Kissimmee Utility Authority has announced the winners of its 32nd annual student calendar art contest. The 2026 Calendar of Energy Conservation, set to be distributed free of charge in January, promote energy conservation, with student art from local schools illustrating ways to conserve and protect the environment. A total of 1,748 entries were received from 18 Osceola County elementary schools for this year’s contest.
Kissimmee Utility Authority has announced the winners of its 32nd annual student calendar art contest. The 2026 Calendar of Energy Conservation, set to be distributed free of charge in January, promote energy conservation, with student art from local schools illustrating ways to conserve and protect the environment.
A total of 1,748 entries were received from 18 Osceola County elementary schools for this year’s contest. Judges selected 12 entries—one for each calendar month—to be featured in the calendar, and the artists will receive a cash prize, and the grand prize winner from Holy Redeemer Catholic School will find their work on the calendar cover and featured on a KUA fleet vehicle all through 2026.
Holy Redeemer will receive $750 in art supplies, and Lakeview Elementary School will receive $500 in art supplies for submitting the most total entries in the contest.
The list of winners: Amina Adam, Osceola Science Charter, 2nd grade;
Andrea McGee, Osceola Science Charter, 1st grade;
Arianna Lee Gines, Oak Tree Christian Academy, 3rd grade;
Camila Torres, Holy Redeemer Catholic School, 3rd grade;
Dylan Londono, Voyager K-8, 4th grade;
Shaira Nicole Cintron, Holy Redeemer Catholic School, 5th grade;
Emma V. Ramos, Holy Redeemer Catholic School, 2nd grade;
Gretza Rivera-Roman, Lakeview Elementary School, 1st grade;
Krystal Montalto, Osceola Science Charter School, 1st grade;
Liam Yafac Leon, Michigan Ave Elementary, 1st grade;
Maria Pirela, Holy Redeemer Catholic School, 5th grade;
Sebastian Cuberos, Flora Ridge Elementary, 4th grade.
OSCAR announces annual award winners
The Osceola REALTORS recently recognized individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the Association and the community. The winners include:
Vital Industry Partner of the Year— David Gibbons with David Allen Productions: award acknowledges the contributions and commitment of a VIP Business Member who actively participated in OSCAR programs and activities during the year.
Vital Industry Partner Office of the Year— Stewart Title: recognizes a VIP Business Partner for its outstanding support.
Vital Industry Partner Rising Star of the Year—Gennie Esteves with Generation Title Co.: recognizes a VIP member recently engaged with the Association over the past three years, for its outstanding support.
Global Excellence Award— Gladys Thayer with REMAX Premier Properties: honors a member with the CIPS designation and actively participates on a local, state or national global committee and contributes to the progress and development of Global initiatives.
Commercial Achievement Award— Cheryl Grieb with Olde Kissimmee Realty: honors a member for outstanding contributions in commercial real estate while participating on a local, state or national commercial committee.
Good Neighbor Award— Maria Correa with La Rosa Realty Kissimmee: recognizes a member who has given time, energy, and resources to improve the welfare of those in need within the community.
Brokerage Office of the Year— Avanti Way Realty, LLC: honors a REALTOR office that participates and makes contributions within the Association and community.
REALTOR Rising Star of the Year— Javin Lopez with Avanti Way Realty, LLC: a REALTOR member, recently engaged with the Association over the past three years who has demonstrated commitment to the Association’s mission.
OSCAR REALTOR Star of the Year— Maria Napolitano with Allegiant Management Group: Given to a REALTOR member who has demonstrated excellence in fulfilling the Association’s goals and objectives.
REALTOR of the Year— James K. Lowe with Keller Williams at the Lakes: the member who exemplifies what it means to be a REALTOR—to be active in the Association and our community, contributing freely of themselves and their talents.
Lifetime Achievement— Marjorie “Marge” Eddy with Florida Realty Results, LLC: An OSCAR member who has performed outstanding service and accomplishments spanning a minimum of 25 years career in real estate, including OSCAR leadership.
“Our Annual Installation and Awards Ceremony is one of the most inspiring moments of our year, as we recognize the outstanding individuals who elevate our Association and strengthen our community,” said Renee Clark, 2025 President of the Osceola REALTORS Board of Directors. “Their commitment, professionalism, and leadership set a powerful example for our industry and embody the values that continue to move Osceola REALTORS forward.”
Church of Jesus Christ emergency food donation
In response to increasing demand for food assistance, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has provided emergency funding to 60 food pantries across the Southeastern United States. This donation will help relieve shortages and provide meals for more than 400,000 individuals and families facing food insecurity, including 40,000 people in Osceola County.
“It took over a year— sometimes that’s how God works—but now we finally have a church that supports our mission,” said Osceola Response Team founder Richard Herr. “With their support, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, and the Osceola Response Team will receive a lot of blessings and help 40,000 individuals.”
