School News - 06/07/12

Dr. Phillips Elementary students participated in the annual Modern Woodmen of America Civic Oration Contest. This year’s topic was “A Time in History When Volunteers Made a Difference.” Congratulations to winners Paul DeHart, Jacob Hartman and Sophia Vitello, who placed first through third, respectively.

Lake Whitney Elementary parent Blakely Meyers was recognized as the Orange County Public Schools Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. Ms. Meyers has volunteered at LWES for four years, and her accomplishments include creating the Lake Whitney Dolphin Education Fund, which has raised more than $95,000; coordinating a second-grade musical; creating and running the school’s yearbook club; holding a PTO executive board position for three years; and serving as a homeroom parent in her children’s classes. She was honored last month during a ceremony at SeaWorld Orlando.

Sunset Park Elementary students and physical education teacher David Weisberg (back, far right) attend Spirit Night at an Orlando Magic basketball game.

Whispering Oak Elementary students participated in a schoolwide recycling competition. First-place honors went to Michele Tanski’s fifth-graders, who recycled 559 inches of stacked phone books, magazines and newspapers. In total, the school recycled paper that if stacked would reach higher than a 13-story building.

Windermere Elementary students and faculty members participated in the school’s sixth annual talent show. This year’s theme was “Disco Fever.”

Windy Ridge School student Riana Kuring won first-place honors at the Orange County Public Schools Top Talent Competition that was held at Hard Rock Live. Riana’s singing performance of And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going won her school a $1,000 grant and trophy that will be on display at WRS for one year. She also was asked to perform at a 2012-13 Orlando Magic basketball game. Proceeds from the talent competition, which raised more than $8,000 through a silent auction, benefited The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools. Riana’s proud parents are Richard and Ana Kuring.

Lakeview Middle School Resource Officer Neftali “Nefty” Albaladejo of the Winter Garden Police Department received a certificate of achievement from LMS officials for his service and dedication to the school. Officer Nefty, an integral member of the school staff, is always available for students, families and staff members.

Southwest Middle students participated in the annual Modern Woodmen of America Civic Oration Contest. This year’s topic was “A Time in History When Volunteers Made a Difference.” Congratulations to winners Amy Smith, Amanda Negrin and Julia James. Top finishers Amy and Amanda advanced to the county level of the competition.

Dr. Phillips High Interact Club members volunteered at a concession stand at the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard. The students worked with members of the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips, and proceeds from the stand benefited local community projects.

Foundation Academy is sponsoring an essay contest for students enrolling at the school for the 2012-13 year. The grand prize is a $2,000 scholarship to FA. To enter, students should write a 500- to 1,000-word essay about which character traits they admire most about NFL quarterback Tim Tebow and why. Parents may assist students in kindergarten through fifth grade; however, essays for students in grades six through 12 must be written by the student only. Entries should be mailed to the attention of Kathy Smith at FA, 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787; emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; or faxed to 407-877-1985. A parent or guardian must complete the entry form, which can be found at www.foundationacademy.net/essaycontest on the Web. The entry deadline is July 1, 2012.