CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director
Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit
(813) 557-3366 | Erin.Maloney@sao13th.com
TAMPA, FL (December 20, 2023) — More than 200 students at Graham Elementary School will receive a special visit from the State Attorney’s Office and Santa Claus this Friday, December 22. As part of the office’s Community Engagement initiative, our 320 employees adopted the students at Graham to ensure each child goes home with a gift of their choice before Holiday Break.
In partnership with Principal Eric Felder, each student provided a list of gifts they would like for the holidays. The presents will be delivered by Santa himself to all grade levels on Friday. Media is invited to arrive at 9:45 a.m. at the school, which is located at 2915 N Massachusetts Avenue in Tampa. Media will be on hand to watch the entire second grade open their gifts at 10:00 a.m. Graham Elementary is a Title I school with a 100% Economically Disadvantaged Rate.
“Many times, community members have contact with the State Attorney’s Office during a dark time in their lives. Our attorneys and support staff are deeply committed to making positive impacts outside of the courtroom to help our community. These students are our future, and it is everyone’s responsibility to support and nurture them, especially during the holidays. Many of these young children asked for simple items like blankets, socks, or an action figure. Being able to brighten their holiday is an honor and the true meaning of the season,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
“We are so grateful to State Attorney Suzy Lopez and her team for supporting our students. This is a special time of year, and their giving spirit will be felt by every child at Graham Elementary. When our students are supported emotionally and physically, they can do their best academically,” said Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres.
State Attorney Lopez leads a team of talented prosecutors and professional staff who are responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping the public informed about the outcomes of major court cases to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe it is of utmost importance for the public to understand how our justice system operates in order to build trust. To learn more about the outcome of cases prosecuted in our office, you can follow us on social media:
· Twitter: @HillsboroughSAO, @SuzyLopezSA
· Instagram: @HillsboroughStateAttorney
· Facebook: @HillsboroughSAO
About the State Attorney’s Office
The State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City. The office staff consists of approximately 320 dedicated public servants including 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim advocates, and support staff. The office handles approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn more about the organization or apply to become part of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.