Students shine at games

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 high school. And so for him to get to do it, I can see the pride on his face when he does it, because he always just watched his siblings do it. So, it’s been great to see him have a little bit of independence and confidence and pride, and that’s fantastic.” For fourth-grader Guillermo Alessandro Liriano, 10, being a part of the Special Olympics has helped him focus his energy into the sport he loves to play.

“He’s pretty excited about the soccer part of the Special Olympics; he really likes it,” his mother, Siri Haidee, said. “Definitely soccer — it’s really good to help him focus and get all this energy down, because … he cannot stay in one place. But, I think that this will help him in the long run to see that he really likes to play soccer, so we can take this and put out a bit more effort into it.”

The First Hope physical education teacher Matt Buchanan loves working with his athletes.

“Just seeing the students there, the athletes,” he said. “They have a great attitude, a great outlook on life and one really can learn a lot from them. … I could be having the hardest day, and there is never a day I don’t look forward to go into work, because I can just know I’m going to leave feeling happy and having laughs the whole day. You feel like you help somebody but then you get helped too. It’s definitely a blessing.”

To participate in the Special Olympics this year, Evan and Guillermo participated in the individual skills events, where they were tested on speed and accuracy when kicking a soccer ball. Both were ecstatic when their turn to compete came.

“They are some of the most energetic, fun-loving, hard-working athletes that I’ve ever met,” Buchanan said. “They really love life and love people, and they’re so proud of the effort they’ve put in.”

In addition to developing athletic skills, Special Olympics has provided Evan and Guillermo social skills and a safe place to be.

“It’s getting out of his comfortable little bubble that he would prefer to stay in,” Grimes said. “So, we love that opportunity and just learning new skills. Any time he can learn a new skill, that’s always a positive for us. … It’s amazing being a part of the Special Olympics community … (and finding) a place (for him to) get involved, play and grow.”

The Windermere High School varsity football team played its spring football game against Astronaut High and brought home its first win of the year with a score of 33-8 Friday, May 19.

The Wolverines pulled ahead in the first quarter and maintained the lead all the way until the end of the game, which — due to inclement weather — was cut short at the end of the second quarter.

This was the first victory of the program in a spring football game since the school opened in 2017.

Elizabeth Bailey Sand Lake Elementary School

Elizabeth Bailey is a third-grade teacher at Sand Lake Elementary. She teaches them all subjects including social emotional support. In the 2020-21 school year, she was awarded Teacher of the Year at her school at the time, West Creek Elementary. Katie Phillips, principal at the school, said Bailey builds a classroom of compassion and conscientious learning. “Students care for each other and work to find their own solutions,” Phillips said. “She makes learning fun and meaningful. Her students are celebrated for being themselves and definitely leave her room more equipped for the world than when they entered.”

What brought you to your school?

I was drawn to Sand Lake because of its stellar reputation and the quality of its staff. Along with the amazing principal, Katie Phillips, I had previously worked with several of the teachers that made their way there.

What do you love most about your school?

We really are one big family. Everyone helps each other out, no matter what the situation. Our principal has helped to create a supportive and positive environment.

What is your motivation?

Hands-down, it has to be my students. I strive to create a classroom environment that fosters their education along with their social and emotional growth. I am excited to go to work and see my kids each day.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I really enjoy seeing the progress my students make both academically and socially. I love checking in with former students (who) have moved to the next grade levels. Whether I see them in the halls or they stop by my classroom, it’s always nice to see them.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love cruises. I also enjoy spending time with family and my dog, Brooklyn.

Report Card

POSITION: Third grade teacher

TIME AT SCHOOL: One year

Who was your favorite teacher when you were in school?

Her name is Mrs. Chaviano, and she was amazing. She took the time to figure out what worked best for my unique learning style. She found a way to connect with me and made me care about education in a way I had never experienced.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I was always torn between being a teacher, a marine biologist or an astronaut. Clearly, the teacher in me won. I have always been fascinated by space and travel. My favorite place in the world is the beach.

What is your favorite children’s book and why?

My favorite children’s book is “Where the Wild Things Are.” The book is full of imagination and adventure. I really appreciated the cliff-hanger ending, where the reader wasn’t quite sure if the character had dreamt all of his adventures or he really did go to the land where the wild things are.

What are your hobbies?

I love crafting, beaching, traveling and exploring.

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

It would definitely be the ability to fly. There is something so amazing and freeing about being able to fly to anywhere you choose.

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

Any favorite snacks or special treats you remember?

I didn’t have a “go-to” lunch, because I typically just ate school lunch. My after school go-to snacks were Chef Boyardee raviolis and Gushers fruit snacks.

What is your favorite holiday and why?

Halloween! The weather here in Florida is gorgeous during that time. I love that we have one day a year where we get to dress up and be silly at the same time. All the candy just makes it a bonus.

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

Are you still in touch?

My best friend was Ericka, and I really cherish the memories we made together. We had similar interests and we always got along. We enjoyed going on adventures together. We lost touch when I moved out of my hometown after high school.

What were your extracurricular activities as a student?

Did you win any accolades or honors?

In middle school, I was on the cross country team and the soccer team. In high school, I played soccer and joined a social club.