Swope, Rodante Vanguard Student Athlete Award adds two board members

The Swope, Rodante Vanguard Student Athlete Award has added Sara Bogue and Ray Roa to its selection board as the program prepares to recognize another class of top Hillsborough County high school senior student-athletes. The board helps choose winners based on academics, athletics, leadership and service.

Why it matters: - The award spotlights Hillsborough County senior student-athletes who excel in the classroom, in competition and in their communities. - Adding new board members broadens the mix of education, media, public service and athletics experience guiding the selections. - The selection process helps ensure the award reflects both athletic achievement and broader leadership.

What happened: - The Swope, Rodante Vanguard Student Athlete Award named Sara Bogue and Ray Roa to its Selection Board. - The announcement was made Aug. 21, 2026, in Tampa. - The award recognizes outstanding Hillsborough County high school senior student-athletes each year.

The details: - Sara Bogue brings more than 20 years of experience in education and athletics in Hillsborough County Public Schools. - Bogue has served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and athletic administrator. - Bogue is Hillsborough County’s first female Director of Athletics. - Bogue works to expand opportunities for student-athletes and promote excellence across the district. - Bogue played collegiate basketball and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Saint Leo University. - Bogue has worked at Newsome, Lennard and Bloomingdale high schools. - Bogue serves on the board of directors for the Florida Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and is a member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. - Ray Roa is editor-in-chief and co-owner of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. - Roa has written for Creative Loafing Tampa Bay since 2011. - Roa co-hosts The Skinny, a public affairs radio program airing Fridays on WMNF 88.5-FM. - Roa’s work has also appeared in the Tampa Bay Times, Consequence of Sound, Suburban Apologist, REAX Music Magazine and The Daily Beast. - Roa has lived in Tampa Bay since age 11. - Roa also works to grow the Tampa Bay Journalism Project, a nonprofit-driven effort aimed at expanding free local news and information across the region. - The board also includes Senator Arthenia Joyner, Fentrice Driskell, Santiago Corrada, Claire Lessinger, Chief Barbara Tripp, Patrick Manteiga, Carlton Rice and Chris Griffin. - The selection board members volunteer their time and expertise to help choose each year’s recipients.

Between the lines: - The board blends local credibility from schools, media, sports, government and community institutions. - Bogue’s background suggests a focus on student development inside athletic programs. - Roa’s journalism and civic work add a perspective rooted in local storytelling and public access to information. - The award’s criteria point to a broader definition of student success than athletics alone.

What's next: - The expanded board will continue reviewing Hillsborough County student-athlete candidates for future award cycles. - The program will keep honoring students who combine strong academics, athletic performance, leadership and service. - Vanguard Attorneys shared contact information for further inquiries at +1 813-471-4444.