This week’s episode of “Between Faith and Reason” will feature Krystal Thomas Smith, a former Duke and WNBA basketball player.
Smith is also the founder of Kingdom Basketball Academy and associate athletic director at Foundation Academy.
“Between Faith and Reason” is a new podcast produced by Foundation Academy in partnership with Observer Media Group. You can listen to the podcast at orangeobserver.com/podcast/between-faith-and-reason or by searching for “Between Faith and Reason” in your podcast app of choice.
SHOWCASE TO FEATURE
STUDENT ARTISTS
The Young Creatives Showcase is collaborating with the Winter Garden Art Association to spotlight talented high school and college-age students in the Spring 2025 Curation. The opening reception will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 10, at Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant St. The mission of TYCS is to host art shows and curations to display the exceptional 2D and 3D artwork of talented students selected for seasonal events. For information, visit wgart.org/ see/young-creatives-showcase.
Photos by Brooklyn Moses Penelope Walker will portray the Wicked Witch of the West in Foundation Academy’s production of ‘The Wizard of Oz.’
Davidson
Scarecrow, Jaslyn Quintana as Dorothy and
Community remembers David Siegel
MICHAEL ENG EDITOR AND PUBLISHER
David Siegel, founder of Westgate Resorts, died Saturday, April 5, 2025. He was 89.
In an official statement, the Siegel family said Mr. Siegel spent his final days surrounded by the ones he loved most.
“David’s last months were spent surrounded by his loving wife, Jacqueline; his children; extended family; and close friends,” the family said in the statement.
Mr. Siegel established Westgate Resorts in 1982, with its first property on an orange grove he owned in Kissimmee. It has since become the largest privately held timeshare company in the world and one of the largest resort developers in the United States.
The empire he built includes more than 13,500 rooms at 22 resorts across the United States. In 40 years, Mr. Siegel built Westgate Resorts into the largest private employer in Central Florida. Most recently, he announced an expansion of more than 44 resort destinations set to close this year with the acquisition of Vacation Ownership Sales the management and development company
ue to preserve its family origins, and the significant resources and ambition to instill joy in the lives we touch through the hospitality we provide.
“It was David’s enduring wish that the spirit of what makes Westgate successful — entrepreneurialism, customer satisfaction and quality product that is at the heart of our DNA — will be the guiding principles of the next generation of leadership at our company,” he said. “We know that we are all up to the task of driving forward the legacy of this visionary man and the company he founded.”
During his career, Mr. Siegel received an honorary doctoral degree from Florida A&M University, ARDA’s ACE Philanthropy Award, and Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year for Florida. In 2013, he was inducted into the Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame by the University of Central Florida. Earlier this year, ARDA honored Siegel with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
In addition to his business achievements, Mr. Siegel also will be remembered for his work solving the nation’s drug epidemic — a cause he adopted in 2015 after his daughter, Victoria, died of an overdose.
He founded the Victoria’s Voice
issue. Some of his accomplishments include Victoria’s Law in Florida, which mobilized the Department of Health and other statewide agencies to focus on awareness and tackling this epidemic. On a national level as well as within Florida, he was instrumental in passing a law that declared June 6 — the day of Victoria’s passing — as National Naloxone Awareness Day, with more than 100 landmarks around the country lighting up purple to create awareness of this issue.
His efforts also led to the passing of the CARA Act, a federal law that unlocked significant funds to be used toward fighting the drug epidemic. His goal was to rally affected families around the leading cause of unnatural death among young people.
As a U.S. Air Force veteran, Mr. Siegel donated more than 28,000 complimentary vacations to members of our armed services in appreciation for their service to our country. The Westgate Foundation recently distributed grants of $1.5 million to community-focused organizations across the United States.
Mr. Siegel was also an active and contributing leader in the West Orange and Southwest Orange communities.
“The Rosen JCC is deeply sad -
role in helping establish and sustain the Rosen JCC as a vital part of our community. His children were part of our preschool family, and the dedication of our Event Center lobby in memory of his beloved daughter, Victoria, stands as a lasting tribute to the Siegel family’s legacy. We join the greater community in mourning his loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to the Siegel family. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.”
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings called Mr. Siegel a “visionary leader and compassionate advocate.”
“His work in building Westgate Resorts into a global leader, alongside his dedication to preventing opioid abuse through the Victoria’s Voice Foundation created to honor the memory of his daughter, has left an indelible mark on our community and beyond,” he said.
“true icon within the hospitality and real-estate industries.”
“He was also a generous leader, a champion for his team and a passionate advocate for addiction prevention following the tragic loss of his daughter, Victoria,” they said. “Furthermore, David’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to growth reshaped the vacation ownership industry in Central Florida and beyond.”
Mr. Siegel is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Siegel; daughters, Stacey Siegel, Valerie Drinkwater, Deborah Siegel, Jacqueline Siegel and Jordan Siegel; sons, Richard Siegel, David Siegel, Daniel Siegel and Drew Siegel; stepdaughters, Kelly Hite and Janet Maland; 12 grandchildren and step-grandchildren; and brother, Barry Siegel.
Mr. Siegel was predeceased by his daughter, Victoria “Rikki” Siegel; his oldest son, Steven Siegel; brother Norman Siegel; and his parents, Sidney and Sadelle Siegel.
Two days after Mr. Siegel’s death, Jacqueline Siegel announced her sister, Jessica Mallery, 43, died from an accidental drug overdose.
“Jessica died after using cocaine laced with fentanyl,” Jacqueline Siegel said. “Her death is another stark reminder of the drug epidemic and fentanyl crisis plaguing our country — and the urgent need to address substance abuse in order to save lives. Our work at Victoria’s Voice remains more critical than ever, and in her memory, we will continue to raise awareness and advocate every single day until this form of grief is a distant memory in
Follow the yellow brick road to Foundation Academy
The cast of Foundation Acad-
emy’s spring musical is not in Kansas anymore. Or Florida, for that matter.
Students have been transported to the fantastical world of Oz as they prepare to bring the story of “The Wizard of Oz” to life on stage.
Christina Haak, fine arts director at Foundation Academy, said the musical has been in the works since last school year when a group of students gave a presentation to the theater department leadership on why “The Wizard of Oz” should be this year’s musical.
“Their points were very convincing, and they put a lot of time and effort into this,” Haak said of the presentation. “While we considered other shows, our creative team felt, ‘Let’s do it.’ They convinced us, and it’s ultimately more fun to do and a lot of times more successful to do a show that everyone wants to do.”
“The Wizard of Oz” film celebrated its 85th anniversary April 1, making the musical, which will be performed April 10-12, perfect timing.
The work on the musical began.
ALL HANDS ON DECK Foundation Academy’s performance of “The Wizard of Oz” will be one of the biggest and most technical shows the school has performed in the theater department’s history.
Haak said about 100 students are involved in the cast and crew of the production, which also includes fifth- and sixth-graders performing the munchkin roles.
“Our fine-arts program in general has grown exponentially over the past two or three years,” Haak said. “Our team of leaders has grown, and we have a really awesome group of staff, teachers and directors that lead this group, and then student interest has followed that.”
Having elementary students involved in the production helps to grow interest and feed the school’s upper campus theater program, Haak said.
She said the elementary students are enthusiastic to be a part of the musical theater world, and the upper campus students have demonstrated professionalism, kindness and respect while taking the younger students under their wings.
“We are really building a theater community here with all of our students, kindergarten through 12, which is, I think, important and really fun, too,” Haak said.
FINDING THE RIGHT CAST
When it came to casting the iconic roles of Dorothy, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West, Haak said the theater department took a different approach. Rather than have the directors of the show cast the roles, the school used a third-party casting team. The team consists of people in the performing arts community outside the school as well as people
within the school who are skilled in theater but might not be personally connected to the students. The goal is to have a more unbiased evaluation of who is best suited for each role.
“The students are cast very well in their roles, and we’ve watched them hold true to the tradition of some of these characters, while also making it their own,” Haak said.
She’s seen some of the leading students come into their own as actors and performers. Haak said Desmond “DJ” Coryatt Jr., who will play the Cowardly Lion, “totally embodies everything you would expect and want from the Cowardly Lion,” yet she can see his own vivid, loving, goofy personality come through in the role.
“The Wizard of Oz” also will be the first time some students who usually prefer to stay in the background are taking on center stage and basking in the spotlight. Armani Elliot, who is playing the Tin Man, has been singing for the school’s praise band and worship team. He decided to audition for this musical and let his talent truly shine.
“His voice is, of course, beautiful, but he has done such an incredible job stepping into the theater world,”
Haak said of Elliot. “He’s a very quick learner, a very hard worker and watching someone sit and take hold of a new area of the arts and watch him shine and fall in love with the art is incredibly rewarding.”
‘BEAUTIFUL’ PRODUCTION
From costumes to the set and props, Foundation Academy is ready to make “The Wizard of Oz” a mustsee production.
“If I do say so myself, the show is stunningly beautiful; it’s gorgeous,” Haak said. “It’s the incredible directors and students of this production that really have done a phenomenal job of bringing this story to life.”
Haak said a digital video wall will be used to bring the audience into the world of Oz.
Student-led crews have been hard at work creating set pieces that will be moved on and off stage as well as the props.
The technical elements of the show will feature some new surprises that Haak was not willing to divulge, but she said they help bring elements of the movie to life. For example, the technical crew has ways of helping the scene go from black and white to color just as it
does in the movie as well as ways to help the Wicked Witch of the West disappear and reappear. She said the technical elements will help to make the show “magical and add to the storytelling.”
Incorporating the technical elements has been an opportunity for the theater department to branch out and reach students who might not be interested in the more creative and artistic aspects of theater but rather engineering, technology and other aspects that come with the elements, Haak said.
“Our student crew team is huge compared to what it was, and we also see that some of our students will sort of flip flop back and forth from the stage and behind the scenes because there is so much more excitement and energy on both sides,” she said.
Besides the God-given talent of the students, Haak attributed the increase in students’ desire to be involved in all aspects of the production to the directors, technical directors and staff who champion the students by creating a culture and atmosphere of family within the department. She said students have the opportunity to learn and grow in areas in which they might be interested, and students are given skilllevel appropriate tasks so they can grow and have the room to create, try, fail and succeed.
Under the creative mind of Shawn Ryan, the show’s costume director, the costumes have been made to be as grand as the iconic characters themselves. Ryan created several of the costumes by reimagining pieces from previous performances, purchasing or renting items, and finding or borrowing other pieces.
“Our costumes are going to be absolutely out of this world,” Haak said. “The craftsmanship and artistry that Shawn brings to our productions, we’re just so grateful for him and his partnership with us.”
Haak said every costume in the production, no matter how big or small the role, is individualized, down to every last Munchkin.
“They’re in a costume that was created personally for them, and it’s something they can kind of step into and live in as they bring their character to life,” Haak said. “Each one is just really unique, and you don’t always get that in a high school production.”
IF YOU GO
FOUNDATION ACADEMY’S
“THE WIZARD OF OZ”
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 10, Friday, April 11, 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12 and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 12
The West Orange Times meets the legal requirements to publish legal and public notices in Orange County per F.S. 50.011 USPS Periodicals
WEST ORANGE TIMES
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
Armani Elliot plays a convincing Tin Man in Foundation Academy’s production of ‘The Wizard of Oz.’
Photos by Brooklyn Moses Jaslyn Quintana has the lead role of Dorothy.
Desmond “DJ” Coryatt Jr. loves performing as the Cowardly Lion.
About 100 students are involved in the cast and crew of Foundation’s production of ‘The Wizard of Oz.’
Celebrating Ocoee’s Centennial
1975-1985
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE COMMUNITY EDITOR
The beautiful and magnificent home on Bluford Avenue — later named the Withers-Maguire House for the first two families to live there — has stood near the western shores of Ocoee’s Starke Lake since it was built by William Temple Withers in 1888.
Withers, a retired Civil War general and Kentucky horse breeder, moved to the warmer climes of Central Florida at the advice of his doctor.
Today, it remains one of Orange County’s oldest homes. It still stands at the intersection of Oakland and North Bluford avenues and has been owned by the city of Ocoee since 1983. In 1987, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
AN INNOVATIVE HOME
Withers first visited the Ocoee area in 1884 and purchased 110 acres of the new Ocoee settlement from Capt. Bluford Sims in 1887. A portion of this purchase included the lot on which the Withers-Maguire House was constructed in 1888. The house is of a Stick Victorian architectural style — reminiscent of his Kentucky home — built with Florida heart pine milled on the property and an inviting wrap-around porch. The construction cost of $3,700 included the home plus a boathouse on the nearby lake and bathing tank. The house featured several innovations for its time, such as electrical wiring enclosed in the walls and closets in the bedrooms.
Withers enjoyed his new home for just one year after he and his wife, Martha, and 10 children moved in; he died in 1889 at the age of 64. His wife and family returned to Kentucky and made only occasional visits to the Ocoee property over the next several years. It sat empty until David Oscar Maguire — a prominent member of the area’s citrus and vegetable industries whose Ocoee home was destroyed by fire — purchased it with most of its furnishings from Withers’ widow in 1910 for his wife, Maggie, and their five children. The purchase price of $5,000 included nine acres of land. Three years later, he died at the age of 63 and his son, Fred Maguire — who later became the city’s first mayor and early bank president — returned home from college and lived with his mother until 1923.
He began renovating the house, adding an attached kitchen to the north end of the house on the bottom floor, as well as rental rooms upstairs to provide a source of income for Maggie. Several of the teachers from the Ocoee School lived there as boarders.
The home was in the Maguire family for 72 years, handed down through the generations, and several lived there until their deaths.
After years of declining health, Maggie Maguire died in 1943. She and David are buried in the Ocoee Cemetery.
Fred’s son, Harold, and daughterin-law, Elizabeth, occupied an apartment upstairs for six years starting in 1947.
n In partnership with the city of Ocoee, the Observer is publishing a 10-week series examining each decade of the city’s history.
Maggie Maguire’s youngest daughter, Lillian Maguire, moved into the home when she retired from teaching in 1952. Lillian, who never married or had children, lived there until her death in 1979 at age 85.
Before her death, Lillian Maguire sold portions of the family property to the city of Ocoee, which built a City Hall complex, community center and Bill Breeze Park on the land.
When Lillian died, the house was given to Harold and Elizabeth Maguire.
A NEW PURPOSE
Harold and Elizabeth Maguire sold it in 1982 to Ademar Enterprises Inc., for commercial development. The condition of the structure prohibited this, and the city of Ocoee purchased the property two years later with the intent of restoration.
The structure was in a seriously deteriorated condition, so the city stabilized the building and replaced the roof. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, which made it eligible for grants to help fund restoration
efforts. City of Ocoee funds and state historic preservation grants made the work possible. Extensive structural renovation followed by interior restoration occurred from 1992 to 1994, with plans to use the house as a public meeting facility.
THE REVEAL
Ocoee’s planned use was delayed when, in 1995, the city allowed the Ocoee Historical Commission to operate the home as a museum. It was depicted as it was used by the Maguire family.
In 1996, the Ocoee Historical Commission held a “Progress and Preview” open house so the community could see the results of several years of fundraising and city support.
The period dining room — furnished in the Empire-Revival style of the late 1800s — honored Nancy Houston Dabbs, wife of former Ocoee Mayor Lester Dabbs. Dabbs, his children and Dewey Houston donated the furniture.
The parlor was authentically furnished with some original pieces returned to the house by real-estate agent Suzi Karr. The master bedroom was decorated with original furniture courtesy of Elizabeth and Harold Maguire. One bedroom was named in honor of Lillian Maguire, the home’s last occupant.
Nancy Maguire, the greatgranddaughter of David and Maggie Maguire, served as the museum’s curator until her death in 2009. As the president of the Ocoee Historical Commission for four years, she was instrumental in coordinating the article on the Withers-Maguire House that appears in the national publication of Great Houses of Florida that was published in 2008.
TODAY
The infrastructure of the house is solid, and the rooms remain set up much like the original home — 137 years later.
Fireplaces with ornately carved mantels are in many of the rooms. The tall baseboards, doors, doorjambs and the staircase banister were built from the Florida heart pine trees that stood on the grounds.
The southwest upstairs bedroom is filled with Lillian Maguire’s belongings and other pieces typical of that era: her headboard and footboard, her secretary and dresser, her golf clubs, a sewing machine, bed cover, rocking chair, crocheted blanket, black-and-white photographs, hat boxes, atomizers and jewelry.
The parlor features elegant lamps and seating, lace tablecloths, photographs, an old photo scrapbook and a stereoscope photo viewer.
Two bedrooms have been renovated into preparation rooms for brides and grooms getting married on the property or at the nearby gazebo.
TOUR THE WITHERSMAGUIRE HOUSE WHERE: 16 E. Oakland Ave., Ocoee HOURS OF OPERATION: When the city is hosting big events or by appointment. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Call Ocoee Parks & Leisure Services, (407) 905-3100; or Ken Lasseter, Friends of Historic Preservation, (407) 810-9123.
CELEBRATING A CENTENNIAL
2025 marks a major milestone for the city of Ocoee as it celebrates its 100th anniversary of incorporation, which took place May 13, 1925. The city is hosting several centennial events this year, including two key events: n Centennial Celebration 5 to 10 p.m. May 9 — Join city officials for live entertainment, food, vendors and activities at Bill Breeze Park.
n Time Capsule Ceremony 6:30 p.m. May 13 — City officials will hold a special ceremony at the Withers-Maguire House to preserve a snapshot of the city for future generations.
For information about the centennial, visit 100yearsocoee.com/ historical-timeline. Residents taking photos during the centennial events are being encouraged to use the hashtag #100YearsOcoee when posting on social media.
The historical group continued the tours until 2011.
Some photos and information are courtesy of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and Nancy Maguire’s book, “A History of Ocoee & its Pioneers.” The surrounding landscape has changed since the Withers-Maguire House was first built 130 years ago.
File photo
Lillian Maguire’s room has her original furnishings, as well as her golf clubs, hairbrush and other personal belongings.
This is what it’s like to be in a dunk tank
funk seeping in through my skin.
ust before I climbed onto my perch in the torture chamber, I asked Bill Martini — aka the Dunk Tank Barker — for any advice.
This was my first time being invited to a dunk tank. I’m almost always a willing participant, so I accepted immediately. I was even a little flattered: I was being asked to join the ranks of Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien, Windermere Elementary Principal Janet Bittick, Windermere Police Chief David Ogden and others as we collectively celebrated the town’s 100th anniversary at the Centennial Country Fair. We were also there to raise money for the Windermere Police Department Foundation.
How cool!
But in those seconds before my shift last Saturday, the panic started to settle in. I realized: I had no idea what I was doing.
Advice? Martini said, grinning. Yeah, don’t open your mouth!
Oh boy.
I’m sure this is obvious to some, but I hadn’t realized it until that moment: Dunk tank water is not filtered. At all. And even though I was only the third dunk-ee — following Bittick’s inspired performance that delighted all her students — that water already was turning. It wasn’t the crystal-clear oasis I had envisioned in my head. It was quickly becoming a murky, steeping stew of dirt, sweat and feet.
However, I only had a few seconds to ponder the long list of health codes this bucket of body brew surely violated. Before I could orient my rickety body precariously on the hot seat, there already was a line forming. I pulled my oversized goggles onto my face and made eye contact with my first assailant.
Within seconds, I took my first plunge. It was colder than expected — actually welcome on this 90-degree afternoon. But I knew the longer I stayed in there, the greater the chance of that dunk
That’s when I realized: I didn’t know how to get out. My feet fumbled around until they found a step. Clumsily, I made my way back onto the perch.
Fewer than 30 seconds later, another pint-sized Cy Young sent me back in.
I pulled myself up — only to see my wife, only son and youngest daughter all in line. They all dunked me. With pleasure. Only my middle child refused to take aim at her father. She’s currently my favorite. At this point, the only thing I could do was lean into it. I got myself — quite literally — into this mess. Might as well make the most out of it.
And for the next 45 minutes, I embraced the suck. Kids reveled in their success as I was dethroned over and over, and even some adults showed off their pinpoint pitching skills. The kids who missed were allowed to come up to the button and smack it for guaranteed success. Even some of our daughter’s friends dunked me. My son stood by my side almost the entire time I was in the tank. Whenever there was a lull, he grabbed a ball and hurled it. I lost count of how many times he sent me into the deep.
You never quite get used to the bottom literally falling out beneath you. It’s a shock every time, and my wife got quite the kick out of the pathetic gasp/yelp that involuntarily escaped my mouth. Every. Single. Time. I’m also pretty sure the distinct clang of a baseball hitting the metal bull’s eye will forever trigger my fight-or-flight response.
In the end, it was a tremendous honor to be part of Windermere’s centennial celebration. I am proud to be part of the army of volunteers, businesses, residents and community leaders who made the fair a sold-out success. And to those who are on the bicentennial committee: I’ll be 147 years old, but if I’m still around, you can count on me for the dunk tank!
I call dibs on being first, though.
First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org
Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org
Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM
(407)
MICHAEL
Photo by Jessica Eng
My wife made sure to document the occasion with photos and videos — much like a mother would do on her child’s first Christmas.
Town of Windermere estate
Alakefront estate in the town of Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from March 17 to 23.
The home at 7 First Court, Windermere, sold March 21, for $2,850,000. Built in 1964, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,149 square feet. Days on market: 162. The sellers were represented by Fernanda Negromonte, Nova Real Estate Services Inc.
These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.
DR. PHILLIPS
BAY VISTA ESTATES
The home at 8503 Sand Lake Shores Drive, Orlando, sold March 17, for $1,400,000. Built in 1995, it has three bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,461 square feet. Days on market: 45.
The home at 9333 Bay Vista Estates Blvd., Orlando, sold March 18, for $750,000. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,202 square feet. Days on market: 11.
CITRUS CHASE
The townhouse at 8314 Tangelo Tree Drive, Orlando, sold March 17, for $460,000. Built in 1983, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,949 square feet. Days on market: Eight.
KENSINGTON PARK
The home at 4922 Kensington Park Blvd., Orlando, sold March 17, for $1,510,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, three baths, two halfbaths and 4,468 square feet. Days on market: 17.
LAKE CANE HILLS
The home at 5803 Clearview Drive, Orlando, sold March 18, for $445,000. Built in 1970, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,444 square feet. Days on market: 19.
ORANGE TREE COUNTRY CLUB
The home at 7308 Pinemount Drive, Orlando, sold March 17, for $675,000. Built in 1985, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,561 square feet. Days on market: 253.
The home at 7213 Greenville Court, Orlando, sold March 21, for $580,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,959 square feet. Days on market: Six.
PARKSIDE
The home at 8447 Chilton Drive, Orlando, sold March 17, for $1,550,000. Built in 2014, it has seven bedrooms, six-and-one-half baths and 5,424 square feet. Days on market: 57.
PARKVIEW RESERVE
The home at 10287 Park Estates Ave., Orlando, sold March 20, for $1,035,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 3,172 square feet.
RESERVE AT PHILLIPS COVE
The home at 6920 Phillips Reserve Court, Orlando, sold March 17, for $828,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,916 square feet. Days on market: 62.
VIZCAYA
The home at 8519 Saint Marino Blvd., Orlando, sold March 20, for $1,490,000. Built in 2002, it has five bedrooms, six baths and 4,361 square feet. Days on market: four.
WATERS EDGE AT TURTLE CREEK
The home at 10653 Emerald Chase Drive, Orlando, sold March 21, for $1,110,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,995 square feet.
GOTHA BRAEMAR
The home at 2023 Lake Fischer Cove Lane, Gotha, sold March 20, for $1,930,000. Built in 2015, it has five bedrooms, five baths, two halfbaths and 6,565 square feet. Days on market: 34.
HORIZON WEST
HAMILTON GARDENS
The home at 5994 Painted Leaf Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 21, for $752,500. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,379 square feet. Days on market: 17.
HARVEST AT OVATION
The home at 13044 Sunrise Harvest Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 19, for $822,675. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,889 square feet. Days on market: 27.
The townhouse at 14034 Scarlet Aster Alley sold March 21, for $467,000. Built in 2024, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 1,941 square feet. Days on market: 257.
HAWKSMOOR
The home at 16682 Olive Hill Drive sold March 20, for $655,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,224 square feet. Days on market: 30.
HORIZON ISLE
The home at 13147 Faro Court, Winter Garden, sold March 21, for $855,821. Built in 2024, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,719 square feet.
INDEPENDENCE
The home at 14639 Whittridge Drive sold March 18, for $675,000. Built in 2006, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,411 square feet. Days on market: 145.
The home at 6124 Cypress Hill Road, Winter Garden, sold March 18, for $640,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 2,570 square feet. Days on market: Eight.
LAKESIDE AT HAMLIN
The home at 15005 Lake Bessie Loop, Winter Garden, sold March 17, for $675,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,469 square feet. Days on market: Four.
PALMS AT WINDERMERE
The home at 14267 Crest Palm Ave., Windermere, sold March 19, for $1,280,580. Built in 2025, it has six bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 4,443 square feet of living area.
The home at 14268 Crest Palm Ave., Windermere, sold March 19, for $1,086,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,100 square feet. Days on market: 38.
The home at 14261 Crest Palm Ave., Windermere, sold March 18, for $1,280,501. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,199 square feet. Days on market: 42.
The home at 14216 Crest Palm Ave., Windermere, sold March 19, for $1,197,935. Built in 2024, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 3,724 square feet.
The home at 14243 Crest Palm Ave., Windermere, sold March 19, for $1,040,000. Built in 2025, it has five bedrooms, three-andone-half baths and 3,550 square feet.
SILVERLEAF RESERVE
The home at 16427 Silver Grove Blvd., Winter Garden, sold March 17, for $673,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,080 square feet. Days on market: 58.
The home at 5229 Passion Flower Way, Winter Garden, sold March 19, for $563,115. Built in 2025, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,985 square feet.
The home at 5094 Railroad Vine Alley, Winter Garden, sold March 19, for $540,000. Built in 2025, it has four bedrooms, two-andone-half baths and 2,114 square feet.
WATERLEIGH
The home at 12545 Charmed Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 18, for $800,000. Built in 2022, it has five bedrooms, four-andone-half baths and 3,227 square feet. Days on market: 23.
The home at 9552 Nautique Lane, Winter Garden, sold March 17, for $594,777. Built in 2020, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,050 square feet. Days on market: 70.
The home at 8233 Lakeview Crossing Drive, Winter Garden, sold March 17, for $530,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,477 square feet. Days on market: 274.
WINDERMERE ISLE
The home at 8267 Procida Isle Lane, Windermere, sold March 20, for $699,900. Built in 2019, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,224 square feet. Days on market: 83.
OAKLAND
OAKLAND PARK
The home at 1080 Canyon Creek Trail sold March 20, for $1,259,910. Built in 2024, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,852 square feet. Days on market: 15.
OCOEE
REMINGTON OAKS
The home at 2183 Yorville Court, Ocoee, sold March 21, for $460,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,992 square feet. Days on market: 48.
WYNWOOD
The home at 2401 Greenwood Oak Drive, Ocoee, sold March 19, for $504,990. Built in 2024, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,601 square feet. Days on market: 175.
WINDERMERE
KEENE’S POINTE
The home at 5939 Blakeford Drive, Windermere, sold March 19, for $1,555,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, five baths and 3,922 square feet. Days on market: 65.
TOWN OF WINDERMERE
The home at 7 First Court, Windermere, sold March 21, for $2,850,000. Built in 1964, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,149 square feet. Days on market: 162.
WAUSEON RIDGE
The home at 11154 Park Ave., Windermere, sold March 18, for $835,000. Built in 1965, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,355 square feet. Days on market: 211.
WINTER GARDEN
BLACK LAKE PRESERVE
The home at 14547 Black Lake Preserve St., Winter Garden, sold March 19, for $660,000. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,638 square feet. Days on market: 117.
JOHNS LAKE POINTE
The home at 15116 Dragon Fly Court, Winter Garden, sold March 20, for $624,000. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,449 square feet. Days on market: 133.
OAKLAND PARK
The home at 126 Hammock Preserve Loop, Winter Garden, sold March 17, for $980,000. Built in 2023, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,811 square feet. Days on market: 19.
The home at 932 Tilden Oaks Trail, Winter Garden, sold March 20, for $837,500. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,362 square feet. Days on market: Six.
OAKS AT BRANDY LAKE
The home at 904 Cloverwood Way, Winter Garden, sold March 20, for $625,000. Built in 2008, it has five bedrooms, four baths and 3,510 square feet. Days on market: Nine.
TWINWATERS
The home at 16653 Toccoa Row, Winter Garden, sold March 21, for $682,000. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, three-and-one-half baths and 2,806 square feet. Days on market: 101.
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo The home at 126 Hammock Preserve Loop, Winter Garden, sold March 17, for $980,000. The sellers were represented by Jenna Palmero, Coldwell Banker Realty.
Maran Harris
Dr. Phillips High’s Maran Harris is a rare breed of student-athlete.
Not only does she play three sports for the Panthers — swimming, pole vault and water polo — while maintaining a 4.65 weighted GPA, but also Harris manages to have an extensive extracurricular schedule that includes being a licensed private pilot, a member of Dr. Phillips’ Air Force JROTC program, the chapter president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a first-degree black belt in taekwondo, a level eight gymnast and a member of the DP orchestra. As a four-year member of the Lady Panthers water polo team, the senior captain has been named an All-American three times and an Academic All-American in 2022. Most recently she was selected to participate in USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program’s youth national team selection camp.
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
It is a huge honor and accomplishment! I’ve worked hard to get to this point, so it feels great to have it recognized.
What do you enjoy the most about water polo?
I thrive on the adrenaline that goes through me every time I get to do my job as goalie. There’s nothing like the rush I feel when I know a shot is coming my way and I’m ready to make the save. The anticipation and the thrill of either stopping the shot or launching a long pass to start a counter attack to get us a goal (is) such a thrill.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from water polo?
You can’t control a game, but you can control the role you play in it. Whether we’re winning or losing, the way I play my game can’t be affected. I have to always give it my best, and as the goalie, I have to direct the team in a constructive and encouraging way.
What is your favorite water polo memory?
Winning the Junior Olympics in Dallas with my club team, Team Orlando, in 2023. We had to combine with another local Orlando team just so we could have enough players. But getting to make new friends and have this amazing experience, even though we weren’t experienced playing together, taught us all that teamwork is a real thing and that you can count on others to show up when you need them.
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
Usually, I’m the one driving my teammates to games, so any thing portable that has protein and healthy sugar is as good as gone!
What is your go-to pre-game hype song?
“Can’t Stop” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
What is your favorite nonsports hobby?
Last summer, I got my pri vate pilot’s license, so any chance I get, I love to be in the air. It’s so calming and serene. I can forget about all of my worries on land when I’m up in the air. There’s truly nothing quite like it.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Air Force JROTC. I started with one class my freshman year, and then every year after, I’ve taken two. I’ve learned so much about
BASICS
17
Water polo,
leadership and history, and it’s what has inspired me to become a pilot and hopefully carry that into my future career.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
Any sort of music player, because I cannot mentally survive without it (I would break the first day); coconuts, because (they’re) really the only thing you need to survive physically; and then my Bible, because that’s food for my soul.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
Captain Jane Hart, the first woman to become a Navy pilot, because she broke barriers in a male-dominated field and showed incredible courage and determination in pursuing her dreams.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
The 1980s! The music was amazing, and people were happy. There were fewer distractions, and you just lived in whatever moment you were given.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Trust that there is a plan. Things may seem very confusing at times, but if you’re doing your best with every opportunity you are given, it will all work out.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
What do you wish you had done differently in high school?
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
A squirrel. I feel a connection with them. They are always busy and always seem to be having fun.
Does pineapple belong on pizza? No way. I’d rather never have pizza again.
— SAM ALBUQUERQUE
Warrior teammates ready for strong finish
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
the Warriors’ 9-2 win over Dr. Phillips High. “Except for a couple of us, we’ve all been playing on the same field together since we were 6 years old. It’s really been an awesome experience to play our whole lives together and get to this point as seniors, where we are in position to finish it off together, fighting for a state title.”
Thanks in large part to the slowcooked chemistry and trust these seniors have built over their baseball lives and the leadership that they’ve provided to the rest of the team, the Warriors currently sit at 18-4 — as of press time Tuesday, April 8 — on the season, which is tied for the most wins the program has had since 2017.
With a few more games left in the regular season before the Warriors’ hunt for postseason glory begins, this band of former Winter Garden Little Leaguers and now West Orange seniors is ready to write a storybook ending nearly a decade in the making.
“I’ve been saying it since we started fall ball, this is a special group of boys,” Warriors coach Mike Scudero said. “With them growing up and playing together and as seniors taking over as the leaders of this team, there’s been just some special type of aura this year that’s felt a lot different than in the past. If we keep playing the same kind of baseball, the West Orange baseball we’ve been playing, we have a good shot to make a deep run in the playoffs.”
BASEBALL FAMILY
Despite only taking over the West Orange baseball program a couple years ago, growing up on Long Island, New York, Scudero saw the type of impact playing together over the course of a lifetime can have on
“Growing up in Massapequa, I basically was part of a team that was like our group of seniors here,” Scudero said. “Since I was 5, 6 years old, I played on the same baseball team with all my best friends. We played Little League together, played in middle school together, travel ball and in high school. And in our senior year, we ended up winning a state championship together. I just think when you play together for that long it just forms a special bond, whereas if guys come from other places, it can feel more like playing for a travel team instead of with your brothers. I think me bringing that experience of playing on a championship team that felt like a family to this group has helped us a lot. It’s easy, too, considering how long these guys have been together. They just want
to have fun and enjoy themselves and win some baseball games.”
This type of connection and experience among these seniors does two vital things to help develop championship-level traits in a team, the first is knowing they can push each other to the next level.
“We’re like a big family that’s always spending time together,” pitcher Wrigley Bates said. “Every day during the season, we go to the cages and hit together. These last two years, during the offseason in the winter, we would all do morning workouts together on the football field in the freezing cold at five in the morning. When you have the kind of bond we have, we’re able to get the most out of each other because we know that it’s coming from a place of love. … Having put in that type of work together, we know that as long as we’re together we can accomplish anything. We know that on the field everyone’s got your back and if we fall, there’s going to be someone there to help you back up.”
The other key championship trait a team develops because of this type of chemistry from spending so much time together is the lifelong bond they share — the battle scars they’ve earned, the lessons they’ve learned and the trust they’ve developed by going through countless experiences together.
“It’s been great playing with the guys from Little League, for the most part,” pitcher Ryan Steinman said. “Having the same consistent group together as seniors that went through all the fights and battles on the field together, and in life really, since we were kids, makes it really easy for us to trust (one another). ... We’re a team that really knows one another. We know our strengths and our weaknesses, and that really helps on the field in big situations because we know what to do in any scenario.”
‘WE NEED TO BE DOGS’
As the regular season is nearing its end and the district playoffs set to kick off in the coming weeks, the Warriors seniors will look to close their story with an ending that’s worthy of this lifelong baseball journey.
If you ask Scudero, with its threeheaded senior pitching monster of McClusky, Parker Hohnstock and Nick Caso leading a deep group of arms, the Warriors have what it takes to write their dream ending.
“With our pitchers … we can win with pretty much anyone we put out on the mound,” Scudero said. “They’re a good group of guys that play like a bunch of bulldogs out there. They just want to win games, and they’re always pulling for each other to be the best that they can possibly be. Ultimately, I think having so many good arms on our team can help us go on a deep playoff run. We have a shot at it with this group. This team has put in the work since they walked in the door this year and I think they will take us as far as they want to go.”
Of course at the beginning of any team’s season, the goal is always to win a state championship. That goal is no different for the Warriors at this point of their journey but for this group, that has been through so much together, they know to not get too far ahead of themselves and focus on how they play the game.
“We all … have the dream to end our final season as state champions,” Steinman said. “But really, when it’s all said and done, I want to look back at this group and be able to say we went out battling. We can win it all, we have a really talented and strong team, so there’s a chance. All we have to do is believe in each other, pick (one another) up and compete. We need to be dogs. ... That’s the goal to me: to go out fighting next to my guys.”
Members of the West Orange High baseball senior class were recognized by the fans during the senior night ceremony.
Sam Albuquerque
As part of the senior night ceremony Winter Garden Mayor John Rees, left, congratulated the West Orange baseball senior class, including Parker Hohnstock (No. 22).
Fairway to heaven: Matthew’s Hope
tees off at
2025 Giving on the Green
Winter Garden-based nonprofit Matthew’s Hope hosted a day of fun and giving back at its fourth annual Giving on the Green fundraising golf tournament Monday, April 7, at the West Orange Country Club. Along with 18 holes of golf — with a fun twist at each hole, such as a PGA pro taking the opening drive for golfers or starting the hole from the closer red tee box if the golfers wear a purple tutu, boa scarf and tiara while hitting their drive — those in attendance also were treated to dinner and an awards ceremony following the tournament.
The faith-based organization, which serves the area’s homeless community by connecting those in need with resources, services and basic everyday needs, is fully funded and supported by donations. Events like the organization’s annual golf tournament are crucial to meeting their funding needs.
For more information on Matthew’s Hope or to donate to their cause, visit matthewshopeministries.org. — SAM ALBUQUERQUE
TFA lacrosse honors pair of local veterans
ans. I know our girls this year were very motivated to make sure they got the win on the field, too. When we got back to the huddle before the game started, the girls — unprompted — made it clear that they wanted to go out there and get the win for the veterans in attendance. I thought that was really sweet, and they went out there and won the game. A lot of the girls on the team are part of the Wounded Warrior Club or have military family members, so I know that game meant a lot to them, and I know how important honoring our veterans is to us as a school — more than I’ve ever seen before at other schools.”
Oliver started the event in 2010 as a way to honor his late father’s legacy of military service. Since then, the annual game has become one of many traditions and ceremonies TFA hosts to honor local active members of the armed forces and the area’s veteran community.
“Our assistant head of school, Brian Rose, started the Wounded Warrior Club around 10 years ago to organize different events at the school to honor veterans and current military,” Oliver said. “One of the biggest events we do is our Veterans Day ceremony that brings in something like 5,000 people.”
Thorndill, a newer member of TFA’s staff, said seeing that ceremony left a lasting impact.
“There’s a couple of events that our school does that really made an impression on me in my short time here,” she said. “Obviously, the
lacrosse game is a lot of fun for me, because I am directly involved in it and am a part of that process. However, the Veterans Day ceremony the school puts on is an extraordinary event. It always makes me cry. The last few years, I’ve literally cried watching it — not only because how wonderful a moment of honoring our veterans it is but also because of the amount of work that is put into it. I just love what this school does when it comes to celebrating our military community, it’s special.”
Oliver, who quickly became involved with the Wounded Warrior Club and has since taken on a lead-
ership role in it, has made his own mark on the school’s military-honoring events by founding the annual lacrosse game.
Inspired by a similar event in his native Long Island, New York, that saw thousands of people come out to honor veterans, Oliver thought bringing a game of his own to Central Florida would be a perfect way to celebrate his father’s service.
“Every year, there’s this huge game in Long Island, and thousands of people come from all over the island to watch this game and honor our veterans,” he said. “So, I thought, let’s try to do something like that here
at The First Academy. … That was in 2010 just after my dad, a 30-year military veteran, passed away. I was looking for a way to honor him and his dedication to serving our country and this felt like the perfect way.
“At that time our school was doing a lot of volunteer work in Oakland, helping to build homes out there, do yard work and just clean up yards for veterans,” he said. “Through that, we really started getting involved with our local veterans and were able to build a community for the game that we’ve done since. We love that we’ve able to honor local veterans who do a lot of good work in our community
or disabled veterans injured in combat. It’s been a great way for us to give back.”
Along with the Wounded Warrior game and the Veterans Day ceremony, TFA and its Wounded Warrior Club organize a plethora of events to celebrate veterans and active duty military. Most recently, the school, First Orlando and members of the Wounded Warrior Club hosted the United States Army Florida National Guard 3rd Battalion’s 116th Field Artillery Regiment for a deployment ceremony April 6 at the Cramer Family Field House.
“Our Wounded Warrior Club here at The First Academy could be used as a model other schools use to honor our local military community,” Oliver said. “I’m sure other schools are doing similar and great work, but we have an amazing, selfless group of young people that drive this club, and all we try to teach them is that our veterans and those who serve currently are making a tremendous sacrifice. Our school is really big on educating our students about that, about the importance of our military and how it secures our freedoms and rights in this country. … We teach our students that no matter their rank or accomplishments each and every one of our service members and veterans have made an amazing sacrifice for us. That’s where our students come in and recognize that through events like the lacrosse game and really any event we have going on, they are always willing to continue to serve. … We’re very blessed to have students who love our veterans and military families.”
Courtesy photo
Members of TFA’s boys and girls lacrosse teams and the school’s Wounded Warrior Club presented a pair of $1,000 checks to veterans Lorraine Holland and Vincent Monitto.
At the 10th hole of the Giving on the Green tournament, for a donation, golfers could have PGA Golf Pro Briana Morris take their opening drive.
Photos by Sam Albuquerque
Daniel Neidrauer took full advantage of the “Princess Hole” — which saw golfers tee off from the red tees if they wore a purple tutu, boa scarf and tiara during their drive.
Top: Matthew’s Hope President Shelly Bradford, left, and founder and CEO Scott Billue were all smiles during the fourth-annual fundraising golf tournament.
INFLUENCER
DARCY MAGUIRE
MAXEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Darcy Maguire is the media specialist at Maxey Elementary School. She said her most important duty is sharing books, stories and the love of reading with the students at her school. She also works with the News Crew and supports reading initiatives and challenges.
In 2024, she earned a Marvelous Mentor Award from Orange County Public Schools, and in 2014, she was named Teacher of the Year for Washington Shores Elementary School.
“She has revamped our library system so that all children are able to explore new books and read for enjoyment,” Principal Dr. Sean Brown said. “She does everything for our students from book tastings to helping all students find their favorite books to read throughout the day.”
What do you like to do in your spare time? I like to read and play games in my spare time. I also enjoy being in nature.
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What brought you to your school? I came to Maxey when the opportunity presented itself because it is close to home and was a relatively small school with a closely knit family.
What do you love most about your school?
We have great kids at Maxey. I love the students and the opportunities I get to help them learn to love reading.
If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?
There are so many brilliant people I would love to meet, but I think I would like to dine with Stephen Hawking simply because he was so brilliant. It would be interesting to hear his thoughts on the world.
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What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is when kids get excited about a book they read and tell me how much they loved it. Seeing the joy of having found a great book on a little face is the best. When my students realize that they can read, it is very rewarding.
What would you be if you weren’t in this profession? If I weren’t an educator, I would be working with animals in some capacity.
Who influences you? I am influenced by the world around me. Both the positive and negative experiences I have and see others experiencing influences how I think and the actions I take.
Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why?
As a kid, I loved going to school and I loved my teachers. I can remember the name of every one of my teachers. There are two that stand out the most: My third- and fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Gabano, because she gave me so many opportunities to succeed, and my eighth-grade Language Arts teacher, Mrs. Kosches, because she made me understand and love grammar.
What is your favorite children’s book and why? There are so many amazing children’s books. One of my favorites is “The Napping House” by Audrey Wood. It has the most beautiful illustrations. It makes me feel warm, cozy, happy and calm — all at the same time.
REPORT CARD
POSITION: Media specialist
TIME AT SCHOOL: Nine years
TIME AT OCPS: Twenty-one years
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? I would choose to be able to communicate with animals because their voices need to be heard more.
If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?
The Beatles, Pentatonix and Sarah Brightman, because I enjoy their music and they are so different.
What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?
As an elementary student, I ate whatever was being served in the lunchroom for lunch. Outside of school, I think I ate many sandwiches. My favorite snack was probably grapes.
What is your favorite holiday?
My favorite holiday is Christmas, because I have time off to spend with my family and the weather is nice. I also enjoy the lights and the cozy atmosphere of Christmas.
Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch? I had a best friend in first grade named Natalie, but we lost touch when I moved to Florida. As a middle-school student, I made four best friends — Janet, Shira, Monica and Rosalie — and we are all still in touch and get together when we can.
What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors? I participated in several spelling bees and was a member of the ORFF ensemble in elementary school. I was a member of the Junior National Honor Society in middle school and National Honor Society in high school, where I earned a Silver Knight Nomination. I joined the French Congrès Team in high school and competed in the French state competition, where I received a Superieur and Bon for Declamacion and Dictee. — LIZ RAMOS
Cruisin’ for a bruisin’: Horizon
High
thespians to stage ‘Grease’
The students are channeling their inner Rydell High characters for a trip to the 1950s.
Horizon High School is traveling back to the 1950s for a “wop bop-a loobop-a wop bam boom” good time in the theater. The thespians are staging “Grease” this week with a double cast of 56.
Danny, Sandy, the Thunderbirds and the Pink Ladies have been practicing their lines and lyrics and are ready to sing and dance for theatergoers.
“Audiences can expect a lot of high-energy dance numbers, a lot of cool special effects,” theater director Ashley Fisher said. “We have neon signs, special lighting, a full-size car.
… We’ve got some big special effects happening on stage, and just a really, really impressive visual show as well as a lot of talented performers.”
Everyone wears multiple costumes.
“All the performers we have double cast, so when they’re not playing a lead role, they’re in the ensemble, so they’re learning two totally different tracks,” Fisher said.
Because the fall show was the heavy and dramatic “Hadestown,” Horizon Principal Andrew Jackson wanted to go in a different direction for the spring musical. Jackson even has a role as television reporter Vince Fontaine during the Rydell High dance-off.
“This production has been one of the most fun to work on,” Fisher said.
“It’s been fun to work on because everyone is so excited to be part of this production.”
Before auditions, the school held a movie night and showed the original “Grease” movie with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, and the students also have watched multiple stage productions of the show.
“The story is literally about a bunch of teenagers and their relationships in the school — and the younger crowd can relate to what they’re going through,” Fisher said. “It’s nostalgia for the older generation.”
She is grateful for all the support the show has received. Parents also have been building sets, painting railings and putting up wallpaper.
“All the cast and their families have been working to make this production great,” she said.
Danny is the only character not double cast. He is being played by Horizon junior Nate Childers.
“I’m most looking forward to getting to perform with this amazing cast and give the audience a show they won’t forget,” he said. “After seeing the movie, I saw that even though Danny acts cool in front of his friends and is stubborn toward Sandy, deep down he has a good heart. Getting to play a role that can get pretty deep, as well as getting to sing and dance in fun, upbeat numbers, sounded like such a fun role to get to perform!”
Childers said his favorite song is “You’re the One That I Want.”
“It’s such an iconic song, and getting to perform it on stage with both of my wonderful Sandys is such an honor,” he said.
Karris Martin, a sophomore, and Mimi Gibbons, a junior, portray Danny’s love interest, Sandy.
Martin said she is looking forward to having a character change.
“I love seeing how Sandy undergoes her transformation from the beginning to the end of the show as she finds herself and lets out her spunky energy,” Martin said. “It’s a lot of fun to play two different personalities in one show! I love the feeling of taking on a lead role because it challenges me to learn how to manage responsibility and keep balance in my life with other things. I also enjoy the learning experience that comes with being a lead and how I can improve my own skills and support my cast around me in the show.”
Gibbons is looking forward to bringing Sandy’s character to life and connecting with the audience through her story.
“She’s such a classic character with a lot of heart, and I’m excited to explore her emotions, growth and relationships on stage,” Gibbons said. “Plus, performing with such a great cast makes it even more fun! I wanted to take on this role because I love the depth and development of Sandy’s character. She starts off shy and reserved but grows into someone who knows what she wants. Playing a lead role is a challenge, but it’s also an amazing opportunity to push myself as a performer and bring something personal to the character.”
“Greased Lightning” is Martin’s favorite song, and Gibbons is ready to perform “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” Fisher said the show is being adjudicated for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’ Applause Award and will be judged on set design, costume design and stage management, as well as individual performers and the ensemble as a whole. “Hadestown” received several awards in the fall.
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
75 years ago
An interesting event was the art debut of Miss Dorothy Kannon in the home of Mrs. P.H. Britt on North Highland Avenue. The young artist presented 14 oil paintings, done from real-life scenes in Winter Garden and the surrounding counties. A large and appreciative group of people came to see the paintings and to congratulate Miss Kannon on the progress she had made in her talent.
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new Lakeview High School gymnasium.
55 years ago
The Orange County Board of Public Instruction implemented two majority-to-minority transfer policies for students. In the first policy, black students had the first-choice priority to attend the school nearest their residence which was attended solely or predominantly by white students, unless or until 50% of the student population of the requested school was composed of black students. In the second policy, all students, black or white, were permitted to transfer from a school in which his or her race was in the majority to a school in which his or her race was in the minority.
30 years ago
Amber Kline, 17, was chosen Possum Queen at the Florida Cracker Festival in downtown Winter Garden by successfully luring Jessica the Possum to her during the contest.
The United States Air Force selected a Dr. Phillips High School senior to attend its academy in the fall. Greg Preisser, son of Gary and
FROM THE ARCHIVES
This dapper young man is only known as “Junior” in this one photograph stored in the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation archive. Do any followers know who he might be? Foundation staff believes he resided in the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood, but that is as far as the research takes them. Any information would be appreciated, as they constantly are working to update and improve the details behind the thousands of photographs in the collection. Call (407) 656-3244 with any information to share.
The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.
Geraldine Preisser, was appointed to the USAF Academy by Congressman Bill McCollum.
Windermere Police Officer
Douglas Owens was commended by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Windermere’s police chief for an arrest he made that undoubtedly averted a disaster about to happen. Owens arrested an armed man who also was wanted for questioning by the Secret Service for making indirect threats to possibly harm the presi-
dent of the United States. The man had 30 .22-caliber rounds in his front pocket, a camouflage compass in the other pocket, and, next to the driver’s seat, two Rambo-size knives and a loaded .22 Marlin rifle.
20 years ago
Two-time Olympian Mark Ruiz began sharing his diving expertise with young Central Florida swimmers and divers. Shortly after
the close of the 2004 Olympics in Athens, the YMCA Aquatic and Family Center on International Drive offered him a position.
Brandy McMillan, a 1997 West Orange High School graduate, completed AirTran Airways InFlight Training and immediately began employment as an AirTran flight attendant.
THROWBACK
THURSDAY
APRIL 9, 1970
Did you ever cook with Snowdrift shortening or vegetable lard or launder your clothes with Fab washing powders?
A&P grocery store, located at 731 S. Dillard St., in Winter Garden, advertised its sales in The Winter Garden Times in April 1970, and the deals were plentiful. You could make an inexpensive breakfast with sliced bacon for 69 cents per pound, three packages of Jane Parker sweet rolls for $1 and a 10-ounce jar of A&P-brand instant coffee for 99 cents. Or how about a nice dinner of rib pork roast for 59 cents per pound, complemented by five cans of golden corn for $1, four pounds of potatoes for 59 cents, a head of lettuce for 19 cents and Sultana-brand salad dressing for 38 cents?
celebrity cipher
By Luis Campos
“CIX ZPL -- UFZU’E JFLS Z JCKZS UZOLE TAUZKASE Z UFMCRPF P, ZSX EUAII ICCOE IAOL F.” MAUZ FZNJCMUF
“FCLM KFP TLPTIL IPUL LNGC PKCLJ, KCLZ APM’K IPPY NK LNGC PKCLJ, KCLZ IPPY VM KCL HNEL AVJLGKVPM.” DVMDLJ JPDLJH
“UP YDVA DUDF HNCYPJPVV ACXP CM RNPDXV, ELNM LZ CXDICMDACLM, ZPR OHLM CJJOVCLM DMR HOA AL RPDAS EF NPDJCAF.” TORF IDNJDMR
A++ by Will Nediger, edited by Jared Goudsmit
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Thank You to our 2025 sponsors for making the festival a huge success!
23rd ANNUAL
PINE LEVEL
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COSTA FARMS | CROOKED CAN BREWERY DILLARDS FLORIDA MALL | GIANT RECREATION WORLD MCKINNON CORPORATION | PILARS MARTINI & LOFT
ARTFUL ORTHODONTICS | ASHLEY BOYD – BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES CAPPLEMAN, INC. | CHEF’S TABLE AT THE EDGEWATER CLEAR FLOW GUTTER GUARDS | ARLEN AND JACKIE BROWN COLBERG EMPIRE DEVELOPERS | FANSLER CONSTRUCTION FISHBACK-DOMINICK & PARTNERS | INDUSTRIAL CENTER @ 429 | KNOX HORTICULTURE LAKE APOPKA NATURAL GAS | MAGEE, AVILA & ASSOCIATES | ORLANDO CITY SOCCER RC STEVENS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY | SBM CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS THE HANGRY BISON | SHANNON TILL – STATE FARM | URBAN ON PLANT KITCHEN & BAR
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