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Orlando Family Stars March 2017

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

Star Student
Piper Harris
Trinity Preparatory School student Piper Harris took second place at the World Wakeboard Association’s Wake Park World Championship, which was held at CamSur Watersports Complex in Naga, Philippines, in 2016. In addition to practicing six days a week, Harris also participates in diving, Vocal Society, theater and track.

Star Student
Jordan Szeto
An A33 cadet at Dr. Phillips High School’s JROTC program, Cadet Major Jordan Szeto attended a flight camp last summer to pursue his dream to fly. At the camp, Szeto worked with teammates to tackle the challenges of ground school, flight lessons, oral exams and multiple “check rides.” After 52 hours of training, Szeto flew solo for the first time.

Star Student
Siyona Mishra
Orlando Science Middle School student Siyona Mishra recently took home first place in the Orange County Public Schools Spelling Bee. Previously, Mishra has competed in many other spelling bees, including winning the National Indian Spelling Bee and placing in the top 10 of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Star Student
Mumtaz Abdulhussein
A senior at Lake Mary Preparatory School, Mumtaz Abdulhussein is the definition of a well-rounded student. In addition to being involved with speech & debate, thespians and varsity soccer, she’s also a member of the National Honor Society and Key Club. Furthermore, she volunteers at her mosque’s madresah.

Star Students
Lake Highland Newspaper and Yearbook Staff
Lake Highland Preparatory School’s student newspaper, Twice-Told Tale, and yearbook staff received first-place awards for their 2015-2016 publications from the American Scholastic Press Association. Yearbook contributor/junior Catie Ford and newspaper staff writer/senior Suchy Kahlon are pictured.

Star Student
Jessica Meena
Jessica Meena, a senior at The First Academy, has been confirmed as a National Merit Finalist, following her ranking as a semifinalist last year. By advancing to the rank of finalist, Meena will be considered for a National Merit Scholarship. Meena is pictured here with First Academy Principal Garry Sullivan.

Star Students
Seminole Science Charter School Math Team
In January, the members of Seminole Science Charter School’s math team finished in first place overall in the second qualifying round of the Central Florida Mathleague competition. As a result, they and other qualifying teams will advance to the state round, which will be held in May.

Star Educator
Principal Britt Despenza
The principal of Eagles Nest Elementary School, Britt Despenza has spearheaded an innovative new Grab n’ Go Breakfast program. The initiative is designed to increase morning meal participation by allowing late-arriving students to grab ready-to-go breakfast containers that can be eaten in classrooms.

Star Citizen
Dennis Rivera
U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Dennis Rivera, who’s an Orlando native and serves aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94), received a call from President Barack Obama on Thanksgiving Day 2016 to thank him for his service. Rivera is a fire controlman and is responsible for deploying and maintaining weapons systems.

Know a Star? Submit your nominees to Nate@OrlandoFamilyMagazine.com

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s March 2017 issue.