GOOD AFTERNOON GLADIATORS!

This morning I woke up feeling incredible grateful for God's protection over our community and the Gibbs High School campus as we weathered Hurricane Irma. The storm passed through the Tampa Bay area as a Cateory 2 hurricane. It's during times like this that our faith is strengthened and we are able to show what we are truly made of. I was reminded of what's most important to us -- the safety and well-being of our families and friends.

First and foremost, I hope that this email finds each one of you and your families safe. I am pleased to report that all St. Petersburg residents, Gibbs High School Shelter Team and PCS staff who were being sheltered on the Gibbs High School campus are safe and returned to the comforts of their home and family memebers. 

I also want to express my deep thanks and gratitude to the many, many individuals in our community who worked in preparation not only before the storm, but through the midst of the storm, putting the needs of our community before their own -- a beautfiul example of love and compassion in action.

In particular, I would like to recognize our Gibbs High School Shelter Team and the many volunteers who prepared our campus in preparation for Hurrican Irma, and who worked without any thought of themselves and their Well-being. Also, I would like to recognize our PCS Plant Operations Team who worked to mitigate damages and who are currently working to assess damages and make repairs to our campus.

Furthermore, I need to recognize the St. Petersburg Police Department. The team assisgned to our shelter worked hand in hand with the Operations and Logistics team to pland for the safety of more than 1,800 evacuees who soight refuge on our campus throught the hurricane.

Finally, the Cafeteria team did and amazing job providing essential food preparations during the storm. We are blessed with and incredible community here at Gibbs High School.

We are grateful for all of the prayers and support we have received from across the country. Thank you all for your acts of kindness and your love for your fellow man.

It is my prayer that God will continue to keep His hand upon our school and community. I look forward to seeing all of you soon and remember...GOOOOOOOO GLADIATORS!!!!

Reuben C. Hepburn, Principal, Gibbs High School