12.14.23 Southwest Orange Observer

SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E

Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 9, NO. 10

FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

Holly, Jolly Xmas!

Ocoee delighted the community with its annual jamboree. PAGE 7A.

Created for connection

Annabelle Sikes

The First Hope’s new podcast, “Inclusive Insights: Stories of Hope,” aims to create a sense of community for families with children who have unique abilities, and those who don’t, by asking the hard questions and having open conversations. PAGE 4A.

Major league mansion

YOUR TOWN HOLIDAY FUN CONTINUES The holiday spirit continues with several events.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland Village offers plenty of holiday fun for a few more days.

The village will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15; 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; 3 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17; 5 to 11 p.m.

Thursday and Friday, Dec. 21 and 22; and 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at 1500 E. Plant St., Winter Garden. Festivities include visits with Santa, Santa’s Magical Midway with rides and giant LED illuminated holiday-themed displays. The village also is a Toys for Toys drop-off location. For more, visit SantasWinterGarden.com.

Florida Running Co. is hosting 12Ks of Christmas, a holidaythemed 12K and 5K family event Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Hamlin Town Center, 14111 Shoreside Way, Winter Garden. Enjoy hot cocoa, appearances by Santa, photo ops and more holiday fun.

To register, visit floridarunningco. como/12ks-of-christmas.

Matthew’s Hope will host its Community Christmas Carnival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at 611 Business Park Blvd., Winter Garden.

For more information, visit matthewshopeministries.com.

White Swan Academy will perform a special presentation of “The Nutcracker Story” at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, in Town Square Park Windermere, 520 Main St., Windermere.

The Centre for Dance & the Performing Arts will offer four performances of “In His Name, We Dance,” the annual CDPA ensemble production of a “walk through Bethlehem.” It takes place 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, and Monday, Dec. 18; and 6 and 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, at Garden Theatre, 160 W. Plant St., Winter Garden. For tickets, visit bit. ly/40vaGup.

WINDERMERE WONDERLAND

Got an extra $30M? You could own Johnny Damon’s estate.

SEE PAGE 8A.

Windermere Prep’s pitch powerhouse As a freshman, Alyssa Parsons scored 35 goals for Apopka. Now a Laker, she already has found the back of the net 18 times. 1B.

Windermere High School treated the community to an evening of holiday treats, fun and more at its Winter Wonderland event. PAGE 6B.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

Local leaders help fund Tallahassee trip Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson and city commissioners donated funds to take Ocoee High’s Rally in Tally trip.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

Sharon Seiter stood in front of the Ocoee City Commission at its Nov. 7 meeting, about to speak during the public comment section of the meeting, unsure if she should be there or not.

“I went to the meeting, and I didn’t know if they were going to talk about it there, or if I needed to talk about it by filling out one of those slips,” Seiter said. “When I didn’t hear anything about it in the early part of the meeting, I went back and wrote up a slip, because I wanted to make sure it was on record and to see if they were OK with it and hopefully have it go thorough.”

But right before she spoke, Ocoee Mayor Rusty Johnson called for the room’s attention.

“I asked this young lady to come to the meeting tonight, so I want her to explain what she’s doing,” he said.

Ocoee students learn about Florida’s government each year at the Rally in Tally event.

Seiter was there to ask the commission for $1,800 to rent a second bus to take Ocoee High School student members of the school’s PTSA for an event in Tallahassee called Rally in Tally.

For the past three years, Seiter, the legislative chair of the school’s PTSA, has been able to find sponsors to fund one bus to take students to the event.

But interest has grown — especially this year.

“Since it’s an election year, I was asked to try and get two buses, and I’m like, ‘Let me see what I could do,’” Seiter said.

In the few years that Ocoee students have been attend-

Ventrac 4520

ing the event, Seiter has seen students gain an in-depth perspective of how their state government works.

Seiter recalls a moment from their first trip to the capitol, when former State Rep. Daisy Morales took time to speak to the students.

“She sat them in a conference room

Courtesy photo

and spent time asking them questions getting to know them and asking them about what they wanted to see the government do, and you could see them grow,” Seiter said. “They were really timid, and then all of a sudden, you see them raise their finger and ask a question. She made them feel more confident in that environment.”

This year’s trip will include even more experiences.

“I planned it early and was able to schedule a tour of the Senate,” Seiter said. “There, they go in and … do a mock session … where they’ll give them a bill to debate.

We have two of those

planned at the Senate and one at the House of Representatives, and then I have a tour planned of the state Supreme Court.”

For Ben Hargrave, an Ocoee graduate and current University of Florida freshman studying political science, Rally in Tally gave him a firsthand look at how government works.

“I really appreciated it getting a feel of how and where all these decisions are coming from,” Hargrave said. “As a political science student, I always hear about all this stuff that’s happening in Tallahassee, but it was really cool to have been able to see it in person.”

Johnson, along with the entire Ocoee City Commission, pledged to fund the second bus.

“It’s really inspiring knowing that … and learning that all these different people actually care about us,” Hargrave said. “You always hear people saying they care about the youth and then never actually put their money where their mouth is. So being able to see them take action by helping all these kids have this opportunity — it’s really nice.”

With two buses fully funded, Seiter expects both to be filled to capacity with more than 100 students and chaperones attending the event at a cost of only $7.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 , 2023

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COURT: Oliver can run in ’24 special election This decision comes following the Ocoee Commission’s clarification that barred Oliver from running for his old seat.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

— AMY QUESINBERRY

Folks joined children in a traditional circle dance following the lighting of the menorah.

CHAG SAMEACH!

Chabad of South Florida celebrates Hanukkah

Saima Plasencia asks for reconsideration SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

During the Dec. 5 Ocoee City Commission meeting, recently terminated Ocoee Police Chief Saima Plasencia claimed her dismissal was the result of a “coordinated effort” that came after she filed a grievance to her immediate supervisor, longtime City Manager Robert Frank.

Although Frank was never mentioned by name, Plasencia referred to her immediate supervisor and manager. According to the city’s personnel rules and regulations document, that is Frank.

Beyond the claims she made of both personal and professional attacks, Plasencia urged the commission to reconsider her termination.

“As stated in the P.R.R. in the case of termination of their employment, they shall be provided due process for regular full-time at-will employees,” Plasencia said in a

presentation to the commissioners during the public comment portion of the meeting. “(Because) I was afforded no due process, I implore you to reconsider my dismissal and determine what due process rights I’m entitled to.”

According to section 1.02.D.1.B of the P.R.R., Plasencia is entitled to due process “in accordance with applicable law.”

During her presentation, the former police chief said she was informed of her termination Nov. 17 via a letter.

Frank said to media members following the meeting he would not be commenting on personnel decisions. According to Section 1 of the P.R.R., the police chief serves at the pleasure of the city manager, so the decision to terminate Plasencia is within his powers.

In Plasencia’s presentation, her claims of a coordinated effort to terminate her from the police chief position came after she filed a

grievance about an unnamed person she refers to as a friend of the city manager.

“On Sept. 20, 2023, I informed the manager about the series of negative conversations which involved parties external to the department,” Plasencia said. “I requested his relief and guidance as it was damaging to me and the department. This was the first time I made a grievance, and there was no plausible deniability, as I had external parties as witnesses. It appears my grievance was met with blindness as it was after my request for relief, (that) this action was taken against me.

“I believe my one and only request for relief from this behavior led to the action taken against me,” she said. “I’ve also tried to rise above these continued attacks out of fear of (the unnamed person’s) relationship with the manager. ... Never before in 37 years of service have I been treated with such disrespect by an immediate supervisor. I never spoke

with the manager after that date, although I did make attempts to do so with no response, which was not uncommon behavior to me.”

Plasencia served as Ocoee’s police chief since May 2021.

The Observer attempted to contact both Plasencia and Frank for comment and inquire about the identity of the unnamed person to which Plasencia referred to. Neither returned messages.

Fo l l o w i n g P l a s e n c i a ’s presentation, no member of the commission immediately spoke on the former chief’s comments. Ocoee District 1 Commissioner Scott Kennedy was the only commissioner to mention Plasencia’s presentation during the meeting.

“Commissioners are not supposed to be involved in personnel decisions, and that’s where I’m personally leaving it,” he said. “So, I just wanted to give that explanation.

I have no comment and will have no comment about that.”

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habad of South Orlando led the Hanukkah Celebration and Menorah Lighting Thursday, Dec. 7 — the first night of Hanukkah — at the Butterfly Sculpture Park in downtown Winter Garden. In addition to the lighting of the menorah, the Jewish Festival of Lights included traditional Jewish music and dance, hot latkes, and an LED light show.

Rabbi Yosef Konikov, of Chabad of South Orlando, led the event, which was moved to a larger space this year.

He recognized teachers from the Hebrew School of Winter Garden, spoke of community and unity, and told attendees the light of truth, goodness and kindness can prevail no matter how dark the world is.

At its Nov. 7 meeting — and following a flurry of public comments, legal definitions and discussion — the Ocoee City Commission decided a candidate for office cannot be his or her own “successor.”

In doing so, the commission barred George Oliver III from running for his former seat in the 2024 special election. Oliver had stepped down from the commission earlier this year to run against incumbant Rusty Johnson for the mayoral seat.

At that meeting, Ocoee City Attorney Richard Geller reminded commissioners that decision likely would come with further litigation.

“Decisions made ... by the City Commission under this section shall be subject to review by the courts,” he said. “If someone disagrees with your interpretation, there could be some legal action that comes out of that.”

That’s exactly what happened.

One month later, on Dec. 7, the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court granted Oliver’s motion for a temporary injunction that would allow the former commissioner to qualify for the special election, run for his old seat and essentially be his own successor if he wins the special election.

“Melanie Sibbitt, in her official capacity as clerk of the city of Ocoee, is required to add plaintiff’s name to the list of qualified candidates for election to the city of Ocoee, City Commission District 4 upon receipt and review of candidate qualification documents from Plaintiff,” the court filing said.

The court’s reasoning behind this decision was based on two things. The first is the commission’s powers to judge the qualifications of candidates.

“But for the city commissioners decision at the Nov. 7, 2023, meeting, there has been no argument the plaintiff does not meet all of the above listed requirements (to qualify for the election),” the court filing said.

“The City Charter does not give the city the right to judge the qualifications of candidates,” the filing said.

“Instead, Section C-10 of the Ocoee City Charter states, ‘The City Commission shall be the judge of the election and qualifications of its members and of the grounds for forfeiture of their office ...’ It is clear (the) plaintiff is not a member of the City Commission, and therefore, the City Commission is not the judge of his qualifications as a candidate.”

The court also ruled leaving Oliver off the ballot would cause irreparable harm both to the candidate and Ocoee voters.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek

“Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Editor and Publisher / Michael Eng, meng@OrangeObserver.com Design Editor / Jessica Eng, jeng@OrangeObserver.com News Editor / Annabelle Sikes, asikes@OrangeObserver.com Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry, amyq@OrangeObserver.com Sports Editor / Sam Albuquerque, sama@OrangeObserver.com Sales Manager / Cyndi Gustafson, advertising@OrangeObserver.com Multimedia Advertising Executive / Iggy Collazo, iggy@OrangeObserver.com Graphic Designer / Andrea Rukstalis, arukstalis@OrangeObserver.com Advertising Operations Manager / Allison Brunelle, abrunelle@OrangeObserver.com

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Photos courtesy of The First Hope

The First Hope podcast team recorded the series with the help of Carlos and Carolina Flores from Hi Hello Labs.

First Hope starts new podcast to help families ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

Y

ou just got a diagnosis for your child with unique abilities, but nothing has changed from yesterday to

today.

What now?

The First Hope, a school providing a Christian alternative to unique abilities education for students ages 5 to 22, is helping families answer these questions and many more with the launch of its new podcast: “Inclusive Insights: Stories of Hope.”

The podcast is a collaborative effort between co-hosts Michelle Owen and Bethany Heinlein, as well as TFH Director Angel Alexander.

Staff members come from three different generations with expansive backgrounds and a wide range of knowledge.

Inclusive Insights, which dropped its first episode Monday, Dec. 11, aims to create hope and a sense of community for families with children who have unique abilities and even those who don’t.

The podcast will release episodes monthly; seven already are recorded.

The podcast is available on platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Owen believes the community needs to have the real conversations and normalize them as a human experience that everyone shares on some level.

“That is the remedy to every single part of this,” she said. “We all have something. It might be neurodiversity, it might be addiction, it might be a struggle with faith.

Although this is a podcast that talks about inclusivity and neurodiversity, I think these same issues we discuss are normative for every family dynamic on every level. Whatever it is, real, honest and true conversation and connection are the remedy to that. That’s what we want to create with this podcast. Conversation, connection and community.”

‘AN ACT OF GOD’

Heinlein, who started with TFH in May 2022 and serves as the program coordinator and creative specialist, said the idea for the podcast emerged from a meeting with Carolina Flores in May 2023.

Flores, a TFH parent and co-owner of Hi Hello Labs in downtown Orlando with her husband, Carlos, approached Heinlein and told her about the lab.

Heinlein had been trying to obtain more professional photos and videos for the school. She said it was “an act of God” when Flores approached her.

“In my meeting with her, she was casually like, ‘Podcasts are the new market. Podcasts are the way to get information out.’ Everyone listens to a podcast, whether you’re showering, getting ready in the morning, or driving. It’s just very universal,” Heinlein said. “So, she kind of planted that idea, and I didn’t do anything with it at the time, but one day it just came up and we ran with it.”

Owen, who has been with TFH since August 2022 and is the academic and instructional advisor, had been working for a different company with a similar idea and decided to help make it happen at the school.

“As we were going through the process of organizing the podcast, we wanted to make sure we discussed the topics that were important to our families, and we started asking our families, ‘What conversations do you need to have?’ ‘What is the hardest conversation you had?’ Real, transparent, difficult conversations that families don’t want to feel alone in,” Owen said. “When it’s midnight and you’re talking with your spouse about next steps and they’re not on the same page with you, or you don’t have the resources you need, what are the real conversations? Because everyone is having these conversations isolated. They feel alone … (and) we can’t share everyone’s sto-

“ … Although this is a podcast that talks about inclusivity and neurodiversity, I think these same issues we discuss are normative for every family dynamic on every level. …”

— Michelle Owen, academic and instructional advisor at The First Hope

GET IN TOUCH Inside First Baptist Orlando Church’s building; 3000 S. John Young Parkway, Orlando WEBSITE: thefirstacademy.org/ academics/first-hope PHONE: (407) 206-8801

ries. Only they can share their stories, but we know their stories, and we want to say to families, ‘You’re not alone!’ But it’s not ours to tell.

It’s theirs. That’s when we knew we needed to let people tell their stories, and this was the perfect platform.”

Some future topics will include how to search for schools, navigate finances and assess the future.

Heinlein said the podcast members wanted to focus on both the heart and the head of each topic. The heart comes from real testimonies and family stories, while the head is advice and practical application.

“I do feel like there is a good amount of support when the children are school aged; everyone’s looking for it, everyone wants early intervention, there’s specialists, but then there’s the ‘Oh, well the window has closed for interventions for your child,’” Owen said. “OK, well they don’t just disappear. They need jobs, friends, support and community. How do they live?”

Each podcast episode comes with a tangible resource, and guest speakers include Alexander, Kent Suter, a financial adviser and TFH parent, and Brian Cross, a licensed mental-health counselor.

‘GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US A SPIRIT OF FEAR’

Alexander, who has been been TFH for almost four years, is able to provide a unique and special perspective for families, as she lives the same story each and every day.

She first learned about TFH years ago, when she was trying to get her daughter, who has unique abilities, into the school. At the time, the family could not afford it.

Her daughter, Joanna, is now 35 years old.

“The sooner you accept that this is your child, the faster things will progress and move along for both of you,” Alexander said. “I spent a lot of years at the beginning trying to make her what I thought that

she should be and what everyone else told me that she should be and do. Finally, one day you just look at her and say, ‘I think we’re capped.

I think this is what we’re going to get, so we’re going to go with that.’

Somehow, everything then just falls into place. Maybe not beautifully all the time, but because you’re out of your own way, you start to see.

The sooner you accept, the happier everyone is going to be.”

Alexander said finding the right fit for her own family, as well as other families, is an essential part of the work TFH does.

“The awareness, just letting people know that it really is OK that this is your child, and to love and accept them where they are is super important,” she said. “You don’t give up on them or just put them in their room with their video games. You just find a fit. We’re a really good fit because we’re flexible, we’re creative. If this program’s not working, we’re fluent enough to move you to another program.

There’s a lot of experience here.

We want to grow the school with healthy enrollment with the right fit families.”

The members of the podcast hope to reach not only families at TFH, but also families across Central Florida and beyond to provide a support system network of faithbased resources people can depend on and will provide them with what they need.

“Biblically, we are called to have the hard conversations,” Owen said.

“There are a lot of parents who live in shame or fear, and God has not given us a spirit of fear. So, as a faithbased school, we are called to walk in truth and stewardship. There are several verses that give teachers and ministers alike a responsibility and a calling to shepherd and disciple.

Even just ethically, we all walk in shame for something, and to watch families believe this lie of shame and fear, to just go inwardly, to isolate themselves or put up walls; God has called us to community and fellowship. That is actually the remedy for all of these symptoms that come from isolation. Whether it’s with a neurodiverse family or a typical family, all of those variables, the remedy to each and every one of them is community. Accountability.

Friendship. God made us and created us for connection.”

The West Orange Times, West Orange Times & Observer and Southwest Orange Observer are published once weekly, on Thursdays. The papers can be found in many commercial locations throughout West Orange and Southwest Orange.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 , 2023

Warning: Residents duped by counterfeit electronics STAY SAFE To remain safe when navigating Facebook Marketplace, Windermere Police Chief Dave Ogden said buyers should follow the S.A.F.E. acronym.

ANNABELLE SIKES NEWS EDITOR

On Tuesday, Dec. 5, Matt Burns met up with a local Horizon West teenager in the Summerport Village area to purchase what he thought was a used Samsung Galaxy phone from Facebook Marketplace.

Less than 24 hours later, Burns, who works in the technology field, discovered the used Galaxy S23 Ultra, which he had purchased for $500, was a fake.

When he attempted to message the seller asking to return the phone and obtain his money back, he was blocked.

Burns now plans to file a police report to protect others from similar experiences.

“I’m very technology savvy and cautious when it comes to validating items,” he said. “I’ve done more than 50 transactions on Facebook Marketplace, and I’ve never been scammed before.”

Burns had been looking for a new phone because his current Galaxy S21 Ultra had run out of space.

At $500, the phone he saw on Facebook Marketplace was a great deal.

The same model goes for about $1,600 new.

Before meeting, Burns requested a photo of his name next to the phone.

The teenager sent a video showing off the phone and saying Burns’ name.

Burns also Googled the seller to confirm his identity.

The teenager asked to meet at 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 5, at the HOA pool lot in the neighborhood.

Burns said the phone looked perfect visually and the teenager already had it in the factory reset mode. It also came with a Samsung box, complete with its EID number.

Burns said the phone worked when he called his wife, and he put his SIM card from his old phone to start receiving data.

Burns let the data transfer run overnight, but by morning, it still wasn’t done. That’s when he became suspicious.

“I opened the camera, and the camera looked different — like a cheap, cheap, old camera,” he said.

“As I started inspecting the phone further, I found that it was referencing a micro SD card as part of the storage even though the phone doesn’t have micro SD slots. I started Googling to find out that these new phones … have fakes so good, with box and all, that you cannot tell, for the most part almost, that they are fake.”

Burns tried to pry off the back of the phone — and realized it was plastic.

“It basically just disintegrated,” Burns said. “When it fell apart, I could see the micro SD card. I could see that it was clearly really old phone parts hidden inside what looked like a perfect replica of a S23 Ultra. It blew my mind that a counterfeit could be that good.”

He then contacted the teenager through the phone number he had from Zelle. Burns told the seller he had saved messages and video footage from his Tesla dash cam.

“Feel free to file a report,” the teenager replies. “All Facebook sales are final, and all items are sold as-is. The phone is not fake, and I’ve allowed you to thoroughly check it out. Your video will also prove that you have checked out the item before purchasing and you are purchasing on your own free will.”

Burns isn’t this teenager’s only victim. Ken Albino was scammed

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in August when he bought a pair of counterfeit AirPods for $57.

Albino, who also has a background in technology, said the AirPods also looked legit and came in a replica box. However, he kept receiving complaints that people could not hear him when he used them.

Upon taking the item to the Apple Store, Albino was told the AirPods were fake.

When he realized he was unable to view the seller’s profile on Facebook, he sent the teenager a request back on Cash App, saying, “For fake AirPods.

Police report in process.” The request was declined.

“I wanted to be the only victim, because I was like, ‘You know what kid, enjoy your $50. You’re going to be looking over your shoulder knowing you did the wrong thing,’” Albino said. “But greed got the better of him to where now he’s legitimately scamming someone out of what could be someone’s whole paycheck.”

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To identify counterfeit electronic parts, precautions to take include reading the labeling to look for incorrect information, carrying out an X-ray inspection, using a scanning acoustic microscope, looking for signs of resurfacing or physical deformities and destructive testing.

According to Jody Fisher Law, in Florida, a person can face two specific charges for counterfeiting. The offenses include “selling goods or services with a phony trademark or intellectual property designation and forging or counterfeiting a good or service protected by a trademark or other intellectual property designation.”

Under Florida Statute, a person can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor if he or she knowingly forges and/or sells forged merchandise. The offense can be escalated to a felony of third, second or first degree.

Burns recommends locals meet at an authorized retailer for the exchange, such as an Apple Store or Verizon location to validate the item.

“Ideally, you want to pay people for things through PayPal goods and services,” Albino said. “With Zelle and Cash App, once you send that money, it’s gone.

“With how good the fakes are becoming, it’s very hard to verify if something is real or not,” he said. “I just wouldn’t buy used electronics on Facebook Marketplace. I definitely won’t be doing it again.”

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TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

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Two locals have reported being scammed by the same teenager into purchasing fake items from Facebook Marketplace.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

Lakeview has a new mascot AMY QUESINBERRY COMMUNITY EDITOR

When West Orange High School opened in 1975, Lakeview High School became a junior high school for grades seventh through ninth.

Twelve years later, Lakeview became a middle school for sixth through eighth grades.

Generations of Winter Garden and West Orange County students have proudly called themselves Lakeview Red Devils since 1927.

The school has ushered in a new era with a new mascot — students at Lakeview Middle School are known as the Lakeview Lightning.

In May, the school posted on its Instagram page, lakeviewms_ocps: “Lakeview High School will always be the Red Devils, and now we have a mascot for our middle school.”

Jacquelyn Ihnenfeld, Lakeview assistant principal, said the decision to adopt a new mascot was driven by students and parents during the 2022-23 school year. The other two options were the Lynx and the Lobos.

“Families brought it up at a SAC meeting, and then we put it in the

hands of student leadership to come up with three options,” she said. “Students and staff voted, and with (more than) 60% of the vote, we adopted the Lightning. …

We’ve received nothing but positive feedback.”

But not everyone is excited about the change.

Dick Lindsey was the athletic coach at Lakeview High School.

“LHS holds a special place in my heart and mind,” he said. “The school was built, named and a mascot was selected. The school still stands, and the School Board should honor the love, devotion and pride the Winter Garden community has given to the one connection that united them while students there —and that is the Lakeview High School Red Devils.

The powers that be may change the mascot’s name. … But to the alumni, citizens of Winter Garden and the faculty and coaches who gave a part of their soul to LHS, the Red Devils will never be replaced.

“All of us are just letting the current students and administration borrow our beloved school,” Lindsey said.

“They can change the mascot, but

they will never change what is etched in our mind, and that is Lakeview Red Devils.”

Ihnenfeld said the school technically adopted a new mascot for the middle school only.

“The mascot was technically never changed,” Ihnenfeld said. “We aren’t getting rid of the Red Devil mascot — that will always stay with the high school memories and historical documents shared on campus.”

The school colors remain maroon and gold. Lakeview officials also updated the digital artwork for the front of the school and the school crest.

The campus still contains all the Red Devil historical images, yearbooks, jackets, photographs and other memorabilia, Principal John Linehan said.

“Once we complete the comprehensive rebuild, we will be dedicating space to display all the high school history for visitors and students to see,” he said.

Linehan, who was hired as Lakeview Middle principal over the summer, was in favor of the new Lightning mascot for the middle school.

The new Lakeview Middle logo incorporates a lightning bolt and keeps the school’s original colors of maroon and gold.

“When I was (principal) at West Orange (High), I used to go on the news show right after the weather,” he said. “The students doing the weather always had nicknames. There was ‘Heather with the Weather’ and ‘Hailstorm Hailey.’ Since I went on right after them, I gave myself the nickname ‘Lightning Linehan,’ and it really stuck with me for those years.

“When I found out that Lakeview had changed to the Lightning, I was

totally shocked,” Linehan said. “It’s pretty great! Lightning Linehan!”

The new artwork was created free of charge by one of Linehan’s friends; his payment was Lakeview Lightning swag.

Apopka Memorial Middle School, which was previously Apopka Memorial Junior High, also has adopted a new mascot in lieu of the Blue Devils and now is known as the Seahawks.

One of the crowd favorites was the Main Street Electrical Parade golf cart.

Winter Garden rocks, rolls with golf cart parade

The parade featured a multitude of local businesses, including Crooked Can Brewing Company.

T

Alyson and Will Hawthorne helped lead and organize the parade.

he West Orange Junior Service League and the city of Winter Garden hosted the eleventh annual Winter Garden Christmas Golf Cart Parade Saturday, Dec. 2, in historic downtown Winter Garden.

Elaborately decorated golf carts spread holiday cheer as they made their way around West Plant Street, entered east bound from Park Avenue and looped westbound on Woodland Street. Spectators staked their favorite viewing spot along West Plant Street and brought chairs and blankets for comfort.

Following the parade, the golf cart entries parked throughout downtown for bystanders to get a closer look at the holiday-themed masterpieces.

Adriana and Frankie Liz rode in the parade with their family.

Left: Mrs. Claus made an appearance on one of the golf carts.

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OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 , 2023

7A

Kaseam, Genesis, Kyra and Kaleb Robinson attended the event in matching outfits.

Families posed in front of the Christmas tree at City Hall before the tree-lighting ceremony.

A CUP OF CHEER:

Ocoee delights with Jolly Jamboree

The event featured a variety of performances from local students in the city of Ocoee.

T

he city of Ocoee hosted its annual Jolly Jamboree Saturday, Dec. 9, in the streets of downtown. The event kicked off with judging for the Holiday Dog Parade, before pooches marched to City Hall wearing their best holiday attire.

Attendees then enjoyed festivities, such as pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, games, carnival rides, downtown merchants, food trucks, and special performances from local students.

The holiday event concluded with the tree lighting ceremony at night.

Jade Deaver and Margot Lopez played in the ice patch.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Mark Felbinger entered his dogs, Akamaru Ryu and Tobimaru Kenji, in the parade.

Children soared down the snow slide at the event.

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REAL ESTATE

8A

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

Butler Bay estate sells for $1,900,000 A

home in the Butler Bay community in

Windermere topped all West Orange-area residential real-estate transactions from Nov. 6 to 12.

The home at 2807 Butler Bay Drive N., Windermere, sold Nov. 6, for $1,900,000.

Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 4,876 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two. The sellers were represented by Ginger Jarvis, Folio Real Estate.

These are the highestselling homes in each community in West Orange.

DR. PHILLIPS AVALON AT TURTLE CREEK

The home at 10746 Woodchase Circle, Orlando, sold Nov. 10, for $717,500. Built in 1997, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,536 square feet of living area. Days on market: 147.

BRISTOL PARK

The home at 8715 Ingleton Court, Orlando, sold Nov. 6, for $645,000. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,532 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 10.

Brad Carter | Imagine That Photography

The home at 2807 Butler Bay Drive N., Windermere, sold Nov. 6, for $1,900,000. This home features sunrise views on Lake Crescent. The sellers were represented by Ginger Jarvis, Folio Real Estate.

CITRUS CHASE

The townhouse at 8444 Tangelo Tree Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 6, for $419,900. Built in 1983, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,614 square feet of living area. Days on market: 39.

SAND LAKE HILLS

The home at 8540 Sandberry Blvd., Orlando, sold Nov. 7, for $490,000. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,770 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Five.

SAND LAKE SOUND

The townhouse at 7337 Alpine Butterfly Lane, Orlando, sold Nov. 7, for $619,000. Built in 2021, it has three bedrooms, twoand-one-half baths and 1,970 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

SOUTH BAY

The home at 9315 Cypress Cove Drive, Orlando, sold Nov. 7, for $1,034,000. Built in 1981, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 3,983 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 31.

TURNBURY WOODS

The home at 8604 Mindich Court, Orlando, sold Nov. 8, for $1,200,000. Built in 1987, it has five bedrooms, four-and-onehalf baths and 4,545 square feet of living area. Days on market: 14.

VIZCAYA HEIGHTS

The condo at 8767 The Esplanade, No. 44, Orlando, sold Nov. 7, for $639,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,328 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 10.

HORIZON WEST HAWKSMOOR

The home at 16274 Taliesin St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 9, for $549,900. Built in 2020, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,372 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 31.

LAKES OF WINDERMERE — PEACHTREE

The home at 13528 Bramham Lane, Windermere, sold Nov. 7, for $570,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, three-and-onehalf baths and 2,563 square feet of living area. Days on market: 77.

The home at 8430 Greenbank Blvd., Windermere, sold Nov. 8, for $475,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,649 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 33.

SILVERLEAF RESERVE BUNGALOWS

The home at 4970 Citrus Leaf Blvd., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 6, for $542,330. Built in 2023, it has three bedrooms, two-and-onehalf baths and 1,985 square feet of living area. Days on market: 304.

STOREY GROVE

The home at 15160 Book Club Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 9, for $698,000. Built in 2019, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 3,295 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 24.

SUMMERLAKE

The home at 8110 White Pelican St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 9, for $540,000. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,209 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 122.

Photos courtesy of Uneek Image

Johnny Damon lists local estate The MLB star and Dr. Phillips High alum has listed his Windermere estate for $30 million.

If you have a spare $30 million, you could own Johnny Damon’s Windermere home.

The Major League Baseball player and Dr. Phillips High School alum and his wife, Michelle Damon, are selling their lakefront estate at 6004 Cartmel Lane, Windermere. Alice Anne Jackson, of Corcoran Premier Realty, is handling the sale.

Sited on the shores of Lake Butler, the home sits within the Reserve at Lake Butler Sound community. It sits on a double lot of 4.78 acres and boasts more than 540 feet of water frontage.

The 20,240-square-foot home features a plethora of amenities you’d expect of a home owned by a professional athlete. Amenities include a two-lane bowling alley, sports bar, karaoke, home theater, music loft, games arcade, recreation (or meditation) room,

equipped fitness gym, and sauna and steam room. It also features a home office, ventilated cigar lounge, temperature-controlled wine vault and more.

The outdoor area includes a resort-style saltwater pool with a spa enhanced with a grotto, slide and even a swim-up hibachi grill and bar. The home also has tennis and basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, a playhouse with power, splash pad and zip line, vegetable garden, two fire-pit areas, an outdoor kitchen, a boat dock with upper sun deck including paddleboard/canoe launch, and lush mature landscaped gardens.

“The property is truly a oneof-a-kind masterpiece,” Jackson said. “Not only is it unique to have a double waterfront lot that spans nearly 5 acres within one of Orlando’s most coveted gated

communities, but it is also rare to find a waterfront home with this bedroom count, level of amenities, and attention to detail in both the construction and the design.”

There are a total of nine bedrooms and 15 bathrooms.

The luxurious owner’s suite is a dedicated wing set out on the first level with an expansive bedroom with cozy retreat/sitting area, coffee bar, two separate showers

and two separate toilets, a large outdoor shower, a two-story wardrobe, a beauty/hair salon, its own laundry room, and a recreational/exercise room with dual access.

There are two themed bedrooms on either side of a two-story playroom and two further individual guest ensuite bedrooms. There are two separate guest/staff quarters — each has two individual bedrooms and

ensuite bathrooms, a living area as well as a kitchenette and dedicated outdoor terrace.

Additional features include a residential elevator, multiple fireplaces, wet bars, laundry rooms, state-of-the-art technology, illumination and security, storage space, and multiple balconies. There is garage space for eight vehicles, with an additional motor court and bay parking areas.

OrangeObserver.com

9A

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 , 2023

redfin.com

The home at 16855 Beasley Bay Alley, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 8, for $474,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,685 square feet of living area. Days on market: 59.

WESTSIDE VILLAGE

The home at 11537 Charnock Drive, Windermere, sold Nov. 10, for $530,000. Built in 2018, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,212 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 106.

OAKLAND OAKLAND TRAILS

The home at 2180 Standing Rock Circle, Oakland, sold Nov. 9, for $590,000. Built in 2018, it has three bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,060 square feet of living area.

Days on market: 23.

SNAPSHOT

Total Sales: 37 High Sale Price: $1,900,000 Low Sale Price: $215,000

BAPTIST

CHURCH OF GOD

First Baptist Church Ocoee Church of God Pastor Tim Grosshans Pastor Thomas Odom 125 E. Plant St, Winter Garden 1105 N. Lakewood Ave.,Ocoee FARMS (407) 656-2352 (407) 656-8011 The home at 4138 Equestrian Sundays: 8:30 AM Traditional Lane, Windermere, sold Nov. 7, for EPISCOPAL 9:45 AM Bible Study $1,120,000. Built in 1986, it has four Church of the Messiah 11 AM Contemporary bedrooms, four baths and 3,668 241 N. Main St., Winter Garden Wednesdays: 6 PM Awana square feet of living area. Days on Services: 8, 9:30, & 11 AM, market: Five.

4 PM (French & Creole), 7 PM 2nd Campus: LAKE BUYNAK ESTATES www.ChurchoftheMessiah.com First Baptist Church The home at 3606 Lake Buynak @ Horizon West Road, Windermere, sold Nov. 8, for METHODIST $930,000. Built in 1989, it has three 15304 Tilden Road, First United Methodist bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths Winter Garden www.fumcwg.org and 3,300 square feet of living area.

Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages Days on market: 125.

125 N. Lakeview Ave., www.FBCWG.org Winter Garden STARKE LAKE BAPTIST WINDERMERE DOWNS ANGLICAN METHODIST NON-DEN 656-1135 CHURCH The home at 9792 Wild Oak Drive, Starke Lake Baptist Church (407) FIRST UNITED METHODIST Services: 9 AM Traditional PURPOSE C ANGLICAN COMMUNITY Windermere, sold Nov. 8, for PO Box 520,Pritchard 611 W Ave, Ocoee Pastor Jeff CHURCH 13640 W. Colo 10:45 AM Contemporary CHURCH $900,000. Built in 1982, itFELLOWSHIP has three Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., 125 N. Lakeview Ave Winter Garden bedrooms, three-and-one-half Rector The Rev. Canon Tim Trombitas Also viewable on YouTube Winter Garden (407) 656-2351 Ocoee Service Times 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM 407-654-9661 baths and 3,102 square feet1146 of living East Plant St, Winter Garden www.starkelakebaptist.org Phone – 407-656-1135 Fellowship 9:4 (407) 656-2351 area. Days on market: 28. SUNDAY SERVICE 10:00 AM Web: fumcwg.org www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org Find us at: Theacf.net WINTER GARDEN

CHURCH

CHURCH OF GOD

CRESTWOOD HEIGHTS

OCOEE CHURCHChurch OF GOD Victory Baptist The home at 209 Third St.,BAPTIST Winter Pastor Thomas Odom & Christian Academy Garden, sold Nov. 10, for $362,000.

1105 N. Lakewood Ocoee BEULAH BAPTIST 1601 A.D. Mims Avenue, Rd,Ocoee Built in 1921, it has two bedrooms, 407-656-8011 Pastor Casey Butner (407) 656-3097 two baths and 882 square feet of 671 living area. Days on market: 21.Beulah Rd, Winter Garden Sunday: 11 AM & 6 PM EPISCOPAL 407-656-3342 | BeulahBaptistWG.org Wednesday: 7 PM CHURCH OF THE MESSIAH GOLF CART DISTRICT SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30AM www.VBCOCOEE.com The home at 27 W. Palmetto St.,

FORESTBROOKE

MCALLISTER LANDING

OCOEE ADMIRAL POINTE

The home at 687 Statenville Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 7, for $485,000.

Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,140 square feet of living area. Days on market: 10.

The townhouse at 1085 Wickerwood St., Ocoee, sold Nov. 7, for $385,000.

Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,212 square feet of living area. Days on market: Five.

The home at 120 Hopewell Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 9, for $620,000.

Built in 2006, it has six bedrooms, three baths and 3,448 square feet of living area. Days on market: 50.

RESERVE

The home at 1080 Royal Marquis Circle, Ocoee, sold Nov. 7, for $405,000. Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,973 square feet of living area. Days on market: Eight.

SAWMILL

The home at 6836 Sawmill Blvd., Ocoee, sold Nov. 9, for $295,000.

Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,730 square feet of living area. Days on market: 40.

WENTWORTH

The townhouse at 1709 Fritwell Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 8, for $280,000. Built in 2004, it has two bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 1,275 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Five.

WESTCHESTER

The home at 1844 Oxton Court, Ocoee, sold Nov. 6, for $410,000.

Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,915 square feet of living area. Days on market: 25.

WINDERMERE BUTLER BAY

The home at 2807 Butler Bay Drive N., Windermere, sold Nov. 6, for $1,900,000. Built in 1999, it has five bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,876 square feet of living area.

Days on market: Two.

DOWNTOWN WINTER GARDEN

SUNDAY SERVICE 11:00AM

Winter Garden, sold Nov. 9, for WEDNESDAY SERVICE 6:00PM $389,000. Built in 1920, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,004 FIRST square feet of living area. Days on BAPTIST CHURCH 125 E Plant St., Winter Garden market: 36.

241 N. Main, Winter Garden Services: 8, 9:30, & 11am, 7pm www.churchofthemessiah.com

407-656-2352 SUNDAYS 8:30 am Traditional The home at 1541 Juniper Hammock 9:45 am Bible Study St., Winter Garden, sold Nov. 9,am for Contemporary 11:00 $695,000. Built in 2019, it has six - 6pm - Awana bedrooms, four baths and WEDNESDAYS 4,204 Pastor square feet of living area. Days onTim Grosshans www.fbcwg.org market: Four.

2nd Campus: STONEYBROOK WEST FOUNDATION WORSHIP The home at 2057 Black Lake Blvd., 9:45 am - All Ages SUNDAYS Winter Garden, sold Nov. 9, for Foundation Academy High School $995,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, four baths and 15304 3,836 Tilden Rd., Winter Garden www.FoundationWorship.com square feet of living area. Days on market: 215.

407-730-1867

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

WINDERMERE UNION CHURCH 10710 Park Ridge-Gotha Rd. Windermere, FL 34786 407-876-2112 Worship times: 9:00am Adult Sunday School 10:00am Worship www.windermereunion.org

MIKE YOAKUM PASTOR

P: 407.656.1520 C: 407.758.3570 MYOAKUM407@AOL.COM

WATERSIDE ON JOHNS LAKE

The home at 16767 Rusty Anchor Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 10, for $1,155,000. Built in 2020, it has six bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 4,474 square feet of living area. Days on market: 88.

ORDER YOUR The townhouse at 968 Stucki CUSTOM MADE Terrace, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 10, for $225,000. Built in 1989, it has CHRISTMAS three bedrooms, two baths and 984 square feet of living area. Days on GIFTS NOW! market: One. WESTSIDE TOWNHOMES

Check out the custom made silent auction items that will be available at the Garden Party on November 9!!

The home at 1324 Eagle Lane, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 8, for $215,000.

Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 984 square feet of living area. Days on market: Seven.

WINTER OAKS

The home at 708 Canopy Oaks Court, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 7, for $555,000. Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,208 square feet of living area. Days on market: Two.

1333 EAST CROWN POINT RD. OCOEE, FL 34761

Matthew’s Hop

• Custom Furnitur The Community Christmas Carnival

Barn Doors, and • Repaired, Refinis Repurposed Wo Community...Get ready to unwrap • Gently Used Fur the magic of the holiday season at our enchanting Christmas Carnival!

Household Item Join us for a day filled with joy, laughter,

Dec. 16 I 10am-1pm

Jingle all the way to our Magical Christmas Carnival!

Follow us that at https://www.faceboo and festive wonders will leave your hearts aglow.

Everyone is welcome to join!

Struggling families looking to participate and receive help with toys, please call or e-mail us!

407-905-9500 info@matthewshopeministries.org 611 Business Park Blvd, Unit 101 Winter Garden, FL 34787

Visit our Workshop Location at 611 Business Park B 407.905.9500 • 8am-4pm Mon - Fri • 8am

Scan for more information.

415566-1

The home at 16685 Alpaca Alley, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 10, for $510,000. Built in 2019, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,705 square feet of living area. Days on market: 182.

The home at 120 Hopewell Drive, Ocoee, sold Nov. 9, for $620,000.

It was the largest transaction in Ocoee from Nov. 6 to 12.

The sellers were represented by Kaylyn Howard, ERA Grizzard Real Estate.

LV14252

WATERLEIGH

WANT TO SEE YOUR LISTING HERE?

CALL (407) 656-2121

redfin.com

The home at 16767 Rusty Anchor Road, Winter Garden, sold Nov. 10, for $1,155,000. It was the largest transaction in Winter Garden from Nov. 6 to 12. The sellers were represented by WRA Real Estate Solutions LLC.

415881-1

or email AdvertiseNow@orangeobserver.com

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

Santa's Wonderland Village Proudly Presented by Strates Shows

Santa’s Magical Midway Featuring Rides for all Ages!

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415965-1

10A

DECEMBER 14, 2023

HIGH

SPORTS

After leading Horizon to a 14-4-4 record last season, Hawks captain Karson Vasquez is ready to finish his high school career on a high note. Page 2B.

1

5

Just two years after a shift to a metro and suburban/rural classification system, the FHSAA Board of Directors voted at its Dec. 12 meeting on two items as part of a larger reclassification proposal. By a vote of 9-4, the board voted to approve all team sports shifting to a 1A to 7A model based on student population and a rural classification consisting of the state’s smallest schools. The board also voted 9-4 to require district play for football.

This decision goes against a portion of the initial proposal that would have teams not play district games during the regular season but instead play in a four-team district tournament during the last two weeks of the regular season. The board did not take action on a highly contested portion of a proposal for an Open Division concept. Under that proposal, following the conclusion of the season, the eight highest-ranked teams per the MaxPreps rankings system would be placed in a separate state championship tournament — regardless of classification. The remaining teams in the other eight classifications then would play in their respective state championship tournaments.

2

Windermere High’s boys soccer team continues its dominant start to the 2023-24 season and is now ranked as the fifth-best team in Florida and the top team in Class 7A, according to MaxPreps. The Wolverines, under new coach Lou Romao, are 7-0 and have won those games by a combined margin of 32 goals.

3

The First Academy’s Mi Li has been named Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Golf. The junior is coming off a second consecutive individual state championship.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

Courtesy of The ECNL

Windermere Prep’s Alyssa Parsons has opoened the 2023-24 season on an incredible goal-scoring pace for her new team.

Scoring machine After scoring 35 goals for Apopka High as a freshman, Alyssa Parsons is ready to bring even more to Windermere Prep.

S

occer is called the beautiful game for a reason. Those who understand it, grew up in it and love it know there is a tangible element to each match often unnoticed by the untrained eye.

Each game has a flow to it, a rhythmic nature that evolves throughout a match, and often at the heart of that flow is a player.

That player is someone who can dictate how the game will be played — either because of their physical play on the pitch or just simply by the opposition’s knowledge and reaction to their abilities. The likes of Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi or Megan Rapinoe come to mind.

Those types of players are rare but easily can be pointed out as the lynchpins of most games they play.

Windermere Prep girls soccer’s Alyssa Parsons is that type of player.

“She has a lot of really good qualities as a player, with her athleticism and speed being a few of them,” Windermere Prep girls soccer coach Greg Stone said. “Her skill and technique are really important, as

4

The Florida high school football state champions have all been crowned, officially marking the end of the FHSAA fall sports season.

Here are all the 2023 football champions: Hawthorne High (Class 1R); Cardinal Mooney Catholic (Class 1S); Cocoa High (Class 2S); Mainland High (Class 3S); Lakeland High (Class 4S); Chaminade-Madonna Prep (Class 1M); Berkeley Prep (Class 2M); St. Thomas Aquinas High (Class 3M); and Columbus High (Class 4M).

5

SEE PARSONS PAGE 3B

Meet the top boys basketball players in West Orange County Basketball season is about to kick into high gear. Before that happens, read up on the area’s top boys basketball players for this season.

Windermere Prep hosted some of Central Florida’s top boys basketball programs in the eighth annual Orlando Health Hoopfest. Participating teams included the Lakers and the Wolverines from Windermere High. Stand-out performers from the two area teams include Wolverines senior guard Chalier Torres, who scored 27 points in a 92-88 overtime loss to Victory Christian, and Lakers sophomore wing Brandon Bass Jr., who scored 30 points and grabbed six rebounds in a 76-72 win over The Villages Charter.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

Editor’s note: Statistics were compiled from online data. Athletes are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Courtesy of Windermere Prep

Windermere Prep’s Brandon Bass Jr. has all the tools to be a high-level player at the next level, with plenty of room and time to grow.

The West Orange and Southwest Orange communities are a boys basketball hotbed — home to some of the most talented players in the state and various teams constantly vying for championships.

The 2023-24 season shouldn’t be any different.

With Windermere High, Windermere Prep, Olympia and others returning star players from their quality 2022-23 teams and up-and-coming teams unearthing new talent to build their programs around, we should expect this season to be phenomenal.

Here are 20 of the area’s top boys basketball players.

JULIAN ANDERSON, THE FIRST ACADEMY Forward | Senior | No. 4

As the Royals’ top returning rebounder from 2022-23, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound football player is an athletic force on the inside. Last season, he averaged 7.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.

So far this season, he’s again using his powerful frame, quick feet and general bounciness to wreak havoc on the interior for a team that likes to play with four on the outside.

CAMERON BASDEN, FOUNDATION ACADEMY Guard | Senior | No. 3

Through four games, the Windermere Prep transfer has done it all for the Lions. He leads Foundation with 13.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and four assists a game.

SEE AREA PAGE 2B

2B

OrangeObserver.com

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

SPONSORED BY MARK’S FLOORING AND SHANNON TILL/STATE FARM IN FOWLER GROVES

Karson Vasquez The Horizon boys soccer player of the year in 2022-23, not only returns as the team’s most influential player but has the added responsibility of wearing the captain’s armband for the Hawks. So far in the 2023-24 season, Vasquez has managed to increase his offensive production, as well as continue to be the heart of the team’s midfield.

He’s bagged five goals, the second-most on the team, and dished out 13 assists to his teammates in eight games. The ECNL Florida AllConference First Team selection has all the tools to play at the next level but for now, he’s focused on continuing the Hawks’ (5-2-1) good early-season form.

How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?

It feels great to know that my hard work is being recognized and that I get to represent my school.

What do you like the most about playing soccer?

I like the competitiveness of it and how rewarding it is to win. I also love the feeling of being part of not just a team but (also) a family.

THE BASICS Age: 17 Sport: Soccer Grade: Senior School: Horizon

What’s your go-to pregame meal?

Peanut butter and honey sandwiches.

Courtesy photo

What is your goal for this soccer season both for yourself and the team?

My goal is that my team will take home the district championship for the second year in a row. For me, personally, I hope to find a school where I can compete at the collegiate level.

What is your go-to pregame hype song?

“Spin Bout U” by Drake.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from soccer?

I learned that you are always going to have ups and downs and face challenges. But if you stay persistent and keep working at it, you’ll overcome those challenges.

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?

Water, to stay hydrated; my dog KC to keep me company; and a fishing pole to catch food.

Who do you try to model your game after?

My dad. He has guided me through my whole soccer career, and I wouldn’t be the player I am today without him.

Favorite soccer memory?

My favorite high school soccer memory would have to be winning districts last year. It was awesome being able to claim that title, with a school that has only been open for two years.

Windermere’s Chalier Torres led Puerto Rico in scoring during the Centrobasket championship game against the Dominican Republic with 23 points.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Biology, as I hope to continue down this path in college and become a dentist.

What is your favorite movie?

“Transformers.” I have loved that movie since I was a kid, and it brings me back to my childhood every time I watch it.

If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?

My grandpa, because I always have a good laugh with him and love spending time with him.

If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?

Probably the early 2000s, to see if everything my parents say about that time is true.

Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your 10-year-old self?

Stay positive; everything will fall into place when the time comes.

If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?

Would you change any of the important decisions I am making now?

Who is your favorite superhero?

My favorite superhero would have to be Captain America, because he is a good leader who always finds solutions.

Who is your favorite supervillain?

The Joker, because he is always one step ahead and has a plan for everything.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Be telepathic, so I know what my opponents are going to do and be one step ahead.

Area basketball teams stacked with talent CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

BRANDON BASS JR., WINDERMERE PREP Wing | Sophomore | No. 1

The son of former NBA player Brandon Bass, Junior has all the makings of being a longtime professional player too. As a freshman last season, Bass led the Lakers in points with 17.4 points a game and was named the Class 3A, District 11 player of the year.

The four-star prospect was key in a successful 24-8 season that ended with Windermere Prep as the 3A state runner-up.

As a high school player and prospect, Bass has it all. He can shoot from anywhere on the floor and has a 6-5 frame. He’s bouncy, can finish at the rim and is stellar at creating space on off-the-ball cuts to set himself up for catchand-shoot threes.

Right now, if you combine the above with his willingness to defend, he already has the skills to be a successful three-and-D player at most D-1 colleges (he already has offers from LSU, Stanford, UCF, Houston and others). But the scary thing is, he has almost three full seasons to develop the impressive flashes of three-level scoring into consistent dominance on the offensive end before he heads off to college.

ADONYS CHRISTO, HORIZON Guard | Senior | No. 1

TA’VEON JONES, WINDERMERE Guard | Senior | No. 0

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After leading the Wolverines to a 21-8 record and a berth in the Class 7A region finals, Jones and his team-leading 16.5 points a game, 5.4 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 3.3 steals return to help a reloaded Windermere get to the next level. The hyper-quick lefty — with offers to play at the next level — has a nasty handle and isn’t afraid to attack the basket, often finishing over larger defenders with his go-to floater or finding his open teammates

TRAVIS LIGENE, LAKE BUENA VISTA Guard | Junior | No. 1

Through five games, the explosive guard has led the Vipers with 14.6 points per game while adding 3.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists. With Ligene as its go-to player Lake Buena Vista has had a pleasant start to the season with a 3-3 record, after finishing 7-19 last year.

JACOB OSBORNE, FOUNDATION Guard | Senior | No. 4

Alongside Basden, Osborne has been another key piece to the Lions winning start in 202324. Through five games he is averaging 11.8 points and seven rebounds a night for Foundation.

MARKO PANDILOSKI, CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Wing | Senior | No. 20

After losing its five top scorers from a team that finished with an 18-11 record last season, Pandiloski, a 6-6 wing who transferred from Windermere Prep, has helped fill the scoring void by averaging 14.8 points a game to go with his 5.8 rebounds through five games.

KHORI POLARCHY, LEGACY CHARTER Guard | Sophomore | No. 1

Through six games in the 202324 season, the 6-1 guard has led the Eagles in points with 10.3 per game to go along with his 3.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals.

GUSTAVO ROCA, WINDERMERE PREP Guard | Freshman | No. 3

According to his coach, Brian Hoff, the 6-3 guard is one of the most prepared freshmen he’s ever coached. The Puerto Rican international — who already has offers from Stetson and New Mexico State — will be a secondary ball-handler for the Lakers and a consistent floor-spreader with the ability to take over a game any given night.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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De Jesus is the top returning scorer —12.6 ppg — for the Royals 2022-23 team that went 16-10, that also averaged 3.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game last season. His solid handle and 6-2 frame are key to his ability to get to his game, which is getting his shots off from three-point—land.

NATHAN EARL, WINDERMERE Guard | Sophomore | No. 3

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LORENZO DE JESUS, THE FIRST ACADEMY Guard | Senior | No. 2

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While Bass led the Lakers on offense, Huan was the anchor for their defense. The four-star 7-footer averaged a whopping 4.7 blocks a game, to go along with his 6.4 points and 5.8 rebounds.

His obviously impressive frame is matched by his ability to time his jumps to protect the rim without fouling. His aggressiveness and athleticism not only are on display on defense, but also the Chinese international is developing into a dominant force on the interior of the offensive end.

Huan’s impressive freshman season gave him a chance to represent China at the 2023 FIBA U16 Asian Junior Championship in Qatar. He projects to be a highlevel college player as well, with offers from Alabama and Mississippi State.

Christo, a transfer guard from The First Academy, has gotten comfortable quickly in his new home upping his points per game average from 4.9 last season to 15 points a game in the early part of this season. Beyond draining threes, Christo also is adding 2.3 assists and two rebounds a night for the Hawks.

Family. With D-I offers on the table the likes of Stetson, St. Friends. from Bonaventure and others, the Georgia transfer is a quality If you could be an aniCommunity. addition to one of the area’s best mal for a day, which

We’re all in this together.

SINAN HUAN, WINDERMERE PREP Center | Sophomore | No. 32

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2B

SAMUEL SHOPTAW, WINDERMERE PREP Guard | Junior | No. 23

A transfer from Georgia, Shoptaw is a perfect fit for this young Lakers team. He’s a big point guard who has a great handle, can get to the rim, can hit an open three and is a sensational passer. Expect Shoptaw to help run the offense, consistently find his teammates and limit mistakes on the offensive end.

For Lowndes High last season, he averaged 10 points and 2.2 assists a game and holds offers from Jacksonville University and the University of South Alabama.

JUSTYNN THOMAS, OCOEE Guard | Senior | No. 2

The quick guard has lit it up for the Knights in his senior season, growing his scoring average from last season 11 points per game to 17.3 through four games this season.

The always-willing shooter is also grabbing 3.5 rebounds a night and dishing out 2.3 assists for Ocoee.

CHALIER TORRES, WINDERMERE Wing | Senior | No. 1

3B

Parsons brings adaptability, goals to Windermere Prep

SEMAJ WASHINGTON, CENTRAL FLORIDA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Wing | Junior | No. 2

Along with Pandiloski, Washington has been vital to filling in the numerous gaps for an extremely young Eagles team. Washington, through five games, is averaging 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and four assists a game. His tight handle and good pull-up jumper make him a fun watch.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3B

well. She’s able to control the ball under pressure … take on players and win one-on-one battles, and finish in front of goal. She’s a very well-rounded player, which makes her very tough to defend against.”

The striker broke onto the scene last year and established herself as a star player after scoring 35 goals and recording 11 assists for Apopka High.

And now in her first season at Windermere Prep, Parsons hasn’t missed a beat. Through the first five games of the 2023-24 season, Parsons has scored 18 goals and assisted two more for a young Lakers team, including a seven-goal outing against Trinity Catholic.

That, in and of itself, is impressive, but what will make you perk up a bit more is Parsons is only a sophomore.

It’s easy to point to technical skills or physical ability as the reasons why Parsons has been so exceptional, but at that young of an age, the ability to make a transition from one school to another in such a smooth manner requires a level of maturity that goes beyond her age.

When she was asked about the on-field transition to Windermere Prep, Parsons gives a small glimpse into the mentality that has helped establish her as one of the top players in the area.

“My teammates have made me feel really comfortable, so that’s helped me be able to do here what

KAIDEN WHITE, OLYMPIA Wing | Senior | No. 1

The 6-4 combo guard is the top returning scorer — at 10 points a game — from a Titans team that finished last season with a 26-3 record. Through five games for Olympia, White has increased his offensive output as one-half of the Titan’s one-two punch, averaging 14 points a game while adding 3.2 assists.

With his big frame, defensive tenacity and a shooting range that stretches far beyond the threepoint line, White is one of the best players in the area and will assuredly play at the next level; he already has an offer from FIU. KAMEREN WRIGHT, OLYMPIA Wing | Senior | No. 3

A transfer from Gainesville, Wright has fit in just fine at the Southwest Orange hoops powerhouse.

Through five games, he is leading Olympia in points with 14.2 a game while grabbing 4.2 rebounds and snatching 2.8 steals per game.

The 6-6, four-star is an all-caps ATHLETE who has everything you look for in a modern-day wing scorer. He has a tight handle, good footwork and a jump shot that’s as smooth as silk. Throw in his ability to jump out of the gym, and it’s no wonder he has offers from Missouri, Oklahoma State, Tennessee and countless others.

I did at Apopka,” Parsons said. “It’s easy for me to adapt to the players around me, because I know what I can do and I have confidence in my ability. And because my teammates are willing to help and work with me, I’ve been able to work hard with them, and we’ve been successful so far.”

But this isn’t the first time Parsons’ ability to adapt has come in handy. Last spring, Parsons was invited to a 23-player training camp with the U15 United States Women’s Youth National Team in Kansas City, Kansas.

“I was nothing but grateful for the opportunity,” Parsons said. “It was such a blessing to get called up.”

Although she was thankful just for the chance to participate in the camp, Parsons wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity and learn as much as she could.

“I went into the camp with a mindset of confidence,” she said.

“I just kept telling myself that they called me up for a reason. They know I’m a good player, so I just have to execute. When I got there, they put me in a few different positions, not just striker. They had me on the left wing a lot. That alone made me realize I needed to show them I can play any position and that I can adapt. That’s actually what I took most from the experience — how important the ability to adapt to different scenarios is and that I needed to make an impact, regardless of the position I’m playing.”

Through her time with the national team and with her transition to a new school, Parsons sees this as a great opportunity to step up as a leader for her team.

According to her new coach, that decision is paying early dividends for his team.

“The thing about Alyssa is she’s kind of quiet at first,” Stone said. “I think coming into a new environment was part of that, but when she got on the field, it was clear she felt comfortable right away and she began leading by example. She just comes out and puts such amazing effort into training, into practices, into mentally preparing, and the other girls saw that right away. They feed off of that. She’s brought such a confidence and work ethic every day that’s really helped our team.”

With the addition of Parsons and the return of key players throughout the lineup, this Lakers team has the talent and potential to build something special.

“Our team has a philosophy of, whoever’s in there is going to step up, be confident and do a good job,” Stone said. “That’s been one of our strengths early on. Even if we’re down a couple of key players, we don’t lose confidence. The nucleus of the team is fairly young, so I think that we still have a lot to learn and a lot to improve on but the pieces are there. We just have to keep taking it one match at a time and keep pushing to improve.”

College football is a beautiful mess; that’s why FSU missed out on playoff The foundation of college football has — and will always be — subjectivity. That’s what makes it great and messy, but also it is why FSU missed out on the playoff.

SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR

tell people their opinions are dumb.

But until I can tell Aunt Kathy she has no idea what she’s talking about after she suggests we go with reusable diapers, then we’ll never truly know.)

Debating which conference is superior, which team has the better résumé or, as of the 2014 season, who deserves to be one of the four schools to make the college football playoff is what makes college football one of the biggest sports in the country.

So when the CFP committee chose — for the first time in its existence — to leave an undefeated Power 5 conference champion in the Florida State team out of the playoff, you just knew everyone would have something to say. Everyone would have their opinion.

Their subjective opinions.

Although I could spew off my own opinion on the matter — which is that the Seminoles should have been included — the point that needs to be made here is different.

College football is not — and has never been — an objective sport.

It’s never been a math equation for

My wife is 38 weeks pregnant with our first child, and one of the things I’ve learned about having kids over this incredible journey is that everyone has an opinion on how to do the whole parenting thing.

Even people who swear they don’t have a horse in the race or don’t know anything about parenting still have a tip or trick to share with you.

This early parenthood experience reminds me a lot of college football.

Everyone has an opinion about how to fix it or why it doesn’t work, or knows something that can be done to improve it.

But unlike the joys of having children, the best part of college football isn’t the actual football. It’s that never-ending conversation among its fans. (I’d imagine those conversations about parenting would be more fun if it were socially acceptable to

which you can solve for X. It’s never been something definitive; it’s never been fact.

Why? Because the sport of football is so violent and complex that it’s impossible to play the number of games required to determine in a sea of 128 FBS teams who is the rightful champion.

Even if we boil that number down to just the 65 Power 5 teams, there still needs to be a layer of subjectivity to determine which teams are the best.

Take a look at every major professional sports league in the world.

None of them has more than 30 or 32 teams. Heck, in soccer, most leagues only have 20 teams.

The foundation of college football as a sport makes it so that it cannot — and will not — ever be objective.

And although FSU fans will shake their collective fists at the committee for leaving their beloved Seminoles out of the playoff, this is a sport where what happens on the field of play can be superseded by the opinion of a 13-person committee.

This is a sport where a manmade

formula based on subjective criteria was used to pick two out of the 128 possible teams to determine who played for a championship. In case you forgot, I’m talking about the BCS system.

This is a sport where a collection of journalists or coaches just chose the team — in their opinions — and named it champion.

This is a sport where schools just claimed championships because they felt like it — and yes, UCF is the rightful 2017 national champion. Go Knights, charge on (Class of 2016).

What I’m trying to say here is this: College football isn’t perfect, and it never will be. This isn’t a fair sport; this isn’t a sport that thrives for competitive balance.

Because college football is a subjective sport, where the opinions of humans are the determining factor in selecting who gets the chance to play for a championship, then Murphy’s law applies — if something is possible, then it’ll happen.

Like an undefeated Power 5 conference champion being left out of the playoff.

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A U17 Puerto Rican national team player — averaging 11.8 points a game as a member of the 2023 FIBA Centrobasket championshipwinning team — with offers to play at the college level, Torres is a complete wing who can shoot the lights out of the ball.

At 6-4 with a solid handle, he’s proficient shooting both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. For Windermere last season, he averaged 14.6 points, five rebounds and 2.3 assists a game.

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

OrangeObserver.com

OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

Castleview collects food for Dream Center “It is important to help those who The school donated more are less fortunate because they may than 400 items to those in not have the same things we have,” Grace Prendergast need at the Dream Center fourth-grader said. “The least we can do is give back a little.” in Winter Garden.

Students at Castleview Elementary School have collected more than 400 food items to donate to those in need at the West Orange Dream Center in Winter Garden.

The food drive has been an annual event at the school for the last three years. Each year, Castleview chooses to donate to local food banks and charity organizations in need.

This year, the House Council students and the three teacher sponsors — Rebecca Claflin, Amanda Russo and Mackenzie Crooks — were in charge of the collection.

House Council is an organization at the school that includes fourth- and fifth-grade students who demonstrate scholarship, leadership and school spirit.

Students promote the four houses the school has: valor, loyalty, wisdom and chivalry.

Thirty-two House Council students counted and boxed each food item that was donated, as well as advertised with commercials on the morning announcements. The whole school was able to participate in the donations.

“The canned food drive helped a lot of people in need for the holidays,” fourth-grader Liah Felicia Monteiro Dias said.

In a two-week span, the school collected 439 items, including pasta, canned goods and peanut butter.

Courtesy photos

Mackenzie Gebken, operations manager at the West Orange Dream Center, said the organization is grateful for the partnership between the school and families in need.

Crooks said. “This is the first of their events during the year that raises money or collects items for those in need. It is important for students to know how we can help others all year long, and the holiday seasons are a great place to start when many families may go without.”

Mackenzie Gebken, operations manager at the West Orange Dream Center, said the organization is grateful to have been chosen as a beneficiary, but even more grateful for a partnership between a local school and local families in need.

“It is important for the community to donate to those in need, because it is a way to show love to our neighbors and help meet the basic needs of families, leading to a stronger, healthier community,” she said.

Castleview Elementary collected 439 food items, including pasta, cereal, canned goods and peanut butter.

Other schools or individuals who want to get involved with the West Orange Dream Center can sign up to volunteer, donate cleaning supplies and hygiene items to the supply pantry, or make a monetary donation. For more information, those

interested can contact Gebken at info@wodreamcenter.com or (407) 258-3107.

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Crooks said Kathy Marlow, a nurse at the school, reached out with the idea to donate to the Dream Center.

Marlow works closely with the organization and explained to the school the organization’s need for food, as well as how it is used to benefit the Winter Garden and broader Orlando communities.

“My husband, Ron Marlow, enjoys volunteering at the Dream Center, because it brings him great joy to see the difference that the Dream Center is making and a huge impact in this community located on the east side of Winter Garden,” she said. “It’s a great Christian-based organization. They have a food pantry that has helped the community tremendously. The doors are open during the week for coffee, and (there is) free Wi-Fi for the community. It’s a place where the homeless can get out of the hot sun or the cold winter days and use the facility during the day.

The Dream Center is a great asset to the old and young of this community. Many different organizations see the difference they are making and want to be a part of the wonderful change that is happening. There is a group on Thursdays for the older folks; we call them the kings and queens. They have lived in this area for (more than) 60 years and have seen many changes in this community. But nothing compares to what the Dream Center is accomplishing.”

“The House Council students work hard to give back to their community to make it a better place,”

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

5B

OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE NATHAN CALDWELL

classroom felt like being welcomed home at the end of a long day.

OCOEE HIGH SCHOOL

Nathan Caldwell is the director of chorus, keyboard and AP Music Theory at Ocoee High School. This is his second year teaching, and he will be celebrating one year at Ocoee in January. He was voted as Ocoee High School Rookie of the Year for 2022-23. Recently, he was awarded the Morning Glow Teacher Impact Grant. “The students at Ocoee High School are exceptional and deserve top-ofthe-line equipment in their pursuit of musical excellence,” he said.

“Our keyboard lab needs a lot of love, and this grant will allow us to purchase sustain pedals and headphones.”

What brought you to your school?

I was a mid-year hire at Ocoee High. I grew up in Florida and interned with Orange County Public Schools, but life took me across the country for a bit.

When I saw that a high school job had opened in Orange County, I interviewed, won the job and moved home.

What do you love most about your school?

The students, of course! No matter how much I overwhelm them with sight reading or aural skills, they still teach me more than I could ever teach them. Every single day.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part has got to be when a piece of music finally comes together. After hours of practicing vocal techniques, writing in rhythm counts and solfège syllables, seeing students’ reactions when they realize how

REPORT CARD POSITION: Director of chorus, keyboard and AP music theory TIME AT SCHOOL: Less than a year

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

My favorite children’s book is “Henry Hikes to Fitchburg” by D.B. Johnson. My mom grew up in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and loved to tell my sister and me about it whenever she would read us this book as kids.

good they sound as a group is truly priceless. Nothing makes you feel like you belong more than being in perfect harmony with your peers.

What would you be if you weren’t in this profession?

I have no idea. Building and directing choirs has been my dream for a very long time. That, and I have been teaching since I was 14 years old and a sensei at my parents’ martial arts studio. I love being a chorus director; I want to do this for a very long time.

Who influences you?

As a teacher, I take the most influence from Mr. Justin Chase, from Lake Nona High School, and Mrs. Tabitha Peck, at Leon High School, in Tallahassee. Mr. Chase was my mentor teacher in college, and Mrs. Peck was my chorus and AP music theory teacher in high school. I feel like everything I teach is derived from Mrs. Peck, and the way I go about teaching it is inspired by Mr. Chase.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school? Why? My favorite teacher in high school was the late Mrs. Diane Chancy.

She taught humanities at Leon High School and was the most interesting, inspiring, intimidating and intriguing teacher I ever had. Everyone knew not to mess with her, but they also knew that she had the most amount of love to give out of any teacher at that school. Stepping into her

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love being outside. Anything involving trails, trees and a sense of adventure. I also love spending quality time with close friends, exploring new music, arranging/ composing my own music and cooking new recipes!

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would love to get dinner with Robert Shaw, the former director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Shaw inspired many prominent conductors when they were younger and lit the fire of music in countless singers throughout his career. His work resulted in the renaissance of American choral music. I want to be like him when I grow up.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Teleportation. I spend way too much time driving every day. I somehow managed to put (more than) 174,000 miles on my poor little Toyota Camry that isn’t even a decade old!

If you could only listen to three bands or artists, who would they be and why?

My top three would be Hozier for his ingenious lyricism, Noah Kahan for how he tells stories through song and SZA for the vibes.

What was your go-to lunch and favorite snack as an elementary student?

My go-to lunch and snack was a PB&J sandwich. Cut in triangles, not squares!

What is your favorite holiday and why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas.

The Florida air is cooler, my home is all decorated, I am surrounded by friends and family, and it all makes me feel very warm inside.

As Frank Sinatra once sang: “It’s that time of year when the world falls in love.”

Who was your best friend when you were in school and why? Are you still in touch?

My best friend when I was in school is my friend, Avi. We met my junior year of high school in a production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and immediately became best friends. We went to college together, worked the same barista job, and have the almost exact same interests and tastes in music. We hang out every time I visit Tallahassee!

What were your extracurricular activities as a student? Did you win any accolades or honors?

I participated in all things related to singing and theater in high school. I was tenor section leader in a group similar to “Excalibur,” our after-school pop/a cappella choir at Ocoee High. I was also the vice president of our ITS troupe, the lead in the musical, you name it! I was an All-State Chorus student throughout high school and jumped at every opportunity to grow as a musician as I could. My dedication earned me scholarships from both my high school and my alma mater, Florida State University. Due to my grades, the volunteer hours and the skills I gained from singing in chorus, I won enough scholarships to not have to pay for my undergraduate degree. So parents, put your kids in chorus; they might get a free college education out of it!

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DR. JAMES STEVE BROWDER DIED DEC. 2, 2023.

Dr. James Steve Browder passed away peacefully at his home on Dec. 2, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife, Mary Elizabeth, of 62 years, and his extended family.

Steve was born in Goodwater, Alabama, on Aug. 5, 1939. He was raised in Winter Garden, Florida, and settled in Jacksonville, Florida, where he had five children and 10 grandchildren.

Dr. Browder was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and distinguished physics professor for 47 years at Jacksonville University.

STEVEN WAYNE MARBAIS DIED WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6, 2023.

Steven Wayne Marbais, of Ocoee, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. He was born March 31, 1961, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, where he was raised until moving in 1978 to Ocoee, Florida, and resided in Ocoee the remainder of his life.

Steve was a loving and devoted father, husband, brother and uncle who enjoyed working on, selling and showing cars. Steve was a prominent businessman in Ocoee until his retirement in 2019, owning and operating Marbais Enterprises Inc., a local buy-here/payhere auto dealership and repair shop. Steve was an active officer

Celebration service for Dr. Browder will be held at 11 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 16, at Arlington United Methodist Church.

Visit Corey-Kerlin.com for full obituary.

with the FIADA for several years.

He also actively participated and contributed to local Central Florida events with his antique car collection.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Marbais Sr. He is survived by his wife, Leslie; mother, Bertha Marbais; children, Brianna Marbais and Mitchell Marbais; brother, Joseph Marbais Jr.; and sisters, Brenda Marbais-Ricotta and Stacy Carroll.

Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Garden in Winter Garden, Florida. Casual attire requested.

Reception immediately following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jimmy Crabtree Fund: The Jimmy Crabtree Cancer Fund (JCCF), PO Box 770446, Winter Garden, FL 34777; or go to jccancerfund.com to make online donation. Please notate a gift for Steve Marbais Memorial.

Students dressed in pajamas and holiday attire to attend the event.

Windermere welcomes holiday season with Winter Wonderland Wolverines enjoyed play fights using the giant bubble machine.

W

indermere High School hosted its annual Winter Wonderland event Wednesday, Dec. 6. The holiday festivities included games and giveaways, photos with Santa Claus, live performances, storytime with the school’s Homecoming king and queen, and even a surprise snowfall.

Windermere’s Student Government Association hosted the event.

— ANNABELLE SIKES

Children had the opportunity to engage in a variety of photo booths complete with holiday backgrounds and props.

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OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION FROM THE ARCHIVES On Dec. 7, 1941, Imperial Japan attacked the American base located at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. In preparation for war, training camps were established all over the United States.

In Winter Garden, an Army camp was constructed at the northeast corner of Dillard and Division streets — the future site of West Orange Memorial Hospital — which opened in 1952. The photograph shows an unidentified military trainee posing by the sign identifying the camp as the “Anti Aircraft Command — Company Battalion Battery C 526.”

85 years ago

The fire department was called to the home of Mr. and Mrs. P.H. Britt, where a small fire had started from a spark from the chimney. It was quickly extinguished.

Bob Hibbard, camp manager of Trailer City, said the Santa Claus Cauldron was boiling up a fine menu for the Automobile Tourists Association members who were planning a conference in Winter Garden.

60 years ago

For the second time in Christmas history, the American Legion post of Winter Garden, with Oscar Strine as commander and Santa Claus, held a Christmas party for children in need.

The Christian Business Men’s Committee of West Orange held election of officers: Joe Valdes, chairman; Wilson Griffith, vice chairman; and Dwight Woosley, secretary-treasurer.

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.

55 years ago

The Winter Garden Improvement Committee voted to eliminate the costly Christmas parade and to use the money for candy and entertainment for the children of the city. Among the activities planned was for Santa to arrive by helicopter at the West Orange Shopping Center.

50 years ago

45 years ago

At a special pre-game ceremony, the West Orange High School football stadium and school beautification program were dedicated to the memory of Raymond Screws, who served as principal in 1976 and 1977. Screws was shot and killed in his office Dec. 12, 1977, by another administrator.

“A” Flight winners in the Men’s

Golf Tournament at West Orange Country Club were Jack Miller, Billy Arrington, Irwin Stoener, Ward Britt Sr., Bill Kerr and Rollie Mayer.

Winners of the Ladies Handicap Tournament were Virginia Miller, Lil Strube, Linda Dillon and Pat Wood.

30 years ago

The city of Winter Garden held its third annual Wild Winter Wipeout

at the Winter Garden Regional Shopping Center, with 20 tons of snow, train rides, carriage rides with Santa, performances by members of Centre for Dance & the Performing Arts and the city’s recreation department, a puppy parade, craft show, carnival games, and an elf Christmas store for children 12 and younger.

crossword

celebrity cipher

BELLY OF THE BEAST by Paul Coulter, edited by Jeff Chen

©2023 Universal Uclick

ACROSS 1 Like many notebook bindings 7 Afro-Brazilian dances with syncopated rhythms 13 Like the population of Mongolia compared to China 20 Crazy Horse or Sitting Bull 21 Hanging on every word 22 Sid Caesar’s comedy partner Fabray 23 “Rocky III” hit song 25 Chosen to play, say 26 Potpie ingredients that come from pods 27 Chair-man Charles?

28 Place for rolls and loops 30 Reason for students to cram

31 Double standard?

32 Barely noticeable 34 Put into office 37 Kids’ game in which two players toss an object to keep it away from a third 41 Kate’s TV pal and roommate 45 Tape or sew, say 46 He raised Cain in the Bible 47 Western alliance based in D.C. 48 Like Richard I 52 Pleased as punch 53 National’s opponent?

54 Part of an electrical appliance 55 Elite invitees 56 Feeder filler 57 Dijon darling

DEC. 13, 1973 If you were looking for a Kodak film camera or movie camera in 1973, Winter Garden Camera Exchange had everything you might want.

Kodak Instamatic cameras were small enough to fit in your pocket; the X-15 model came with an attachable flash cube.

Movie cameras were a big-ticket item that year, with a variety of options. The Ektasound camera featured sound recorded right on the camera. The Kodak XL33 and XL55 cameras had a zoom lens and used Ektachrome 160 movie film.

A carousel Custom H Projector had whisper-quiet side viewing and many deluxe features for folks wanting to share their vacation photos with family and friends.

The store also sold a variety of Kodak film packages and offered fast, high-quality color processing. The shop was located at 18 W. Plant St., where Federated Tax Services now operates in downtown Winter Garden.

man being 49 Enjoy immensely 116 Lusting after 50 Buckets 117 Critical moment, in slang 51 Funny fellow 118 Beginnings 52 Pundit in Punjab 119 Actually existing 53 Yellowfin tuna 120 Online cash-back site 56 B.O. letters?

57 Whistle blower?

DOWN 60 “Later!”

1 Got some shut-eye 61 “Revolution,” for “Hey 2 Check casher Jude” 3 Swedish home furnishing 62 Stole stores 63 Libra’s stone 4 It’s for the birds 64 Scand. land 5 Treasury Dept. bureau 65 Carrot or potato 6 Not at all an early bird 66 Olin of “Casanova” 7 Look all right 67 Not fancy at all 8 Penny, perhaps 68 “Wow, awesome!”

9 Some hospital pics 69 Vehicle that wets down 10 Item that some grocery dusty dirt roads store customers provide for 70 Prefix with “state” or themselves “annual” 11 Clumsy person 73 Heavy reading 12 Passage passing 74 Diva Gluck Gibraltar 75 Dandruff shampoo brand 13 Dismissed with derision 76 Canal zones?

14 Balance parts 78 Dating guide for woodsy 15 Duck’s icy habitat? types?

16 Like legends 79 Sad-eyed hound 17 Fumed about 80 Burn a bit 18 Zeta follower 81 Home for hibernation 19 Sleep stage (Abbr.)

84 Olive in the funny pages 24 “Shampoo” co-star 85 Socko sound 58 One-named Nigerian (*exemplifying 37-Across) Goldie 86 Treat shabbily singer of “Smooth Operator” 87 Corn’s place 29 Get some air 88 Lodges 59 Not to mention 88 Bakery buys 32 Locate a word search 89 “Travelin’ Band” band, 60 “It’s c-c-cold!”

89 Spiced brew word in brief 61 Evening event 90 Elite Navy team 33 Not to mention 92 Break away 62 “Zip it!” (*exemplifying 91 Early term for an 35 English actress Bloom 93 Greets casually 23-Across) automobile (*exemplifying 36 Singer and actress 94 “Psst!” follower 67 Sneaker sort 48-Across) O’Shea 95 Blown away 71 “The Purloined Letter” 97 Cary of “Twister” 37 Verbal equivalent to a 96 Park place? penner 98 Replenish weapons shrug 100 Madonna musical 72 British ref. standard 99 Rap group originally with 38 CPR pros 101 Calculus calculation 73 London art gallery Dr. Dre 39 Hurl, in modern slang 102 Caesarean “veni” 77 Catherine of “Schitt’s 100 Ivy League team 40 Like some movie 103 Tennis champ Monica Creek” 104 pH scale measurement scientists 105 Venetian VIP 78 Way up there in winter? 106 Reddish-yellow 41 Peak experience in 106 Ices 80 “Jurassic Park” dinosaur, 108 Second-in-command Europe?

107 Biz budgetary heads e.g.

109 Spurred 42 Country music star 109 Big name in boots 82 “Three Sisters” sister 111 Cuddly toy (and a hint McCann 110 Future fish 83 Broadway opening to what’s exemplified in 62-, 43 Hard on the ears, in a 112 Big load 84 Voiced 85- and 91-Across) way 113 Arapaho’s foe 85 “Such a shame, bro” 115 All-around decent hu44 “Picnic” playwright 114 Bean

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“YEPHVCPTK WCR CDACGR OKKP IWK AKCZHP HS IGVCPIR; KPDYEWIKPBKPI IWK RCDMCIYHP HS IWK SVKK.” OYDD VYTWCVXRHP

“DYT DYSTT ISTODTVD JTEJAT CU WP ACMT OV O PEKUI JTSVEU LTST LYCDT. C’W UED O JTSVEU DYOD STOAAP XTOAV CU HEAES.”

NCW FSELU

“Z’SU AHKXE FHK EHX’L TVSU LH NVJU VXFLTZXP KB. GUVCZLF ZR RH DHNBCUI VXE AVRDZXVLZXP VXE THGGZWCU VXE WUVKLZAKC.

GZDTVGE WUCOUG

Puzzle Three Clue: I equals X

Scores of workers were pushing for the completion of the Tri-City Shopping Center in Winter Garden.

Eckerd Drug was the first store to open, followed by Food World, TG&Y Family Center, Griffin’s Men’s Wear, Shaw’s Flowers and Gifts, Mr. D’s Bootery, Main Place women’s apparel shop, Penelope’s Boutique, Happy Holidays Travel, Wig Boutique, Tom’s Pizza, and Burger Chef.

7B

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Puzzle Two Clue: K equals U

THESE OLD TIMES

Puzzle One Clue: P equals N

W EST O RANG E HISTO RY

OrangeObserver.com

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

©2023 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-14-23

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

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This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s Sudoku answers

©2023 NEA, Inc.

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Ignorance has always been the weapon of tyrants; enlightenment the salvation of the free.”

Bill Richardson

FUR BABIES HERE

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Puzzle Two Solution: “The three greatest people in my life as a young person were white. I’m not a person that really deals in color.”

Jim Brown

Puzzle Three Solution: “I’ve found you don’t have to make anything up. Reality is so complex and fascinating and horrible and beautiful.”

Richard Belzer

OrangeObserver.com

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