Parent involvement is associated with student success. That is one reason Orange County Government and OCPS celebrates Week of the Family. Throughout the week families are encouraged to participate in activities that strengthen their relationships.
Students across all grade levels participated in the annual essay contest for a chance to win cash prizes, while also practicing their writing skills. Mayor Jerry Demings bestowed the “Mayor’s Cup” trophy to Apopka High School for submitting the most overall entries.
Individual winners of the writing contest, “My family: My compass,” include:
Grades K-2: First place - Aedan Ekman, Audubon Park K-8
Grades 3-5: First place - Eduardo Barazarte, Metrowest ES; Second place - Gracie Dickson, Sand Lake ES; Third place - Levi Trumbly, Sunshine ES; Honorable Mentions - Kaiden Lui, Arbor Ridge K-8; Elle Kendall, Arbor Ridge K-8
Grades 6-8: First place - Isabella Plumb, Bridgewater MS; Second place - Sakshi Tripathy, Hunter’s Creek MS; Third place - Ella Slattery, Bridgewater MS; Honorable Mentions - Sophie Casey, Bridgewater MS; Mackenzie Ruel, Bridgewater MS
Grades 9-10: First place - Dakota Shearrion, Colonial HS; Second place - Derick-Dat Phan; Third place - Marisela Arias, Apopka HS; Honorable Mentions - Sierra James, Apopka HS; Ethan Vanness, Apopka HS