Orlando Family Stars

Each month, Stars features exceptional students, student athletes, educators and all-around boons to the Greater Orlando area. Know a Star? Submit your nominees to Nate@OrlandoFamilyMagazine.com.

STAR STUDENT
Jordyn Cooper
In April, Jordyn Cooper became the youngest person to ever ride in the annual Cross Florida Bike Ride, and she finished the race, too. Groups of cyclists cheered on the first-grader at Orlando Science Elementary School as she crossed the finish line after riding 170 miles from Cocoa Beach to Tampa.

STAR STUDENT
Zayden Hudson
Zayden Hudson, a fifth-grader at Azalea Park Elementary School, received a good citizenship award from the Orlando Police Department in May. The award was presented to Hudson because he and a friend stopped to help a school crossing guard who had collapsed on a sidewalk outside the school due to complications from an illness.

STAR STUDENT
Victoria Mei
Victoria Mei, a 9-year-old Orlando resident, was accepted to take part in this summer’s West End Stage, which is the United Kingdom’s premier theater summer school for people ages 8-21. During her week at the school, Mei will be put through her paces in singing, dance and drama while receiving industry-based workshops led by West End stars.

STAR STUDENTS
Harvik Kesineni, Meghana Konda, Michelle Li and Arnav Mujumdar
Four students at Orlando Science Elementary School did themselves proud at the Orange County Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ annual math competition in May. First, fourth-graders Meghana Konda and Michelle Li tied for the highest individual score for their grade and across all three competing levels. They also led their team to a first-place finish. Similarly, third-grader Arnav Mujumdar helped his team win first in their division, and he had the highest individual score for his grade. Finally, fifth-grader Harvik Kesineni had the highest individual score for his age level, and his team came in second among all fifth-grade teams.

STAR CITIZEN
Ryan Allen
In July, Orange County Fire Rescue Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Ryan Allen was named the 2016 EMT of the Year. The award, which was presented by the Florida Department of Health, recognizes an EMT who has demonstrated extraordinary qualities in patient care and medical patrol while performing above and beyond the call of duty. It follows a Medal of Valor honor by Orange County Fire Rescue and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office earlier this year. Allen was recognized after rescuing a patient who was trapped upside down in a vehicle partially submerged in water.

STAR TEACHER
Jessica Solano
In July, third-grade math teacher Jessica Solano of Highlands Grove Elementary School was chosen as the 2017 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education (FLDE) Teacher of the Year. As part of the honor, Solano received a $20,000 check from Macy’s, which was on top of the more than $16,000 in checks and gift cards that Solano and her school received when she was named as a finalist for the award in May.

STAR DOCTOR
Dr. William Felix
Lake Nona’s Dr. William Felix was selected to serve as a medical consultant for the National Basketball Association, in which capacity he’ll lead the medical logistics team for USA Basketball in preparation for and during the 2016 Olympic Games. Furthermore, Dr. Felix will visit and vet a variety of medical facilities and EMS services in Brazil for USA Basketball team members in the case of injury.

STAR CITIZEN
Lauren Berman
A 2006 Edgewater High School graduate and Orlando native, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Lauren Berman is serving as an aircrew survival equipmentman with Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11. In her role, Berman is responsible for survival gear on the P-8A Poseidon and overall safety of the aircrew.

STAR CITIZEN
Link Christensen
In May, Link Christensen of Christensen’s Clockworks of Oviedo won Angie’s List’s Best Toolbox in America contest. As the winner, Christensen won a trip to the 2016 Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis and got to wave the flag to start the race.

STAR CITIZEN
Flora Maria Garcia
United Arts of Central Florida President & CEO Flora Maria Garcia received the Michael Newton Award at the 2016 Americans for the Arts Annual Leadership Awards in June. The honor, which has been given annually for the past 25 years, recognizes leadership skills and dedication to supporting the arts through a united arts fund.

STAR CITIZEN
Katy Tate
A native of Longwood, professional dancer Katy Tate was honored with an Outstanding Alum Award at the Tremaine Dance Conventions and Competitions’ National Finals, which took place at the Renaissance Orlando Hotel at SeaWorld in July. Tate’s other accomplishments include stage work at Walt Disney World, choreographing industrials for major corporations, and serving as the dance master at The Beatles Love by Cirque de Soleil.

STAR CITIZEN
Kenneth Scowden
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Kenneth Scowden, who’s an Orlando native and 2005 Colonial High School graduate, is serving as a yeoman aboard the USS City of Corpus Christi. His vessel is one of 40 Los Angeles-class nuclearpowered fast-attack submarines. As a yeoman, Scowden routes and handles correspondence, and performs annual evaluations and other key administrative tasks.

STAR BUSINESS
The Walt Disney Company
Days after the tragedy at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub in June, the Walt Disney Company announced a $1 million cash commitment to the OneOrlando Fund, which was established by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to assist those affected by the tragic events. Furthermore, eligible donations from Disney employees will be matched by the company.