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SCHOOL NEWS
Windermere Prep Students Raise Funds for Children at Local Hospitals
On Feb. 27, Windermere Preparatory School’s third annual Lakerthon was held in front of the school’s Cypress Center. Throughout the night, Windermere Prep students, faculty and families enjoyed socially distanced fun with a gaming trailer, DJ truck, dancing, food truck and club activities. With everything going on, the Windermere Prep Student Government Association (SGA) worked tirelessly to ensure all Covid regulations were put in place to make this a safe event.
Students have been fundraising for Lakerthon since the start of the school year, selling bundt cakes and poinsettias, hosting spirit nights and participating in a spirit week leading up to the main event. After an exciting evening, everyone gathered around to see the total reveal, which came to over $50,000. These funds will benefit Children’s Miracle Network, specifically Arnold and Winnie Palmer Hospitals, to help kids and give them a fighting chance.
Spotlight on Academic Excellence at The First Academy
The First Academy Royals continue to excel, despite the pandemic season. The school recently announced its 2021 valedictorian and salutatorian, as well as a National Merit Finalist. Lauren Spalding, who has attended TFA since kindergarten, earned the title of valedictorian. She is an environmental committee senior leader and member of the varsity tennis team. Additionally, she is the Class of 2021 National Merit Finalist. From the original 1.6 million students who took the PSAT in fall 2019, she is one of 15,000 finalists for the National Merit Scholarship Award. TFA’s Class of 2021 salutatorian is Katie Bonnett. She has attended TFA for eight years and is a member of the varsity softball team.
Last month, Orlando Health and Full Sail University announced a new innovative partnership that includes the official naming rights to the university’s esports arena. Formerly known as The Fortress, the state-of-the-art facility will be known as the Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress. As partners, Orlando Health and Full Sail University will collaborate on joint research projects focused on improving and understanding the performance factors for gamers. This includes collaboration on a framework for the effective and ample care of esports athletes. In addition to naming rights, Orlando Health will also become the official medical team of the Full Sail University Orlando Health Fortress. “For over 100 years, Orlando Health has been an industry leader in serving the health and well-being needs of our community,” says Brett Lewellyn, M.D., orthopedic surgeon with Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute. “With a growing understanding of the health benefits associated with esports and gaming, it was only natural for us to seek out a partner whose commitment to advancing research, as well as a deep rooted belief in positively advancing the future of individuals, matched our own. We have found this partner in Full Sail University.”
