A Polk County School Gets a Boost from Tampa Electric

Gause Academy staff in spirit shirts, which were gifted as incentives for various achievements

A Tampa Electric charity golf tournament, held by employees of our Big Bend and Polk Power Stations, racked up a real win for local charities and schools. The successful event benefited Bartow's Gause Academy of Leadership and Applied Technology, Ruskin's My Warrior's Place, Buddy Baseball in Temple Terrace and Gibsonton's East Bay High School.

The tournament's proceeds allowed us to donate $25,000 to Gause Academy, which offers specialized programs and workforce training for students in grades six through 12.

The results are already noticeable.

The school recently earned a "Commendable" rating from the Florida Department of Education as an Alternative Accountability Site - the school's first "Commendable" since 2019. The rating signifies "a significant percentage of the students attending the school are making learning gains," according to the Florida Department of Education.

"Much of our success is attributed to the steadfast support from your team at TECO," said MaryJo Costine, Gause Principal. "We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the positive impact it has had on our school community."

The school used the donation to encourage student performance with weekly incentives, "Students of the Month" recognition and celebrations of achievements such as improved attendance, grades and test scores. Staff received stand-up rolling desks, spirit shirts, wish-lists and other incentive items for the school year.

Gause students also received the shirts based on their own academic achievements

Principal Costine said the school faculty and students are excited for the future as they strive for another Commendable rating for the 2025-2026 school year.

The next Big Bend and Polk Charity Golf Tournament is scheduled for December 2025.