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APPLY NOW TO SERVE ON OCOEE YOUTH COUNCIL

The city of Ocoee is accepting applications for the 2026-27 Ocoee Youth Council. Members of the Ocoee Youth Council will participate in service events, explore scholarship opportunities and learn about local government and careers in public service. Spaces are limited and availability is on a rst-come, rstserved basis. Council members can be residents or non-residents of Ocoee, and the council is for students entering high school in private or public school. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28. To download an application, visit ocoee.org.

FOUNDATION CERTIFIES CPR, AED RESPONDERS Foundation Academy announced it has added 27 newly certi ed adult and pediatric rst-aid, CPR and AED responders to its Tilden campus. The students were able to be certi ed through Foundation’s First Aid and Safety course. Each semester, a class of students learns the proper handson treatment and assessments to make sure they are pro cient and con dent in their skills in order to earn the American Red Cross two-year certi cate.

5FAST

1Orange County closes case against Williams Holiday House

After nine months, Orange County Code Enforcement has closed the case against the Williams Holiday House.

The Williams Holiday House owners, Annie and Joe Williams, have secured and had all necessary permits approved to allow them to continue going all out with their Halloween and Christmas decorations that draw thousands to the home every holiday season.

“With all the necessary permits secured and approved, we’ve emerged stronger and more resilient,” the owners posted on the Williams Holiday House Facebook page. “Although this prolonged journey has taken its toll, we’re deeply grateful for the unwavering support from our community, who have stood by us and our beloved holiday house traditions.”

The Williamses’ issues began in August 2025 when Code Enforcement received a complaint regarding “vehicles in a state of inoperability or disrepair, dual-rear

ses to continue decorating for the holiday season in 2025.

2 Metro

Diner coming to Winter Garden

West Orange’s first Metro Diner will be built from the ground up in Winter Garden.

The local location will be built at the Winter Garden Regional Shopping Center at 14001 W. Colonial Drive, Winter Garden.

Broker Marc Lewin said two other tenants will join Metro Diner at the outparcel. However, those have yet to be announced.

Although Metro Diner officially was branded in 1992, the first location dates back to 1938, when the building that would become the first location opened in Jacksonville. Today, Metro Diner has more than 60 locations in 12 states and is known for its home-style comfort food.

There are three locations in the Central Florida area, including Hunters Creek, Altamonte Springs and Casselberry.

Commissioner receives 2026 Home Rule Hero Award

The Florida League of Cities, the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently recognized Joseph McMullen, Oakland commissioner, with a 2026 Home Rule Hero Award.

The award honors McMullen’s hard work and advocacy efforts during the 2026 Legislative Session.

Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials who consistently responded to the league’s request to reach out to members of the Legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.

data, and real-world examples that helped inform state lawmakers and elevate the voice of Florida’s cities,” Florida League of Cities officials said.

Casey Cook, Florida League of Cities’ chief of legislative affairs, recognized him, among other leaders, for their determination in ensuring local voices were heard.

“By engaging early, often and thoughtfully, they helped elevate the municipal perspective and reinforce the importance of local decisionmaking,” Cook said. “We sincerely appreciate their dedication and are proud to recognize their advocacy on behalf of Florida’s cities.”

The town of Oakland is

Pilates Addiction now open in Dr. Phillips

The Pilates Addiction now is open in Dr. Phillips.

Located at 5110 Dr. Phillips Blvd., Orlando, the pilates studio is a brand new, modern and high-energy studio blending classical pilates principles with contemporary strength and athletic training.

It offers patented Aurum Reformer technology, an elite, gold-plated pilates machine used exclusively at Pilates Addiction used to combine four classic pieces of apparatus into a single versatile unit.

Memberships vary from $139 to $259, and a single drop-in costs $39.

The studio is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Visit pilatesaddiction.com to learn more.

The Goddard School of Winter Garden expanding The Goddard School of Winter Garden is opening a second location in Hamlin.

According to its website, the owners opened the Goddard School in Winter Garden in 2019, though they founded their first school more than 25 years ago.

The school opening in Hamlin is described as one-of-a-kind and now is enrolling new students. “It truly is a campus as opposed

SATURDAY JUNE 20, 2026 A A N

Courtesy photo

Oakland Town Commissioner Joseph McMullen received the Florida League of Cities’ 2026 Home Rule Hero Award.

ALMA MATTERS

Finding his way back home

Despite not aspiring to join the family business as a child, West Orange High alumnus

AJ Burnett found his way back to Florida Metal Craft to carry on a four-generation legacy.

LIZ RAMOS MANAGING EDITOR

Through his eight years serving in the U.S. Navy, Winter Garden’s AJ Burnett always dreamed of home.

No matter where he was in the world — Afghanistan, Iraq, southeast Asia — he always thought of home.

“I spent eight years being homesick because Winter Garden is where my family’s been for a long, long time, so it was always home to me,” Burnett said. “I always had every intention of coming back home, whether I took over Florida Metal Craft or not, I always had every intention of moving back home and being able to stay in the Winter Garden area.”

For eight years after graduating from West Orange High School, Burnett served in the Navy, specializing in human intelligence and counterintelligence before returning home to Winter Garden and being the fourth generation of his family to run the family business, Florida Metal Craft.

A LONG WAY FROM HOME

Despite growing up spending time in Florida Metal Craft, Burnett said he never had the desire to join the family

business his great-grandfather started in 1931.

Upon graduation in 2012, he enlisted in the Navy, fulfilling the call to service he felt since he was a child. The Navy had the most diverse options available of potential pathways to serve.

He was shipped to Intel Basic School at the Defense Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C.

“I’ve always been decent with talking to people, communicating, so the human intel is what I wanted to pursue,” he said.

After at least two years, he was screened to go to Naval Special Warfare, which led him to participating in special operations for the Navy and supporting the West Coast SEAL teams.

His deployments sent him to the Middle East and southeast Asia, but he always missed home. Amazingly, he managed to stumble across ways to reconnect to home.

“It was funny that I’d be in weird corners of the world — Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan — and ran into people from Winter Garden that I either knew from West Orange or through mutual friends,” Burnett said. “No matter where I ended up in the world, it was weird how usually you found some-

GENERATIONAL BUSINESS

Florida Metal Craft has been in business since 1931, and four generations have taken ownership.

Current owner AJ Burnett’s great-grandfather Lawrence Iserman started the business as Iserman and Company.

Throughout the years, ownership changed hands to his grandfather Lou Burnett and later his father, Tom Burnett, in partnership with his uncle Rob Burnett before AJ Burnett took ownership in 2023 with Matt Bracewell.

body that was from Winter Garden or knew about Winter Garden.”

Burnett recalled the first time he ran into someone he knew from his West Orange High days. He was in Kuwait and ran into a fellow Warrior alumnus

who joined the Air Force and also happened to be deployed in Kuwait. Burnett said he was headed to the bathroom in the middle of the night when he passed a familiar face. Unsure it was who he thought, Burnett called him by his first name, an anomaly in the military, garnering the man’s attention. Burnett asked about his last name.

“I was like, ‘Dude, it’s AJ. We went to West Orange together,’” he said.

“He was like, ‘No way,’ but yet, in the middle of Kuwait in the middle of the night, I woke up for a pee break and found a friend from high school.”

Any moment Burnett was able to reconnect with his alma mater or his hometown was special. It always was refreshing and a “big win” for him.

As his time in the military was winding down, Burnett said it was rewarding to be making an impact on making the world a safer place, but

it was time for him to start thinking about what would come next. He returned to the idea of his family business.

THE FAMILY BUSINESS Burnett said it would have been “kind of silly” for him not to take over Florida Metal Craft because of its success throughout 95 years and generations of his family.

Burnett’s parents traveled to California to make the drive back to Florida with their son, with everyone thrilled to have him home for good.

Burnett went right to work at Florida Metal Craft. His dad still was running the show, so he spent time working in the shop to re-acclimate himself to the environment.

As a kid, the times he was in the shop either was to help sweep and mop the floors and clean toilets or to work on a personal project with his friends. He remembered going to job sites with his dad, bringing his little tape measure and being right by his side.

As an adult, he had to learn everything he could from the veteran employees and work alongside his dad in a professional capacity.

It wasn’t long before his dad pulled him into the administrative offices, and the transition to leadership began.

He said it was a tumultuous learning curve, going from the rigorous structure of the military that had clear-cut guidelines of what could and could not be done to everything falling on his shoulders at Florida Metal Craft.

“There was this pressure that came along with carrying on the family legacy and the burning fear of failure of ‘Oh, I don’t want this place to crash and burn on my watch,’” Burnett said. It was the leadership training conferences, his various activities with student council and involvement in sports at West Orange High that he attributes to his ability to lead and be organized in the military and at Florida Metal Craft. His time at West Orange taught him discipline, team work and leadership.

WHERE THE HEART IS

In early 2023, Burnett officially took ownership of the business in partnership with Matt Bracewell. He said it was a “big, huge honor” to become the next generation of Burnetts to take the reins.

Growing up, Burnett always bragged about his family’s company building the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ pirate ship and the big fronds for the top of the pineapple at Bongos at what was then Downtown Disney.

Now as the owner, Burnett is working on projects with Crooked Can as the brewery expands to Minneola. He also is working with the University of Central Florida on hypersonic technology.

“Having my own projects now has been pretty cool, and I knew that little AJ would have been proud to brag about,” Burnett said.

After 95 years of operating in West Orange, Burnett hopes to continue the longstanding legacy of being the hometown, community-focused shop for the next 100 years.

“We’ve always been the one place somebody can go to, no matter how small the project is, and we’ll get it done,” he said. “We’re kind of the one fabrication shop that still has a walkin storefront where anybody off the street ... can walk in and be like, ‘Hey, I need this one weird little piece.’ We’ve always been there to do it for them.”

AJ Burnett learned everything he knows about Florida Metal Craft and the business from his father and the veteran employees. He hopes to continue the 95-year-old family business for years to come.

Photos by Liz Ramos

Matt Bracewell and AJ Burnett took ownership of Florida Metal Craft in 2023, adding to the Burnett family legacy.

Windermere twins graduate Rollins as co-valedictorians

They both love the idea of business for a social impact.

torians, acquiring degrees in social entrepreneurship.

Growing up, Emma and Kate Salerno, Windermere Preparatory School alumnae, always were curious about social inequality.

“We had conversations with our parents about things in society that we wanted to see improve, like how women are perceived in society, and I remember at a young age, we asked our parents, ‘Why is there no female president?’” Emma Salerno said.

“Having those conversations with them growing up, I was like, ‘Wait, I want to make an impact in society.’”

The twins graduated from Rollins College Sunday, May 10, as valedic-

“It feels good to be valedictorians together, especially because we worked on a lot of the projects and studied for tests together,” Emma Salerno said. “It’s fun and rewarding that we both get to experience it together, and I’m very proud.”

Although both Emma and Kate Salerno have degrees in social entrepreneurship, they didn’t always think they would follow the same path.

At first, the twins were determined to forge their own paths, but after realizing they have similar passions, they decided to travel the road to college and their careers together.

“It’s the business for the social impact aspect — not just business for profitability, but looking at it through that triple bottom line perspective, like economic, social and environmental sustainability,” Kate Salerno said. “We both love the idea of using business to help people.”

And that’s what they studied at Rollins College.

While they face the everyday challenge of being seen as identical twins rather than individuals, they are grateful that wasn’t the case at Rollins College. Although they chose to follow the same path, professors, classmates and friends saw them not as one but as two women who are dedicated to go above and beyond to help society.

They see Kate Salerno’s fieriness and Emma Salerno’s empathy.

LOCAL MOTION

At Rollins, they worked with Professor Ruonan Zhang in the communications department for the school’s Student-Faculty Collaborative Research Program and studied the intersection of artificial intelligence, marketing and education.

Through their hard work, they went to Las Vegas to present their research and won the Top Tier Paper award. This accomplishment furthered what they already knew: They can make an impact if they put in the work, dedication and interest into their projects.

Being a part of their sorority also was important in their development and achievement of becoming valedictorians.

“I was president of my sorority, and I feel like they pushed me to be a confident woman when I was surrounded by women that inspired me every day, and so Rollins has given me that foundation to have core friendships that I’m so happy about,” Emma Salerno said. “We were both much shyer, much more timid when we first came to Rollins. I’ve definitely seen growth throughout my time here.”

Kate Salerno served as co-president of Tars Pantry, the campus’ food pantry, and Emma Salerno worked as the operations coordinator of the Student Support Foundation, which not only runs the food pantry but also reviews grants and disperses money to students.

“We raised (more than) $14,000 to give back,” Emma Salerno said. Now, Emma and Kate Salerno both are working toward their master’s degrees in marketing and business analytics, with another graduation to come in May 2027.

“It’s like double the excitement,” Kate Salerno said.

That love for business stems from Windermere Preparatory School’s International Baccalaureate program, where Emma and Kate Salerno first discovered business for a social impact.

“That was the best part — getting to learn so many different subjects and be surrounded by teachers who really taught like they were professors and at a higher academic level,” Emma Salerno said. “Getting to do business in high school already and do SL Business Management, that was probably one of my favorite memories of Windermere Prep.”

KATE AND EMMA SALERNO

n Two out of seven valedictorians at Rollins College’s May 2026 graduation

n Members of the Alpha Omicron

Pi Greek house n Award-winning academic papers

n Named Social Entrepreneur of the Year

n Recognized with Rollins’ Outstanding Academic Achievement Award

n May 2026: B.A. in social entrepreneurship n May 2027: MBA in marketing and business analytics

While in the program, Kate and Emma Salerno were able to help women access menstrual products in the school’s dorm program through their Creativity, Activity and Service project.

As recent graduates, their goal is to work in management or sustainability consulting, helping with team coordination and tackling everyday problems at one of the big four management consulting firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young and KPGM.

Most important, they want to make a positive impact through their work, rather that be through sustainability, social empowerment or even their own company one day.

“I would love to help businesses see the benefit of sustainability,” Emma Salerno said.

Currently, they are interning at CenterPoint Group, a Windermere business-management consulting firm. Their tasks are to help with strategy, supply chain and procurement operations to get some quantitative experience.

Emma Salerno also has a different internship with Align Business Consulting later in the summer, helping the company with their marketing strategy through AI incorporation.

As each other’s best friends, they’re proud of their accomplishments and all they have yet to achieve.

“I always have her to motivate me,” Kate Salerno said of her twin. “If I’m having a bad day or an off day, she’s always there. She’s my built-in buddy.”

As the Observer’s annual guide to life and living in West Orange and Southwest Orange, Local Motion connects new and longtime residents with their communities, local businesses and resources.

Local Motion provides essential information about Winter Garden, Windermere, Horizon West, Ocoee, Dr. Phillips, Oakland and Gotha.

• History of each municipality, interviews with local leaders and a calendar of can’t-miss events

• Round-up of local activities and ways to get involved

• Suggestions for date nights and family weekend excursions for every budget

• A guide to public, private and charter schools, including preschools and options for students with special needs

LETICIA SILVA STAFF WRITER

Leticia Silva

Emma and Kate Salerno acquired their bachelor’s degrees in May. In one year, they will have acquired their master’s degrees.

Windermere Preparatory School alumnae Kate and Emma Salerno both earned degrees in social entrepreneurship.

We don’t know them all, but we owe them all

Communities throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country at various Memorial Day observances.

Ocoee hosted its Memorial Day Ceremony Thursday, May 21. Dozens of Ocoee officials, residents, veterans and others gathered by the Ocoee Memorial Wall as Ocoee High School’s Jordan-Ross Jackson played taps.

Two members of the Ocoee Police Department Honor Guard raised the American flag to half-staff, while another member of the guard saluted next to a wreath adjacent to the Ocoee Memorial Wall.

Ocoee City commissioners George Oliver III, Richard Firstner and Rosemary Wilsen and Mayor Rusty Johnson then read the names of the 14 Ocoee residents who died while serving in the military.

Before heading outside to the Memorial Wall, attendees listened to a keynote speech from retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Elizabeth Bledsoe.

The observances continued Monday, May 25, with several more ceremonies.

Winter Garden honored its fallen soldiers during its Memorial Day Community Celebration at 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Veterans Memorial Park.

The city’s ceremony remembered heroes of World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War. Jessica Moore, the American Legion Department of Florida Commander, spoke as the keynote speaker of the ceremony. She is a U.S. veteran who served as the aviation machinist’s mate in her

assignments across the U.S., Europe and the Middle East.

In Windermere, Town Council member and veteran Tony Davit said the Memorial Day Observance Monday, May 25, was personal to everyone in the town, honoring residents such as U.S. Army 1st Lt. Evan Fitzgibbon, who died during a Ranger School training exercise. Davit thanked the families of those who have served as well.

The observance included an invocation by Windermere Police Department Chaplain Andy Jones, Lone Sailor Division Cadets conducting the presentation of the colors, U.S. Air Force retired Col. Mark Stephen

serving as the keynote speaker, Windermere Lone Sailor Division’s Donell Vasara playing taps, and The First Academy’s Taylor Haynes singing the national anthem, “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless the U.S.A.” In Oakland, residents honored fallen soldiers at the Oakland-Tildenville and Oakland cemeteries through Oakland native John Ward’s efforts. Although he has moved away to Jacksonville, Ward remains committed to coming back to his hometown to honor the men and women who served our country and are buried in the town’s cemeteries. With his wife Catherine Ward’s help and the town’s full support, Ameri-

Ocoee High School’s Jordan-Ross Jackson played taps.

The American Legion Post 63 Honor Guard came together for the nal fold of the 13 folds of the ag, which represented di erent values of honoring life, faith and service, at the Winter Garden ceremony.

U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster welcomed the community of Winter Garden to the ceremony.

Gold Star family members and this year’s speakers released doves at the conclusion of the Woodlawn ceremony.

World War II veteran Melvin Jenner ew 46 combat missions in the skies over Nazi-occupied Europe as an aerial gunner. He received a standing ovation at Woodlawn’s ceremony.

Windermere Town Council member Tony Davit said the Windermere Memorial Day Observance was personal to all town residents.

Lone Sailor Division Cadets Jason Montalvan, Marcos Morales, Lukas Vasara and Michael Montalvan presented the colors during Windermere’s Memorial Day Observance.

can flags were placed on every veterans’ grave, as well as an extra flag for unknown soldiers buried there.

And in Gotha, Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home hosted its 76th annual Memorial Day Service.

This year’s ceremony, hosted by Woodland Funeral Director Qwanza Sanders, featured six keynote speakers, performances by the Orlando Concert Band and the Family Church of Windermere choir, a 21-gun salute

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by the American Legion Chapter 331 and much more. As always, Woodlawn honored attending Gold Star families.

Several local organizations participated in this year’s service, including Scouts USA troops 210 and 922. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Color Guard and the Windermere High School JROTC presented the colors.

Keynote speakers were World War II veteran Mel Jenner, Purple Heart recipient Alexzander Teschner, retired

U.S. Army

The ceremony culminated with a dove release.

Col. Calvin B. Wimbish, Gold Star stepfather Brian Freid, former Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson and Joseph Fink, director of strategic security and manager of the Internal Affairs Bureau.

— MEGAN BRUINSMA, MICHAEL ENG, LETICIA SILVA AND LIZ RAMOS

The Ward family visited its family members’ graves at Oakland’s ceremony.

Left: U.S. Air Force retired Col. Mark Stephens saluted as the national anthem was sung at Windermere’s ceremony.

Members of the Orange County Sheri ’s O ce Color Guard presented the colors at Woodlawn’s ceremony.

Taylor Haynes sang the national anthem during Windermere’s Memorial Day Observance.

Right: Val and Jerry Demings attended Woodlawn’s ceremony.

Winter Garden Mayor John Rees addressed the crowd and spoke of what Memorial Day means to him. Every day, he thanks Jesus for giving his life to save people’s souls and fallen soldiers for giving their lives for others.

Ocoee Police O cer Patera Scott-Marsh stood proudly as taps was played in honor of those who died while serving in the military.

Right: Ocoee City Commissioners George Oliver III, Rosemary Wilsen, Mayor Rusty Johnson and Commissioner Richard Firstner were grateful retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Elizabeth Bledsoe, center, could serve as the keynote speaker.

Kate Taylor placed a ag on a soldier’s grave at Oakland’s ceremony.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business

The West Orange Chamber recognizes and applauds our long-standing member businesses for their continued commitment to Advancing Community, Collaboration and Leadership. Congratulations on Membership Milestones to

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Advanced Behavioral Health Center Winter Garden

e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Advanced Behavioral Health Center Winter Garden. Located at 12200 W Colonial Dr Ste 305 in Winter Garden, Advanced Behavioral Health Center is a comprehensive psychiatric practice serving children, adolescents and adults. ey specialize in diagnostic clarity, medication management, psychotherapy and care of complex or treatment-resistant conditions. To learn more, visit https://www.advancedbehavioralhealthcenter.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of CORA Physical erapy Stoneybrook

e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of CORA Physical erapy Stoneybrook. Located at 12321 Stoneybrook West Pkwy Ste B in Winter Garden, CORA Physical erapy is a comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation group specializing in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, pediatric therapy, worker’s comp and personal injury. CORA is committed to fostering an inclusive, valuesdriven culture. ey communicate. ey identify and achieve outcomes. ey respect costs. No one is more cutting edge and results driven. No one is more thorough. No one is more geographically desirable. And no one gets patients back to life as quickly and healthfully as we do. To learn more, visit https://coraphysicaltherapy.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of AdventHealth Primary Care Windermere

e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of AdventHealth Primary Care Windermere. Located at 8981 Conroy Windermere Rd in Orlando, AdventHealth Primary Care Windermere is a new, upgraded facility serving the Windermere community. e practice features 32 exam rooms and currently has four providers, with plans to grow to 10 by year’s end. Services include sick visits, annual physicals, on-site labs, and comprehensive primary care designed for convenient, high-quality patient care. To learn more, visit https://www.adventhealth.com/locations/practices/adventhealthmedical-group/primary-care-windermere.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 15-year anniversary of Dawn Gilmore Productions

e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 15-year anniversary of Dawn Gilmore Productions. Operating out of Windermere, Dawn Gilmore Productions is a full-service event production company specializing in creating elevated, immersive experiences with a re ned and personalized touch. With over 15 years experience, they bring passion and precision to every event. To learn more, visit https://dawngilmoreproductions.com/.

THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS

TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - DR. PHILLIPS AND THURSDAY - HORIZON WEST To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304

SPORTS

HIGH 5

1Foundation Academy’s baseball head coach Dakoda Grove stepped down Thursday, May 21, after three years with the program. In those years, he lead the team to 59 wins — going above .500 every season — and helped 15 players earn their college commitments. Grove will be relocating to Jacksonville to be closer to family and accepted a head coaching position there.

Foundation now is searching for its next head baseball coach and is looking forward to the future of the program.

A duo of Windermere High School head coaches were named Metro Male and Female Coach of the Year. The Wolverines’ boys soccer head coach Lou Romao and girls swim and dive head coach Kyle Casias earned the honors. Romao led his team to a Final Four appearance to close the season with a 19-2-5 overall record. Casias’ swim team also had success at states and nished the year as the Class 4A State Runners-up.

“Congratulations and well deserved,” Windermere High ofcials said. “Two of the very best coaches in the country.

The Ocoee High School Special Olympics basketball team won the 2026 state championship. The tournament took place from Friday, May 15, to Saturday, May 16, at ESPN Wide World of Sports. The Knights won states back-toback in 2023 and 2024.

The state champion team included Trevor Harvey, Antonio Harrison, Khanye Fulford, Brenton Haynes, Jahzaviah Desir and Myles Staples.

The Winter Garden Squeeze, a collegiate summer baseball team playing in the Florida Collegiate Summer League, is back for its 2026 season. This season is the Squeeze’s 13th in existence, and the team nished the 2025 FCSL regular season with a 1320 record.

The team’s home base will be at Horizon High School, located at 10393 Seidel Road. Other eld locations this year include Leesburg Lightnight’s Pat Thomas Stadium, Sanford River Rats’ Sanford Memorial Stadium, DeLand Suns’ Conrad Park/Melching Field, Orlando Snappers’ The First Academy and Winter Park Diamond Dawgs’ Rollins College Alfond Stadium.

The Squeeze will kick o the season with a home game in DeLand at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 29. The team will play 12 home games in June and ve in July before playo s begin Monday, July 20. The championship games are schedule for Saturday, July 25, to Monday, July 27 (if needed).

The First Academy boys lacrosse player Jackson Jones was named 2026 Academic All-American for his academic and athletic success during the season. The award is given to an athlete who maintains above a 3.5 GPA and maintained a starting position on the team’s roster. Jones, a senior defenseman, helped the team achieve its 14-6 record, while also competing on the boys weightlifting team. TFA also awarded him the Daniel Award, which is an award recognizing students chosen for a life designed by faith, servant leadership, wisdom and the ability to lead others with purpose.

Sunshine State of mind

The West Orange High Uniﬁed Cheer team won states for the fourth consecutive season and now prepares to represent Team Florida at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota.

MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

After West Orange High School’s Unified Cheer team won the state championship last season, head coach Karen Smith received a call that changed the trajectory of the program.

The Warriors team — comprising athletes with and without intellectual or physical disabilities — was invited

to represent Team Florida at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.

At first, Smith emailed the parents to inform them the team had a cool opportunity, but she didn’t know much about it. She had just begun coaching the last time the Special Olympics was happening in 2022, which was in Florida that year, so she thought it was state games. She didn’t put two and two together, so when they called she instantly said, “We’ll do it.”

MAGNUS’ OPUS: Swimmer leaves leadership mark

Southwest Stars swimmer Collin Magnus joined Florida Swimming’s committee as a sophomore and in two years created traditions that will carry beyond him.

MEGAN BRUINSMA STAFF WRITER

When Southwest Stars swimmer and Lake Minneola High recent graduate Collin Magnus was asked what he would do with $2,500 as a question on his application for the Junior Athlete Representative for Florida Swimming, he knew he wanted to do something to make a change. He knew how he answered the question would be a determining factor of his character, which would decide if he earned the role. Magnus wrote he would use the funds to place signs inside of host sites’ locker rooms reading “see something, say something.” In the 10 years he swam, he watched locker rooms be destroyed by users, to the

point where hosts no longer wanted to be one.

Encouraging others to speak up if they saw people destroying a locker room would help create a more positive swimming environment and continue to encourage venues to host large-scale meets.

He knew signage and advocating for a change would help the swimming community as a whole.

After he submitted his application, he waited, unsure of the result.

Magnus was shocked and overjoyed when he successfully earned the Junior Athlete Representative role, and the one-year role changed his life for the better. He fell in love with leadership, and without it, Magnus

SEE SWIMMER PAGE 3B

She didn’t realize how big of a deal the invitation was until the team arrived at a training camp in June 2025 and realized they were the only cheer team in Florida competing.

“I was excited, but to be quite honest, I was stressed because I was like, ‘How are we going to pull this off?’” Smith said. “Are the kids going to want to do this?”

The USA Games will take place from Saturday, June 20, to Friday, June 26, in Twin Cities, Minnesota. It will bring together more than 3,000 athletes from all 50 states to compete across 19 sports.

Smith’s mind went into panic mode, but it was the kids who changed her emotions.

“The kids were all like, ‘This is the best thing ever,’” she said. “They

OARS’ 16-year-old coxswain Emery Halliburton has settled into his leadership role as his boat prepares for nationals. Page 2B.

Courtesy photo Collin Magnus attended conferences in Denver though his leadership role with Florida Swimming. He’s grateful for everything he learned.

Megan Bruinsma West Orange High Uni ed Cheer team will make its Olympic debut by representing

Team Florida at the USA Games.

‘We

did it! Hallelujah!’

The First Academy faculty and staff lined up to say their goodbyes to the graduating Class of 2026 at the schools graduation ceremony Friday, May 15.

As students walked in, the crowd cheered.

Head of School Steve Whitaker, Principal Joyce Kwak, Valedictorian Eli Harrison and Salutatorian Amie Newell were among those who gave speeches.

Seniors also sang worship songs and participated in the Candlelight Ceremony, passing the fire from their candles to juniors’ candles. This ceremony commissions the juniors as the new campus leaders. Diplomas then were handed out, and seniors officially became alumni.

— LETICIA SILVA

Windermere High honors seniors

The early-morning start time couldn’t squash the excitement inside Kia Center as Windermere High School celebrated its Class of 2026.

The 800-plus-member class enjoyed an inspirational and energetic ceremony, complete with a bagpiper, performances from both the school’s band and chorus, and

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Emma Holter and other student leaders congratulated the Class of 2026 for their accomplishments.

Salutatorian Amie Newell spoke to the crowd with con dence.

Left: Valedictorian Eli Harrison folded origami while giving his speech.

Right: Elijah Clayton was excited to graduate.

Anastasia Lozada Da Silva, Giulianna Penagos and Izzy D’Apice prepared for the Candlelight Ceremony.

Lucy Lampkin was glowing at her senior graduation.

Kayla McRae smiled as she heard the inspiring speeches.

Left: Senior Pastor Dr. David Uth gave an inspiring speech.

PHOTOS BY THOMAS LIGHTBODY | TK PHOTOGRAPHY

speeches from Principal Andrew Leftakis, valedictorian Luz Clavijo Mojica and salutatorian Katie Wu. The ceremony ended with fireworks and streamers floating down from the top of the arena.

photos, visit tkphotos.com.

— MICHAEL ENG

redpages@orangeobserver.com

Observer

West Orange Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Business

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening

of Victoria Jewelers Windermere

!e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Victoria Jewelers Windermere. Located at 527 Main St Ste 102 in downtown Windermere, Victoria Jewelers is a trusted local jeweler specializing in engagement rings, wedding bands, custom jewelry, and ne gi s. !ey provide a personalized, no-pressure experience focused on education, transparency, and helping clients make con dent decisions for life’s most meaningful moments. What sets them apart is their commitment to accuracy and trust — they are the only store in Central Florida with a GIA-accredited certi ed appraiser in-house and a proud member of the American Gem Society (AGS), upholding the highest standards in ethics and consumer protection. Whether you’re selecting a diamond, redesigning a family heirloom, or looking for a one-of-a-kind piece, they’re here to guide you every step of the way. To learn more, visit https://www.victoriajewelers.co/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 50-year anniversary of Pine Hills Community Council

!e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 50-year anniversary of Pine Hills Community Council. Meeting monthly at 7149 W Colonial Dr in Orlando, the Pine Hills Community Council (PHCC) is a nonpro t civic organization dedicated to preserving a clean, safe, and prosperous community. Since 1972, PHCC has united residents, businesses, and partners to advance community-driven solutions, promote civic engagement, and enhance quality of life throughout Pine Hills and the surrounding areas.

To learn more, visit https://www.pinehills.info.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the grand opening of Mission Grove at Stoneybrook

!e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the grand opening of Mission Grove at Stoneybrook. Located at 12911 Stoneybrook West Pkwy in Winter Garden, Mission Grove at Stoneybrook o ers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, all focused on fostering relationships in a comfortable, supportive senior community. !is brand-new, state-of-the-art community provides residents with compassionate care and exciting amenities, including a relaxing pool, a dog park, a putting green, and pickleball courts! To learn more, visit https://www.missiongroveatstoneybrook.com/.

West Orange Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Polished by Omairis and the grand opening of Polished Artistry Co.

!e West Orange Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Polished by Omairis and the grand opening of Polished Artistry Co. Located at 301 N Tubb St Ste 113 in downtown Oakland, Omairis Santiago, owner of Polished by Omairis and Polished Artistry Co, is building more than a nail salon - she’s building a movement. A place where luxury gel services, natural nail transformations, creativity, con dence, and community all collide. From clients walking in for self-care to rising nail artists building their own brands, every corner of this space was created to feel fun, empowering, welcoming, and full of life. !is is the home where beauty grows, con dence rises, and everyone leaves feeling polished by her touch. To learn more and to book an appointment, visit https://Www.styleseat.com/omairis.

THE WEST ORANGE CHAMBER OFFERS 4 NETWORKING GROUPS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY - DR. PHILLIPS AND THURSDAY - HORIZON WEST

To learn more and to register for participation visit wochamber.com/ChamberGroups or call 407-656-1304

HAPCO