The Tampa Bay area has a variety of unique components including its iconic locations, enriching experiences, and beautiful scenery that residents greatly appreciate. These special components make Academy students proud to call Tampa Bay home. For students, some of their favorite parts about Tampa Bay include Bayshore sunrises, attending AHN, Busch Gardens, going to the beach, and watching local sports teams. Sophomore Sydney Hinds (’27), who recently moved to Tampa, said, “It’s really nice to wake up every morning and ride to school on Bayshore. The bay is so gorgeous and the food is so delicious because many cultures live here.”
Busch Gardens:
Tampa Bay is lucky to be home to the original Busch Gardens Theme Park. Busch Gardens has a variety of fun activities to offer, specifically a wide range of animals and amusement park rides. The theme park’s zoo is known for having around 3000 animals of more than 300 species. One of the most memorable parts of going to Busch Gardens for AHN students, however, is the iconic rides.
Amelia Lontchar (‘27) detailed her experience, saying , “Busch Gardens is one of my favorite things about Tampa because I am a huge roller coaster fan and think Busch Gardens is a great thrill! It’s so cool when I get to ride the roller coasters high enough to see the entire Tampa Bay Area. I especially love the Cheetah Hunt ride.”
Academy of the Holy Names:
The Tampa Bay area is lucky to call the Academy of the Holy Names home. AHN is locally renowned for its rigorous education and nurturing environment. It’s safe to say attending AHN is an iconic Tampa Bay experience like no other. Students recognize these qualities as reasons why they enjoy attending AHN and why it’s one of their favorite things about the Tampa Bay area.
Yasmeen Luzod (‘26) specifically said, “I love attending AHN because it’s very welcoming with the people and environment. I think I’ve built some really good relationships with the faculty and students as well, which I am more than grateful I’ve had the opportunity to do so.”
Bayshore Sunrises:
The massive bay allows residents to enjoy starting their days watching the beautiful sunrise. One of the most iconic places to watch the sunrise in Tampa is on Bayshore Boulevard, where AHN is located. When students arrive at school in the morning, they enjoy beginning their day with a clear view of the sunrise outside classroom windows. Freshmen Emma Hernandez especially appreciates how Bayshore Boulevard’s sunrises are a unique Tampa Bay treat.
Emma Hernandez (‘28) spoke of her appreciation for the vibrant mornings on Bayshore, stating, “I like going to school with the beautiful Bayshore view because it helps me get new perspectives and calms me for the new day. Watching the sunrise helps me feel grounded and ready for the new day with new opportunities. It also makes me feel grateful for the life God gave us and the world we live in.”
Our Sports Teams:
Between the Buccaneers, the Lightning, and the Rays, Tampa Bay has a reputation for competitive sports teams. Statistically, each of these teams have had many successful games in the past few years, earning Tampa Bay the nickname “Champa Bay.” Watching these sports teams play is one of the favorite pastimes of Tampa residents. Attending sporting events with friends and family is an even more memorable experience.
Senior Erica Port (’25) said, “I have enjoyed being able to attend a Lightning game! It was even better than watching them play on TV because I loved the positive atmosphere. Plus, it was really interesting to see that it wasn’t just a hockey game, there was food, cool lights, and even an organ player.”
The Beach:
Florida is known throughout the country for its beautiful beaches, especially Tampa Bay. Our beaches have wildlife, clean oceans, and pretty sunsets that we are lucky to have access to all year. Many students love going to the beach with their friends and participating in activities like swimming and tanning. Local beaches are also very pretty areas to take photos and have parties. Overall, Tampa has many unique aspects that AHN students recognize as making it a special place to live.
Senior Lily Hund loves how the beach helps her relax, “I go to the beach to watch the sunset a few times a week and it’s definitely the most peaceful part of my day. I think it’s a really grounding feeling to get away from a stressful day and sit with my thoughts or journal while I’m there. I also love going to the beach in the summer time since it’s something that most of my friends enjoy doing together.”
