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From Classroom to Community: A Student’s Calling to Serve BY ANDREAS MAYR
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orest Lake Academy (FLA) has provided me with many opportunities to serve my community, whether through our Day of Caring, Servant Leadership classes, or being part of the Apopka Youth Council. These opportunities have given me a different perspective and a desire to help those in need. Since being at FLA, I’ve seen that I am more welcoming and ready to help others. Even though this is my last year at FLA, I will continue
to be a helping hand in my community, church, and neighborhood. I also hope to continue serving in meaningful ways while in college. Serving on the Apopka Youth Council has required me to manage my time well and balance my other commitments, including school and sports. It has been a valuable experience that helped me grow in responsibility and leadership. I’ve also built friendships with fellow members, and enjoyed working together on com-
munity projects — including creating a booklet honoring historical Black leaders in Apopka, Florida — participating in cleanup events, and helping organize a reading night for children. We are also planning to launch a tutoring program next year. Each project has reminded me that service can make a difference, even in small ways. I’m so grateful to the City of Apopka for this chance to serve and sharpen my understanding of leadership. The Servant Leadership program at
Bryan Nelson (fourth from right), Apopka mayor, invited Forest Lake Academy students and Andrew Moreno (third from left), campus pastor and Bible teacher, to share how FLA has been blessed by serving the community.
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SOUTHERN TIDINGS | SEPTEMBER 2025