W E ST O RA N G E T I M E S &
Observer Celebrating more than 110 years in West Orange
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VOLUME 85, NO. 8
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Winter Garden goes green for Splash Gala. PAGE 9.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2018
West Orange teachers take a stand Teachers, parents join demonstration for better work conditions. STORY ON PAGE 3.
YOUR TOWN
‘Who is Erin Matherne?’ This Winter Garden resident fulfilled a longtime dream recently when she appeared on the popular game show, ‘Jeopardy!’
WEST ORANGE COUNSELOR HONORED
SEE PAGE 8
Rima Rabieh, of West Orange High School, has been recognized as the Orange County School Counselors Association’s 2017-18 High School Counselor of the Year. She was selected because she embodies and demonstrates leadership, commitment and support of the students and community of West Orange High.
Windermere High, Gotha Middle and Thornebrooke Elementary schools all were placed on lockdown Feb. 16.
Courtesy of Jeopardy!
After decades of watching “Jeopardy,” Erin Matherne finally met the game show’s host, Alex Trebek.
MEET THE CANDIDATES
OBSERVER STAFF
Three West Orange-area schools were placed on lockdown and another two experienced other incidents last week. The lockdowns took place Friday, Feb. 16, at Windermere High, Gotha Middle and Thornebrooke Elementary. Windermere High was placed on lockdown following reports of a threatening call, Principal Doug Guthrie reported via Facebook. Guthrie announced the lockdown at about 11:10 a.m. SEE THREE PAGE 6
Ocoee residents will be able to hear from the candidates for the city’s District 2 and 4 commission seats at the 2018 Ocoee Political Forum. SEE PAGE 4.
SPORTS
Three area schools placed on lockdown last week
SPRING PREVIEW We say goodbye to the brisk winter weather and hello to West Orange-area softball, baseball and lacrosse in our special Spring Sports Preview. PAGE 17