Highlighting 24 incredible students from the Central Florida area who have shown that they are shining stars.

In every school, some students go above and beyond, not only for their academic achievements, but also for their dedication, kindness and impact beyond the books. These students demonstrate that success isn’t just about high scores, but also about commitment and the desire to make a difference wherever they go. By combining hard work and passion, these scholars encourage those around them and prove that excellence takes on many forms.

Oliver Miller
Wyndham Lakes Elementary
Miller stands out as a leader and role model across campus. As a dedicated member of the News Crew, he helps keep the school community informed and inspired. He proudly serves as the captain of the Battle of the Books team, demonstrates sharp critical‑thinking skills in Chess Club and uses his problem‑solving abilities on the Math Olympics team. Musically gifted, he performs with the Melody Makers and has earned the honor of advancing to the All‑County competition. In addition, Miller’s commitment to scholarship, leadership, service and character is recognized through membership in the National Elementary Honor Society.

Amelia Ali
Pinewood Elementary
Ali is a dedicated and motivated learner who consistently works hard in her academics. She is a natural leader who exemplifies character and commitment through her service as a campus safety patrol member. She is always dependable and willing to assist when asked, and approaches every task with responsibility and a positive attitude. Beyond school, Ali is an integral part of her family, where she helps with chores and fulfilling family responsibilities.

Cecilia Estevez
Northlake Park Community School
Estevez is a standout fifth-grade leader who embodies excellence both in and out of the classroom. As president of the National Elementary Honor Society, she is a “firecracker” known for her remarkable initiative and dedication. Beyond her academic success across all subject areas, Estevez is exceptionally kind and inclusive, consistently offering encouragement to her peers while remaining unaffected by typical age-group social dynamics. Her commitment to service shines through Kiwanis-Kids, while her discipline is evident in her long-term piano studies and the YMCA swim team.

Trevis Glasco
Meadowbrook Middle School
Glasco is an exceptional student whose strengths span across academics, athletics and the arts. As a dedicated clarinet player, he demonstrates discipline, focus and creativity, while his participation in both soccer and track showcases his perseverance, teamwork and strong work ethic. Academically, Glasco consistently excels, taking on and succeeding in high school coursework as a middle school student. His recent victory in the Black History Brain Bowl highlights his depth of knowledge, quick thinking and confidence under pressure. Beyond his accomplishments, Glasco naturally demonstrates leadership among his peers by setting a positive example, encouraging collaboration and motivating others to succeed.

Niya Padman
Lake Nona High School
Padman is driven by a passion for space and scientific discovery, with aspirations of becoming an experimental astrophysicist. Through three years in the Student Astronaut Challenge, she advanced from flight engineer to mission director, ultimately leading her team to a first-place finish in the Simulation Challenge. As project manager for the 45th Weather Squadron Lightning Launch Commit Criteria project, Padman presented research at the American Meteorological Society Conference. She serves as president of both the Science National Honor Society and NONA Science, where she encourages curiosity and collaboration while contributing original research to the Minor Planet Center.

Advaith Prabesh
Hamlin Elementary
Prabesh is an inspiring student whose determination and perseverance have led to remarkable achievements. After winning his school’s speech contest, he advanced to the next level, winning again, where he delivered a powerful message about overcoming obstacles through karate. His speech emphasized the importance of following your dreams and never giving up, even when faced with challenges. What makes this accomplishment especially amazing is that Prabesh has worked hard to overcome a stutter, demonstrating his courage and resilience.

Jayden Chan
Montverde Academy
Chan has excelled as both a student and a leader at Montverde Academy, serving as swim captain and contributing to his community in and out of the pool. His passion for medical science developed during a summer research program at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where he investigated neurodegenerative disorders with a focus on Huntington’s disease. Working on an international team, Chan helped develop peptide-based drugs targeting toxic proteins, successfully identifying peptide sequences with the potential for future therapeutic applications. This experience strengthened his commitment to pursuing the pre-med track at MIT while continuing his competitive swimming career.

Dagny Nelson
Park Maitland School
Nelson has been part of the Park Maitland School community since kindergarten and will graduate this year as an eighth grader. A well-rounded leader, she serves as vice president of the National Junior Honor Society and is active in student government. She supports global communities through the Victory Legacy Foundation and raised $10,000 for her bat mitzvah project. Nelson earned 10 superior ratings with Thespian Troupe No. 1677 and will star in Annie this spring. She is also an honor roll student, mentor and dedicated martial artist, on track to earn her second-degree black belt.

Tyler Dy
Innovation High School
Dy is Innovation High School’s Class of 2026 valedictorian, exemplifying academic excellence, leadership and service. A National Merit Finalist bound for the University of Florida Honors Program, he is also a founding student who helped shape Innovation’s culture. Dy founded and served as president of both the National Honor Society and National Social Studies Honor Society and established the school’s science Olympiad team, qualifying for state competition each year. Beyond campus, he serves as a project manager for a NASA program with the 45th Weather Squadron, connecting student research to rocket launch safety.

Sophia Powell
Apopka High School
As founder and president of Key Club, Powell has facilitated community service opportunities for over 150 students. As debate team captain, she is nationally ranked in impromptu, congress and Reagan-style debate. She is also a two-time varsity swim captain and spends summers as a lifeguard at Rock Springs Park, and last summer conducted field research as part of New College’s summer marine research program. Graduating top five of her class, Powell’s bright attitude and strong leadership can be seen through all aspects of campus, and she will carry these qualities to the University of Florida’s Honors College, where she will pursue a degree in marine biology.

Nico Farmand
Brookshire Elementary
Farmand is a remarkable student who excels both in and out of the classroom as a straight-A fifth grader. Inside the classroom, he consistently demonstrates kindness, responsibility and respect toward all of his peers. Beyond academics, including earning second place in the school 4-H Speech Contest, Farmand is a caring and dedicated member of the school safety patrol. In this role, he performs his assigned duties and goes above and beyond by assisting kindergarten students safely to their classrooms, covering patrol posts for absent peers and offering comfort to students in need. Additionally, Farmand pursues his passion for theater by participating in a Saturday Theater Club.

Abigayle White
Horizon High School
White is ranked fourth out of 733 students in her junior class and currently holds a weighted GPA of 5.373. She is dual-enrolled with the University of Florida, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society and Hawk Squad. As a student athlete, White holds school records in the 800, 1600 and 3200 meters in track and field. During cross country season this year, she competed in the Class 4A Region 2 meet, where she placed eighth overall in the 5K, and at the state race, she finished 24th. As a result, she earned a spot on the Orlando All-City girls first team, as well as placement on the Orlando All-City junior team.

Alma Perez
Sadler Elementary
Perez demonstrates determination and resilience, thriving academically through her participation in both reading and math enrichment groups. Her love for learning extends beyond the classroom, where she plays an active role on the school news crew, brings energy and rhythm to the step team and showcases her problem-solving skills on the STEM competition team. Her confidence, leadership and commitment to excellence truly set her apart. Perez continues to inspire her peers and teachers each day with her hard work, positive attitude and passion for success.

Karyna Alamo
Champion Preparatory Academy
Alamo stands out as a dedicated and accomplished student as salutatorian and a Bright Futures recipient. She will earn her AA degree from Seminole State College and will attend UCF this fall to study forensic psychology. A full-time dual enrollment student from sophomore through senior year, Alamo is a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa. Beyond academics, she excels in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, holding a gray and black belt. She has held leadership roles in Beta Club as historian and earned multiple state and national awards in Spanish, poetry and psychology. Alamo also tutors Hispanic students in English, advanced writing and mathematics, showcasing her many talents and commitments.

Ethan Truong
SunRidge Middle School
At SunRidge Middle, Truong’s voice is the first one students and staff hear daily, leading in the Pledge of Allegiance. He is an active member of the SRMS news crew, where he assists in producing daily announcements covering school news, special events and weather. In addition, Truong is vice president of SunRidge’s orchestra program and often serves as a section leader in the violins. Truong is a talented and dedicated musician who plays the piano and guitar. Recently, he competed in Mission: STEM hosted by the University of Central Florida, alongside schools all across the area. Truong’s team placed first in the “glider” category. His future goals are to attend Harvard University and become a medical doctor.

Clara Simionescu
Endeavor Elementary School
Simionescu, a fifth grader at Endeavor Elementary School, believes that growth comes from the written word, a value she exemplified by earning second place in the Oration Contest with her speech “The Power of the Written Word.” Literacy holds great meaning for her and is reflected through her participation in The Battle of the Books, The Florida Sunshine Book Club and Anchor of the Navi News. Simionescu’s passion for writing is further demonstrated by her publication in the prestigious Magic Dragon Magazine for her poem, “Veil.” In addition to her love for literacy, she participates in the STEM Club and Project Lead the Way, showcasing her academic interests.

Ethan Wu
Lake Nona High School
Wu is a driven and ambitious student whose high school career reflects exceptional academic rigor, leadership and artistic dedication. He completed 21 AP courses, earning AP Scholar with Distinction honors. As president of both the Asian Student Association and Aerospace and Aviation Club, Wu led impactful initiatives, including organizing the annual Multicultural Festival and raising over $20,000 to install Lake Nona’s first FAA-approved flight simulators. Beyond academics, he has devoted 10 years to competitive piano and five years to orchestra. Through his leadership, Wu has strengthened student engagement, fostered inclusivity and created lasting opportunities for his peers.

Jesus Mederos 
Orlo Vista Elementary
Mederos is a fifth grader who consistently excels both in the classroom and on the soccer field. As a midfielder for Orlando Futbol Club 26, he demonstrates strong teamwork, focus and determination. This year, he devoted more time to competitive soccer while maintaining high academic expectations. Mederos has successfully balanced a demanding soccer schedule with school responsibilities, showing noticeable growth in both reading and math. He approaches challenges with a positive attitude and strong work ethic, making him a skillful student who models perseverance, responsibility and commitment in all areas of his development.

Juliancarlo Santiago
Stone Lakes Elementary
Santiago is a fifth-grade student who demonstrates excellence both academically and through his leadership. A dedicated member of the district champion math team, he consistently displays strong problem-solving skills and a passion for learning. As an officer of K‑Kids and an active member of the safety patrol, he leads by example with responsibility and integrity. He also volunteers during Best Buddies lunch, showing compassion and a commitment to supporting others. A straight‑A student, Santiago is known for being kind, respectful and a friend to all. His positive attitude and service-minded character make him a valued member of the Stone Lakes community.

Livia Anna Devine 
Tildenville Elementary
Devine is a shining example of leadership, curiosity and service. A fifth-grade, two-way dual language student, she excels both academically and creatively. Devine has contributed her voice and talents as a member of the News Crew, Tildenville chorus and the Tildenville musical, while also earning membership in the Spanish Honor Society and the National Elementary Honor Society. Beyond the classroom, she is an active member of Scouts BSA. At her previous school, Devine helped lead a Maui Relief fundraising campaign and worked hands-on in her school garden, demonstrating compassion, initiative and a strong commitment to her community.

Victoria Chang
Highlands Latin School
Chang is a sixth grader who has attended Highlands Latin School Orlando for the past four years. She is a dedicated student who has earned straight A’s consistently, the Grand National Winner for the 2025 New American Cursive Contest and earned the Certificate of Honorable Merit Silver Maxima Cum Laude for the introduction exam. Exceeding her academic responsibilities, she is also hardworking, kind towards her peers and carries herself with humility. Chang loves to perform and has taken both piano and voice lessons since she was 7 years old. She enjoys playing both tennis and table tennis, and in her free time, she enjoys baking for her friends and family.

Micah Philbin
The First Academy
Philbin strives to succeed in all facets of his life, whether it’s in academics, athletics, service or spiritual. He is an AP Scholar with Distinction, Science Honor Society president and Bible Study co-leader. He also captains the varsity soccer and lacrosse teams and is a state weightlifting qualifier, earning the Most Improved Weightlifter Award. Philbin actively participates in National Honor Societies, Wounded Warrior Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Royal Leadership Academy. He has served multiple years for Samaritan’s Purse, Second Harvest Food Bank and Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express. Committed to excelling, Philbin plans to study aerospace engineering at the University of Florida.

Lillian King
Champion Preparatory Academy
King shines as a student and artist, embodying dedication and excellence. As valedictorian and a Bright Futures Academic Scholar with a perfect ACT score, she graduates with an AA from Valencia College while heading to UCF for biomedical sciences. A full-time dual enrollment student since her sophomore year, she consistently earns a spot on Valencia’s President’s List and is a proud Phi Theta Kappa member. Beyond academics, King excels as a dancer, assistant teacher and mentor, leading warm-ups, rehearsals in the director’s absence, providing guidance, mentorship and feedback for younger dancers on the team. She also volunteers as a classroom assistant and tutor, inspiring the younger students.

Addison Bitel
Windermere Preparatory School
Bitel has attended Windermere Preparatory School (WPS) since kindergarten, where the culture and opportunity impacted her future both in and out of the classroom. As a two-time high school All-American swimmer and three-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American, she has strived to balance academic excellence with elite-level competition. Bitel is excited to continue her academic and athletic career at Duke University in the fall on the swim and dive team. As the founder and president of She LEADS at WPS, Bitel has created a space to empower young women through leadership, confidence and education, encouraging the same successful path that was given the opportunity to follow.