Cesar Parra, Valencia College Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar
Valencia College’s Cesar Parra named 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar
For his selection as a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar, Valencia College student and Kissimmee resident Cesar Parra will receive a $1,300 scholarship in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service.
Sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the Coca-Cola Academic Team represents some of the highest-achieving community college students in the nation.
“Winning this scholarship is further proof that when you put in the hard work and the effort, people will recognize and value that,” Parra said.
After graduating from Valencia in May with two associate degrees through the Seneff Honors College, Parra will Direct Connect to the University of Central Florida to study computer engineering.
At Valencia he’s worked as a recreational monitor at the campus fitness center, where he developed an app to help students with personalized exercise plans built around the fitness center’s equipment. He also co-founded an Osceola Campus Sports Club, which has grown to more than 80 active members.
“Valencia has genuinely been a second home to me, and I don't say that lightly,” Parra said. “I came in without really knowing how any of this worked, and this place met me where I was and gave me room to grow into something I'm proud of.”
St. Cloud Hospital part of Orlando Health volunteer ‘407 Day’
Orlando Health Tuesday hosted its second-annual 407 Day to honor the organization’s roots and put its mission of service into action. Orlando Health, alongside local businesses, community members and sports partners, came together to support and strengthen the communities it serves. At Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, team members packed school supply kits in backpacks benefiting the Education Foundation Osceola County.
LYNX Public Service Bus Contest now open
The application period will open April 7 for qualified non-profit organizations in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties to register for a spot on the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority (LYNX) public service bus.
For the 23rd year, eight qualified agencies will be chosen in a random drawing to have their logo displayed for one year. The Public Service Bus travels routes every day throughout the three-county area.
To be eligible, non-profit organizations must be based in Orange, Osceola or Seminole County; operate on a budget of less than $1.5 million and show proof of 501(c)(3) status or be a governmental agency.
Those agencies must fill out a registration form online at golynx.com/publicservicebus, with all fields completed, attach a copy of 501(c)(3) status or government agency designation (Example: IRS form), an annual budget of less than $1.5 million (example: annual budget document) and vector art of the organization logo.
Entry deadline is 5 p.m. April 29. Winners will be drawn randomly and announced during the first week of May. The 2026 bus will be unveiled on Tuesday, May 26 in Orlando.
St. Cloud Earns 2nd Consecutive Cigna Gold Award
The City of St. Cloud announced that, for the second year in a row, it has been selected by Cigna Healthcare as a recipient of the health insurer’s gold level Healthy Workforce Designation. The city earned a silver level designation in 2024.
The gold level designation represents the city’s commitment to improving the health and vitality of its employees by establishing and growing its employee well-being and engagement program, the city said.
“Our Human Resources department has put an emphasis on employee wellness, offering a variety of programs throughout the year encouraging employees to prioritize their health and well-being,” said City Manager Veronica Miller.
Osceola Chamber hosting National Civics Bee finals
The Osceola Chamber is bringing the National Civics Bee® to Osceola County and Central Florida for the second year in a row. Last November, The Osceola Chamber worked with the Osceola County School District and other local districts to invite 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students from public, private, charter, and home schools to submit essays as part of the first round of competition. Community leaders from across the country reviewed the essays and the top 20 highest-scoring students from the area were then invited to participate in a local, live round. Local winners will receive $500 cash for first place, $250 for second place, and $125 for third place, plus an invitation to compete in the National Civics Bee® Florida State Finals, where they will have the opportunity to win additional cash prizes. The first-place winner of the State Finals will earn a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Championship in the fall of 2026. Prizes at the National Championship include a grand prize of $100,000 for first place, $25,000 for second place, and $15,000 for third place.
