Elementary school nets almost $100,000
When students at Central Avenue Elementary School return to school in the fall, they will find a new learning environment that will involve lessons utilizing an integrated curriculum.
This is thanks to the generosity of the Leonore Annenberg School Fund for Children, which awarded the school a grant totaling almost $100,000.
Central Avenue was nominated for the grant by the Council for Educational Change, which not only assisted with the writing of the grant but also will serve as the fiscal agent and provide assistance with implementation.
Funds will be used to purchase resources that would include: books about science, mathematics, social studies, and careers for the school's media center and classrooms; science supplies and equipment for classrooms; and a science lab that will provide hands-on learning opportunities while integrating technology.
These resources also will enable teachers to bring the content areas together on a daily basis to provide exciting experiences for students in reading, mathematics, social studies, science, writing and technology throughout the school. All materials purchased will support the Sunshine State Standards.
“I am so delighted that we will be able to bring these new curriculum materials to our children, as it will enable them to see the connections among science, literature and all of the things they are learning. These connections will open new worlds for our students, ” Central Avenue Principal Kay Wong said.
Each year, the Leonore Annenberg School Fund for Children awards several grants to schools through its partnership with the Council for Educational Change. The schools must serve student populations where at least 90 percent of the students qualify for the federal government’s free/reduced lunch program. An additional requirement is that the project must impact every student in the school and must be of immediate and direct value to, and used by students. Currently the fund awards grants to schools in New York City, Houston, South Florida, high-poverty rural areas and other parts of the country.

Students receive merit awards
U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Rockledge, awarded the 2010 Congressional Medal of Merit to notable students of Florida’s 15th District at the Brevard County Government Complex on June 4. The distinguished students who received the award are graduating seniors nominated by their principals in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement, a commitment to their communities and civic involvement. They are leaders in the area of peer respect, school citizenship and are involved in extracurricular activities.
“These students have demonstrated a commitment to their schools and communities and making them better places,” Posey said. “The Congressional Medal of Merit honors them for their contributions, leadership and achievements and I am delighted to recognize these deserving students with this award.”
The Osceola County students nominated for the medal were: Alexandra Hagan (Harmony High School), Valini Mahadeo (Gateway High School), Nikolay Rybkin (New Dimensions High School), Juliet Talavera (St. Cloud High School) and Reginald Warren (Osceola High School).

Local residents earn graduate degrees
The University of Scranton conferred more than 630 master's degrees and 37 doctoral degrees at its post-baccalaureate commencement ceremony in the Byron Recreation Complex on campus on May 29.
The degrees were presented by W. Jeffrey Welsh, Ph.D., dean of the College of Graduate and Continuing Education.
Area degree recipients are:
• Judith A. Clayton, of Kissimmee, who received a master of science degree in curriculum and instruction.
• Michelle A. Smith-Toner, of St. Cloud, who received a master of science degree in educational administration.
The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in northeast Pennsylvania.

Raven Harris among Haverford College's 2010 graduates
Haverford College recently announced the graduation of Raven Harris, daughter of Robin and Luis Santana, of Kissimmee, and a graduate of The Wilmington Friends School.
One of 291 members of Haverford’s Class of 2010, Harris received a bachelor’s degree in biology during commencement ceremonies in Haverford, Pa., on May 16.
While studying at Haverford, Harris was involved in a variety of campus activities. Harris served as a high school science tutor for the Mentoring and Student Teaching Program and served as the officer of multiculturalism on the student council. She served on the student council’s appointments committee and budgeting committee and received the Irving Finer Prize in biology.

Area resident among those named to academic honor lists at Tusculum College
Tusculum College in Tennessee announced that students whose academic achievements during the 2009-10 academic year have earned them a place on the president’s List, dean’s List and/or Charles Oliver Gray Scholars List.
Lauren E. Talyor, of Kissimmee, was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2009 semester. Named to the dean’s list are students who have earned at least a 3.5 grade-point average while completing at least 12 semester hours.