By Sonia Lavina
For the fifth year, Busciglio Smiles presented two high school students with a $500 Busciglio Smiles Academic Scholarship award at its Brandon office in May.
The winners, Diana Corzine from Plant City High School and Tiffany Brightwell from Strawberry Crest High School, submitted an essay titled ‘Athletics vs. Academics, can student athletes really have it all?’ to the dental office. The message from the winners is that it takes hard work and commitment on the athletic field to succeed, and that translates to the classroom.
“They also realize competitive athletics will end at some point and the value of their education continues to return dividends throughout life,” said Dr. Derek Busciglio D.M.D.
Dr. Derek explained that the scholarship recognizes future community leaders with something tangible that will help them with college. According to Dr. Dana Busciglio D.M.D., the two young ladies chosen to receive the Busciglio Smiles scholarship truly exemplify what it takes to excel in both academics and athletics.
“It makes me proud that these young women are setting good examples for our community,” said Dr. Dana.
Corzine notes that this scholarship is especially meaningful because she is also a patient of Dr. Busciglio’s office. “I’m so grateful to Busciglio Orthodontics for investing in me and making this scholarship possible,” said Corzine. Brightwell added, “I’m very excited because I want to be a dentist, and was extremely happy to receive a scholarship by Busciglio Smiles.”
The criteria for next year’s scholarships remain the same and will be announced to the schools in eastern Hillsborough County next spring. Criteria requires acceptance to college for the following year and previous participation in any type of sport in high school.
Dr. Derek notes that one of the biggest challenges kids face today is the rising cost of education.
“If this scholarship can help buy a laptop or some books, we feel it has been a great service to our winners,” said Dr. Derek. “I am so proud of our practice and our involvement in the community,” said Katie Busciglio, Practice Manager.
Busciglio Smiles is a family owned and operated Orthodontic and Pediatric dental facility founded in 1972 by Dr. John Busciglio. Since his retirement, Dr. John’s children, Dr. Derek and Dr. Dana Busciglio, continue to manage and grow the practice. It has locations in Brandon, Plant City, and Lithia (FishHawk) to better serve the community. Call today for a free consultation at 681-9473 and visit www.theorthodoc.com.
