CONGRATULATIONS

Avalon Middle

Karen Furno is a strong instructional leader who is committed to excellence and supporting her faculty and staff at Avalon Middle.

Under her leadership, Avalon Middle was the first middle school to be recognized as a United States Department of Education 2021 National Blue Ribbon School since 1989. In addition, Avalon Middle outscored all other schools in the district on the Florida Standards Assessments test during the 2018-19 school year.

Her OCPS career began as an alternative-education teacher at the Wymore Career Education Center in Eatonville more than 30 years ago.

One of Furno’s main goals is building a positive school climate that emphasizes learning, strong relationships, respect and acceptance of diversity. Furno is a hands-on principal who works with her team to continuously evaluate programs and make necessary adjustments that lead students to success.

Her other accomplishments include receiving the Disney Teacheriffic Award and helping Avalon and Chain of Lakes Middle schools become “A-rated” schools in Orange County during her tenure.

Prairie Lake Elementary

Robert Strenth is a servant leader who champions his staff and students at Prairie Lake Elementary.

His upbringing has shaped him into the educator he is today. Strenth’s mom was a single parent who didn’t finish high school. They moved frequently, so he grew up without a hometown or extended family. He also struggled with academics.

Strenth decided to become a changemaker after he graduated from high school. He pursued an education career because he wanted to be the teacher he never had as a child.

For more than 20 years, Strenth has strived to ensure all his OCPS students have a promising and successful future. He goes the extra mile by filling in for teachers, answering phone calls at the front desk and providing his assistance in the cafeteria and nurse’s office.

As a principal, Strenth has created a family atmosphere where everyone is accepted. He also has worked with Prairie Lake Elementary teachers and students to increase the school grade from a “C” to a “B” in 2022.