SCHOOL BRIEFS

Youth Graduate From Seminary Program

$895 ed more than 1,000 children and families in Lake County through its counseling and tutoring programs.

Services were held at the Grace Community Church in Clermont, 14244 John’s Lake Road, Clermont, Florida 37411 at 11 a.m. Monday, July 17, 2023. The family received guests at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Family Matters of Central Florida (familymatterscfl. org); or Family Matters of Central Florida, 387 Seminole St., Clermont, Florida 34711. Arrangements by: Cremation Choices, Minneola, cremationchoicesfl.com or (352) 394-8228.

While many high school seniors celebrated their high school graduation this last month, 19 local seniors were able to celebrate a second graduation June 4 in honor of completing the Orlando West Stake Seminary program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For the last four years, these students have awakened early, before school, to study the scriptures and attend seminary classes together. They were joined by more than 100 other high school students from 11 local congregations that participate in the program.

They met together in homes, church buildings and over Zoom to study the life of Jesus Christ and the scriptures. They were taught by local volunteers who teach each morning in addition to their regular work schedule and family responsibilities. To qualify for seminary graduation, a student must attend eight semesters of study.

It is a sacrifice for these dedicated students to wake up each morning before school to study the scriptures together, but well worth it, president Hansen said.

Julie Hayes Boniec, Dan Hayes; and, too many nieces and nephews to mention. Bill was an avid Miami Dolphins fan. Bill enjoyed the dad role, as his family is most important and visited with friends at their annual Wakulla Cocoa Beach gathering.

Graduating student Katie Whitney said: “My seminary experiences this semester has taught me to truly love God. I didn’t use to look forward to seminary, but now it’s somewhere I genuinely want to be, helping me prioritize the Lord every day.”

“We are so thankful for the dedicated efforts of our seminary students and their instructors, who very often sacrifice their early-morning hours to study the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” said Hansen, who oversees the 13 local congregations that are part of the Orlando West Stake. “Their commitment to follow Him in their daily lives is heartwarming and wonderful to witness.”

Seminary is a worldwide, religious educational program for youth ages 14 through 18 and is open to teenagers of all faiths. The four-year program is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For more information about the seminary program, visit churchofjesuschrist.org.

Kiddie Academy Hosts Grand Opening

The Kiddie Academy of Oakland celebrated its grand opening last weekend. The child care program offers services for infants through age 12. The grand opening event, which took place Saturday, July 15, included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, bounce house, face painting and a special visit from Disney characters.

The Kiddie Academy opened its first location more than 40 years ago, and the company now has more than 300 academies serving more than 37,000 students.

“We’re driven—through our passion for early childhood education, community commitment and Life Essentials philosophy—to prepare children for school and for life,” Kiddie Academy’s website reads. “We’re here to educate and encourage your child to do more and be more—not just while they’re with us, but outside the classroom. We believe curiosity and learning generate their own momentum, and we’re dedicated to developing what’s unique in every child we care for.”

For more information about the Kiddie Academy of Oakland, call (407) 961-6060.

Foundation Seeks New Staff Members

Foundation Academy is looking to fill an empty position for the 2023-24 school year.

The director of family enrichment is key to furthering the mission of the school and reports to the vice president of development.

The director must develop and maintain active and productive relationships with parents, along with faculty and leadership, according to the job posting.

In addition, the director will support key events for the school, as well as manage special interest groups, secure branding and sponsorships from local businesses, apply for grants and manage committees as needed.

The school also is searching for a director of spiritual development, elementary teachers and substitute teachers.

Those who wish to learn more information should visit foundationacademy.net.

Garden Theatre Hosts Summer Camp

Orlando Health is the sponsor of the summer camp programs at the Garden Theatre.

About 150 students have enrolled in summer camps, and the number continues to grow each week. Through the sponsorship Orlando Health provides, the theater has been able to provide six full scholarships to camp this summer and still has funds remaining for others.