With a new year comes new experiences, new memories and new events to look forward to. From musical productions to championship games, Plant High School is sprouting with exciting opportunities! With 2026 already underway, Plant High School and its diverse programs are ready for a year of learning, competing, and creating.
Setting the ‘Tone’ for 2026
The music and art programs here at Plant are taking center stage in 2026!
The Plant Orchestra is eagerly preparing for its debut at the Boston Conservatory this February. Students in the Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras have been preparing their pieces since the beginning of the year, before and after school, striving for another exceptional performance. Plant Orchestra isn’t new to prestigious stages, having performed at both Carnegie Hall and The Kennedy Center in the past two years. Steven Bossert and the Plant Orchestra will be making sure to pack their instruments, warm coats, and their best musician selves.
The Plant Band is marching full speed ahead into 2026! Musicians are perfecting their pieces for the Hillsborough County ‘Music Performance Assessment’ (MPA) and taking a trip to Orlando in early April to perform at the ‘Music for All Regional Concert Band Invitational’ held at the Dr. Phillips Center.
Plant Chorus is ringing – or singing – in the new year, while honoring the old. Plant Chorus is introducing new productions this semester, including “Panther Playlist,” a collection of musical performances from iconic movies across generations and genres. However, Plant Chorus wouldn’t be Plant Chorus without “Rick’s Cafe,” a show that has run in the auditorium for over a decade! This year, Plant Chorus is paying homage to “Rick’s” while creating a new, modern rendition. Plant Chorus will be performing their show at the Colombia Restaurant on March 1st. The a cappella groups, ‘Pink Panthers’ and ‘Pawcappella,’ will be taking the stage for their annual ‘A Cappella Showcase’ on April 1st in the Plant auditorium. The groups will be performing songs – and even a few mashups – from famous artists and movie soundtracks.
Plant Theatre Company is ‘Putting on a Happy Face’ for the spring musical “Bye Bye Birdie.” The production will take place at Plant on April 23-25. Plant Theatre students are taking off to New York City in February, having the opportunity to take professional musical theatre workshops and watch famous Broadway musicals.
New Year, New Seasons
Plant athletes are ‘kicking off’ the new year! Sports teams are starting strong with tryouts and practices, preparing for upcoming games and competitions.
The Plant Girls Soccer Team is setting high ‘goals’ this season, continuing to dominate on the field. The team won second place at the Tampa Bay Invitational Tournament, winning two games and tying the third. January 13th is their senior night, celebrating the bonds and accomplishments of teammates. The Plant Boys’ Soccer Team also wraps up their season on a high note, adding another win at their Tampa Bay Invitational Tournament. Don’t miss the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams’ last home games of the season!
Plant Basketball ‘shoots for the stars’ with the Plant Men’s Basketball Team dominating two games against Bell Creek and Steinbrenner already this year. Girls’ Basketball continues its season, securing wins leading up to Senior Night on January 26th. The boys have their senior night on January 13th.
Plant Wrestling continues its winter season, with JV participating in a tournament at Land O’ Lakes High School.
Make sure to come out and support the Panthers during their winter season!
Another Year of Memories
To most students at Plant, another year means preparing for more classes and more exams. However, in the senior class, January begins the countdown to graduation and stepping into adulthood. With more college acceptances coming out and final decisions being made, the new year can bring both stress and worry. Regardless, Plant is attempting to reward hard work, with pep rallies and constant events.
Make sure to start shopping and practice your dance moves! Plant Prom will take place on April 18th at the Shanna and Bryan Glazer JCC. The evening will consist of music, dances, and the highly anticipated Prom Queen and King reveal.
On an academic note, class registration and counseling are starting for next school year. Whether you want to go into the medical field, law studies or see a future in creating music, there are plenty of classes for every student looking to gain everything from trying new things to a rigorous course load.
