SCHOOL NEWS

Orange County Public Schools Receives National Recognition

Orange County Public Schools has been named one of America’s best communities for music education yet again. This recognition came from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation (NAMM) and marks the fourth year in a row in which OCPS has been honored with the distinction.

The foundation focuses on encouragement of the arts through public service programs, philanthropy and scientific research. Drawing on the attempt to implement and celebrate arts education, the Orange County community has teamed up with both local and national celebrities who have roots in Orlando as a way to encourage students to get involved with arts in their school. Some include Michael James Scott, infamous for the role of Genie in “Aladdin” on Broadway and Sophia Deler, a recent OCPS graduate and star of “The Prom,” a new Netflix favorite.

“Our school board remains committed to providing arts education to 100% of our students, even during the pandemic,” says OCPS Superintendent Barbara Jenkins.

Local Student Earns Full-Ride Scholarship

Florida Atlantic University’s Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program has announced its class of 2025 scholarship recipients and among them is Orlando graduate, Sharon Carineau. She attended Oak Ridge High School and is one of the 15 students who will receive the opportunity to graduate from FAU debt-free. This program provides wraparound services for Florida’s select academically talented, first-generation, low-income students. In addition, financial and academic support is shared through services such as career planning, mentoring and financial literacy support. “Our program removes the most pressing barriers so these students can dream of a brighter future through education,” says FAU President John Kelly. “As we prepare to welcome our fifth class of scholars, I am immensely proud of our growth as a program.”

WPS Congratulates Top Students

Windermere Preparatory School would like to congratulate the class of 2021 valedictorian and salutatorian. John Geller, who has been a Laker since Kindergarten, received the title of valedictorian. Through his busy schedule as an IBD student, member of SGA and captain of the football team, he was able to master time management skills. He will be attending the University of Notre Dame to study computer science and ultimately hopes to work in the technology field. Zaid Syed has attended WPS since fifth grade and has earned the title of class of 2021 salutatorian. He was a member of the Latin Club and National Honor Society and gained confidence as a result of his entrepreneurial studies in school. He will attend the University of Florida in the fall.