001Well, good evening everyone and welcome to this school year's first OCPS special recognition ceremony. We are thrilled to have so many of our valued guests and in our audience and families and friends and supporters. I speak for this entire board when I tell you that we are really honored that you could make the time to come here so that we can recognize all that you do for us. >> [snorts] >> I am so excited to get started with our celebrations. We have so many people to recognize. You probably know this, but we would have not had enough in the room, enough room if we hadn't divided it up into two groups. So, we're going to move forward, but when we get done with your recognitions, I'm going to ask that you all leave through the
002back door rather than the side door because we're going to ask them to come in through the side door. And having been at the county commission for a while, I know enough about traffic jams to know that's not going to work. So, um, work with me on that. And we are ready to get started. So, our first recognition of the night comes from our environmental compliance and sustainability office. This program celebrates schools that conserve energy, reduce waste, and enhance learning with outdoor gardens and sustainable curriculum. More than 47 schools participated last year, and the most outstanding schools were recognized in multiple categories at a banquet held in September. So, I'm thrilled to recognize the overall top winners. Please come up as I call your school and we'll take a photo of all three schools together
003at the end. Third place goes to Edgewater High led by Principal Alex Jackson. [applause] Edgewater runs an outdoor agriculture program that addresses water conservation and plant selection alongside indoor studentled initiatives like reusing scrap paper, promoting refillable water bottles, and implementing recycling and compost programs that divert waste from landfills. I'm okay. I'm just kind of nerdy about this stuff, but that's pretty exciting to me. I'm like I I really want to learn more about all this stuff that you guys did because it's it's pretty forward thinking. Our second place goes to Orlando G Orlando Gifted Academy led by principal [applause] led by principal Shawn Maguire. At OGA, students learn about sustainably sustain sustainable living, fostering environmental awareness by exploring solar energy and restoring outdoor habitats. And first place goes to Horizon West Middle School, [applause] led
004by Principal Andrew Aguro. Horizon West is driving impressive stat I can how come I got the sustainability thing and I can't figure out how to say the words. Um, Horizon's West is driving impressible impressive sustainability progress empowered by students as environmental stewards through hands-on programs like recycling and energy audits. Congratulations to all three schools on your outstanding commitment to a greener community, greener, greater community. And with that, let's give him one more round of applause. [applause] And then I would like to invite our senior director of sustainability, Jennifer Fowler, to come join the schools for a photo. Miss Fowler, are you here? There you are. Come on up. >> Do you really? >> Absolutely. Absolutely. [laughter] >> That goes for everybody. All >> [applause] >> right, for our next recognition, we are incredibly proud to
005celebrate the media specialists who have earned the prestigious award of the Florida Power Library School Award. award for fall of 2025. This is a significant statewide recognition sponsored by the Florida Association of Supervisors of Media and the Florida Department of Education's Library Media Specialist. Now, I'd like to invite the award winners and those representing the winning schools to please come forward at this time. Yeah. [applause] >> [applause] >> So, a little more about this. The Florida Power Library School Award recognizes media specialists who lead programs that demonstrate exceptional integration into the curriculum, strong teacher collaboration, a positive impact on student achievement, and equitable access to resources. So, please raise your hand when I call your name so everybody in the audience knows who you are. Amy Holman at Hamlin Elementary. You could keep it up
006for just another second. Kristen Crew at Lake Nona High. [applause] Yay, Kristen. Tori Finnen at Odyssey High. Odyssey. Oh my god. [applause] How is that? Like, how do you do that? It's one of our schools and I know it. Angela Leslie at Cypress Springs Elementary School. And a special congratulations to Jennifer Drone at KE's Crossing Elementary School. [applause] She's a repeat winner. She's earned this award before. So, we're equally proud of you for earning it again. And I see you have a little cheering crowd in the back. It's got the hands up. very quiet. [applause] Now, I think this group back here has watched a few of our meetings and you know that we do the hands up, hands down, and no applause. So, just for the record, that's out the window. Okay. So, the
007louder the better. All right. And um I want to thank you all for demonstrating such a high standard of excellence in your library programs. And I know this is the hardest time it's ever been to be a library media specialist. So, we also want to say thank you from our entire board for the hard work that you're doing that you never anticipated doing when you signed up for this. We do appreciate you. And now I'd also like to invite Al all the principles and Allison Kibby, director of library media to join the winners for a photo for a photograph. >> [applause] >> And I really think we need to put Miss Kibby in the middle. Sorry, but everybody here at OCPS has a hard job, but she's had a really hard hard job. Happy [applause]
008All right. Next, we celebrate 53 custodians who've earned a master custodian certification through the Florida School Plant Management Association. Yeah. [applause and cheering] That's what I'm talking about. Member Felder. >> Yes. >> These individuals completed a rigorous 7-week program attending classes three days a week to elevate their custodial expertise. Their dedication, right, their dedication to excellence and commitment to our schools make them true leaders of our facilities custodial team. I'd now like to call on Carlos Mafouse, our director of custodial services. Mr. Mafouse, where are you, sir? [applause] >> Could you do the honors and announce our winners? >> Thank you, Sher. Jacob, if you guys can come to the front and once I read your name, if you can raise your hand. Miguel Morero. Miguel. >> [applause] >> Joel Ortiz, [applause] Evangelista Gonzalez, Damaris
009Rivera, Gene Andre, Vanessa, Medina, Hazidan, [applause] Miguel Leal, Cesar Ortiz, Jeni Santana, [applause] Anna Anna Burgos, Ever Cherinos, [applause] Andres, [applause] Ka Suarez, Kala, Joi, [applause] Omar, Molina, Moises Artiaga, [applause] Nadia Cadet, [applause] Michelin Joseph, Sheree Aandra, Pedro Rodriguez, [applause] Enrique Futro, Jose Ramirez, Shalia Rodriguez, [applause] Evan La France, Mr. Shu, [applause] Andre Coltard, I don't know if I said, Jr. Ortiz, Bernard Francise, Elsie Pacheco, Ivan Perez, [applause] Marita Lopez, and Carlen Dal. [cheering and applause] >> I also have my kids. So, my management team. Yep. >> That's it. Okay. >> Is anybody good? >> Uh Frank, take charge. >> And you know who you are. Get close. Turn sideways. >> So close. Now, back up a little bit. Turn sideways. Make sure you get your big hair from New Jersey. You know who you
010are. Don't block anybody. >> We got We got a couple of runners. So, let's have our group of four. You guys look young. Happy three. Good. One, two, three. Stay there. Look happy. One more. Really happy. A lot of people love you. for all. [applause] [cheering] [applause] All right. Uh, now that everybody's about to sit sit down. All right. Thank you all. each one of you that we recognized, you play such an important role in so many aspects of what happens here every day. So, thank you. Thank you so much. Yeah, we're so proud. We are so proud to be part of OCPS and to be able to recognize you today. Now that everybody's found a seat, you can go. Seriously, if you'll exit through the back and then join a celebration outside with your
011um colleagues and co-winners. And we have one more. Huh? >> They're finished. We have another group that's coming in. And when they're done, we'll be able to come out and join you all. >> All right. Good evening and thank you for joining us and thank you for your patience just a few minutes ago. Welcome to this year's first OCPS special recognition meeting. We have so many people worthy of recognition. That's why we had to keep you outside for a few moments. Um and but we're excited to have you here as you can tell just from all the commotion a minute ago. [snorts] So I want to give each of our board members an opportunity now to celebrate people that they want to recognize. So, let's begin with our vice chair, Melissa Bird. If you'll come
012down to the podium to present the recognitions and when you come up to the dis to get your recognition, please bring your certificate, your recognition with you open. And I'm gonna say it so that Frank doesn't have to, the photographer. A right side up is preferable. >> Hello. Good evening. Uh, thank you all for being here. I'm so excited to be able to uh recognize um one, hopefully two, our second one hasn't showed up yet, but hopefully the second one. two community members that um just are spectacular um supporters of our local schools and especially two of my title one schools. Um first I want to take a moment to recognize a truly truly dedicated community leader, Aopka City Commissioner and Vice Mayor Diane Velasquez. Uh, Commissioner, can you come down here to the front?
013We're gonna um, you know, I'm gonna embarrass you because, you know, she doesn't like all the attention on her and but she deserves it because let me tell you, this year marks an incredible sixth year of her sponsorship of Lakeville Elementary's participation in the Kowanis terrific kids program. Lakeville is the very first school to adopt this wonderful initiative which celebrates students for their outstanding character and positive interactions. Qualities like respectfulness, helpfulness, cheerfulness, things that truly make a difference in the school community. Teachers couldn't be prouder of the students recognized for demonstrating exceptional citizenship. And that's just one of the things that Commissioner Velasquez does for our local schools in Apakka. She is she is always readily available. If any school needs anything, they'll reach out to her or if she hears about it through the
014grapevine, she reaches out to them and she's there and and it never fails. She is at every community event. Um she's always at school events. Um, one of our favorite things is on the first day of school, we go to Wheatley Elementary and we have signs and a DJ and we welcome all the kids in the first day of school and we cheer them on and we do little dances and Commissioner Velasquez and I um like to dance together. So, it's just a good time all around. But she uh she also serves with me on the Wakiva Culinary Board um board of adviserss. So, she's just she donates her time, her her resources, her money, um her, uh energy, and she's just such a special special leader, and we're so incredibly blessed to have her
015in Apopka. um when we asked her for uh kind of a few words about um about what she does, she she said something to us that I thought was really um so perfect for who she is. But she she likes to inspire students, particularly young girls, to pursue careers where women are under reppresented. We appreciate her active volunteerism, volunt her involvement, and her commitment to celebrating and investing in all of our students futures. Thank you so much, Commissioner Velasquez. I'm so happy to honor you. [applause] And I don't think our next this my second person has not been able to make it. So we're going to move on and maybe he will show up. >> That's it for me. Thank you. >> Thank you, Vice Chair. All right. Next, board member Vanos, you're recognized to
016introduce your honores. Thank you, Chair Jacobs. Um, my first honore this evening is a face many of you know well and he has served our city with distinction and that is Commissioner Robert Stewart. [applause] Commissioner, would you please come up to the DAS? Um, as you prepare to retire in January, we celebrate your incredible leg legacy representing District 3, including neighborhoods like Baldwin Park, Ottabon Park, Rosemont, and College Park since 2006. Your commitment to education runs deep. You are a proud product of OCPS schools, a grad a graduate of Edgewater. Go Eagles. >> Well, okay. and you dedicated time as a former PTA president of Lee Middle, now College Park Middle. Your support for our neighborhood schools is legendary. You're still cheering at Edgewater football and basketball games. I see you there. Um, and we
017often spot you at events uh for your granddaughters who attend OCPS schools. Your support is truly hands-on. You personally deliver school supplies every semester and have helped bring affordable housing options to OCPS employees. Beyond schools, your community impact is legendary. As executive director of Christian Service Center, you created the Love Pantry, which provided over a million meals to children in need. And I also know that you are active in Rotary, um, where you are helping deliver books to students and making sure that our children who don't have access to books get those books. Um, Commissioner Stewart, thank you so much for your decades of dedication to the children and educators of Orlando. We wish you the best in your retirement. So, thank you. And um before we take a picture, I just she'll probably be
018mad, but I want to recognize um Commissioner Stewart's wife, Ann, who's in the audience. Um the people people in the um you know, often our community leaders and elected people often are in the spotlight and they get recognized. But I truly believe that the people who are in the spotlight, they are able to achieve what they achieve because they have so many people, friends, family, spouses, partners in the background giving them the support that they need. So thank you Ann. [applause] >> Perfect. Thank you. >> Did you support the time to be in the photo? >> She says not that supportive. >> [laughter] >> Wow. [applause] >> Good. Big smile. Big smile again. Look. Adorable. And then you come this way, sir. [laughter] >> Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. He's always in char. Okay, for my
019next recognition, I would like to honor the founder of United Foundation of Central Florida, Miss Sandra Fati Hall, who also serves as its CEO and executive director. So, please come forward, Miss Fatme Hall, for your recognition. [applause] Founded in 2014 by Miss Fati Hall, the nonprofit organization provides educational opportunities, mentorship, and community- based resources to underserved communities. We want to especially recognize her for her hard work through a program she started called Future Leaders United, Flu, which provides afterchool enrichment to students. But it's so much more than that. Um I have been to many flu meetings at Evans High School um every Monday and and um to see these students in action and to see the leadership that they have and the um just professionalism and maturity that um that you Miss Sandra helped to
020cultivate in them is truly impressive. Um so starting with just seven students in 2016 at Evans High, the program has grown to serve and mentor more than 600 students across three schools. Evans, Metobrook Middle, and Robbinswood Middle. Of the students who have participated in her program, at least 243 have gone to college with others joining the armed forces and the local workforce. We are grateful to Miss Fatih Hall for her leadership and dedication to building community and future leaders. Please join me in congratulating her. [applause] >> [laughter] >> I'm sorry. Gosh. [applause] [laughter] Okay. My my [clears throat] final recognition for this evening is an organization that has been working diligently in our community for many years. I'm immensely grateful for Habitat for Humanity Winter Park Mainland, a chapter of global Christian nonprofit dedicated to
021eliminating substandard housing through construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of homes. Oh, and um Hal George, would you please come to the D? Sorry, this one doesn't isn't in my um I especially want to thank them for their partnership with Winter Park High School, which provides students with service, leadership, and civic engagement opportunities. And I was so impressed to hear the number of students that have been participating over the years with um with your Habitat for Humanity building and learning so many skills. Um so, thank you for for helping our students in that way. they, you know, our students don't always have that opportunity to do that hands-on work and so really really appreciate you allowing them to to work with you. Um, they are helping to shape a brighter future for families and inspiring the next
022generation. So, Mr. George is one of the founding members and its president. His 20 plus year commitment to the organization has earned him deep respect and admiration from the community. Thank you, Mr. George and Habitat for Humanity Winter Park Mainland for all you do. >> [applause] >> You're perfect. >> All right, let's give another round of applause for all the member of Annos's honores. [applause] Next, I would like to invite board member Vicky Elaine Felder down to the podium to present her recognitions. I know. Okay. Good evening. Thank you all for coming and thank you, Chair Jacobs. Tonight [clears throat] I'm I am recognizing three outstanding individuals who have gone beyond and above to support Jones High School. My alma mada has been a community treasure for more than 130 years. My first honore is
023Dion Turner. to the front. [applause] Miss Turner plays an active and invaluable role in fostering parent engagement. Her dedication doesn't stop there. As a committed community activist, she's constantly working to strengthen the vital connection between our families, the school, and the broader community. When I first met Dion, I was at a a meeting at Carver during my first tenure as a board member. There was some situations that occurred in December 2020. And I met her there and the I mean her energy and I was like, "Where's your baby going to school?" She says, "Here." I said, "Where are they going in high school?" She says, "Jones." I said, "Good. So, I'll have you around for a lot longer than right here." Miss Turner sits on the board of Orange Blossom Family Health, which provides health
024care for the entire Jones High family as part of their community partnership school. And she is also the president of the Richmond Heights Neighborhood Association. Through her tireless involvement, Miss Turner ensures that every student has the support and resources they need to succeed. Please join us in thanking Miss Turner for truly setting the standard for collaboration. We are proud to recognize your commitment tonight and you're here for a photo. I have a little something to give you. Let's give her a hand. Thank you. [applause] for all your work. Yes. [clears throat] Our second honore tonight is an individual whose dedication is truly the fuel behind our championship efforts. She's also a member of my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She's my Sara for the past five years. Miss Hill, would you come to the
025front? She has been the heart of a crucial tradition, tirelessly organizing and planning the weekly Friday night meals for our Jones High football Tigers. I remember when she first started doing to get these little text. I said, "Son, what are you doing? We need to get food for the boys. I said, "Oh, God." I mean, just every I said, "Lord, Sonia." And then she also plans our our cruise we go every year. Yeah. She's tireless. Yes, baby. She's a legacy. Her mom and her daddy went to Jones High School and a baby and her sisters. Miss Hill works closely with the generous Jones High class of 1990 alumni and local business owners, not just to provide food, but to ensure that sponsors are there to share words of encouragement and support with our team. And
026every year we have Pride Day. Sonia Hill does at our ball. It's a fundraiser. And if you ever need somebody to help you raise money, I watched her raise $40,000 on the floor in less than an hour. She know how to raise money. Thank you, Miss Hill. Yeah, that deserves a clap, baby. Yes. I thank you for your incredible consistency and the commitment to nourishing our students both on and off the field. We are proud to recognize your outstanding efforts. And we're going to take a photo. Thank you so much, >> Sonia. All right. My next honore, I don't see her yet, but uh it's Mary Maxwell. So, um she doesn't like to be recognized a lot of times. She likes to like, "No, don't recognize me." But I just want to share with you,
027Miss Maxwell. She has a she takes a picture of every historical everything that has happened in Orlando among people of color and in the water shores area. And I ask her, I say, "When you going on to meet Jesus, are you do you where's all that stuff going?" Because it needs to be cataloged. And she's probably somewhere right now at a meeting, you know, taking pictures. But I will give her her recognition. But I thank you so much. Thank you. That's it for me. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. One more time, a round of applause for member Felder's honore. Okay. Next, I want to recognize member an Douglas. You'll go down to the podium to present your recognitions. Good evening everyone. I'm so glad to be here. Nice to see you.
028Nice to to see you being recognized. Uh tonight I'm thrilled to recognize two remarkable individuals whose dedication has helped build Summerlake Elementary into the strong community it is today. I want to invite to come down here Katie Maris and Maggie Senise. Both Miss Maris and Miss Senise have served Summer Lake for five years since the school first opened its doors. They have been committed addition volunteers through the foundation for Orange County Public Schools. They were instrumental in the school's beginnings. Miss Senise helped launch a PTO and serve as vice president and both have been continuous member of the student advisory council. Their impact is visible and meaningful. Miss Maris, a proud parent, use her artistic talents. I don't know if we can see it. Oh my goodness. Really? Okay. I'm a I'm a little bit
029disappointed. Disappointed. uh to create the beautiful welcoming mural in the front hallway and successfully planned last year's gayla to fund an outdoor classroom. Thank you so much. Miss Senise has led countless schoolwide events and served as SAK chair, earning the school's addition volunteer of the year award for a tireless efforts. Now, they have both joined the new Summerlake Elementary Gator Fund board where they've focused on securing funding for technology and outdoor classroom and playground expansion. Please join me in honoring Miss Maris and Miss Senise for their incredible five years of service and commitment to our student students. Thank you both. >> [applause] >> Oh my goodness. Frank. Frank. Okay. Anyway. All right. My next recognition is I have the pleasure of recognizing two students from Windermir High School who exemplify the very best in student
030leadership and service. Sahana Sidavatan and Luke Miller, please come on down. [applause] Luke, our SCA parliamentarian and Sahana and SC SGAA member recent rec recently provided a gracious tour of the school. There was the epitome of hospitality, respect, patience, and ensuring every detail was appreciated. Beyond the attentiveness, I was profoundly impressed by how eloquent and wellspoken they both are. A quality that elevated the entire conversation and made their leadership truly engaging. But their service extends beyond their schools. Both Luke and Sahana are committed members of the dance marathon executive board where they dedicate their time and effort to support the children's miracle network. Thank you. Please join me in honoring Sahana and Luke. Thank you for representing Winnamir High School. [applause] One and one without. Good. Perfect. Hold on. My assistant >> [laughter] [applause] >>
031My final recognition but not the least tonight celebrate the Sunrich community event planning team for their outstanding dedication and collaborative effort. I'd like to call the leadership team to the das to be recognized. Morima Espinosa, assistant principal. Lorie Smith, instructional coach, Crystal Sanford, staffing specialist, and Barbara Matthews, school counselor. And I forgot. No, I did not forget Andrea Bayz, testing coordinator. We can do without you. Okay. I and the two wonderful principal, Miss Helmo and Miss Muel. Okay. Uh this dedicated team from Sound Reach Elementary and Sound Reidge Middle successfully coordinated and hosted a community outreach event during meet the teacher in August. Their considerable effort brought together a variety of partners to provide over 20 distinct essential services for Sunrich families. The impact was significant from Advent Health and Shepherd's Hope providing critical wellness
032screenings to OCPS mental health and the global family welcome center ensuring accessibility and the West Orange Chamber fostering economic connection. This team delivered support across multiple critical sectors. Thank you to the entire event team for demonstrating the power of partnerships and helping families. Thank you so much for all that you do and we will continue to [cheering] do it. >> Yes. [laughter] >> Thank you. Thank you, member Douglas. One more round of applause for all of her honores. [applause] All right. Now, it's my pleasure to introduce member Ferrant. Hey, good evening. You guys are all being so patient as we all I don't know why I grabbed my phone. Do you guys do that? Take your phone everywhere with you. Okay. Okay, I just wanted um just to say thank you all for being here.
033I know um we are just so honored. This is such a fun event that we get to do and um something where we get to think about others in uh the community and what they're doing. And apparently I'm the tallest member around here. [laughter] Um tonight it is my distinct pleasure to recognize an employee whose commitment makes Orange County Public Schools shine. Wanda Koko, our district information office administrator. [applause] Miss Koko is celebrating 15 years with OCPS this month. Her dedication to our students and our families, fueled by her passion for building relationships and creating connections reflects the very best of our district's core values. For 15 years, her kind demeanor and strong work ethic have made her a huge asset, consistently fostering a warm and welcoming environment for everyone who encounters her at the
034RBLC front desk or on the phone. She's usually positioned right out here when you walk out these doors. She's right there to smile and wave at you when you walk in. She has an exceptional exceptionally deep understanding of district operations which is clear in the quality of support she provides support that often prompts numerous expressions of appreciation from those that she has served beyond her daily duties. Uh Miss Koko and I call her Wanda. So Wanda is known for her exceptional leadership and her deep genuine kindness. This is evident and not only in her foundational role here at OCPS, but also in her extensive community service, including her leadership as the director of women's ministry at Forest Lake Church, where she provides a wonderful space for women to connect, serve, and grow. Wanda, your de
035your dependability and dedication have truly enhanced the experience of countless families, including our Angel Tree recipients. We are so fortunate uh to have you on our team, and I honor you and sincerely thank you for all that you do. So, round of applause. [applause] Fun fact, they make a mean oxtail soup. Whoa, whoa, whoa. [laughter] >> [applause] >> All right. And now I have um the distinct pleasure of recognizing an individual whose dedication has shaped our community at Boone High School and beyond. Mr. Mark Rickman, would you come forward? For more than nine years, Coach Rickman has been a guiding force at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, FCA. Currently serving as their East Central Florida multi-era director and Orange County Metro Director. His commitment extends directly into our schools. For eight years, uh he has
036served he served as the successful boys basketball coach at Boone High School where his leadership brought remarkable achievements. And a fun fact, Coach Rickman was actually my husband's coach when he attended Boone High School. Under his guidance, Boone's basketball team became 6A state runnerup in both 2001 and 2002 with a combined record of 61-9. And his excellence was recognized statewide when he named the Florida when he was named the Florida 6A basketball coach of the year in 2001. locally when he was honored as well as the OCPS coach of the year for all sports in 2002. Coach Rickman finished his coaching career with an impressive 432 wins and was inducted into the Boone High School Hall of Fame and uh an enduring testament to his impact on student athletes and the school community. Coach M.
037Rickman lives a true life of public service, improving our Central Florida youth through his continuous leadership and mentorship. His efforts are why our local FCA chapters are thriving. Thank you for your unwavering service and we are grateful for everything that you have done and continue to do for our students. And so today, Coach Rickman, I honor you. Thank you. [applause] group. Big smile. Big smile again. >> [applause] >> Thank you, member Ferrant. One more round of applause for all of member for honores. [applause] And now I'd like to invite board member Salamanca down to the podium to present off and running she is to present her awards. >> This has got to be way lower. Oh, yeah. >> I like a lot. >> I'm working on it. It doesn't It'll get there eventually. Maybe when
038you're finished. Hey guys, in the back. Oh, there we go. Let's be clear. I'm taller than Gallo. So, if it was her up here, it would have looked worse. Um, thank you so much, uh, Chair Jacobs and and board. I'm I'm so excited for um a education partner that I'm uh going to be recognizing tonight that many of you know. Um they do truly transformational work which is Elevation Scholars. Um I believe we have the president of Innovation Scholars, Amina Harris here and team. Um if you could please come up. So, Elevation Scholars is a dedicated nonprofit that works to ensure that local high achieving students from lowincome families can get accepted into truly succeed at top colleges and universities. The program was launched in 2014 by the Elevation Financial Group, showing a commitment to
039the students here in Central Florida. The group helps demonstrate that with the right support, our students can reach the nation's top universities regardless of where they come from. They provide comprehensive help at six of our OCPS schools. So, not just district two. We have Colonial, Edgewater, Evans, Jones, Oakidge, Wakiva High Schools. I don't know if I missed any. Um the core program is a five-year elevation scholar award for juniors. This is a major investment. um $25,000 I believe per student. That covers personalized admissions coaching um once they're in college, how to succeed in college, direct financial aid for expenses like books and travels for them and their family to go explore different universities. And for our first generation college students and families, this guidance is absolutely valuable because many of them did not go to
040college themselves. They have assisted more than 115 students through the college admissions process, supporting 75 of more through them. And I mean, I'm getting some of these on the annual report, so if if they're outdated, maybe it's by one year, but their impact truly goes beyond just the six OCPS schools. Um they hold workshops for all OCPS students and high schools throughout the county on crucial topics like financial aid and how to think about college. Who is college wife or who is college not? How to think about instate out of state and truly what I appreciate is the affordability component. Um I was looking at the annual reports and there's some truly outstanding numbers here which is you know they have achieved 100% college graduation rate among its participants which is a huge compared to
041you know the national average of 50% of students graduating from college and it's even more impressive because 84% of their scholars are the first in their families to attend college. Um they have supported uh on average each of their scholars receives $268,000 in financial support and scholarships because of the one-on-one work that they do. They also have a 94% acceptance rate to the top 30 universities in the country. So we're talking Harvard, Princeton, Duke. And as you know, I know I came from a lowincome background, went to a really great college out in California and I was by myself. I know the importance of what it's like to have that support that you all give because you land on campus and everything's going great in high school and you have no idea what's going on.
042And even more so when you go to some of these universities where your peers have a ridiculous amount of money and resources and and and a step up and so much. And what I love also is your guys's six years out of supporting a student at one of their colleges. 100% of them graduate. So no dropouts, which is really difficult because sometimes you get out there and it's really hard to stick it through because it's expensive. It's hard. You're by yourself. And so Elevation Scholar steps up and and really proves that regardless of where you come from regardless of what your school is like and your zip code, you can go to a good if you focus on studies, you go to a great school and you have great outcomes and you're better and you
043support your community and your family and um it really is important work that I want all of us to always celebrate because you've been such an partner for our students, for our families, and you do work across the entire district. Um, so thank you so much and round of applause. [applause] What' you say? >> Yes. Absolutely. Oh, absolutely. Yes. Got it. You figure it out, Frank. Just figure it out. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Yes. Thank you. >> Okay. Okay. Boy, Frank's, somebody's telling Frank what to do for a change. There we go. [laughter] All right. Member Salamanca, thank you so much. And now, let me um invite member Gallow to the podium to present her recognitions. >> The two of them. I know. >> Good evening. Remember Salamanca's always trying to sabotage me any
044way she can. It's all in fun. Um, good evening. Tonight is very special. Um, tonight I am proud to honor an outstanding professional and valued member of our administrative team school. our senior board specialist, Nancy Conover. Please come forward, Nancy. [applause] [applause] Nancy has recently been named Certified Support Professional or CSP by the Florida School Boards Association. This is a tremendous distinction earned through her consistent hard work and dedication to completing the required professional coursework. Her wide-ranging experience spans nearly four decades. She started her career in OciOla County Public Schools in 1987 and brought her talents to both Florida Virtual School and Simino County Public Schools before joining Orange County in the fall of 2013. Nancy is the first OCPS staff member to achieve this prestigious state certification. [applause] In her current role, Nancy leverages
045her deep knowledge and expertise in crucial areas like masterboard training, strategic planning, and overseeing the management of board budgets and governance logistics. Her commitment to continuous learning and willingness to go above and beyond have made her a critical resource to the board and the entire district. Beyond that, she is also a warm, delightful person and a joy to work for. I've had the distinct pleasure to have Nancy as my support specialist since I was elected in 2018. And prior prior to um me being elected, they used to do this rotation thing and I got Nancy and I said, "Yeah, that's going to stop." So, I had to beg Dr. Jenkins and then um Dr. Vazquez to keep her. And what I would tell them is, "Do you want me to show up on time? Do
046you want me to show up to meetings? Do you want me to answer emails?" Because I can't do any of that without Nancy. When I say that she is instrumental for me to be able to do my job, I'm not lying. like I really I am not an organized person and she is organized for all of us. Um she could do my job, she could probably do the entire board's job with her eyes closed and her hands behind her back. So um she's just she's just that good. So Nancy, I want to thank you for your commitment to excellence and your history of service. Congratulations on your achievement. You are so very special and you are so very loved by this board and we thank you so much. Now let's take Oh. Oh, I got
047[applause] this for you. A certificate of achievement. [applause] [snorts] >> Yes, absolutely. And wait, wait. Husband first. Husband first. >> [snorts] >> all the support staff. [snorts] [clears throat] >> It takes a village to keep all of us in line >> and then work hard. >> Here comes the village. Yes. [applause] >> [clears throat] >> Oh, N. Thank you, Nancy. She really is so cherished by all of us. I can't say good enough good things. Um, next I would like to honor [clears throat] John Wash. Next, we are incredibly proud to celebrate an educator whose passion for the past inspires the future. Social studies teacher John Walsh, known to his students as Clint from Discovery Middle School. Welcome. [applause] Mr. Walsh has earned the prestigious title of the 2025 Florida History Teacher of the Year
048from the renowned Gilder Leman Institute of American History. Since 2004, the institute has honored outstanding educators nationwide. Mr. Walsh was chosen by a state committee for his exceptional ability to bring American history to life and engage students with primary sources and creativity. For his dedication, Mr. Walsh receives a thousand award and moves on as a finalist for the National History Teacher of the Year. Let's give that applause. Mr. Walsh, thank you for making history meaningful and relevant in your classroom. We are thrilled to honor the Florida history teacher of the year right here in our own district. Congratulations. [applause] Got a little Bring the whole team. >> Oh, wow. >> Of course. >> Whoa. Oh, thank you. >> Yeah, we're so proud of this family. Oh, wow. >> It's a beautiful family. >> Yeah. >>
049Finally, for my last recognition of this evening, I want to recognize an outstanding local business that truly embodies community spirit. You know, the schools couldn't do what they did if we didn't have wonderful community partners that helped us along the way. When we say it takes a village to run a school district, we're not kidding. It takes all of our community partners, all of our addition volunteers, it takes everyone to to run our schools and provide a high quality education. So, I would like to honor Aqua Ben's Exterior Cleaning Services led by Jason Romano. Come on up. [applause] He and his company have gone above and beyond for Timber Creek year after year. They donate their time and resources to keep the school looking its best. And Mr. Roman Dio often handles the work himself.
050Every year, Aqua Bends completely pressure washes the entire athletic complex, including all the concrete and the bleachers. This is a massive job that revitalizes the campus and creates a clean, welcoming environment for our students and families. Mr. Roman Dia, you are a great local business partner who gives back to the community without ever asking for anything in return. Your generosity strengthens Timber Creek High School and our entire district. Thank you for your dedication and your support. [applause] Wait, I got to show my All right, one more round of applause for all of member Galla's recognition. [applause] All right, we're gonna >> Oh, we're gonna do it. We're gonna do it. All right, we're gonna get >> We're gonna see if Frank is up to it. All right. You have no choice. >> All right. He's
051going to make this work. Um before we do, because after this we'll um release everybody to go out into the lobby and celebrate with us. I hope you'll stay around long enough so that we can um in person say hello and thank you. So, um give it a shot. >> I wanted to know how you wanted to do it. Well, yes, absolutely. Thank you. Tell us where we need to be. >> Everybody getting close. Grab your favorite members. All right. Later. four second window. >> Yeah, >> there you are. Good smile. Look happy, happy, hold on. this way. All right.