From the stage to the studio, the fine arts play a vital role in helping students discover their talents, build confidence, and express their creativity. In this episode of More to the Story, we sit down with Laura Hobby to explore the many opportunities available to students through Hillsborough County Public Schools' Fine Arts programs.

From elementary school performances to nationally recognized programs, you'll hear how the arts inspire innovation, strengthen student engagement, and create meaningful connections across our schools and communities.

Whether you're a parent, student, educator, or arts enthusiast, this episode offers an inside look at the impact of fine arts education and why creativity remains an essential part of the K-12 experience.

What happens when learning goes beyond the classroom walls?

In this episode of More to the Story, we explore Hillsborough County Public Schools' expanded academic field trip opportunities with Shana Tirado and Jessica Kepa from the Academic Services team. Learn how millage funding is making it possible for every PreK-8 student to participate in curriculum-connected field trips at no cost to families, creating real-world learning experiences that inspire curiosity, deepen understanding, and expand opportunities for all students.

In this episode of More to the Story, we sit down with Christopher Jargo and Larissa Lizarraga from our Career and Technical Education team to discuss how CTE programs help students discover their interests, develop real-world skills, and prepare for future careers.

Whether your child is already exploring career interests or just beginning to think about the future, this episode offers valuable insight into the programs helping students find their path.

Music education is about so much more than learning notes and rhythms. It helps students build confidence, creativity, discipline, collaboration skills, and a sense of belonging. In this episode of More to the Story, Tracy Lisi, Supervisor of Elementary Music Education, and Jon Sever, Supervisor of Secondary Music Education, discuss the many music opportunities available to students across Hillsborough County Public Schools.

This episode, we sit down with Denee Upshaw, Director of Virtual Instruction, to pull back the curtain on Hillsborough Virtual School - how it works, who it's for, and why some families are choosing it for one or two classes for their child to full virtual instruction.

Season 2 of More to the Story, the official podcast of Hillsborough County Public Schools, begins with a special conversation featuring Superintendent Van Ayres.

In this episode, Superintendent Ayres reflects on the district's recent progress, discusses the opportunities ahead, and shares his vision for continuing to serve the students, families, and employees of HCPS. From academic achievement and innovation to community partnerships and what’s next for the district, this conversation offers an inside look at the work happening across one of the nation's largest school districts.

This episode is all about student perspective — because who better to tell the story of our schools than the students who have lived it every day?

From their first days in kindergarten to their final year of high school, students experience so much growth, learning, and change along the way.

Today, I’m joined by two of our high school seniors, Ella Connell and Dillon Colaso, who are here to reflect on their K–12 journey, share what has stood out to them, and talk about what’s next as they prepare to graduate.

For this episode, we’re today we’re celebrating a milestone worth recognizing.

Our district has reached the highest graduation rate in our history — 90.9 percent, and when looking at traditional high schools alone, that number climbs to 93 percent! Behind every one of those percentages is a student, a story, and a team of educators working together to help that student reach one of the most meaningful milestones in their academic journey — walking across the stage to receive their diploma.

Joining the podcast today to talk about the work that happens behind the scenes to make that moment possible is Christina Raburn, Executive Director for High School Education.

For this episode, we’re talking about something that plays a critical role in the success of our schools — advocacy.

Behind every program, every opportunity, and every support system for students, there are leaders working to ensure schools have the resources they need to serve children well — not just at the local level, but at the state level too.

Joining the podcast today is Patti Rendon, a member of our School Board and a strong supporter of public education who also serves as an advocate for our schools with legislators.

For this episode, we are talking about something that impacts every classroom, every family, and every student — mental health and overall well-being. We know that for students to learn and thrive, they must first feel safe, supported, and connected. And increasingly, schools play a critical role in supporting not just academic success, but the whole child. Joining the conversation is Karen Perez, Chair of our School Board, who has been a strong advocate for student mental health and well-being.