Spotlighting exceptional students, student athletes, educators and all-around boons to the Greater Orlando area.

Star Student
Noopur Ranganathan
Using money she won from science fairs for her research on blindness, Trinity Preparatory School senior Noopur Ranganathan created her own STEM program for girls at Volusia County’s Great Kids Center. Previously, she won the Disney Dreamer and Doer award and was selected as a delegate to attend the Commission of Status of Women 60 at the United Nations.

Star Educator
Margarete Talbert-Irving
The master principal of Orange Center Elementary and Rolling Hills Elementary, Margarete Talbert-Irving was named Orange County Public Schools’ Principal of the Year. Talbert- Irving assumed her expanded duties this year and has served as Orange Center’s principal since 2009. She’s credited with playing an integral role in that school’s upward progression.

Star Student
Allie Lozano
After being moved by the sight of a homeless person, 6-year-old Allie Lozano took it upon herself to raise money for the homeless by selling lemonade, tea and cookies. All told, the young philanthropist raised $103 to donate to the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.

Star Citizens
Orange County Fire Rescue Engine 70 & Rescue 70 Crew
Following a violent accident that resulted in a fully involved car fire, crew members from Orange County Fire Rescue Engine 70 & Rescue 70 received a Unit Citation Award in September for their dedicated efforts and exemplary patient care. They also met with the man whose life they saved.

Star School
Orlando Science Elementary School
Led by administrator Paola Stauffer, students, faculty and staff at Orlando Science Elementary School worked together to win the 2016 National Red Ribbon Photo Contest, marking their second straight victory. Prizes include $2,000 for the school and two iPads, with $1,000 coming from the DEA to use toward drug prevention.

Star Citizen
Eric Holm
Owner and president of Metro Corral Partners, Eric Holm (pictured with wife Diane) spearheaded Golden Corral’s local efforts to serve more than 20,000 meals to deserving residents on Thanksgiving Day. The meals were mostly distributed at the Salvation Army gymnasium in Orlando, although 8,000 meals were delivered to those who couldn’t come in person.

Star Citizen
Erin Odell
A 2010 graduate of Oviedo High School, U.S. Navy Seaman Erin Odell now serves aboard the oldest commissioned warship in the world, the USS Constitution, aka Old Ironsides. Named by President George Washington, the 219-year-old, wood-hulled, threemasted heavy frigate is based in Boston and is a featured destination on the historic city’s Freedom Trail.

Star Educator
Johanna Lopez
Orange County Public Schools 2017 Teacher of the Year, Johanna Lopez also received the Queen Smith Award for Commitment to Urban Education in September. The award was presented based on Lopez’s unwavering commitment to children, her community and her church. She was nominated by colleagues.

Star Politician
Victoria Siplin
Orange County District 6 Commissioner Victoria Siplin and Orange County Public Works employees participated in Sadler Elementary School’s “Walk to School Day” in October. The activity was part of Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs’ Walk-Ride-Thrive! Pedestrian Safety Initiative.

Star Citizen
Dr. Leyberth Rosendo
A new addition to the staff at Apopka’s Mid-Florida Family Medicine, Dr. Leyberth Rosendo is also making a mark on the Greater Orlando community by donating her services to the Florida Hospital After-Hours clinic that services the uninsured. Dr. Rosendo has also served as a mentor for teen parents and has helped with inner-city youth programs.

Star Politicians
Teresa Jacobs & Buddy Dyer
In November, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer were recognized with the Service and Leadership Award at the 9th annual Equality Florida Greater Orlando Gala, which took place at the Orlando Museum of Art. The civic leaders were selected for their compassion, courage and leadership after the Pulse shooting in June.