer school on June 26, inviting students and their families for offerings, including inflatables, face painting and other activities, and treats from Kona Ice.
Behind the event was a partnership with Southshore Community Church, whose contributions included the inflatables and helping to staff the event with volunteers, such as fingernail painters.
"It's probably about seven, eight years ago; we knew they were doing this, and we said, 'Hey, can we help take it to the next level?" said Pastor Nic Williams.
Community resources were involved as well, with organizations from UnidosNow to Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading featured at an indoor expo.
"It really is just a fun celebration for them at the end of the year," Williams said. 'They accomplished school, but they also accomplish summer school and we get to send them out with a bang, so it's a cool event."
