Bloom & Grow club takes over downtown Winter Garden. PAGE 8A.
LATEST PODCAST EPISODE FEATURES DUKE, WNBA STAR
This week’s episode of “Between Faith and Reason” will feature Krystal Thomas Smith, a former Duke and WNBA basketball player. Smith is also the founder of Kingdom Basketball Academy and associate athletic director at Foundation Academy.
“Between Faith and Reason” is a new podcast produced by Foundation Academy in partnership with Observer Media Group. You can listen to the podcast at orangeobserver.com/podcast/between-faith-and-reason or by searching for “Between Faith and Reason” in your podcast app of choice.
SHOWCASE TO FEATURE STUDENT ARTISTS
The Young Creatives Showcase is collaborating with the Winter Garden Art Association to spotlight talented high school and college-age students in the Spring 2025 Curation. The opening reception will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at Winter Garden City Hall, 300 W. Plant St. The mission of TYCS is to host art shows and curations to display the exceptional 2D and 3D artwork of talented students selected for seasonal events. For information, visit wgart.org/see/ young-creatives-showcase.
Westgate Resorts founder dies
David Siegel launched his company in 1982 from his garage. He died Saturday, April 5, 2025. SEE PAGE 2A.
On purpose
will take place April 9 through 13 at the school, 10393 Seidel Road, Winter Garden. SEE PAGE 6B.
Amy Quesinberry Price
Jody Mathews, a former drug addict who has spent time in prison, now talks to others who are fighting demons of their own. He offers hope to people struggling to recover.
Time of their lives
The town of Windermere celebrated its 100th anniversary with good food, good fun and good company last weekend. The sold-out Windermere Centennial Country Fair took place Saturday, April 5, at The Pines at Windermere. Attendees enjoyed a full slate of live music, plus a huge selection of carnival games, rides and yes, plenty of prizes. A plethora of food trucks kept fair-goers satiated, as did the endless supply of popcorn and cotton candy. Some town officials and community leaders even took turns in a dunk tank — all to benefit the Windermere Police Department Foundation.
MICHAEL ENG
Callie Valin, 6, felt like she was flying on the swings.
Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien was the first victim in the dunk tank.
Photos by Michael Eng
Florence Schiller, 9, shook the ball for good luck at the Roller Bowler game. It worked — she won.
Brandon and Jenna Smith zoomed down the potato-sack slide together.
Photo by Sam Albuquerque
Sawyer Brown entertained the crowd at the Windermere Centennial Fair with its repertoire of songs spanning 40 years.
Colby Butler, 2, didn’t want to leave the bounce house.
Novalie Whaite and Ayah Topel loved the view from atop the Ferris wheel.
Jody Mathews is building a new life after drug addiction. He is a certified peer recovery coach, certified chaplain and motivational speaker.
Soberisswaggy hosting speakers at Be the Change
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE COMMUNITY EDITOR
Jody Mathews knows what it’s like to be a drug dealer and addict. He knows what it’s like to sit in prison as a result of his actions. And for the last five years, he has learned what it means to recover from his past, his addictions and his mistakes. He has been sharing his lessons with people all over the country through his nonprofit organization, Soberisswaggy.
Mathews is hosting Be the Change, a full day of guest speakers and music to help others on their road to recovery from addiction and mental health. It will take place at Glad Tidings Church, 2009 Fullers Cross Road, Ocoee.
This event is five years in the making, he said, and he hopes it is a success and he can hold it annually. He has been traveling the country sharing his story and letting people know they can recover, and now, he said, “It’s time to get my community back in the game.”
He connected with Pastor Gary Howell, of Glad Tidings, who offered the use of his church. The church’s worship band will perform that day, as well.
The day will include close to a dozen speakers, from a podcast cohost and a veteran to a former NFL player and an evangelist. Many are mental-health advocates or professionals or inspirational speakers. Mathews also will speak at the event.
Mathews has spent the last few years becoming certified to speak to students. He said his passion is speaking to middle- and high-school students.
“I want to get to them before they get to where I did,” he said. “We partied and drank, maybe a little pot, but it wasn’t heavy drugs.” Mathews played football at West
Orange High School before graduating in 1995. It wasn’t until college that he started smoking and selling marijuana. When he started making serious money, he said, he moved on to selling cocaine and ecstasy. And then he started doing those drugs.
He was imprisoned in 2008 for DUI; there would be a few more DUI arrests.
Severe pain in his left leg in 2015 led to a diagnosis of osteomyelitis followed by 16 surgeries and, ultimately, a below-the-knee amputation. His drinking increased during this time to cope with the pain — until he reached rock bottom and chose to get sober.
This June marks five years of sobriety for Mathews. He wants people to know that if he can do it, they can too.
In that time, he has become a motivational speaker, certified chaplain and certified peer recovery coach. He started Soberisswaggy and just recently created SWAG – Sober With Amazing Grace LLC and a new logo.
He speaks to inmates at a young adults prison, the Orange County Jail and several other Florida prisons.
He has had multiple speaking engagements in Georgia, Ohio, Illinois and Colorado. A few more are scheduled in other states. What amazes him is when he’s wearing his Swaggy gear in another part of the country and someone recognizes him and hollers out to him.
“It was a group of five guys,” Mathews said. “They took pictures. I remember going to the gate and sitting there and thinking, ‘Life ain’t bad.’ As soon as you think you need a God shot or a moment of clarity, God will give you a glimpse to make you smile.”
Locally, he has spoken to several baseball teams and has one football team lined up.
“I was chosen,” Mathews said.
“It’s not conceited; it’s knowing my purpose in life. Just being home and
IF YOU GO BE THE CHANGE
WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 12
WHERE: Glad Tidings Church Central Campus, 2009 E. Fullers Cross Road, Ocoee. INFORMATION: soberisswaggy.org
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
n 10 a.m.: Doors open
n 10:30 a.m.: Glad Tidings Worship Band
n 10:45 a.m.: John Bacon, mental health/recovery speaker n 11 a.m.: Sarah Tapia, life coach
n 11:30 a.m.: Dr. K.S. Rabac, mental health professional n 12:30 p.m.: Patrick Gibson, recording artist and inspirational speaker n 1 p.m.: Jared Blaine, recording artist, Blaklist podcast host
n 1:30 p.m.: Mike McGlynn, former NFL player and mental health advocate
n 2 p.m.: Michael Justice, evangelist
n 2:30 p.m.: Dr. Jacqueline Thompson, mental health professional
n 3 p.m.: Heather Wells, speaker n 3:30 p.m.: Micha Bittner, veteran, mental health speaker
n 4 p.m.: Jody Matthews, Soberisswaggy certified peer recovery coach
n 4:30 p.m.: Impact Wells, evangelist
n 5 p.m.: Baptisms performed by Pastor Gary Howell
understanding my role today. When I end speaking, I always say, ‘I stand taller on one leg than I ever did on two.’
“If we don’t have guys like myself, who’s going to talk to these kids?” he said. “I’m just doing what I need to do for the kids.”
His nonprofit has teamed with Veterans Valor, a nonprofit run by Jason Kelyman, who owns Lake Harris Hideaway in Lake County. This serves as Mathews’ home base where he will hold future events.
Last summer, tremendous stress caused his body to start shutting down and endured multiple surgeries on his good foot. But he stayed sober, he said. He has lost 140 pounds and two weeks ago started a new job.
“It’s a good beginning,” he said.
Design
jeng@OrangeObserver.com
lramos@OrangeObserver.com
Community Editor / Amy Quesinberry Price, amyq@OrangeObserver.com
Sports Editor / Sam Albuquerque, sama@OrangeObserver.com
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Courtesy photos
Jody Mathews is happy with his new life, and so are his two sons.
Celebrating Ocoee’s Centennial
1975-1985
AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE COMMUNITY EDITOR
The beautiful and magnificent home on Bluford Avenue — later named the Withers-Maguire House for the first two families to live there — has stood near the western shores of Ocoee’s Starke Lake since it was built by William Temple Withers in 1888.
Withers, a retired Civil War general and Kentucky horse breeder, moved to the warmer climes of Central Florida at the advice of his doctor.
Today, it remains one of Orange County’s oldest homes. It still stands at the intersection of Oakland and North Bluford avenues and has been owned by the city of Ocoee since 1983. In 1987, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
AN INNOVATIVE HOME
Withers first visited the Ocoee area in 1884 and purchased 110 acres of the new Ocoee settlement from Capt. Bluford Sims in 1887. A portion of this purchase included the lot on which the Withers-Maguire House was constructed in 1888. The house is of a Stick Victorian architectural style — reminiscent of his Kentucky home — built with Florida heart pine milled on the property and an inviting wrap-around porch. The construction cost of $3,700 included the home plus a boathouse on the nearby lake and bathing tank. The house featured several innovations for its time, such as electrical wiring enclosed in the walls and closets in the bedrooms.
Withers enjoyed his new home for just one year after he and his wife, Martha, and 10 children moved in; he died in 1889 at the age of 64. His wife and family returned to Kentucky and made only occasional visits to the Ocoee property over the next several years. It sat empty until David Oscar Maguire — a prominent member of the area’s citrus and vegetable industries whose Ocoee home was destroyed by fire — purchased it with most of its furnishings from Withers’ widow in 1910 for his wife, Maggie, and their five children. The purchase price of $5,000 included nine acres of land. Three years later, he died at the age of 63 and his son, Fred Maguire — who later became the city’s first mayor and early bank president — returned home from college and lived with his mother until 1923.
He began renovating the house, adding an attached kitchen to the north end of the house on the bottom floor, as well as rental rooms upstairs to provide a source of income for Maggie. Several of the teachers from the Ocoee School lived there as boarders.
The home was in the Maguire family for 72 years, handed down through the generations, and several lived there until their deaths.
After years of declining health, Maggie Maguire died in 1943. She and David are buried in the Ocoee Cemetery.
Fred’s son, Harold, and daughterin-law, Elizabeth, occupied an apartment upstairs for six years starting in 1947.
n In partnership with the city of Ocoee, the Observer is publishing a 10-week series examining each decade of the city’s history.
Maggie Maguire’s youngest daughter, Lillian Maguire, moved into the home when she retired from teaching in 1952. Lillian, who never married or had children, lived there until her death in 1979 at age 85.
Before her death, Lillian Maguire sold portions of the family property to the city of Ocoee, which built a City Hall complex, community center and Bill Breeze Park on the land.
When Lillian died, the house was given to Harold and Elizabeth Maguire.
A NEW PURPOSE
Harold and Elizabeth Maguire sold it in 1982 to Ademar Enterprises Inc., for commercial development. The condition of the structure prohibited this, and the city of Ocoee purchased the property two years later with the intent of restoration.
The structure was in a seriously deteriorated condition, so the city stabilized the building and replaced the roof. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, which made it eligible for grants to help fund restoration
efforts. City of Ocoee funds and state historic preservation grants made the work possible. Extensive structural renovation followed by interior restoration occurred from 1992 to 1994, with plans to use the house as a public meeting facility.
THE REVEAL
Ocoee’s planned use was delayed when, in 1995, the city allowed the Ocoee Historical Commission to operate the home as a museum. It was depicted as it was used by the Maguire family.
In 1996, the Ocoee Historical Commission held a “Progress and Preview” open house so the community could see the results of several years of fundraising and city support.
The period dining room — furnished in the Empire-Revival style of the late 1800s — honored Nancy Houston Dabbs, wife of former Ocoee Mayor Lester Dabbs. Dabbs, his children and Dewey Houston donated the furniture.
The parlor was authentically furnished with some original pieces returned to the house by real-estate agent Suzi Karr. The master bedroom was decorated with original furniture courtesy of Elizabeth and Harold Maguire. One bedroom was named in honor of Lillian Maguire, the home’s last occupant.
Nancy Maguire, the greatgranddaughter of David and Maggie Maguire, served as the museum’s curator until her death in 2009. As the president of the Ocoee Historical Commission for four years, she was instrumental in coordinating the article on the Withers-Maguire House that appears in the national publication of Great Houses of Florida that was published in 2008.
TODAY
The infrastructure of the house is solid, and the rooms remain set up much like the original home — 137 years later.
Fireplaces with ornately carved mantels are in many of the rooms. The tall baseboards, doors, doorjambs and the staircase banister were built from the Florida heart pine trees that stood on the grounds.
The southwest upstairs bedroom is filled with Lillian Maguire’s belongings and other pieces typical of that era: her headboard and footboard, her secretary and dresser, her golf clubs, a sewing machine, bed cover, rocking chair, crocheted blanket, black-and-white photographs, hat boxes, atomizers and jewelry.
The parlor features elegant lamps and seating, lace tablecloths, photographs, an old photo scrapbook and a stereoscope photo viewer.
Two bedrooms have been renovated into preparation rooms for brides and grooms getting married on the property or at the nearby gazebo.
TOUR THE WITHERSMAGUIRE HOUSE WHERE: 16 E. Oakland Ave., Ocoee HOURS OF OPERATION: When the city is hosting big events or by appointment. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT: Call Ocoee Parks & Leisure Services, (407) 905-3100; or Ken Lasseter, Friends of Historic Preservation, (407) 810-9123.
CELEBRATING A CENTENNIAL
2025 marks a major milestone for the city of Ocoee as it celebrates its 100th anniversary of incorporation, which took place May 13, 1925. The city is hosting several centennial events this year, including two key events: n Centennial Celebration 5 to 10 p.m. May 9 — Join city officials for live entertainment, food, vendors and activities at Bill Breeze Park.
n Time Capsule Ceremony 6:30 p.m. May 13 — City officials will hold a special ceremony at the Withers-Maguire House to preserve a snapshot of the city for future generations.
For information about the centennial, visit 100yearsocoee.com/ historical-timeline. Residents taking photos during the centennial events are being encouraged to use the hashtag #100YearsOcoee when posting on social media.
The historical group continued the tours until 2011.
Some photos and information are courtesy of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation and Nancy Maguire’s book, “A History of Ocoee & its Pioneers.” The surrounding landscape has changed since the Withers-Maguire House was first built 130 years ago.
File photo
Lillian Maguire’s room has her original furnishings, as well as her golf clubs, hairbrush and other personal belongings.
Ordinance would dictate downtown house sizes
LIZ
RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
In a standing-room-only City Hall, Winter Garden residents weren’t shy about sharing their opinions about a proposed Downtown Residential Overlay District ordinance.
City Planning Director Kelly Carson said staff and elected officials received concerns from the public regarding the size of some of the homes being built in Winter Garden.
“Some of the residents feel the larger homes are out of scale with the neighborhood; they’re changing the character of the neighborhood,” Carson said. “New stormwater regulations to lift properties out of flood plains and such often require the land to be built up a little bit higher than their neighbors. So even if the size is comparable, they appear to kind of tower over their neighbors.”
Carson said a concern from residents is smaller historic homes are being demolished and replaced with larger homes that are two to four times the size of the original home.
Carson said the average size of homes from 1920 to 2020 more than doubled, with the average size increasing from about 1,000 square feet to almost 2,500 square feet.
THE ORDINANCE
The ordinance would limit the gross floor area for all new homes in the Downtown Residential Overlay Area zoned R-1, R-2 or R-NC.
Homeowners would be permitted to build the same size structure that was demolished or 125% of the median gross floor area of the closest eight properties, whichever is larger.
To exceed the limit, the homeowner would need to apply for a special exception permit.
The architecture of the new construction also would need to be consistent with the character of the property, neighborhood and immediate environment.
For R-1, R-2 and R-NC zoning districts, there are minimum square footage requirements for residential structures but not maximum requirements.
Building setbacks, height limitations and maximum impervious surface ratio currently dictate the limits on how large a home can be.
All the regulations would stay the
“This policy risks turning Winter Garden into something that was never meant to be — a giant, restrictive homeowners association where the government dictates how we live.”
Lori Trainer, Winter Garden resident
“There have been five of these houses built in our neighborhood, and it’s getting worse. They don’t fit in. We have one that’s built, and it looks like it’s from ‘The Jetsons.’ … We need to keep Winter Garden the way Winter Garden was. It’s an old-school, tiny, old-fashioned city.”
— Trina McWilliams, Winter Garden resident
same except what is specifically covered in the overlay ordinance.
The gross floor area calculation includes interior living space, garage, storage and utility space, as well as accessory buildings and roofed but open side or rear porches that don’t front on a public road. Pools, pool screens and cages, at-grade patios and driveways, and open front and side porches that face a public road are not included in the calculation.
PUBLIC OPINION
Winter Garden resident Lori Trainer said the policy would “severely restrict homeowners’ ability to expand or renovate their property.”
“(The proposal is) a threat to our dreams, our investments and the very spirit of Winter Garden,” she said.
“Many of us moved here because of the charm of this historic town but also because of its potential. … This proposal will kill those dreams for so many of us that would not only prevent us from improving our properties but also have a devastating financial impact on homeowners who relied on those renovations to increase the home’s value. This policy risks turning Winter Garden into something that was never meant to be — a giant, restrictive homeowners association where the government dictates how we live.”
Winter Garden resident Matt Howard said there has to be a middle ground that can preserve the history of Winter Garden while accommodating residents’ needs. He said he spent “a great deal of money” on moderate additions to his home that under the proposed ordinance would not have been possible because his neighbors’ homes are smaller than his.
“We have plenty of yard to do a tasteful addition within the parameters of downtown, within the spirit and without disrupting (the area),” he said. “We spend a great deal of money to preserve the heritage of downtown, and we put a lot of money into the house to preserve that heritage, but we cannot be tied to what our neighbors do as far as square footage. That’s not fair to us as property owners.”
However, not all residents opposed the ordinance.
“I feel like we need to find some happy medium, because the charm is going away,” Winter Garden resident Lauren Flemister said. “We don’t want to be Winter Park, but that’s where we’re headed. So why are we giving all these variances for these houses? We’re losing our historic charm. Some of us have been here all our lives, and maybe we don’t like you coming and building up where we can’t see over you or around you.”
Winter Garden’s Trina McWilliams said she and her family are facing water runoff issues at her home.
“We no longer have grass; we have dirt and a river,” she said. “We had to take out flood insurance on our property for the first time ever this year because of the water problem that we are having. There have been five of these houses built in our neighborhood, and it’s getting worse. They don’t fit in. We have one that’s built, and it looks like it’s from ‘The Jetsons.’ … We need to keep Winter Garden the way Winter Garden was. It’s an old-school, tiny, old-fashioned city.”
This is what it’s like to be in a dunk tank
funk seeping in through my skin.
ust before I climbed onto my perch in the torture chamber, I asked Bill Martini — aka the Dunk Tank Barker — for any advice.
This was my first time being invited to a dunk tank. I’m almost always a willing participant, so I accepted immediately. I was even a little flattered: I was being asked to join the ranks of Windermere Mayor Jim O’Brien, Windermere Elementary Principal Janet Bittick, Windermere Police Chief David Ogden and others as we collectively celebrated the town’s 100th anniversary at the Centennial Country Fair. We were also there to raise money for the Windermere Police Department Foundation.
How cool!
But in those seconds before my shift last Saturday, the panic started to settle in. I realized: I had no idea what I was doing.
Advice? Martini said, grinning. Yeah, don’t open your mouth!
Oh boy.
I’m sure this is obvious to some, but I hadn’t realized it until that moment: Dunk tank water is not filtered. At all. And even though I was only the third dunk-ee — following Bittick’s inspired performance that delighted all her students — that water already was turning. It wasn’t the crystal-clear oasis I had envisioned in my head. It was quickly becoming a murky, steeping stew of dirt, sweat and feet.
However, I only had a few seconds to ponder the long list of health codes this bucket of body brew surely violated. Before I could orient my rickety body precariously on the hot seat, there already was a line forming. I pulled my oversized goggles onto my face and made eye contact with my first assailant.
Within seconds, I took my first plunge. It was colder than expected — actually welcome on this 90-degree afternoon. But I knew the longer I stayed in there, the greater the chance of that dunk
That’s when I realized: I didn’t know how to get out. My feet fumbled around until they found a step. Clumsily, I made my way back onto the perch.
Fewer than 30 seconds later, another pint-sized Cy Young sent me back in.
I pulled myself up — only to see my wife, only son and youngest daughter all in line. They all dunked me. With pleasure. Only my middle child refused to take aim at her father. She’s currently my favorite. At this point, the only thing I could do was lean into it. I got myself — quite literally — into this mess. Might as well make the most out of it.
And for the next 45 minutes, I embraced the suck. Kids reveled in their success as I was dethroned over and over, and even some adults showed off their pinpoint pitching skills. The kids who missed were allowed to come up to the button and smack it for guaranteed success. Even some of our daughter’s friends dunked me. My son stood by my side almost the entire time I was in the tank. Whenever there was a lull, he grabbed a ball and hurled it. I lost count of how many times he sent me into the deep.
You never quite get used to the bottom literally falling out beneath you. It’s a shock every time, and my wife got quite the kick out of the pathetic gasp/yelp that involuntarily escaped my mouth. Every. Single. Time. I’m also pretty sure the distinct clang of a baseball hitting the metal bull’s eye will forever trigger my fight-or-flight response.
In the end, it was a tremendous honor to be part of Windermere’s centennial celebration. I am proud to be part of the army of volunteers, businesses, residents and community leaders who made the fair a sold-out success. And to those who are on the bicentennial committee: I’ll be 147 years old, but if I’m still around, you can count on me for the dunk tank!
I call dibs on being first, though.
First Baptist Church @ Horizon West 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden Sundays: 9:45 AM All Ages www.FBCWG.org
Starke Lake Baptist Church Pastor Jeff Pritchard PO Box 520 611 W Ave., Ocoee (407) 656-2351 www.StarkeLakeBaptist.org
Victory Baptist Church & Christian Academy 1601 A.D. Mims Rd, Ocoee FL 34761 (407) 656-3097 www.VBCOCOEE.com Sunday: 11AM & 6 PM Wednesday: 7 PM
(407)
MICHAEL
Photo by Jessica Eng
My wife made sure to document the occasion with photos and videos — much like a mother would do on her child’s first Christmas.
Spring Fever blossoms in Winter Garden
Thousands of folks flocked to downtown Winter Garden for Spring Fever in the Garden Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, hosted by Bloom & Grow Garden Society and the city of Winter Garden. The Chalkin’ It Up! sidewalk art contest gave guests a chance to see art in progress. In People’s Choice, Jordan Jones won first place and Jack and Peyton Cottle took second. In the Best in Show category, Shelly Braton took home the first-place award, Eliana and Sabrina Koestner came in second place, and Lucas Bree won third place. Lani DeLaCruz and Julie Williams won for Individual Group, Riley Hotalen won in the Elementary Individual category, Haley Galindo won for Individual Middle School, Jadyn Galindo took top honors for Individual High School, and Beatrice Frazier and Sona Bowen earned top prize for Group High School.
— AMY QUESINBERRY PRICE AND SAM ALBUQUERQUE
HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE:
• Businesses: Advertise to parents, families & graduates.
Be
Publishing:
Families: Place a personal congratulatory ad.
Schools: Recognize your graduating class.
Daniel, left, and Lucia Quintero enjoyed playing with butterflies at the Butafrog exhibit.
Mabry, left, Palmer and Landry Brosnan enjoyed the Kid Zone.
Left: Members of the Bloom & Grow Garden Society sold this year’s Spring Fever in the Garden Tshirts: Frances Grubbs, Jeanne Yazinski, Robin Sanchez, Joyce Carcara and Carolyn Karraker.
Dalene Bradshaw, left, and Kasy Bradshaw brought their colorful Dayzaire windchimes.
Winter Garden’s Fire Rescue team gave out plenty of freebies to event goers.
SPORTS
HIGH 5
1
The All-West Metro Conference girls basketball team selections and awards have been announced.
On the first team, Class 7A state runner-up Dr. Phillips High was the only team to have two players — junior guards Kendall Perry and Jamila Ray — represented. Joining the two Lady Panthers on the first team are Orange Observer Player of the Year Dakara Merthie, from Ocoee High, and Horizon High’s Zoe Corjay.
Despite only having one representative on the first team, Horizon and Ocoee tied for the most players included across the two teams, claiming three spots each. For the Lady Hawks, senior Amaya Mitchell and junior Bailey Travis made the second team and for the Lady Knights, senior guard Jayla Weiser and freshman forward Kylie Holden closed out the roster.
In addition, Knights coach Marcus Spencer won the Coach of the Year award and Hawks senior captain Sofia Duque won the Academic Athlete of the Year award for finishing the season with the highest GPA.
2
In his first season in charge of The First Academy boys basketball coach Tarrik Mabon has been named the FHSAA Class 2A Coach of the Year. Mabon led the team to an 18-9 record — the most wins by the program since 2016-17 — and the Royals’ first playoff win since 2021.
3
Montverde Academy’s national powerhouse boys high school basketball program, has announced the hiring of Steve Turner as its next coach. Turner comes to the Central Florida school after spending 20 years as the head coach, 26 years overall, of Gonzaga College High in Washington, D.C., where he amassed a record of 497-176 and won four WCAC championships and two DCSAA championships.
4
After taking a visit to the UCF campus for a spring football practice, Olympia High’s Ja’Cari Jackson picked up an offer from the new Knights coaching staff and made the decision to commit to his hometown Knights.
5
The Foundation Academy boys weightlifting team claimed the Class 1A, Region 3 Championship in both the Traditional and Olympic categories. The Lions beat St. Stephen’s Episcopal School by a combined nine points across two categories, 26-21 in the traditional lifts and 32-28 in the Olympic lifts. Leading the way for Foundation was its trio of lifters who claimed individual regional championships in both categories: Diego Nieves at 119 pounds, Jadon Johnson at 183 and Steven Ford at 219. Along with the three Lions winners, The First Academy’s Noah Devine, a BethuneCookman football signee, also claimed an individual regional crown in both categories in the unlimited weight class.
In the Class 3A, Region 2 meet, four more West Orange and Southwest Orange athletes won individual titles, all in the Traditional category: A pair of West Orange High athletes — Luca Bruno at 154 and Mason Gifford in the unlimited class — Windermere High’s Joseph McNicholas at 169 and Horizon High’s Tyler Mette at 183.
STORYBOOK ENDING
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
Having chemistry and trust are some of the most surefire ways for a team to develop a winning culture. Those elements push players to give their all for the teammate standing next to them, allow honest and constructive criticism, and provide a second-nature type understanding of how to play off one another. However, developing chemistry and trust is tricky. It’s not like heating up a frozen dinner in the microwave. To get a team to develop the real thing, it’s much more like slow-cooking barbecue on a smoker. It takes some serious time and effort.
And that’s exactly what makes West Orange High baseball’s senior class so special. Not only has almost all of this group of 13 seniors played together since their freshman year, but also 11 of them have been sharing the diamond going back about a decade as Winter Garden Little Leaguers.
“It’s kind of crazy to think about the whole journey from Little League to right now at our Senior Night,” pitcher Sims McClusky said before
SEE WARRIOR PAGE 2B
With 11 of its 13 seniors having played together since their Winter Garden Little League days, West Orange’s leaning on chemistry and leadership for a deep postseason run.
The First Academy lacrosse honors veterans at Wounded Warrior game
In partnership with the school’s Wounded Warrior Club, The First Academy boys and girls lacrosse teams honored a pair of veterans and their families at the annual event.
SAM ALBUQUERQUE SPORTS EDITOR
The First Academy’s boys and girls lacrosse teams, along with the school’s Wounded Warrior Club, hosted and honored a pair of local veterans — retired U.S. Army Major Lorraine Holland and Vietnam War
veteran Vincent Monitto — at its annual Wounded Warrior night March 28. “We’re really glad to have Lorraine and Vincent as our honorees this year,” TFA boys lacrosse coach David Oliver said. “Vincent, a Vietnam War veteran, does so much work helping local veterans as part of the Vietnam
Veterans of America organization and the Orlando Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Council. The other person we honored this year was retired Army Major Lorraine Holland, who is currently the Central Florida chapter and Regional President of the Military Officers Association of America.” As part of the five-game lacrosse event, captains from both of the Royals varsity lacrosse teams and members of the Wounded Warrior Club presented Holland and Monitto each with a $1,000 check and other gifts,
including a Royals’ lacrosse jersey and team autographed lacrosse balls. “We try to do everything we can to make this a special event for the veterans we’re honoring, as well as the players and families involved,” Royals girls lacrosse coach Nicole Thorndill said. “Not only do we get the girls and the boys teams matching jerseys for that game, to make it even more memorable for them, at the beginning of the games, we have (Oliver) say a prayer for our veter-
Dr. Phillips girls water polo goalie Maran Harris has been selected to participate in USA Water Polo’s youth national team selection camp. Page 2B.
Thomas Lightbody | TK Photography
West Orange High baseball’s 13 seniors huddled on the mound during senior night.
Sam Albuquerque
West Orange High baseball’s senior field players scooped up and saved the dirt from the batter’s box in a keepsake during the senior night ceremony.
Maran Harris
Dr. Phillips High’s Maran Harris is a rare breed of student-athlete.
Not only does she play three sports for the Panthers — swimming, pole vault and water polo — while maintaining a 4.65 weighted GPA, but also Harris manages to have an extensive extracurricular schedule that includes being a licensed private pilot, a member of Dr. Phillips’ Air Force JROTC program, the chapter president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a first-degree black belt in taekwondo, a level eight gymnast and a member of the DP orchestra. As a four-year member of the Lady Panthers water polo team, the senior captain has been named an All-American three times and an Academic All-American in 2022. Most recently she was selected to participate in USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program’s youth national team selection camp.
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
It is a huge honor and accomplishment! I’ve worked hard to get to this point, so it feels great to have it recognized.
What do you enjoy the most about water polo?
I thrive on the adrenaline that goes through me every time I get to do my job as goalie. There’s nothing like the rush I feel when I know a shot is coming my way and I’m ready to make the save. The anticipation and the thrill of either stopping the shot or launching a long pass to start a counter attack to get us a goal (is) such a thrill.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from water polo?
You can’t control a game, but you can control the role you play in it. Whether we’re winning or losing, the way I play my game can’t be affected. I have to always give it my best, and as the goalie, I have to direct the team in a constructive and encouraging way.
What is your favorite water polo memory?
Winning the Junior Olympics in Dallas with my club team, Team Orlando, in 2023. We had to combine with another local Orlando team just so we could have enough players. But getting to make new friends and have this amazing experience, even though we weren’t experienced playing together, taught us all that teamwork is a real thing and that you can count on others to show up when you need them.
What is your go-to pre-game meal?
Usually, I’m the one driving my teammates to games, so any thing portable that has protein and healthy sugar is as good as gone!
What is your go-to pre-game hype song?
“Can’t Stop” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
What is your favorite nonsports hobby?
Last summer, I got my pri vate pilot’s license, so any chance I get, I love to be in the air. It’s so calming and serene. I can forget about all of my worries on land when I’m up in the air. There’s truly nothing quite like it.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Air Force JROTC. I started with one class my freshman year, and then every year after, I’ve taken two. I’ve learned so much about
BASICS
17
Water polo,
leadership and history, and it’s what has inspired me to become a pilot and hopefully carry that into my future career.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
Any sort of music player, because I cannot mentally survive without it (I would break the first day); coconuts, because (they’re) really the only thing you need to survive physically; and then my Bible, because that’s food for my soul.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — who would it be?
Captain Jane Hart, the first woman to become a Navy pilot, because she broke barriers in a male-dominated field and showed incredible courage and determination in pursuing her dreams.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
The 1980s! The music was amazing, and people were happy. There were fewer distractions, and you just lived in whatever moment you were given.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Trust that there is a plan. Things may seem very confusing at times, but if you’re doing your best with every opportunity you are given, it will all work out.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
What do you wish you had done differently in high school?
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
A squirrel. I feel a connection with them. They are always busy and always seem to be having fun.
Does pineapple belong on pizza? No way. I’d rather never have pizza again.
— SAM ALBUQUERQUE
Warrior teammates ready for strong finish
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B
the Warriors’ 9-2 win over Dr. Phillips High. “Except for a couple of us, we’ve all been playing on the same field together since we were 6 years old. It’s really been an awesome experience to play our whole lives together and get to this point as seniors, where we are in position to finish it off together, fighting for a state title.”
Thanks in large part to the slowcooked chemistry and trust these seniors have built over their baseball lives and the leadership that they’ve provided to the rest of the team, the Warriors currently sit at 18-4 — as of press time Tuesday, April 8 — on the season, which is tied for the most wins the program has had since 2017.
With a few more games left in the regular season before the Warriors’ hunt for postseason glory begins, this band of former Winter Garden Little Leaguers and now West Orange seniors is ready to write a storybook ending nearly a decade in the making.
“I’ve been saying it since we started fall ball, this is a special group of boys,” Warriors coach Mike Scudero said. “With them growing up and playing together and as seniors taking over as the leaders of this team, there’s been just some special type of aura this year that’s felt a lot different than in the past. If we keep playing the same kind of baseball, the West Orange baseball we’ve been playing, we have a good shot to make a deep run in the playoffs.”
BASEBALL FAMILY
Despite only taking over the West Orange baseball program a couple years ago, growing up on Long Island, New York, Scudero saw the type of impact playing together over the course of a lifetime can have on
“Growing up in Massapequa, I basically was part of a team that was like our group of seniors here,” Scudero said. “Since I was 5, 6 years old, I played on the same baseball team with all my best friends. We played Little League together, played in middle school together, travel ball and in high school. And in our senior year, we ended up winning a state championship together. I just think when you play together for that long it just forms a special bond, whereas if guys come from other places, it can feel more like playing for a travel team instead of with your brothers. I think me bringing that experience of playing on a championship team that felt like a family to this group has helped us a lot. It’s easy, too, considering how long these guys have been together. They just want
to have fun and enjoy themselves and win some baseball games.”
This type of connection and experience among these seniors does two vital things to help develop championship-level traits in a team, the first is knowing they can push each other to the next level.
“We’re like a big family that’s always spending time together,” pitcher Wrigley Bates said. “Every day during the season, we go to the cages and hit together. These last two years, during the offseason in the winter, we would all do morning workouts together on the football field in the freezing cold at five in the morning. When you have the kind of bond we have, we’re able to get the most out of each other because we know that it’s coming from a place of love. … Having put in that type of work together, we know that as long as we’re together we can accomplish anything. We know that on the field everyone’s got your back and if we fall, there’s going to be someone there to help you back up.”
The other key championship trait a team develops because of this type of chemistry from spending so much time together is the lifelong bond they share — the battle scars they’ve earned, the lessons they’ve learned and the trust they’ve developed by going through countless experiences together.
“It’s been great playing with the guys from Little League, for the most part,” pitcher Ryan Steinman said. “Having the same consistent group together as seniors that went through all the fights and battles on the field together, and in life really, since we were kids, makes it really easy for us to trust (one another). ... We’re a team that really knows one another. We know our strengths and our weaknesses, and that really helps on the field in big situations because we know what to do in any scenario.”
‘WE NEED TO BE DOGS’
As the regular season is nearing its end and the district playoffs set to kick off in the coming weeks, the Warriors seniors will look to close their story with an ending that’s worthy of this lifelong baseball journey.
If you ask Scudero, with its threeheaded senior pitching monster of McClusky, Parker Hohnstock and Nick Caso leading a deep group of arms, the Warriors have what it takes to write their dream ending.
“With our pitchers … we can win with pretty much anyone we put out on the mound,” Scudero said. “They’re a good group of guys that play like a bunch of bulldogs out there. They just want to win games, and they’re always pulling for each other to be the best that they can possibly be. Ultimately, I think having so many good arms on our team can help us go on a deep playoff run. We have a shot at it with this group. This team has put in the work since they walked in the door this year and I think they will take us as far as they want to go.”
Of course at the beginning of any team’s season, the goal is always to win a state championship. That goal is no different for the Warriors at this point of their journey but for this group, that has been through so much together, they know to not get too far ahead of themselves and focus on how they play the game.
“We all … have the dream to end our final season as state champions,” Steinman said. “But really, when it’s all said and done, I want to look back at this group and be able to say we went out battling. We can win it all, we have a really talented and strong team, so there’s a chance. All we have to do is believe in each other, pick (one another) up and compete. We need to be dogs. ... That’s the goal to me: to go out fighting next to my guys.”
Members of the West Orange High baseball senior class were recognized by the fans during the senior night ceremony.
Sam Albuquerque
As part of the senior night ceremony Winter Garden Mayor John Rees, left, congratulated the West Orange baseball senior class, including Parker Hohnstock (No. 22).
Fairway to heaven: Matthew’s Hope
tees off at
2025 Giving on the Green
Winter Garden-based nonprofit Matthew’s Hope hosted a day of fun and giving back at its fourth annual Giving on the Green fundraising golf tournament Monday, April 7, at the West Orange Country Club. Along with 18 holes of golf — with a fun twist at each hole, such as a PGA pro taking the opening drive for golfers or starting the hole from the closer red tee box if the golfers wear a purple tutu, boa scarf and tiara while hitting their drive — those in attendance also were treated to dinner and an awards ceremony following the tournament.
The faith-based organization, which serves the area’s homeless community by connecting those in need with resources, services and basic everyday needs, is fully funded and supported by donations. Events like the organization’s annual golf tournament are crucial to meeting their funding needs.
For more information on Matthew’s Hope or to donate to their cause, visit matthewshopeministries.org. — SAM ALBUQUERQUE
TFA lacrosse honors pair of local veterans
ans. I know our girls this year were very motivated to make sure they got the win on the field, too. When we got back to the huddle before the game started, the girls — unprompted — made it clear that they wanted to go out there and get the win for the veterans in attendance. I thought that was really sweet, and they went out there and won the game. A lot of the girls on the team are part of the Wounded Warrior Club or have military family members, so I know that game meant a lot to them, and I know how important honoring our veterans is to us as a school — more than I’ve ever seen before at other schools.”
Oliver started the event in 2010 as a way to honor his late father’s legacy of military service. Since then, the annual game has become one of many traditions and ceremonies TFA hosts to honor local active members of the armed forces and the area’s veteran community.
“Our assistant head of school, Brian Rose, started the Wounded Warrior Club around 10 years ago to organize different events at the school to honor veterans and current military,” Oliver said. “One of the biggest events we do is our Veterans Day ceremony that brings in something like 5,000 people.”
Thorndill, a newer member of TFA’s staff, said seeing that ceremony left a lasting impact.
“There’s a couple of events that our school does that really made an impression on me in my short time here,” she said. “Obviously, the
lacrosse game is a lot of fun for me, because I am directly involved in it and am a part of that process. However, the Veterans Day ceremony the school puts on is an extraordinary event. It always makes me cry. The last few years, I’ve literally cried watching it — not only because how wonderful a moment of honoring our veterans it is but also because of the amount of work that is put into it. I just love what this school does when it comes to celebrating our military community, it’s special.”
Oliver, who quickly became involved with the Wounded Warrior Club and has since taken on a lead-
ership role in it, has made his own mark on the school’s military-honoring events by founding the annual lacrosse game.
Inspired by a similar event in his native Long Island, New York, that saw thousands of people come out to honor veterans, Oliver thought bringing a game of his own to Central Florida would be a perfect way to celebrate his father’s service.
“Every year, there’s this huge game in Long Island, and thousands of people come from all over the island to watch this game and honor our veterans,” he said. “So, I thought, let’s try to do something like that here
at The First Academy. … That was in 2010 just after my dad, a 30-year military veteran, passed away. I was looking for a way to honor him and his dedication to serving our country and this felt like the perfect way.
“At that time our school was doing a lot of volunteer work in Oakland, helping to build homes out there, do yard work and just clean up yards for veterans,” he said. “Through that, we really started getting involved with our local veterans and were able to build a community for the game that we’ve done since. We love that we’ve able to honor local veterans who do a lot of good work in our community
or disabled veterans injured in combat. It’s been a great way for us to give back.”
Along with the Wounded Warrior game and the Veterans Day ceremony, TFA and its Wounded Warrior Club organize a plethora of events to celebrate veterans and active duty military. Most recently, the school, First Orlando and members of the Wounded Warrior Club hosted the United States Army Florida National Guard 3rd Battalion’s 116th Field Artillery Regiment for a deployment ceremony April 6 at the Cramer Family Field House.
“Our Wounded Warrior Club here at The First Academy could be used as a model other schools use to honor our local military community,” Oliver said. “I’m sure other schools are doing similar and great work, but we have an amazing, selfless group of young people that drive this club, and all we try to teach them is that our veterans and those who serve currently are making a tremendous sacrifice. Our school is really big on educating our students about that, about the importance of our military and how it secures our freedoms and rights in this country. … We teach our students that no matter their rank or accomplishments each and every one of our service members and veterans have made an amazing sacrifice for us. That’s where our students come in and recognize that through events like the lacrosse game and really any event we have going on, they are always willing to continue to serve. … We’re very blessed to have students who love our veterans and military families.”
Courtesy photo
Members of TFA’s boys and girls lacrosse teams and the school’s Wounded Warrior Club presented a pair of $1,000 checks to veterans Lorraine Holland and Vincent Monitto.
At the 10th hole of the Giving on the Green tournament, for a donation, golfers could have PGA Golf Pro Briana Morris take their opening drive.
Photos by Sam Albuquerque
Daniel Neidrauer took full advantage of the “Princess Hole” — which saw golfers tee off from the red tees if they wore a purple tutu, boa scarf and tiara during their drive.
Top: Matthew’s Hope President Shelly Bradford, left, and founder and CEO Scott Billue were all smiles during the fourth-annual fundraising golf tournament.
OBSERVER SCHOOL ZONE
TFA Coding Team unlocks secret to success
The First Academy Coding Team earned two firstplace finishes this season.
LIZ RAMOS SENIOR EDITOR
The pressure was on.
As The First Academy juniors Eli Harrison, Samuel Gomez and Amie Newell worked to solve various computer science problems at the University of Central Florida, so were hundreds of other students from across the state participating in the competition.
The UCF competition is the second largest in the state, with more than 200 students participating in teams of up to three students.
Every time a team solved a problem, the team was given a different colored balloon to represent the problem they solved.
Seeing more balloons pop up all around the room added to the pressure as the TFA Coding Team had to quickly decide which problems to tackle and swiftly solve them with the hopes of earning the most points to land them in first place.
Their keen thinking and expeditious problem solving paid off.
For the first time in the TFA Coding Team’s history, it placed first at the UCF competition.
In only four years, the team has seen vast improvement.
When Eli Harrison was a freshman, the TFA Coding Team placed 13th at the UCF competition.
Last year, the team placed second at the UCF competition.
This year, the team took home the giant first-place trophy.
“When I started bringing teams to these competitions 10 years ago, it was to give my students cool experiences, and I was happy when they were solving two problems,” TFA Coding Team adviser Neil Harrison said. “I never expected anything in the top prizes. Some years, I would have students who are more seri-
ous. The first time we got in the top half of the teams there, I was proud of that. Now winning the competitions, being in the coaches room and hearing the other coaches talk about,
‘It’s only a junior, we have to deal with this for another year,’ and being one of the schools that other schools are scared of is kind of crazy.”
The success at UCF came after the first win of the season at Lockheed Martin Code Quest March 1.
The Lockheed Martin Code Quest competition is the largest computer science competition in the state, with more than 300 students participating.
Eli Harrison and Gomez brought home the first-place win for TFA.
At Lockheed, teams were lined
down a hallway known as “the spine.”
Not only was the atmosphere that of friendly competition, but also Gomez said he appreciated the sheer number of problems the team could potentially solve. There were 25 problems, but because of time constraints, a team could solve maybe half. It forced TFA team members to decide what problems to prioritize.
Eli Harrison also used what he learned from participating in last year’s Lockheed competition to his benefit this year. Last year, he went for high-scoring problems, but even if he had answered them correctly, the time spent on them still resulted in a loss. It’s all about balance.
With 25 questions and a possible 1,400 points to score, Eli Harrison
and Gomez scored 590, winning first place, with their score being 200 points ahead of second place.
For Newell, Lockheed was her first competition as a member of the coding team. She was nervous but excited to participate. By the time she competed at UCF, she was more relaxed.
“It’s kind of ominous seeing that long hallway with so many people and you just feel so many competitive people (at Lockheed),” Newell said. “It’s a new experience because
ROAD TO VICTORY
MEET THE TEAM
Austin Williams (senior)
Tori Smith (senior)
Bella Clements (senior)
Eli Harrison (junior, captain)
Sam Gomez (junior)
Amie Newell (junior)
Jackson Watford (freshman)
Rodney Newell (eighth grade)
you have to weigh the timing of the problem with the points. … At UCF, I feel like I was learning more problem-solving skills and new ways of thinking,” Newell said. “It’s nice to see that all your work is going towards something.”
Solving problems together, whether at practice or at a competition, is a team bonding experience, said senior Austin Williams. He said the team has fun working together, and solving a problem together makes it more satisfying.
During practices, Eli Harrison leads the team through problems. He attended a competitive programming camp at UCF and has been working on his own to learn more and improve his skills. Everything he learns, he passes onto his teammates.
“I like learning these new ways to solve problems,” Eli Harrison said. “I feel like it’s going to be useful later, and it’s just satisfying when you get a problem.”
With the success of this season, the team members said it adds some pressure heading into next year as they want to continue their success.
“There’s definitely some pressure going into the next year, but it is really exciting knowing that you can do it and knowing that with another year of practice, hopefully we’ll perform even better in total,” Eli Harrison said.
n Lockheed Martin Code Quest competition: First place
n UCF computer science competition: First place
n University of Florida science competition: Second place
Courtesy photo
The First Academy senior Austin Williams, juniors Samuel Gomez and Eli Harrison, freshman Jackson Watford and junior Amie Newell had a successful season, receiving two first-place trophies.
Cruisin’ for a bruisin’: Horizon
High
thespians to stage ‘Grease’
The students are channeling their inner Rydell High characters for a trip to the 1950s.
Horizon High School is traveling back to the 1950s for a “wop bop-a loobop-a wop bam boom” good time in the theater. The thespians are staging “Grease” this week with a double cast of 56.
Danny, Sandy, the Thunderbirds and the Pink Ladies have been practicing their lines and lyrics and are ready to sing and dance for theatergoers.
“Audiences can expect a lot of high-energy dance numbers, a lot of cool special effects,” theater director Ashley Fisher said. “We have neon signs, special lighting, a full-size car.
… We’ve got some big special effects happening on stage, and just a really, really impressive visual show as well as a lot of talented performers.”
Everyone wears multiple costumes.
“All the performers we have double cast, so when they’re not playing a lead role, they’re in the ensemble, so they’re learning two totally different tracks,” Fisher said.
Because the fall show was the heavy and dramatic “Hadestown,” Horizon Principal Andrew Jackson wanted to go in a different direction for the spring musical. Jackson even has a role as television reporter Vince Fontaine during the Rydell High dance-off.
“This production has been one of the most fun to work on,” Fisher said.
“It’s been fun to work on because everyone is so excited to be part of this production.”
Before auditions, the school held a movie night and showed the original “Grease” movie with John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, and the students also have watched multiple stage productions of the show.
“The story is literally about a bunch of teenagers and their relationships in the school — and the younger crowd can relate to what they’re going through,” Fisher said. “It’s nostalgia for the older generation.”
She is grateful for all the support the show has received. Parents also have been building sets, painting railings and putting up wallpaper.
“All the cast and their families have been working to make this production great,” she said.
Danny is the only character not double cast. He is being played by Horizon junior Nate Childers.
“I’m most looking forward to getting to perform with this amazing cast and give the audience a show they won’t forget,” he said. “After seeing the movie, I saw that even though Danny acts cool in front of his friends and is stubborn toward Sandy, deep down he has a good heart. Getting to play a role that can get pretty deep, as well as getting to sing and dance in fun, upbeat numbers, sounded like such a fun role to get to perform!”
Childers said his favorite song is “You’re the One That I Want.”
“It’s such an iconic song, and getting to perform it on stage with both of my wonderful Sandys is such an honor,” he said.
Karris Martin, a sophomore, and Mimi Gibbons, a junior, portray Danny’s love interest, Sandy.
Martin said she is looking forward to having a character change.
“I love seeing how Sandy undergoes her transformation from the beginning to the end of the show as she finds herself and lets out her spunky energy,” Martin said. “It’s a lot of fun to play two different personalities in one show! I love the feeling of taking on a lead role because it challenges me to learn how to manage responsibility and keep balance in my life with other things. I also enjoy the learning experience that comes with being a lead and how I can improve my own skills and support my cast around me in the show.”
Gibbons is looking forward to bringing Sandy’s character to life and connecting with the audience through her story.
“She’s such a classic character with a lot of heart, and I’m excited to explore her emotions, growth and relationships on stage,” Gibbons said. “Plus, performing with such a great cast makes it even more fun! I wanted to take on this role because I love the depth and development of Sandy’s character. She starts off shy and reserved but grows into someone who knows what she wants. Playing a lead role is a challenge, but it’s also an amazing opportunity to push myself as a performer and bring something personal to the character.”
“Greased Lightning” is Martin’s favorite song, and Gibbons is ready to perform “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” Fisher said the show is being adjudicated for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts’ Applause Award and will be judged on set design, costume design and stage management, as well as individual performers and the ensemble as a whole. “Hadestown” received several awards in the fall.
MARGARET CRAWFORD
DIED MARCH 15, 2025.
Margaret Crawford, 88, of Winter Garden, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Margaret was born Feb. 17, 1937, in Winter Garden to the late Otto and Ethel Hagan.
She was married to Raymond “Junior” Crawford for 65 years before his death in 2016. Together, they started Crawford Tire Service in Ocoee in 1967.
Margaret was known for her quiet generosity. She helped many people and organizations anonymously and loved doing so. She loved the Lord and listening to gospel music. She was a family-oriented person, and they were her main concern.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Junior; son, Greg; daughter, Susan; grandson, Nathan; granddaughter, Julie; sisters, Ernestine Peters, Peggy Hagan and Mona Best; and brother, Woody Hagan.
She is survived by her daughter
A. Massini
March
and son-in-law, Teresa and Tommy Crawford, of Winter Garden; and her son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Dana Crawford, also of Winter Garden; six grandchildren, Jason, Jennifer, Kendall, Brian, Melissa and Allison; seven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; along with sisters, Linda Hall, Pat Johnson and Sherry Wise. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Cornerstone Hospice, 2100 Oakley Seaver Drive Clermont, Florida 34711, or Quest Church, 1450 Citrus Oaks Ave., Gotha, Florida 34734.
Orlando,
Christian Martin Paucar, 52, of Winter Garden, died Wednesday, April
2, 2025. DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory — West Orange Chapel.
Alfred V. Romani, 94, of Windermere, formerly of Albany, died Saturday, March 29, 2025. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, Winter Garden.
STANLEY NORMAN SMITH
DIED TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025.
Stanley Norman Smith (Papa Stan), of Tavares, passed away on April 1, 2025. He was born on July 14, 1936, in Orlando, Florida, to his parents, Morris and Agnes Smith, and raised in Oakland. He was a member of the Winter Garden Jaycees, a Lifetime Member of the Winter Garden Elks Lodge for 56 years and a member of West Orlando Baptist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Katie; daughters, Pam and Angie Smith; bonus children, Tammi Brown (Tom), Mike Lewis (Becky) and Mark Lewis; eight grandchildren, April, Garrett, Rachael, BJ, Courtney, Ciara, Brooke and Sydney; 18 greatgrandchildren; sisters, Janis Trawick (Donnie) and Carol Swain (Denny); and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Agnes Smith;
Emma M. Taormina, 100, of Winter Garden, died Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Cornerstone Hospice, in Ocoee, with her loving family by her side. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, Winter Garden.
and three brothers, Bill, Doug and Jerry Smith. A Celebration of Life service will take place at 11 a.m. April 25, 2025, at West Orlando Baptist Church, 1006 E. Crown Point Road, Ocoee, Florida 34761, with a gathering of friends and family from 10 to 11 a.m. Arrangements are entrusted to Steverson, Hamlin and Hilbish Funeral Home in Tavares, FL. Online condolences can be left at steversonhamlinhilbish.com.
Trong V. Tu, 71, died Saturday, March 22, 2025. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, Winter Garden.
Marcia Sheila Williams, 83, died Friday, April 4, 2025, in Winter Garden. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, Winter Garden.
Garden, Florida, at the age of 92. He was born Dec. 17, 1932, at Orlando Hospital, the son of Joseph Carlton and Edna Wolfe. Joe is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sarah Tunney Wolfe; his son, Joseph Ashley Wolfe; daughter, Jacqueline Jackson (Oglesby); grandchildren, Christopher Wolfe (Kimberly), Veronica Figueroa (Carlos), Tiffany Hagans (Tyrell), Bryan Mayes (Territa), DeMarius Jackson, Jarrett Jackson (Brittany) and Joi Jackson; great-grandchildren, Anthony Penawell, Diego Figueroa, Kassandra Greenly (Brandon), Thalia Campbell, Shannon, Tyson, Bryan Jr., Brianne, Amia, Amar, Johan, Jade and Zaden Jackson; great-greatgrandson Giavani Penawell; plus numerous other beloved family members.
For a full obituary and to offer online condolences, please visit collisoncareyhand.com.
Judi
, 84, of
died Monday,
31, 2025, with her loving family by her side. Winter Oak Funeral Home and Cremations, Winter Garden.
THE WAYS WE WERE FROM THE WINTER GARDEN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
75 years ago
An interesting event was the art debut of Miss Dorothy Kannon in the home of Mrs. P.H. Britt on North Highland Avenue. The young artist presented 14 oil paintings, done from real-life scenes in Winter Garden and the surrounding counties. A large and appreciative group of people came to see the paintings and to congratulate Miss Kannon on the progress she had made in her talent.
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new Lakeview High School gymnasium.
55 years ago
The Orange County Board of Public Instruction implemented two majority-to-minority transfer policies for students. In the first policy, black students had the first-choice priority to attend the school nearest their residence which was attended solely or predominantly by white students, unless or until 50% of the student population of the requested school was composed of black students. In the second policy, all students, black or white, were permitted to transfer from a school in which his or her race was in the majority to a school in which his or her race was in the minority.
30 years ago
Amber Kline, 17, was chosen Possum Queen at the Florida Cracker Festival in downtown Winter Garden by successfully luring Jessica the Possum to her during the contest.
The United States Air Force selected a Dr. Phillips High School senior to attend its academy in the fall. Greg Preisser, son of Gary and
FROM THE ARCHIVES
This dapper young man is only known as “Junior” in this one photograph stored in the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation archive. Do any followers know who he might be? Foundation staff believes he resided in the Historic East Winter Garden Neighborhood, but that is as far as the research takes them. Any information would be appreciated, as they constantly are working to update and improve the details behind the thousands of photographs in the collection. Call (407) 656-3244 with any information to share.
The mission of the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation is to preserve the heritage and architecture of Winter Garden while creating new cultural experiences. The Foundation also preserves the material culture of West Orange County, using it to educate the area’s youth on the community’s rich history.
Geraldine Preisser, was appointed to the USAF Academy by Congressman Bill McCollum.
Windermere Police Officer
Douglas Owens was commended by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Windermere’s police chief for an arrest he made that undoubtedly averted a disaster about to happen. Owens arrested an armed man who also was wanted for questioning by the Secret Service for making indirect threats to possibly harm the presi-
dent of the United States. The man had 30 .22-caliber rounds in his front pocket, a camouflage compass in the other pocket, and, next to the driver’s seat, two Rambo-size knives and a loaded .22 Marlin rifle.
20 years ago
Two-time Olympian Mark Ruiz began sharing his diving expertise with young Central Florida swimmers and divers. Shortly after
the close of the 2004 Olympics in Athens, the YMCA Aquatic and Family Center on International Drive offered him a position.
Brandy McMillan, a 1997 West Orange High School graduate, completed AirTran Airways InFlight Training and immediately began employment as an AirTran flight attendant.
THROWBACK
THURSDAY
APRIL 9, 1970
Did you ever cook with Snowdrift shortening or vegetable lard or launder your clothes with Fab washing powders?
A&P grocery store, located at 731 S. Dillard St., in Winter Garden, advertised its sales in The Winter Garden Times in April 1970, and the deals were plentiful. You could make an inexpensive breakfast with sliced bacon for 69 cents per pound, three packages of Jane Parker sweet rolls for $1 and a 10-ounce jar of A&P-brand instant coffee for 99 cents. Or how about a nice dinner of rib pork roast for 59 cents per pound, complemented by five cans of golden corn for $1, four pounds of potatoes for 59 cents, a head of lettuce for 19 cents and Sultana-brand salad dressing for 38 cents?
celebrity cipher
By Luis Campos
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A++ by Will Nediger, edited by Jared Goudsmit
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