Congratulations to three Montverde Academy Upper School Students who received 2016 Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Student Awards last Friday! The annual awards program was presented by the DAR Tomaka Chapter at the Clermont City Community Center – located on 620 W. Montrose St., in Clermont, Florida.  Junior Maryn Douglas was awarded the DAR Christopher Columbus Essay Contest Award.  Senior Konnor Kesselring was awarded the DAR Good Citizen Award. Sophomore Hunter Valada was the recipient of DAR Outstanding American History Award.

According to its official website, “The DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children… and is one of the most inclusive genealogical societies in the country, DAR boasts 180,000 members in 3,000 chapters across the United States and internationally.  Any woman 18 years or older-regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background-who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for membership.”

L-R Greg Wise (MVA Upper School teacher), Robert Burke (MVA Upper School teacher),  junior Maryn Douglas, sophomore Hunter Valada, senior Konnor Kesselring, Troy Urquhart, Dean of Upper School

There was an abundant turnout of Montverde Academy K-Kids and their parents volunteering with the New Beginnings and MVA “blessing bags” project held Saturday, February 13^th, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Winn Dixie Shopping plaza on Highway 50 in Clermont, Florida.  Montverde Academy K-Kids is a Lower School community service club affiliated with Kiwanis International. 

Throughout the day, the group provided blessing bags – filled with necessity items like body wash, toothbrushes, and snacks – to needy families on behalf of Helping Hands Outreach for New Beginnings – donations also included the distribution of coats, hats, socks and also Valentine desserts to all of those who came to the event.  According to their website, New Beginnings of Central Florida is  “…a faith-based, not-for-profit organization helping the homeless learn to live responsible lives by making good choices to recover from their hurts, habits, and hang-ups.”

The 2016 The Montverde Academy Lady Eagles Varsity Softball team want to build on the success established by their 2015 District Champion title.  MVA’s new Girls Varsity Softball Head Coach Kelly Golden reports to Montverde Communications Office that their season began February 2^nd at Clermont’s South Lake High School – and since then – the team has played consistently well with a current record of 4-1.  Below is a game recap for each game and additional statistics can be found HERE.  *View Montverde Academy Lady Eagles 2016 Spring Softball schedule. 

Game #1: 2/2 @ South Lake: W 12-0

The Lady Eagles jump on South Lake early and coast to 12-0 win

Montverde Academy jumped out to an early lead on South Lake and captured a 12-0 victory on Tuesday.  Six runs in the first three innings allowed the Lady Eagles to put the game away early. A two-run single by Hannah Crumblish in the first inning supplied the early offense for the Lady Eagles.  Ashley Adkinson got on base three times in the game for the Montverde Academy Lady Eagles Varsity.  She scored three runs and had one RBI.  Montverde Academy’s Heather Franson kept South Lake off the scoreboard for all five innings she was on the rubber.  She pitched a shutout, allowing no opposing players to cross the plate on two hits while ringing up one. The Lady Eagles piled on two more runs in the top of the fourth.  Emily Martin started the inning with a double, plating Adkinson. The Lady Eagles increased their lead with four runs in the fifth. The inning looked promising, as Ashley Adkinson singled, scoring Franson to kick things off. That was followed up by Victoria Atkinson’s double, plating Ashley Adkinson.

Game #2: 2/5 vs. The First Academy: W 10-9

Offenses dominate as the Lady Eagles outscore The First Academy 10-9

Scoreboard operators were busy on Friday as the Lady Eagles and The First Academy combined for 19 runs. Montverde Academy eventually won the offensive battle 10-9 in seven innings. The teams combined for 18 hits, including six extra base hits. The game was back-and-forth heading into the seventh, with 11 lead changes. Montverde Academy was down 2 runs coming into the seventh inning.  Destiny Moye lead off the inning with a double.  Bailey Battles then tripled with two outs and scored Moye.  The Lady Eagles then went up for good on an RBI triple by Ashley Adkinson off Abby Cramer, acoring Natalia Rodriguez.  Adkinson racked up two RBIs on two hits for the Lady Eagles. Baily Battles got the win for the Lady Eagles despite allowing six runs over five innings. Bailey Battles struck out three, walked seven and gave up two hits.

Game #3: 2/8 @ Winter Park: W 6-2

MVA survives Winter Park 6-2

Montverde Academy  jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first. The Lady Eagles threat began with a single by Emily Martin.  A few plays later, Rodriguez stole home.  Winter Park then tied the game in the third inning 2-2.  Natalia Rodriguez drove in the go-ahead run to give the Lady Eagles the lead in the sixth inning, as the Montverde Academy Lady Eagles hung on to beat Winter Park 6-2 on Monday.  After Hannah Crumblish reached on an error, Rodriguez homered, scoring Hannah Crumblish and Baily Battles. Rodriguez racked up three RBIs on two hits for the Lady Eagles. Winter Park’s lineup had no answer for Bailey Battles.  Winter Park managed just one hit off of Battles, who allowed no earned runs, walked one and struck out three during her four innings of work.

Game #4: 2/10 @ Windermere Prep: W due to forfeit

Windermere Prep does not have enough players for a team.

Game #5: 2/16 vs. Lake Minneola: L 1-4

Early lead not enough for MVA – drop 4-1 decision to Lake Minneola

The Montverde Academy Lady Eagles built an early edge on Tuesday, but Lake Minneola roared back to steal a 4-1 victory. The Lady Eagles started out the game with leadoff, Natalia Rodriguez, hitting a solo homerun.  The Lady Eagles held the lead until the fourth inning, where Lake Minneola scored two runs.  Lake Minneola never surrendered the lead after the fourth inning, scoring two runs on two ground outs. Lake Minneola got one-run rallies in the sixth inning and the seventh. In the sixth, Lake Minneola scored on an RBI double by Orenna Grecco, plating Kayla Mayo.  Natalia Rodriguez paced the Montverde Academy Lady Eagles at the plate. Rodriguez went 1-3, drove in one and scored one run.  Ashley Adkinson was also 2-3 for the Lady Eagles.   Megan Yurchick was a workhorse on the rubber for Montverde Academy. Yurchick allowed two earned runs, four hits and one walk while striking out five over seven innings of work.

Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, is credited with saying, “…happiness never decreases by being shared.”  This is often the case with the happiness experienced through sharing music – the happiness derived from music never decreases by being shared with others.  And that is exactly what Montverde Academy’s Select Choir did when they journeyed off-campus and shared their music by singing in front of 75 Kings Ridge Community (Clermont, Florida) residents on Sunday, February 11^th.  This special musical presentation was created in honor of last weekend’s Valentine’s Day. 

Under the skillful direction of Mr. Aubrey Connelly-Candelario, Montverde Academy Fine Arts Chair, the MVA Select Choir group brought joy and happiness to others as they performed several love-themed songs for the receptive residents.  Featured soloists included Imani Doyle, Sarah Sarver, and Gabriel Seminitari. The Montverde Academy Select Choir members are selected by audition only. The choir participates in several annual performance festivals, music conferences, and choir competitions throughout the Central Florida region annually.  For additional information on MVA’s fine arts music programming, please visit HERE.  Information on the Montverde Academy Music Conservatory can be found HERE. 

According to a Kings Ridge Overview on 55places.com, “Kings Ridge is an active adult community situated in the hills of Clermont, Florida. This gated 55+ community features mature landscaping spread throughout 15 intimate neighborhoods. It is located on Highway 27, just three miles south of State Route 50.  Kings Ridge Publix shopping plaza is a convenient shopping center with golf cart access, and there are several shopping and dining options just a few miles away from the community.”

The Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra has selected Mr. Hanrich Claassen – cellist, conductor, and Montverde Academy Upper School Instrumental Music teacher - as their new music director and conductor of the Symphonic Orchestra for the upcoming 2016-2017 season. 

A Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra press release issued today (2/19/16), states that Mr. Claassen “…musically began at the University of the Free State in South Africa, earning a Bachelor’s in Music with cello and piano. Claassen obtained a Music Honours degree and his Master’s degree in chamber music at the University of Stellenbosch.  Mr. Claassen then finished his Teaching Licentiate at the University of South Africa with distinction, and continuing his cello study in 2003 in Portugal.  Mr. Claassen obtained his Bachelor of Music in both piano and cello at the University of the Free State in South Africa.  He furthered his cello studies at the University of Stellenbosch, where he completed both a Music Honours Degree and his Master’s Degree in Chamber Music.  He was awarded the Teacher’s Licentiate from the University of South Africa with distinction before furthering his cello studies in Portugal in 2003 at the Escola Superior de Artes Aplicadas.  In August 2001 he was the overall winner of the Huguenot Music Society Prize Competition in Stellenbosch.  Mr. Claassen was a semi-finalist in the 2002 UNISA String competition and in the same year was runner-up during the UNISA Overseas Scholarship Competition. Mr. Claassen was awarded the bronze medal during the 2010 Len van Zyl Conducting Competition in Cape Town after his direction of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.  More recently, Mr. Claassen was semi-finalist in the prestigious 5th Edition of the Blue Danube International Opera Conducting Competition 2013 with the Bulgarian State Opera Ruse (Rousse).  Mr. Claassen was extensively involved in performing arts while growing up in Windhoek, Namibia and Bloemfontein, South Africa.  He performed as cello and piano soloist with the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra, Performing Arts Council of the Free State Symphony Orchestra and with the KwaZulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra…As a professional cellist, Mr. Claassen has been a member of various philharmonic and chamber orchestras in South Africa, Portugal, Bahrain and China. During Mr. Claassen’s stay in Shanghai he was the Assistant Music Director, cellist and conductor for the Shanghai Baroque Chamber Orchestra. Other notable conducting opportunities have taken Mr. Claassen to the National Theatre of Windhoek, Namibia; the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music Spoleto Festival, Italy and last summer to Varna, Plovdiv and Stara Zagora, Bulgaria as assistant to Maestro Dian Tchobonov for Varna International’s Le Nozze di Figaro…From 2004-2007 Mr. Claassen spent in Saudi Arabia as Coordinator of Performing Arts at the British International School of Al Khobar.  Since 2007 he served as String Orchestra Director and Head of Middle School Fine Arts at the Shanghai American School, Pudong Campus. There he conducted four string orchestras and the SAS MS symphony orchestra. Mr. Claassen relocated to Vienna, Austria in June 2013 as the Middle and High School String Orchestra Director for the American International School Performing Arts team.” 

Mr. Hanrich Claassen is also one of the founding board members and festival conductor for Youth Music Adventure, an adventure string orchestra summer camp in Fiesch, Switzerland that will launch in July 2016.  Last semester, he was invited to be the guest conductor for the Asian Pacific Activities Conference (APAC) String Orchestra Festival, held at the Shanghai American School Pudong Campus from November 17^th – 22^nd.  For additional information on Mr. Claassen’s FSYO appointment, please read a detailed FSYO Digital Release HERE.

On Friday, February 19, 2016, Montverde Academy held its Beach Volleyball Complex Grand Opening.  Under a beautifully bright sunny sky, MVA faculty and staff, students, donors, dignitaries, and supporters of the Academy joined together to celebrate MVA’s new sand courts and official start of Montverde Academy’s outdoor beach volleyball athletics program.  After inspirational remarks from MVA Girls Varsity Volleyball Coach Rachel Adams, Dr. Kasey Kesselring, MVA’s Headmaster, thanked everyone who contributed to the construction of MVA’s newest sports facility.  Entertainment and light refreshments were provided at the following the ceremony, there was a “Queen of the Beach” volleyball tournament featuring Lady Eagles Volleyball players. 

Mr. Robert “Butch” Hendrick, of Sand Court Experts, told Montverde Academy Communications Office that 1700 tons of sand were used to complete the Academy’s NCAA/FIUB approved regulations volleyball courts project – that is 18 inches deep on the playing surface of each court. The four new beach volleyball courts will provide the unique opportunity for Montverde Academy high-school volleyball players to receive NCAA scholarships for either indoor or outdoor university beach volleyball programs. Montverde Academy will unveil four state-of- the-art sand volleyball courts.  Prior to this school year, no other coeducational independent private high school in the United States had ever initiated a funding campaign to support this ever-growing sport; the most watched sport of the Olympics.  Added in 2012, 16 NCAA teams then competed. Now that list has grown to over 40 competitive collegiate women volleyball teams. 

Court Sponsors:

APT- “The Sinkhole Guy”

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Crews, Jr

Mr. and Mrs. Harold Mills

Schmid Construction

Facility Contributors:

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Adams

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Brown

Dr. and Mrs. Mark Crider

Mr. John Fricker and Dr. Tracey Scully-Fricker

Mr. and Mrs. Randy Keller

Mansfield Landscaping, LLC

Montverde Academy will present Barnum this week – starting tomorrow (Wednesday) and running February 24th, 25th, & 26th – 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, February 27th  at 2:00 p.m. – inside the Sandra O. Stephens Fine Arts Auditorium.  Tickets are $10 and seating is general admission.  Please call 407-469-2561 for more information.  According to Mr. Adrian Wright-Ahern, MVA Theatre Arts teacher and the play’s director, the musical tells the story of the “Prince of Humbug,” Phineas Taylor (P.T) Barnum. 

“The musical essentially recounts the career of arguably the world’s greatest showman, and will showcase his star attractions: Joice Heth, the oldest women alive, Tom Thumb, the world’s smallest man, and Jenny Lind, an glamorous Swedish opera singer.  Barnum joins the circus business in grand fashion by forming a partnership with James A. Baily and creating The Greatest Show on Earth.  ‘Barnum’s the name.’ PT. Barnum. And…you are going to see- bar none- every sight, wonder, and miracle that name stands for,” stated Mr. Wright-Ahern.

This musical was inspired from a book by Mark Bramble, the lyrics of Michael Stewart, and music of Cy Coleman.  According to Broadwaymusicalhome.com, “PT Barnum is in the circus business despite his wife’s wishes, working with talents such as the oldest woman alive, Joice Heth, the tiny Tom Thumb and the famous Swedish opera singer, Jenny Lind, with whom he falls in love. In the end, he returns to his wife and joins with another circus owner, James Anthony Bailey, to form the Barnum and Bailey circus.”

The 2015-2016 Montverde Academy Boys’ Varsity Basketball team has been officially invited to compete in the 2016 DICK’S Sporting Goods High School National Tournament being played March 31^st – April 2^nd in New York City.  Preliminary games will be played on March 31^st and April 1^st at Christ The King High School, located in Middle Village, New York.  The DICK’S championship game will be played at Madison Square Garden.  All games will be televised on various ESPN television networks.  Montverde Academy will be traveling to New York on Wednesday, March 30^th and returning to Florida on Sunday, April 3^rd. 

MVA’s team competed another winning regular season this month and finished 25-1.  The Eagles have been ranked very high in all reputable national high-school basketball polls throughout the 2015-2016 season and currently are ranked #2 by USA TODAY and #3 in the most recent MaxPreps.com’s Xcellent 25 Rankings.  *A complete list of competing teams and their respective brackets have not been announced – so check the DICK’S Sporting Goods High School Boys’ National Tournament official website for upcoming announcements.

Last season the Eagles successfully defeated Oak Hill Academy, of Mouth of Wilson, Virginia (47-1), 70-61, to win the 2015 DICK’s Nationals Championship.  After that victory, the 2014-2015 Montverde Academy Boys’ Varsity Basketball team became the first high-school basketball team to win three consecutive national titles since the decade of the 1940s.  The team’s final season record was 31-1. The astounding “3-PEAT”.  MVA now seeks a 4-PEAT!   Also remarkable is that the MVA Boys’ Varsity Basketball program also improved their record to 132-8 over the last five seasons under MVA Head-Coach Kevin Boyle.

There are several things to report regarding the college guidance front: First off, the Montverde Academy’s Class of 2017 is preparing for the 12^th Annual Central Florida College Fair hosted by the Central Florida Consortium of Private School Counselors.  The event will be held at the University of Central Florida, Student Union, Pegasus Ballroom at 4000 Central Florida Boulevard in Orlando on Saturday, February 27, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. All juniors are required to attend this annual event.  MVA will begin the morning with breakfast, load buses, and then head to the University of Central Florida (UCF)!  For a complete list of attending colleges, please visit HERE.  For additional information, please contact Mrs. Karla Lafferty, Assistant Director of College Guidance, at 407.469.2561 ex. 3612, or by email: karla.lafferty@montverde.org

MVA 2016 seniors are being accepted to many notable and diverse colleges and universities throughout the United States and beyond.  So far this school year, there are two very excellent trends to report: Rollins College , located in Winter park, Florida, has already accepted 15 Montverde Academy students!  Also impressive is that Middle Tennessee State University  - who on February 13, 2015, signed a historic academic partnership with Montverde Academy, has accepted 35 MVA seniors!

To date, 133 MVA seniors have been accepted to colleges and universities!  Also remarkable is the number of combined Florida public and private school acceptances for MVA students: nearly 60 seniors so far.  Perhaps the most important trend to note is the incredible increase in the amount of non-athletic merit scholarships offered to Montverde Academy students from 2008-2016 (as of February 2016).  A  4-year total can be viewed below:

Congratulations to Montverde Academy 8^th grader Akash Tandon who has qualified to compete in the state level competition of the National Geographic Bee! The National Geographic Bee Team notified the Academy this week that The Florida State Bee will be held on Friday, April 1, 2016.  For information, please visit the State Bee Homepage,  then click on Florida. The Florida State Bee website states that “…eligible state Bee competitors must be in grades four through eight, and must have participated in and won the competition at the school level that involved at least six students.” The Florida State Bee rules also stipulate that one champion from each state and territory will advance to the national competition, which will be held May 22-25 at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C.  

In December 2015, during a special afternoon Middle School Assembly before Montverde Academy’s Christmas break, Akash Tandon won the Montverde Academy Geography Bee.  10 students enrolled 4th through 8th grade (two contestants per grade level) competed in Montverde Academy’s annual Geography Bee – held inside the Sandra O. Stephens Fine Arts Auditorium.  Two “practice rounds” were conducted that were in turn followed by 12 “real rounds” of competition comprised of both written and oral questions (6 verbal, 6 written).  MVA Middle School Dean Warren Delmolino asked the questions and was assisted by Mrs. Kim Brauman, MVA Guidance Counselor, and Mr. Tom Narducci, Middle School History teacher, who served as a judges.

On Saturday, February 6th, Montverde Academy students competed in the Florida District 6 Vocal and Piano Solo and Ensemble Contest held at Hagerty High School, located in Oviedo, Florida.  Montverde Academy had 16 student-musicians competing in multiple categories and earned a total of 9 scores of Superior (1^st place) and 6 scores of Excellent (2^nd place).  All of the high school students who earned superiors in the competition will now travel to the state competition in April to compete for honors and scholarships.  Congratulations to all!

Rankings from the event:

Special Category Vocal Ensemble:

Conservatory Chamber Choir – Superior

Piano Solo:

Aiden Bjortvedt – Superior

Frank Guo – Superior

Frances Zhang – Superior

Sarah Sarver – Excellent

Vocal Solo – Classical:

Aiden Bjortvedt – Superior

Emily Chen – Superior

Imani Doyle – Superior

Aiden Fracker –Superior

Gilles Parks – Superior

Sarah Sarver – Superior

McKenzie Kaufman – Excellent

Alexander LaPlante – Excellent

Kevin McDonnell – Excellent

Gabriel Seminitari – Excellent

Isabelle Taylor – Excellent

On Saturday, February 20^th, twelve Eagle powerlifters traveled to Oviedo, Florida, to compete in the 2016 APF Florida State Powerlifting Championships.  At issue were individual, team, school record, and state record challenges.  When the chalk dust had settled at the end of the day, eleven eagle lifters had won gold medals, one lifter had captured silver, six new state records had been established, six  Montverde Academy records had been broken, and the team had won the state team championship trophy!

Medals were won by: Nikhail Vishist (1-Open-114-FP),  Botao Dai (1-E-T16-17-123-FP), Jun Yang (1-E-T18-19-132-FP), Sung-Yueh Chang (1-E-T18-19-148-BP), Qinyi Wang (1-E-T18-19-165-BP), Michael Megler (1-E-T16-17-165-FP), John Zak (2-E-T16-17-165-FP), Tyler Fields (1-E-T13-15-181-FP), Jude Kinkead (1-E-T16-17-181-FP), Yudai Katsumata (1-CR-T16-17-220-FP), Alejandro Ruiz (1-E-T16-17-FP), and Eric Pauli (1-E-M55-59-BP).

State records were set by: Michael Megler in the E-T16-17-165 squat (418.9 lbs.), deadlift (512.6 lbs.), total (1196.0 lbs.) and Yudai Katsumata in the CR-T16-17-220 squat (418.9 lbs.), deadlift (429.9 lbs.), total (1096.8 lbs.).

Montverde Academy records were set by: Jun Yang in the 132-SQ (281.1 lbs.), Sung-Yueh Chang in the 148-BP (253.5 lbs.), Michael Megler in the 165-SQ (418.9 lbs.), 165-DL (512.6 lbs.), & 165-TOT (1096.0 lbs.), and Alejandro Ruiz in the 220-SQ (451.9 lbs.).

Michael Megler was the most outstanding MVA lifter at the States winning the much coveted Teen/Junior Best Lifter trophy.

The team is now diligently preparing for the APF Nationals in May where several eagle powerlifters plan on cap stoning the year by setting WPC world records at this prestigious event.  

Montverde Academy’s 8th annual Night for the Cure, a school charity event to raise money for the Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation, Cornerstone Hospice, and University of Florida Shands Cancer Center, will be held on Friday, March 11th from 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm  at the MVA Sports Complex.  MVA faculty, staff, students, and MVA families are encouraged to support this worthy and philanthropic effort.  

Mr. Kyle Clapper, Upper School History teacher, also serves as Night For the Cure’s Director.   He recently informed Mr. George Karos, MVA’s Director of Communications, “Each year I become more amazed at the striking dedication of the MVA Family and its unwavering commitment to the fight against cancer.  This year’s Night for the Cure A Renewal of Love will be just that, a renewal of the love, support and devotion to never yield to the crushing disease of cancer.  The excitement will run deep with games, food, donuts, Ritter’s, bounce houses and countless other actives for the MVA Family to experience.   From the games and bounce houses to the dunk tanks and luminaries there is no finer example of the inner spirit which runs deep within ever MVA Eagle.  On March 11^th at 6:00 pm the MVA Family will light up the night’s sky with our laughter, and our renewal of love.  I hope to see you all there!”

The event traditionally involves participants and sponsors walking in various teams – passing a commemorative NFC baton to fellow team members also walking around the outdoor track.  Attendees also purchase NFC Luminary candles, light them, then place them on the NFC walker’s route in memory of loved ones who’ve have passed away from a cancer illness.  Montverde Academy SGA, NHS, and Key Club (as well as other clubs) will be on-site providing information on their club or organization. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.  Entertainment has also been scheduled that include musical performances, a “dunk-tank,” and an amusing bounce house. To participate, please visit the following links: Team Signup – Survivor Signup – T-shirts and Luminary purchase. 

Come out and join your fellow Eagles and MVA Community Members in  supporting the fight against cancer. *Night for the Cure is a MVA Community only event.

Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care is a community-based, not-for profit provider of end-of-life and palliative care support services for people with life-limiting illness. The Mission of Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care is to make quality Hospice care available to all persons, their families, and those affected by serious illness, death and dying in our community; to advocate effectively for patients’ comfort, dignity and choice; and to be recognized as the leading resource in clinical, ethical, and spiritual issues of dying and grief.

Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation
The Greater Clermont Cancer Foundation (GCCF) is a non-profit foundation whose sole mission is to support the citizens of South Lake County as they cope with the emotional and financial aspects of dealing with cancer. Our vision is for all affected families in the greater Clermont community to have access to healthcare support and the opportunity for a meaningful and enjoyable family life experience. The mission of the Foundation is to create a less stressful and more purposeful day-to-day life and family experience for area patients, by providing limited financial aid and support focused on reducing the day to day stresses that Cancer has on patients, their families and caregivers.

University of Florida Shands Cancer Center
We are the University of Florida Health Cancer Center – more than 250 researchers and clinicians at the University of Florida and Shands HealthCare who conduct research for the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The center’s collaborative research model encourages the translation of basic laboratory findings to novel curative and preventive therapies.

Last Thursday, Mr. Lance Walsworth, Upper School Economics teacher, welcomed Mr. Daniel Whitehouse, a practicing attorney with Whitehouse and Cooper – a  Business Law, Marketing Law, Technology Law firm located in Clermont, Orlando, and Tampa -  to speak to Montverde Academy Study Area Concentration (SAC) Business & Financial Management (BFM) students.  Mr. Whitehouse’s lecture presented information on how technology influences the world of business.  Mr. Whitehouse is also the proud father of MVA students Cadence Whitehouse, a 3^rd grader, and Claire Whitehouse, a pre-K 4 student.

During his presentation, Mr. Whitehouse spoke of exponential organizations and how CEO’s can accelerate their commercial growth through technology.  As as a business person, if one expands their business to the internet, as opposed to a specific location/region, one will ultimately expand markets of commerce.  Mr. Whitehouse also demonstrated various ways a consumer/client may actually prefer the experience of visiting a store/brick and mortar business as opposed to internet commerce. 

Mr. Whitehouse emphasized the importance understanding what constitutes intellectual property – and how any business (tangible and virtual) must consider the law with respect to product trade-mark, copy write, and patents.  He discussed truth in advertising, spamming legislation, and the differences between fair-use, liability, an regulations in public domains with respect to website content.

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato

March is “Music in Our Schools Month” – a national celebration and recognition of music education in America.  This event began as a single advocacy day in 1973 and has grown into a month long opportunity for teachers, students, and communities to engage in promoting the benefits of high quality music education programs in schools.  Montverde Academy will celebrate 2016′s MIOSM with several engaging performances and activities throughout March including:

• Lower and Middle School Music Concert – Thursday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m.
• Performances at assemblies of all three school levels.
• Occasional lunchtime concerts
• Participation in the Florida Choral Music Proficiency Assessment
• Tri-M Music Honor Society Membership Drive

Question: How can Montverde Academy’s community of friends, faculty, and staff participate in MIOSM?  Mr. Aubrey Connelly-Candelario, Montverde Academy Fine Arts Chair, suggests trying any or all of these enjoyable musical ideas:

• Support Montverde Academy student musicians by being an appreciate audience member.
• Play classical music or jazz in your office areas or class rooms between classes.
• Tell students about your own positive experiences being in a school music program.

MIOSM creates ideal opportunities for increasing awareness of the benefits of music education programs in our school.  We hope that teachers, students, and music supporters alike will find ways to join in on the celebration through creative activities and advocacy.  The Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM) has additional information on how individuals can get involved in participation and community engagement.

Montverde Academy’s 2016 Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration will take place TOMORROW, Tuesday, March 8th, from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM, inside the Sandra O. Stephens Fine Arts Auditorium.  According to Yin-Fang Wang, MVA Mandarin Chinese teacher, and the event’s director, the Lunar New Year “…is upon us here at Montverde Academy!  Chinese Club students have worked hard to ring in the year of Monkey. There will be live performances of traditional Chinese dance, music, and many others.  There is a raffle contest to win any of 157 prizes, ranging from $5 -$100 gift certificates from Golden China, Green Garden, Target and Starbucks. The show is a chance to win a good luck, enjoy live performances and to wish for a prosperous year of the Monkey.”

The entire MVA community is welcomed to attend this annual cultural event that showcases a vast participation MVA students presenting works of dancing, singing, and musical performances.  For centuries, the Chinese Lunar New Year has been a time that many Chinese people often travel (small, or great distances) in honor of this festivity.  Parades, civic performances (with the use of fireworks/firecrackers to drive-off evil spirits), and outdoor concerts also occur during this time as well.  Traditionally, and as symbol of good luck, parents hand out money to their children (placed in “red envelopes”) and Chinese poems are hung on doors of homes to bring about success and fortune in the new year.

From February 24^th- February 27^th, Montverde Academy presented Barnum – a musical adaptation inspired from a book by Mark Bramble, the lyrics of Michael Stewart, and music of Cy Coleman.  Recently, MVA has learned that the performances were reviewed favorably by the Orlando area Cappies!

According to their official website,The Cappies is a national organization for high school theatre in the Orlando area “…intent on bringing the best of high school theatre to the stage and to our local media. CFC invites public and private high schools from Orange, Seminole, Lake and Osceola counties to participate in this extraordinary organization. You can see our published reviews in the Orlando Sentinel Online, as well as by listening to The Cappies Review on CCRadio via the Internet.” 

Students from different high schools who are involved with The Cappies go out to review shows during the school year.  Montverde Academy also participates with The Cappies by reviewing high school performances.  Reviews get published in various papers which include:

• Orlando Sentinel
• Apopka Chief
• West Orange News
• West Orlando News
• Orlando Times
• Orlando Weekly
• Back Stage
• West Orange Times & Observer

According to Broadwaymusicalhome.com, “PT Barnum is in the circus business despite his wife’s wishes, working with talents such as the oldest woman alive, Joice Heth, the tiny Tom Thumb and the famous Swedish opera singer, Jenny Lind, with whom he falls in love. In the end, he returns to his wife and joins with another circus owner, James Anthony Bailey, to form the Barnum and Bailey circus.” 

The following are various excerpts from Cappies reviews for MVA’s Barnum:

“Come one, come all to the greatest high school musical on earth!  Although such a title is difficult to award, Montverde Academy made themselves a perfect candidate with their production of the musical Barnum.  This story serves as a loose backstory for one half of Barnum and Bailey’s famous circus, complete with intriguing outcasts, trapezes, large animals, and of course a few humbugs.  Playing the title role, Alexander LaPlante surely impressed the entire audience. In addition to portraying a sleazy entrepreneur, he also performed several of his own stunts including walking on a tight rope and zip-lining through the audience.  LaPlante set the whimsical, morally ambiguous tone for the production which not only lead to his success, but that of his counterparts as well.  In addition to his theatrical role, LaPlante added a playful technical aspect to his character in the form of magic tricks throughout the musical which he oversaw himself as Magic Coordinator…”

By Meghan Tonner of Winter Springs High School

“The leading actors of this musical provided the audience with a magical experience. Alexander LePlante, (P.T.Barnum) showed true passion for this show through his commitment to physical movements and emotions.  LePlante used magic tricks throughout the show to add to the effect of the circus theme. Haley Ganna (Charity Barnum) used a solid and rather impressive voice through her songs.  While portraying a strong minded woman, she showed an understanding of her character.  Isabelle Taylor (Jenny Lind) did a breath taking performance through her opera songs and Swedish accent.  Supporting roles help to progress the story.  Kevin McDonnell (Ringmaster/James A. Bailey) did a superior job of taking charge as the ringmaster and grabbing the audience’s attention.  McDonnell’s commitment to projection, even with a microphone, was just the right volume to portray his character accurately. Crystal Thompson (Joice Heth) through her tone of voice and physical movements convinced the audience that she truly was the oldest woman alive. The technical side of producing a show is the hardest part, but Montverde did an excellent job.  The costumes reflected the mid-1800s perfectly. Each character had a costume that defined their characters personality.  White and black outfits were used to symbolize the more serious times versus the colorful outfits used for the creative times.  From the wow factor of balloons falling from the ceiling to confetti cannons exploding, stating that this show was astonishing would not be a “humbug”.  This is a circus that I would definitely join!”

By Amanda Rines of Lake Minneola High School

“Overall, the show was fantastic.  The audience reacted well, and this allowed the actors to carry on with the show without any distractions or breaking of character.  While some lines were hard to understand due to a lack of slowing down for the words, the fast- paced nature allowed the audience to experience the hectic circus in awe and marvel at each new trick.  The characterization was fantastic, and every detail was planned out well. This performance, while laced excellently with humor, was still true to its message and was an impressive performance.”

By Mary Grimes of Winter Springs High School

“Montverde Academy succeeded in capturing the true feeling of a circus.  Those freak shows deserved the standing ovation that the audience enthusiastically offered at the conclusion of the magic.”

By Julia Saffer D’anna of Winter Park High School

“Not only was Alexander LaPlante playing P.T Barnum but he also was the Magic Coordinator for the show. He came up with all of the magic tricks in the show. Stage Manager, Reagan Porter, did an excellent job of calling the show.  Ending the show with the show stopping number “Join the Circus’ Barnum is a story of love and loss that everyone should go see.”

By Emma Boles of Edgewater High School

Congratulations to Montverde Academy sophomore Yohane Griffin, a native of Federal Way, Washington, and a member of SIMA, who has received numerous academic recognitions and honors this semester!  Born in Malawi, Africa, Yohane moved to the USA at the age of 8 – entering school at 3^rd grade.  English was actually his 3^rd language.  Nonetheless, Yohane accepted the challenges necessary to achieve his current academic success.  Before attending MVA as a freshman, he was enrolled Lakota Middle School’s  Cambridge International Honors Academy Program where he was ranked #2 out of 272 students in his class.  He also excelled athletically.  As a student athlete, he broke numerous track record times – placing first in the Washington state 200m, 2^nd in 100m and 1^st in long jump. He placed 2^nd in the United States in 200m at the National Hershey Track and Field 2012.  Yohane was also a member of the Washington State Elite Player Development Soccer team.

This year, Yohane has been very successful academically – doing well as a Montverde Academy Upper School student – and also achieving success on his PSAT test.  But as a 10^th grader, Yohane has yet to decide if he wants to pursue a medical or an engineering career.   But he will have options: Although Yohane has no affiliation with the Adventist faith, he has been nominated through Washington Adventist University (and selected) as a Delegate for the National Congress for National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, being held June 25^th- 27^th.   Last month, he was also awarded that organization’s “Award of Excellence.”  Yohane was also selected as a Delegate to the National Congress for National Academy for Future Scientists and Technologist- being held June 29, 30 and July 1, 2016 (both events will be held in Boston, Massachusetts). 

More recently, through an academic partnership with George Mason University, to attend the 2016 National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Medicine.  During the forum, Yohane will learn methods on getting into medical school and also interact with leading physicians and prospective medical students also participating with hands-on-medical study and activities.  The event is held at University of California Berkeley on July 23-31, 2016.  Yohane has also been selected a member of the National Society of High School Scholars based on his GPA and My College Guide at MVA.  Membership with NSHSS is based on academic achievement and a candidates aptitude to inspire leadership, and focuses on helping members positively transition from high school to college, and consequentially from college into their young professional lives. Yohane will attend NSHSS national event being held at CIA Headquarters in Washington, DC, on August 13, 2016.  Also this semester, Yohane was nominated for the 2016 Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Contest.  Winners will receive a $5.000.00 scholarship and three-day learning seminar experience at the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy.  Winners will be announced in July of 2016.

Last month,  Montverde Academy Upper School AP Biology students visited the Lowry Park Zoo, located in Tampa, Florida. 

The mission of the Zoo is “to connect people with the living earth. We strive to do so by operating the Zoo in accordance with the highest professional standards of conservation, education, research and recreation, and by serving as a resource for the community regarding conservation and environmental matters affecting animals and habitats, both locally and throughout the world.  Growing to what now encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic animal exhibits in a lush, tropical garden setting, the Zoo offers popular educational programming and fun recreational amenities.”

According to Mrs. Sarah Schlussel, Upper School Biology teacher and organizer of the field trip, students were able to learn more about conservation (The Zoo’s collection now includes more than 1,200 animals), and from several exhibits that focus on endangered species from climates similar to the Tampa Bay region – assisted by park areas devoted to Africa, Asia, Australia and Florida.  The purpose of MVA’s visit was to study primate behavior as part of AP Biology student’s study of animal behavior and evolution. 

“Each student was responsible for completing an independent investigation of a different primates at the zoo, centered around their behavior. They observed their primate animal during the visit in order to collect data for their investigations. While there we also received a private tour with an education specialist who was an expert in animal behavior and specifically could answer our questions about the primates in their collection,” stated Mrs. Schlussel.

As a reminder, TODAY (Tuesday, March 15^th ) MVA’s Athletic Department will be hosting their inaugural Spring Sports Jam!  All spring sports, boys and girls tennis, boys lacrosse, softball and baseball will be competing on this day throughout the MVA Athletic Complex.  Additionally, seniors (members of the Class of 2016) participating on their respective teams will be recognized. 

MVA will be hosting numerous athletic teams in tennis, softball, baseball, and lacrosse. MVA seniors participating in tennis will be recognized in conjunction with lacrosse team’s seniors during halftime of the lacrosse game.  There will be a cookout style meal served for our boarding student population beginning at 5:00pm until 6:00pm.

This will be in place of dinner at the dining hall.  Athletic Department staff will be visiting the dorms with wristbands for all boarding students. These wristbands will assist our dining hall staff in differentiating our students from students of opposing teams. Residential staff may also take part in this meal.

Friends, family, and members of the opposing teams’ communities will be encouraged to bring cash for meals and snacks at the concession stand as the cookout will not be offered to them.  For additional information on tonight’s event, please contact Mr. Denarvise Thornton, Jr., Director of Athletics, here.

 GO EAGLES!

4:00pm: Montverde Academy Varsity Tennis vs. Eustis High School

6:00pm: Montverde Academy Girls Softball vs. Trinity Catholic – seniors will be recognized prior to the first pitch (roughly between 5:50pm-6:00pm)

6:00pm: Montverde Academy Lacrosse vs. Windermere Prep – lacrosse and tennis seniors will be recognized during halftime (approximately 6:45pm)

7:00pm: Montverde Academy Varsity Baseball vs. Apopka High School – seniors will be recognized prior to the first pitch (roughly 6:50pm-7:00pm)