Medically Speaking…
Doctors provide insight into their world. Dr. Julie Wei Pediatric Otolaryngology “I wish I could tell myself early on to not be so self-assured. Early in a physician/surgeon’s practice, one is naturally focused on one’s abilities and believes that we can ‘fix’ anything. The longer I practice and more experience I have, I am much more humbled by all the factors that influence... Read More
Class Is in Session: Public High School Report Card 2016
KIDS AT THE BUS STOP, teachers prepping lesson plans, lockers stuffed with books, athletic teams hitting the practice field. It can only mean one thing: The return of the school year is upon us. But how much do you really know about your child’s school and its approach to academics? In Greater Orlando, there are numerous high schools that not only prepare students for the upcoming... Read More
The SAT’s New Look
IN MARCH, the College Board, a nonprofit organization that helps more than 7 million students prepare for the transition to college each year through various programs and services, officially launched the redesigned SAT. “The College Board is redesigning the SAT to focus on the few things that evidence shows matter most for college and career readiness,” says Zach Goldberg,... Read More
Making a Difference: Pulses of Light
Orlando United became the catchphrase this summer, as our community climbed out of the shadows of a horrific event that momentarily brought us to our knees. The June 12 massacre at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub not only took the lives of 49 innocent victims and injured dozens more, but devastated our region in the process. But amidst this horror, the light immediately began to shine.... Read More
The Youth Movement
The 2016 U.S. presidential election hasn’t just been the wildest in modern history—it’s also fired up young citizens thanks to a variety of populist candidates who make full use of the communication channels preferred by millennials. By supplementing traditional campaign strategies such as TV and radio ads, bumper stickers and billboards with robust social-media messaging... Read More
Orlando Family Stars
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... Read More
Home Front
By the Numbers ZERO How many Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) highschool students will be allowed to use cellphones in class once the fall semester begins in August. Emergency calls and texts will be allowed, but otherwise, students will only be able to use phones before and after school and during lunch. THREE The number of manatees, including a mother, her calf and an orphaned... Read More
Out & About in Orlando
DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID Orlando Repertory Theatre Through Aug 7 Based on Hans Christian Anderson’s timeless tale and Disney’s animated adaptation, this love story features a score that includes “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” “She’s in Love,” “Kiss the Girl,” and other family friendly tunes. OrlandoRep.com BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH Westmonte Civic Center, Altamonte Springs Aug... Read More
Orlando Family’s High School Sports Preview 2016
The return of another school year means the return of our area’s elite young athletes, and what we anticipate to be another fall season of intense and exciting play. While most local students spent their summers hitting the beach or taking seasonal jobs, these competitors were hard at work, focused on the year ahead and the games that will push their skills to the limit in the... Read More
Volleyball: 2016 High School Fall Sports Preview
Apopka Blue Darters Players to watch: The Blue Darters lost some of last year’s key players to graduation, but the vast majority of 2015’s team is expected back this season. They include middle-blocker seniors Abby Weaver, Lynsy Warren, Alexa Barrel and Alley Herbert, as well as defensive specialist/outside hitter Shequilla Hicks, who will also be a senior. Outlook: Under Coach... Read More
Football: 2016 High School Fall Sports Preview
Apopka Blue Darters Players to watch: Bombastic running back Deshawn Massey, who racked up 1,008 yards in 2015, should be back on the forefront of Apopka’s offense this year. Also expected back on offense are quarterbacks Taden Blaise and Joey Lee, tight end Jaron Jones, and others. Their prospects on the all-important defensive side look good, too, with veterans such as safety... Read More
Boys Cross Country: 2016 High School Fall Sports Preview
Apopka Blue Darters Players to watch: At the end of last season, the Blue Darters lost strong performers Juvon Treasure, Travis Brantley and Deandre Williams. They also retained some key members, though, including Austin Warner, Charles Cooper and Jesse Barral. Outlook: “Several runners on the boys’ team just missed out on regionals,” says Coach Brian Axon, “so we are looking... Read More
Girls Cross Country: 2016 High School Fall Sports Preview
Apopka Blue Darters Players to watch: The Lady Blue Darters lost a couple of key seniors after last season, but they have maintained their core going into 2016. Expected to continue their fast times from last season while taking on expanded leadership roles will be junior Rhyan Stelljes and sophomores Outlook: “Last year, for the first time ever, the girls’ team qualified for... Read More
Boys Golf: 2016 High School Fall Sports Preview
Apopka Blue Darters Players to watch: The Blue Darters’ top returning seniors are Lucas Caplan and Jacob Hutchinson. Juniors Richard DeShetler and Ryan Day will look to contribute heavily this year, too, and a slew of younger players will also be key parts of the team, including junior Davis Holland and sophomores Kyle Eckert, Hayden Broadwater and Christian Nelson. Outlook: “My... Read More
Girls Golf: 2016 High School Fall Sports Preview
Apopka Blue Darters Players to watch: Jiwon Chang, who was an individual qualifier for the Class 3A, Region 2 championship in 2015, is expected to return as a senior this year. She’ll play a key role in helping her teammates develop in the coming season. Outlook: While Coach Doug Matthews’ Lady Blue Darters didn’t place as a team at the District 5 tournament, they did send... Read More
Boys Swimming: 2016 High School Fall Sports Preview
Apopka Blue Darters Players to watch: Steve Ahrens and Alex Burton, who comprised the center of the Blue Darters’ swim team in 2015, should be back to provide leadership this year. Incoming freshmen and transfer students who join the team will get opportunities to prove their worth, too. Outlook: The boys’ Blue Darters swim team finished 7th at 2015’s Class 4A, District 3... Read More
Girls Swimming: 2016 High School Fall Sports Preview
Apopka Blue Darters Players to watch: Emma Treadwell, who was integral to the Lady Blue Darters placing 6th overall in Class 4A, District 3, 18th in Region 1 and 32nd statewide, is set to return this year. The team has a fairly open-door policy when it comes to new members, so we’re excited to see what sort of talent develops at Apopka in the coming year. Outlook: Under Coach... Read More
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Orlando Family’s Best of the Best 2016
Welcome to Orlando Family’s inaugural Best of the Best, featuring our picks for the best places to eat, drink, shop and be pampered throughout Greater Orlando. In addition to racking our own brains and those of our family and friends, we traversed the area to follow up on hot tips about worthy winners from both well-known establishments and those off the beaten path. Alright,... Read More
Making a Difference: Play Ball!
When it’s time to get their game on, most kids in Greater Orlando can choose from a smorgasbord of youth sports programs that literally cover all the bases. But when those children come from a disadvantaged background or have developmental challenges to overcome, finding the right team can be difficult. Good Time Sports That’s why a number of local nonprofits, including one... Read More
Signing Off One Last Time: Bob Opsahl
If you’ve turned on local news at any point during the past, oh, 40 years, chances are you know WFTV’s Bob Opsahl. Having first moved to Orlando in 1968—beating Walt Disney World by a few years—he was hired as a reporter for the station in 1978 and started anchoring the news desk not too long after, providing “coverage you can count on” (per WFTV’s slogan) ever since.... Read More
