Tower Summer 2022

FEATURE ARTICLES 

Class of 2022 pg. 6 

Innovation Center pg. 27 

Historic Year for Basketball pg. 43 

SUMMER 2022

PRESIDENT 

Dr. Kasey C. Kesselring 

2021-22 BOARD OF TRUSTEES 

Mr. Tim J. Bach 

Mr. Sean Parks 

Mr. Jon Frere 

Mr. T. Scott Ohmstede 

Mrs. S. Renee Lundy ’79 Mrs. Lori Specht ’84 

Mr. Michael Mason ’84 Mrs. Sandra O. Stephens 

Dr. Sydney McPhee Dr. Walter L. Stephens, 

Mr. Gregory L. Nelson Trustee Emeritus, 1999-2020 

EX-OFFICIO 

Dr. Kasey C. Kesselring 

STAFF 

Michele Kanikovsky 

Ginny Holm 

Kimberly Braden 

Creative Director 

Interim Editor, 

Creative Editor 

Photographer 

Contributors include faculty, staff, students, and 

parents of Montverde Academy. 

ADDRESS CHANGES AND 

CORRESPONDENCE 

Montverde Academy 

The Tower Magazine 

17235 Seventh Street 

Montverde, FL 34756 

PRINTER 

Cromer International Press 

Above: Dr. Kasey C. Kesselring, Maya, Vanessa, Rosy and Harold Mills 

On the cover: Class of 2022 

The Tower Magazine is published exclusively for the alumni, parents, students, friends, 

faculty and staff of Montverde Academy. It is intended to bring the latest news and 

information about the Academy’s growth and ongoing events. 

Every attempt has been made to present the information and listings in The Tower 

magazine as accurately as possible. We apologize if there are any discrepancies and 

would ask that you forward any amendments to our office. It is our policy to correct 

significant errors of fact in a timely fashion. 

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2 THE TOWER | SUMMER 2022

SUMMER 2022 | VOLUME 6, ISSUE 2 

IN THIS ISSUE 

6 Class of 2022 

27 

Coming Soon! 

Educational Technology and 

Innovation Center 

43 

Historic Year for MVA 

Basketball 

CONTENTS 

Message from the President............................... 4 

Class of 2022 Valedictorian............................... 10 

Class of 2022 Salutatorian................................ 12 

Student Spotlights............................................. 14 

Employee Spotlight........................................... 20 

Lower School DBQs.......................................... 22 

Kindergarten Graduation................................... 24 

Fifth Grade Graduation...................................... 25 

Lower School Teacher of the Year..................... 26 

Middle School Leadership................................. 30 

Middle School Teacher of the Year.................... 32 

Upper School Teacher of the Year..................... 33 

Sports Wrap-Up................................................. 34 

College Signing Day.......................................... 38 

Fine Arts............................................................ 50 

Alumni Relations............................................... 55 

Class Notes....................................................... 60 

Celebrating Education....................................... 65 

THE TOWER | SUMMER 2022 3

A Motherʼs 

Wish for 

Her Children 

By Dr. Kasey C. Kesselring, President 

I suspect that a hallmark for any parent during their journey 

of raising their children is to one day celebrate their wedding. 

What is particularly difficult to fathom is how quickly it seems 

to occur. This past weekend, we celebrated the marriage 

of our daughter Kailin. Kailin was four years old when 

we arrived at Montverde Academy in 1999. At that time, 

Montverde Academy did not have a Lower School, so we 

had to transport our children to Leesburg to attend a Catholic 

school until we opened the Lower School at Montverde 

Academy in 2005. 

...teaching our children 

the art and purpose of 

compromise is paramount 

to understanding and 

managing the adversity that 

will often enter our lives. 

Dr. Kasey C. Kesselring, President 

A tradition at weddings is for the father of the bride to offer 

a toast to the happy couple. While it was a very enjoyable 

day, my wife and I could not fully escape that neither of 

our parents were around to enjoy the experience of their 

granddaughter getting married. Breaking tradition a bit, 

Maureen and I decided to offer the toast together with a 

particular reflection offered by our respective mothers. 

Maureen is one of eight children and sadly lost her mother 

suddenly to a brain aneurysm when she was only 18. 

Regrettably, neither of our children had the opportunity to 

know their maternal grandparents. Some challenging 

times would follow in raising their younger siblings 

with limited support. In the course of raising children, 

one common phrase we often here is “That’s not fair.” 

Maureen’s mother, Sally McHugh Connolly, would 

often reply that “fair” is where you go to ride rides. Not 

the response any child wants to hear, the premise 

was that life will often present us with challenging 

obstacles and experiences which we may find unfair. 

More importantly, teaching our children the art and 

purpose of compromise is paramount to understanding 

and managing the adversity that will often enter our 

lives. Redirecting the negative energy that often 

accompanies the focus on what is “fair” or “unfair” into 

finding solutions and strategies to manage adversity 

progressively builds resiliency and coping skills in our 

children that afford them the ability to successfully 

manage those difficult moments in life. 

My mother passed away at the relatively young age 

of 70, but it is a blessing that my children, particularly 

Kailin, have very fond memories of their grandmother, 

Ellen. Ellen became Kailin’s middle name and Kailin 

inherited a likeness for hummingbirds from her 

grandmother. When she opened her own clothing 

boutique more than three years ago, she decided to call 

it K. Ellen Boutique and incorporated a hummingbird 

into her store logo. 

As the youngest of four children, I have lifelong 

memories of one of my mother’s most common 


particularly disproportionate; however, our parents 

impart upon us as children their parenting skills which 

we often deploy when we become parents ourselves. 

The common saying “the apple doesn’t fall far from the 

tree” can most often be correlated to our parenting skills 

as we typically will practice parenting skills we learned 

as children from our own parents. While there is change 

and evolution in relationship and parenting skills, 

Mrs. Maureen Kesselring and her son, Konnor 

phrases: “If you can’t listen, you’ll have to feel.” At various 

ages and stages of life, that phrase took on multiple 

meanings. As a youngster, it might have been the warning 

preceding a spanking. As we grew older, it became an 

important mindful philosophical question that we carefully 

listen and evaluate before acting or failing to act as 

the outcome may come with intended or unintended 

consequences. Listening is an important part of any 

relationship, but particularly in marriage. 

As we toasted Kailin and Ethan, we could not think of 

anything more appropriate than to impart upon them the 

lessons we learned from our mothers ‒ lessons that left 

a life-long impact on us as children, young adults and as 

parents. Our children are our life’s greatest work. Oddly 

enough, when you consider the training, licenses, degrees 

and certificates we often have to earn to carry out any 

myriad of work experiences, there is no formal training 

required to become a parent. On its surface, that seems 

Dr. Kesselring and his daughter, Kailin 

the fundamental premise remains our ability to impart 

upon our children the ability to love and be loved while 

building resiliency and coping skills in our children to 

survive the demands of the world in which we live. 

Maureen and I are grateful for our mothers and what 

they imparted to us and to our children and I can only 

wish that Kailin and Ethan will utilize those lessons as 

they build their lives together. 


229 40 

GRADUATES 

SENIORS 

GRADUATED CUM LAUDE 

290 COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES 

Graduates were accepted to 290 colleges 

and universities 

82,003 hours 

of community service 

completed by the Senior class 


3.7 

AVERAGE AP 

EXAM SCORE 

16 MILLION 

Graduates were offered more than 16 million 

dollars in collegiate scholarships 

22.5 MILLION 

IN ATHLETIC 

SCHOLARSHIPS 

38 

COUNTRIES 

The Class of 2022 had 

38 countries represented 


College 

Acceptances 

Below is the list of college acceptances for the Class of 2022. 

Congratulations on your achievements! 

Adelphi University 

American International College 

American University 

Appalachian State University 

Arcadia University 

Arizona State University, Main Campus 

Asbury University 

Ashland University 

Auburn University 

Barry University 

Barton College 

Bellarmine University 

Belmont Abbey College 

Belmont University 

Benedictine College 

Bentley University 

Berry College 

Bethel University 

Bethune-Cookman University 

Boston University 

Brandeis University 

Butler University 

CUNY City College 

California Lutheran University 

California State University, Bakersfield 

California State University, Chico 

California State University, Maritime Academy 

California State University, Stanislaus 

California University of Pennsylvania 

Case Western Reserve University 

Catawba College 

Chaminade University of Honolulu 

Chapman University 

Chestnut Hill College 

Citadel Military College of South Carolina 

Clemson University 

Coastal Carolina University 

Coe College 

Colby-Sawyer College 

College of Staten Island CUNY 

Colorado State University, Fort Collins 

Concord University 

Concordia University, Montreal 

Converse College 

Cornell University 

Covenant College 

Dalhousie University 

8 THE TOWER | SUMMER 2022 

Davidson College 

Daytona State College 

DePaul University 

Dean College 

Delta State University 

Drexel University 

Duke University 

Duquesne University 

East Carolina University 

Eastern University 

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania 

Elmira College 

Elon University 

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 

Daytona Beach 

Emerson College 

Emmanuel College 

Emory & Henry College 

Emory University 

Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing 

Fairfield University 

Fisher College 

Flagler College 

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University 

Florida Atlantic University 

Florida Gulf Coast University 

Florida Institute of Technology 

Florida International University 

Florida Polytechnic University 

Florida Southern College 

Florida State University 

Fordham University 

Framingham State University 

Franciscan University of Steubenville 

Full Sail University 

George Washington University 

Georgetown University 

Georgia Institute of Technology, Main Campus 

Georgia State University 

Grand Canyon University 

Greensboro College 

Greenville University 

Grinnell College 

Harding University 

Hawaii Pacific University 

High Point University 

Hofstra University 

Hollins University 

Holy Names University 

Indian River State College 

Indiana State University 

Indiana University, Bloomington 

Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis 

Iona College 

Ithaca College 

Jacksonville University 

Keiser University 

Kenyon College 

La Salle University 

LaGrange College 

Lafayette College 

Lake-Sumter State College 

Lasell University 

Lawrence University 

Le Moyne College 

Lenoir-Rhyne University 

Liberty University 

Limestone University 

Lincoln Memorial University 

Longwood University 

Louisiana State University 

Loyola University, Chicago 

Loyola University, New Orleans 

Luther College 

Lynn University 

Marquette University 

Marymount Manhattan College 

Menlo College 

Mercyhurst University 

Merrimack College 

Miami University, Oxford 

Michigan State University 

Middle Tennessee State University 

Milligan University 

Mississippi State University 

Missouri University of Science and Technology 

Monmouth University 

Mount Marty College 

Mount St Mary’s University 

New College of Florida 

New York Institute of Technology 

New York University 

Newberry College 

Nichols College

North Carolina State University 

Northeastern University 

Northern Illinois University 

Northern Michigan University 

Northwood University, Michigan 

Nova Southeastern University 

Pace University, New York City 

Palm Beach Atlantic University 

Pennsylvania State University, Berks 

Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg 

Pennsylvania State University, Main Campus 

Pfeiffer University 

Purdue University, Main Campus 

Queens University of Charlotte 

Quinnipiac University 

Randolph-Macon College 

Regis College 

Rhodes College 

Ringling College of Art and Design 

Rivier University 

Rochester Institute of Technology 

Roger Williams University 

Rollins College 

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 

Rowan University 

SUNY College at Oswego 

SUNY College at Potsdam 

SUNY College of Technology at Canton 

Saint John’s University 

Saint Leo University 

Saint Louis University 

Saint Michael’s College 

San Diego State University 

San Francisco State University 

Santa Clara University 

Sarah Lawrence College 

Savannah College of Art and Design 

Seton Hall University 

Seton Hill University 

Shaw University 

Sonoma State University 

Sophia University 

Southeastern University 

Southwest Baptist University 

Spring Arbor University 

Springfield College 

St. Francis College 

St. John’s University, New York 

St. Olaf College 

St. Thomas University 

Stephens College 

Stetson University 

Stony Brook University 

Suffolk University 

Syracuse University 

The Ohio State University, Main Campus 

The University of Alabama 

The University of Tampa 

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville 

The University of Texas at Austin 

The University of West Florida 

Thomas University 

Toronto Metropolitan University 

University of Alabama at Birmingham 

University of Arizona 

University of Arkansas 

University of British Columbia 

University of California, Berkeley 

University of California, Davis 

University of California, Los Angeles 

University of California, Merced 

University of California, Riverside 

University of California, San Diego 

University of California, Santa Barbara 

University of California, Santa Cruz 

University of Central Florida 

University of Central Oklahoma 

University of Cincinnati, Main Campus 

University of Colorado Boulder 

University of Connecticut 

University of Denver 

University of Florida 

University of Georgia 

University of Hartford 

University of Houston 

University of Illinois at Chicago 

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 

University of Indianapolis 

University of Kentucky 

University of Louisville 

University of Lynchburg 

University of Massachusetts, Amherst 

University of Massachusetts, Boston 

University of Miami 

University of Michigan, Dearborn 

University of Nevada, Las Vegas 

University of New Brunswick 

University of New England 

University of New Hampshire, Main Campus 

University of New Haven 

University of North Carolina at Charlotte 

University of North Carolina at Greensboro 

University of North Florida 

University of Oregon 

University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown 

University of Pittsburgh, Main Campus 

University of Portland 

University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez 

University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras 

University of Rhode Island 

University of San Diego 

University of San Francisco 

University of South Carolina 

University of South Florida, Main Campus 

University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee 

University of Utah 

University of Vermont 

University of Virginia, Main Campus 

University of Wisconsin, Madison 

Valencia College 

Virginia Commonwealth University 

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 

Wake Forest University 

Waseda University 

Webber International University 

West Chester University of Pennsylvania 

West Virginia University 

Western New Mexico University 

Wheaton College 

Whitman College 

William Jewell College 

Wingate University 

Wofford College 

Worcester Polytechnic Institute 

Xavier University 


KRISHNA PATEL 

CLASS OF 2022 

Valedictorian 

and SENIOR SPOTLIGHT 

In each issue of The Tower magazine we spotlight select seniors who stand out amongst their 

peers. These seniors are given to us by the Upper School Adminstrators, and represent the three 

pillars that make a successful Montverde Academy student - knowledge, character, and community. 

It was no surprise that Krishna Patel was the top female choice, but in this rare instant, she was 

also the Class of 2022ʼs valedictorian! 

By Dr. Anne Browdy, Upper School Mathematics 

Montverde Academy’s valedictorian for the class of 2022 

is Krishna Patel, a bright and determined student. Krishna 

began her studies at MVA in the eighth grade. “I have 

amazing teachers and I don’t think I’ve ever had a teacher 

that wasn’t willing to help, and that is priceless. The 

environment, the people and the diversity are so much, 

you learn every day and explore many opportunities that 

help you. Just being at MVA, I have learned so much and 

will be more than prepared when I head to college. I’m very 

grateful for the experience I have had here” said Krishna. 

I had the privilege of being Krishna’s math teacher both 

her junior and senior years. Krishna was one of my AP 

Calculus BC students this year and last year, she was 

an AP Calculus AB student. She is an excellent math 

student who always comes to class prepared and her 

work is impeccable. Krishna has very disciplined work 

habits. She is determined to understand every concept 

presented to her. She was the top student in AP Calculus 

AB at Montverde Academy last year, even while taking 

She will continue her education at Cornell University in 

the fall. Krishna would like to study Computer Science 

or Aerospace Engineering in college. She attended a 

Montessori school until seventh grade. In Montessori 

school, she learned through an experimental and handson 

learning method which has inspired her interest to 

study in the STEM field. Krishna believes that pursuing 

research, particularly related to space, would be exciting 

and allow her to continue learning in an interactive 

manner. Last summer, Krishna participated in the Young 

Scholars Program at Florida State University. She took 

three classes: Open Access Research Seminar, Python A, 

and Mathematical Modeling. The culminating experience 

was a group presentation on a research project. 

Dr. Kasey C. Kesselring, Krishna Patel, and Mr. David Bernatvitz 


the course virtually. Krishna received a score of 5 on the AP Calculus 

AB exam and has earned the AP Scholar with Distinction Award. She is 

also a 2022 National Merit Scholarship Finalist. 

Krishna is a highly dedicated honor roll student and has won numerous 

academic awards. She is a member of our Distinguished Scholar 

Program. She has accepted the challenge of dedicating herself to the 

highest level of scholastic pursuit. Krishna is also a member of the 

Montverde Academy Head of School Leadership Institute, a select 

group of students chosen for their academic and leadership abilities. 

She has been a member of the Honor Council at MVA all four years 

of high school. Krishna has also been a member of the Environmental 

Club, Key Club, and Academic Team. 

Krishna is also a member of MVA’s STEM SAC program. When she 

was a sophomore, Krishna and her cousin created a virtual STEM 

4 Girls camp. They did various experiments and activities with them 

over Zoom. Their goal was to inspire them to pursue study in a STEM 

field and have fun doing it. “In the future, I want to work with National 

Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) or Space X. That field 

really intrigues me,” said Krishna. 

In addition to her high academic achievement and extra-curricular 

activities, Krishna has found time to give back to her community. 

“Outside of Montverde Academy, I would just like to portray that I 

am very involved in my community. I love to spend time with family 

and friends, travel, read, and do outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, 

wakeboarding, etc.).” Her volunteer activities include assisting at Give 

Kids the World, Kids College at Lake Sumter, Thrive Clermont, and 

South Lake Hospital. She has also worked with St. Jude to fundraise for 

children with cancer. 

Krishna is a very polite, intelligent, and mature person who treats 

everyone with respect. She has received the Good Citizenship Award 

every year that she has been at MVA. Some of the words that her 

friends and classmates use to describe Krishna are helpful, loyal, and 

committed to her friends, family, and schoolwork. I believe that Krishna 

has the traits that will enable her to succeed in college and beyond. 

I have enjoyed getting to know and teaching this amazing young lady. 

I have amazing teachers and 

don’t think I’ve ever had a 

teacher that wasn’t willing to 

help, and that is priceless. 

Krishna Patel, Class of 2022 Valedictorian 


PAVLOS TENTOMAS 

CLASS OF 2022 

Salutatorian 

and SENIOR SPOTLIGHT 

In each issue of The Tower magazine we spotlight select seniors who stand out amongst their 

peers. These seniors are given to us by the Upper School Adminstrators, and represent the three 

pillars that make a successful Montverde Academy student - knowledge, character, and community. 

While it was exciting to have Pavlos Tentomas as the top male choice for senior spotlight, it was 

incredible that he was also the Class of 2022ʼs Salutatorian! He will be attending Georgetown 

University in the fall. 

By Mrs. Khristine Walsworth, Upper School English, Department Chair 

Polished, professional, passionate. An organized leader, a 

committed team member, a person who makes an impact 

wherever he goes. Pavlos Tentomas. The first time I heard 

Pavlos speak was at MVA Middle School Honors night 

where he presented an eighth-grade graduation speech 

that was so thoughtful and engaging it inspired thunderous 

applause! It was clear even then that Pavlos was going to 

make his mark on MVA. 

has been an essential part of the SIMA team and other 

academic groups such as President of the Honor Council, 

Director of the Night for the Cure event, President of the 

Advisory Council, Salutatorian of his graduating class, and 

much more. 

At the start of his sophomore year, Pavlos committed 

to working with Night for the Cure (NFC); since then, I 

have had the honor of a having front row seat to both 

the personal and the leadership growth of this incredible 

young man. Throughout his tenure as Student Director of 

NFC, Pavlos has become polished in his communication 

with others, professional in planning and leading 

meetings, and passionate and intentional about growing 

as a leader and how he can best help others grow along 

with him. He is a role model to younger students and a 

leader among his peers. 

His love for soccer began at age five, and just as 

dedicated as he is to academics, he is to the sport. Pavlos 

is a part of SIMA (Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy, 

where he brings his serious work ethic to the field on the 

Varsity team while balancing challenging academics. 

With his passion for soccer and serious work ethic, he 

Dr. Kasey C. Kesselring, Pavlos Tentomas, and Mr. David Bernatvitz 


He attributes his success to his family, “I wouldn’t be anywhere without 

them” said Pavlos. “My family means the world to me; I love them so 

much. They are the most important thing to me in my entire life and 

without them, I would be so lost. Besides them, my teachers here have 

taught me so much and have helped shape my future and who I am now.” 

When Pavlos finally arrived in my AP Literature class his senior year, 

I already knew well his integrity and passion for serving others; 

what I still had to experience was his deep intellect and academic 

curiosity. In a class full of “main characters,” Pavlos spent a great 

deal of time observing and listening which meant that when he did 

speak, his insights effectively illuminated our literary conversation. 

At the end of AP Literature, Pavlos counts The Handmaid’s Tale, 

a dystopian novel, and The Alchemist, the story of chasing your 

personal legend, among his favorite reads. This seems like a 

statement in contradiction; however, it is the philosophical musings 

of what “could be” that ties them together. Pavlos’ analytical 

mind is always working on something, so fiction that embodies 

philosophical life lessons – whether optimistic or pessimistic in 

nature – reveals Pavlos’ ever-present quest to become a better 

version of his already amazing self! Polished writing on his AP 

exams, professional preparation to be an outstanding student, 

passionate discussion on the ethics and economics that drive 

our world: these words apply to Pavlos in all categories. 

Finally, his friends often tease Pavlos that he is a 

40-year-old man in the body of a teenager: always down 

for a good Dad joke, a successful wrangler of Excel 

spreadsheets, and an avid day trader. I would posit 

that he is not an “old man,” but an old soul: sometimes 

frustrated with the pace of modern life and how it can 

take away the peace of some of life’s great joys. 

The Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote, “Educating 

the mind without educating the heart is no 

education at all.” I believe that, in true Greek and 

philosophical fashion, Pavlos’ greatest attribute 

is not his extremely polished academic 

abilities, nor his remarkable professional 

leadership qualities; it is his passion 

for the heart of his life: his family. That 

passion fuels the final word I would use 

to describe our Montverde Academy 

2022 Salutatorian: Phenomenal! 

My family means the world 

to me, I love them so much. 

Pavlos Tentomas, Class of 2022 Salutatorian 


STUDENT 

SPOTLIGHTS 

Senior Spotlights were written by Ms. Anna Martinez, Communications Manager 

ALEXIS NEWLIN 

Alexis Newlin is a smart young woman who loves to make a 

difference in people’s lives. Since arriving at the Academy 14 years 

ago in Pre-K4, Alexis has really accepted all the lessons MVA has 

taught her, good and bad. Although she stopped playing to focus 

on her studies and her future in the Air Force, Alexis was on the 

Beach and Indoor Volleyball teams for several years. 

Her hopes are to join the Air Force Reserve Command and study 

International Business at the University of California San Diego. “I 

never thought Iʼd want to get into the Air Force, but it was great to 

do something for myself that was out of my comfort zone,” 

said Alexis. 

“Trying to make a difference, empowering and motivating others 

drove me to do better,” said Alexis. “I volunteered in a homeless 

shelter helping the kids and it was very eye-opening. Showing 

them that there is life outside of the shelter was incredible. This 

made me know that helping others is a part of myself that I always 

want to keep doing. My father and I love traveling and on one of 

our vacations in Mexico, we saw a family in need and decided to 

adopt them and help them in anything they need.” 

Alexis has many fond memories of MVA, but one of her favorites 

was meeting her best friend Faith Taylor. “I got to meet my best 

friend Faith Taylor in Kindergarten, and I am incredibly grateful to 

MVA for having us meet! 

Motivating quote: “If you don’t challenge yourself you, we’ll never 

know what you can become.” - Unknown 


SEBASTIEN RESSLER 

Sebastien Ressler is an outgoing, athletic, dedicated student who 

strives to help others. He plays on the SIMA (Soccer Institute at 

Montverde Academy) Varsity team, Varsity Cross Country, and serves 

on the Student Leadership Council, a Head Prefect, and as an 

Eagle Ambassador. As he juggles all his responsibilities, 

he remains true to himself, trying to make a difference 

day by day. 

One of the most important things to him is 

family. “I want to major in Business and 

one day be able to take over our 

family tree farm in Groveland,” said 

Sebastien. “My goal is to also 

minor in Agriculture and learn 

about business as an intern 

elsewhere so I can come 

back and work in my 

family’s business.” 

His seven years at MVA have shaped him into becoming 

an educated young man and he aspires to use all he has 

learned here in future endeavors. His recent acceptance to 

Cornell University was a true dream come true for him. 

“When I first opened the letter, I was in shock. I was so 

shocked I double-checked the address on the letter to 

make sure I applied to the correct Cornell University and 

not one of its feeder schools. I had only applied because my 

mother insisted that I apply to at least one Ivy League school. 

When I had been accepted, I realized that my college decision had 

become so much easier with the Cornell University perfectly aligning 

with what I wanted to do in the future. The agri-business program 

is ranked first in the United States and would set me up perfectly to 

eventually come back and work for my family farm. I am extremely 

excited for the next four years and hope it is not too cold!” 

One of Sebastienʼs favorite memories at Montverde Academy was as 

a Senior Prefect. “I would say this year living in the dorms as a Prefect 

student was one of my favorites. It changed me the most as I had to 

go outside of my comfort zone, learn from others and living with other 

students prepared me a bit for college and the experience I will 

have there.” 

Motivating Quote: “The road to success and the road to failure are 

almost the same” - Colin R. Davis. 


LAILA SHIRLEY 

Laila Shirley is a passionate, enterprising person with 

an outgoing personality, who can tackle anything she 

puts her mind to. Her interest in biomedical sciences 

started at an early age as most of her father’s family 

were in the medical field. One day, she aspires to 

practice as a neurosurgeon. 

“At first, I was a little hesitant to go into the medical 

field, but as I grew up, I realized how much I loved it. I 

am excited and I think all the years of studying will be 

entirely worth it to be honest.” said Laila. “I’m a very 

passionate personate person when you first meet me, 

you might say I have chaotic energy that is organized 

and helps produce a lot of important things.” 

Laila came to MVA in sixth grade after her family 

moved from New York. “I thought I was going to be 

miserable when we moved, but as soon as I stepped 

into Montverde Academy, I saw all the opportunities 

there are here.” said Laila. She is involved with tutoring 

Spanish at LSS, SGA, the Head of School Leadership 

Institute, NHS, Social Studies Honor Society, Science 

Honor Society, and the Honor Council. As she says 

“time management is key” when involved in all these 

programs. 

“I want to thank every single person I have met here 

who has impacted my life in every shape and form. 

All have shaped me into becoming the person I am 

today; they were there when I needed them, and I am 

incredibly grateful.” 

“My eighth grade English class is my favorite memory 

here. I think one of the biggest reasons I am who I 

am today is because of my friends. I genuinely think 

the people around you shape you and some of the 

students in my class at that time are still my best 

friends today. Ms.Tamasi was also amazing, and she 

helped me realize that it is okay to be yourself. She 

was there for me.” 

Motivating Quote: “Your story is what you have, what 

you will always have. It is something to own.” 

- Michelle Obama 


CJ ROSADO 

Cristian “CJ” Rosado is an incredibly talented, charismatic, smart 

young man who loves the entertainment world. His bright personality 

is part of the Puerto Rican heritage that his family has instilled in 

him. He believes that has helped him thrive on stage. CJ found his 

love for theatre by chance, well, by a dare actually and it quickly 

became a big part of his life, so much so that he began voice 

lessons to enhance his acting. 

“I always thought that I had an okay voice for singing, and when 

I started theatre and actually taking voice lessons, I really liked 

it,” said CJ. “This all started on a dare in a coin flip, and I joined 

theatre, and loved every minute of it, but in the back of my mind 

I have always wanted to do game design, so I decided to 

combine both. I will work on the story-telling part of game 

design, that way I get the best of both worlds and do something 

I am truly passionate about. I know I don't want to leave theatre 

behind, it is part of me now.” 

As he describes himself, he says he brings light to the room, 

and many of his peers agree. “When Daniel Mills passed 

away, I was devastated. We were close. He loved being the 

light of the room and when he passed, that was transferred 

on to me. I will always remember him and keep bringing his 

light with me wherever I go.” CJ is part of the Daniel Mills 

Apprenticeship Program at the Garden Theatre as well. 

CJ reflects on his favorite memory at the Academy, “Last 

year our production of “Something Rotten” was nominated 

for the Applause Award at Dr. Phillips Center for the 

Performing Arts and won Best Musical. At Dr. Phillips I 

performed a song called “A Musical”, and it was incredible. 

There was a moment when the song ended when 

everyone was cheering and clapping, and that was the 

happiest moment for me, it felt like my job was done as 

an actor. I wish I could take that moment and keep it in 

a jar where I can keep it forever and relive it.” 


RICHARD HENRY 

Richard Henry is most moved by serving others in any 

way he can. His journey to MVA was a bit rough as his 

family came from the British Virgin Islands after Hurricane 

Irma struck there in 2017. Along with a strong academic 

schedule, RIchard joined the CBD (Center for Basketball 

Development) program for three years and Track and Field. 

After graduation, he plans to go into the United States Air 

Force Pararescue followed by college in the Emergency 

Medicine field. 

At MVA, Richard served as the president of the Black 

Student Union, the AALC representative for track sprinters, 

the co-president of the Fellowship of Christian athletes, and 

the Senior Officer in the Key Club. “I have a 4.44 GPA right 

now which I've worked really hard to obtain and am grateful 

for 

all those who have helped me get where I am today,” 

said Richard. 

“I am a very tenacious person who strives to move forward 

always even if I continue to fall,” said Richard. “Everything 

I have done, and the aspirations I have are for the service 

of Jesus Christ and for His Kingdom. With every person, 

I can reach and help through service both now and with 

my career in the future, I can never claim credit for these 

achievements as I owe all the glory to God and in trying 

to live through the example of Jesus Christ. With leading 

through example, it is my goal to be a true example 

of my faith while bringing all glory to Jesus instead 

of myself, not only in the process of saving lives, but 

providing an example of my faith in the truth.” 

His favorite memory at MVA was last year’s Night for 

the Cure fundraiser. “I was able to help for 11 hours, 

and it was a fun time. It started a trend for me this 

year to do more community service and try to help in 

any way. It was a gateway for more opportunities to 

help the community and help others in any way I can. 

I can say I aspire to work for a non-profit organization 

one day because of this incredible experience MVA 

has given me.” 

Motivating Quote: John 15:12-13 “My command is this: 

Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no 

one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” 


SYDNEY RIVERA 

Sydney Rivera has excelled at MVA for 15 incredible 

years. From an early age, her parents knew the Academy 

was going to be a special place for their daughter after it 

was recommended to them. Since then, she has been a 

part of a remarkable journey that she hopes to continue 

after she graduates. From her many passions, being on 

the MIFC (Montverde International Futbol Club) soccer 

team has been an amazing experience, as she has been 

playing the sport since she was eight years old. “Sydney 

has been with our program for five years. She has 

matured into a great leader, fierce competitor, and overall 

great student-athlete. She has grown leaps and bounds 

and we certainly have enjoyed having her in our program! 

We wish her nothing but the best in her next steps at the 

University of South Florida,” said Robbie Aristodemo, 

Director of MIFC. 

Although athletics has formed a big part of her life, she 

continues to exemplify herself as a star student by being 

part of the National Honor Society and taking challenging 

AP courses. Her plans include studying anthropology 

at the University of South Florida (USF); however, she 

aspires to be a radiologist one day. “I hope to continue to 

be determined in all I do in the future,” said Sydney. “MVA 

has really prepared me for college. Training six times a 

week and having to manage my time with homework has 

given me a good sense of time management.” 

From her time at MVA, the one thing she is most grateful 

for is the people that have surrounded her and given her 

a good foundation, such as her parents and teachers. 

“My family and I go to Colorado often and I love to go 

snowboarding, which can be scary at first for some, but I 

love the thrill. I love my parents, they have sacrificed so 

much for me to be here, and they continue to do amazing 

things for me and be my number one supporter in all I 

do,” said Sydney. “They are my best friends. My parents 

and teachers have taught me to work hard and pursue 

what I love by not giving up, even if it seems difficult at 

the time. I am extremely fortunate to have people teach 

me this and I will hold onto it forever.” 

Sydneyʼs favorite memory at MVA was in the Lower 

School. “My favorite memory was when I first started at 

MVA. Mrs. Kesselring would push me on the swing at 

recess every day. As a 4-year-old I did not want to be at 

school, so I always looked forward to her at recess during 

the day. She definitely helped me start my life here.” 


Mr. Troy Urquhart 

Employee Spotlight 

By Ms. Anna Martinez, Communications Manager 


Mr. Urquhart with daughter Hillary and grandson Charlie 

Mr. Urquhart with grandson Charlie 

In the fall of 2006, Mr. Troy Urquhart arrived at Montverde Academy, where he served in 

the Upper School for 11 years. Although his time at MVA was paused for a few years, his 

love for the Academy and fellow faculty and staff members was bigger than anything else. 

Mr. Urquhart earned his undergraduate degree from 

the University of West Florida in English, a Masterʼs 

in English and an EdS in Curriculum and Instruction. 

Although the start of his career did not begin in education, 

he was inspired by his parents’ dedication to education 

and making a difference and pursued the same career 

path. He wanted to spend his life building “lifelong 

relationships,” which later became the core of his decision 

to begin at MVA as an Upper School English teacher. 

Being a member of the MVA community is unlike any 

other as Mr. Urquhart recalls all the people that were a 

huge part of his life, during some of the best moments 

as well as challenging ones. “It [MVA] has been a huge 

part of my life and family and I don’t know how I could 

ever separate it.” MVA has a special place in his family: 

his mother taught Economics in the Upper School after 

she retired from teaching in northwest Florida, and his 

daughter Hillary graduated from MVA and then returned 

to teach in the Lower School after finishing her degree at 

Rollins College. 

His time away from the Academy leading an Upper School 

in Little Rock, Arkansas, helped prepare him to become 

the exceptional leader he is today. Mr. Urquhart, now 

the Dean of Middle School, came to see the important 

potential of the Middle School years and the rewarding 

work he could do with Middle School students and 

teachers. “To me, it was an easy decision coming back to 

MVA. Dr. Kesselring is such an amazing friend and leader 

who has helped me grow professionally and personally.” 

“It’s hard to imagine what my life would be without MVA, 

I’ve grown here so much.” Although his journey is far 

from over, his expectations for the Academy have already 

far exceeded what he could have imagined when he 

first arrived at Montverde 16 years ago. The leadership 

brought by Dr. Kesselring has “helped me so much 

throughout my career.” 

“Troy cares deeply about the mission and culture of 

Montverde Academy. The work that he does, and the high 

expectations he has for that work, are focused on fulfilling 

that mission,” said Emilie Fracker, Associate Dean of 

Middle School at MVA. “Above all else, he knows that it 

is the strong relationships we form with other members of 

the school community that allow the work to flourish. He is 

patient and never rushes to a decision without looking at 

an issue from all sides. He has been wonderfully generous 

with his time as I’ve made the transition to administration 

this year. I feel very blessed to be working with him to lead 

the Middle School division.” 


DBQs PREPARE 

STUDENTS FOR 

FUTURE SUCCESS 


Our Lower School teachers have provided us with a 

glimpse into their classrooms on how the students 

navigate Document Based Questions (DBQs). They 

also explain how students have been fortunate enough 

to feel comfortable in the future by using DBQs at such 

a young age. 

DBQs were first introduced in the Lower School in the early 2000s, and 

some teachers, such as Mr. Steven Hand, Lower School fourth grade faculty 

member, were there from the start as they navigated the importance of this 

program. DBQs are assigned in grades two through five. Every grade has 

different themes and in Mr. Hand’s class, at the time of this interview, they 

were discussing Florida History. 


Students in Mr. Handʼs class working on their DBQ 

“The first thing we do is discuss the “hook” exercise where 

they go through samples that they have to choose from,” 

said Mr. Hand. “After they choose one, they have to get 

together and basically defend why their view is the best. 

It’s like a debate and it really helps them learn how to 

analyze the story and use the history they have learned to 

prove their points. It’s also a great team-building exercise!” 

After their debate, students must continue to analyze the 

four documents given and write an essay. An outline is 

given to the student to follow and write the essay along 

with the rubric on what they will be graded on. The book 

given to the students goes through all the details on the 

“road map” of building their thesis to then writing the essay 

that in the end is what they are fully graded on. “We give 

them everything for them to craft their analysis into an 

essay and even source everything,” said Mr. Hand. 

From the fourth grade students’ perspective, some 

believe that it has made them feel comfortable when 

articulating discussions in front of the class. “It’s helping 

me put my essay in order and together,” said one of 

Mr. Hand’s students. 

“The biggest thing that I see is that they are more 

comfortable with a project like a research paper,” said 

Mr. Hand. “Since they have done DBQs for a while, when 

they get to Upper School, the anxiety level on writing a 

research paper lowers a lot.” 

DBQs have impacted many students that have crossed 

the Lower School at MVA. From discussions, to analyzing 

data, and learning how to properly write an essay, these 

students not only learn the practicalities of how to properly 

create an essay, but also learn valuable information about 

Florida’s history, hurricanes, how to use their critical 

thinking skills, and more. 

“DBQs influence and help structure critical thinking. 

Students must understand potential bias – who wrote 

the journal, who edited the journal, and how the person 

editing could influence how a particular historical figure 

might be viewed,” said Jayne Beucher, Associate Dean of 

the Lower School. “Also, in paintings you ask who painted 

the picture, what message did the artist want to express, 

was it a positive viewpoint or a negative viewpoint? DBQs 

also support critical thinking in learning through real-life 

materials such as journals, paintings, ships logs, diaries, 

maps, cultural norms of the time in which something took 

place, and even the philosophical questions that people 

might ask themselves during hardships. To me this is 

the benefit of DBQs – really getting our students to think 

and form opinions or answers based on real facts and 

understanding how one person can sway a viewpoint – 

understanding where these biases might lie and how to 

interrupt what they see, read, and review.” 


Kindergarten Graduation 

1 2 

3 4 5 

1. Mrs. Shirley’s Class 

2. Mrs. Shirley and Abram Richardson 

3. Mrs. Sinopoli and Conner Bostocky 

4. Mrs. Shirley and Isabella Oliver 

5. Mrs. Sinopoli and Charlene Wathington 

6. Mrs. Sinopli’s Class 

Congrats! 

6 


5th grade Graduation 

3 

1 2 

4 

5 6 7 

8 

1. Mrs. Meder and Andrew Restniks 

2. Mrs. Dougherty and Keye Magnuson 

3. Mrs. Meder and Michaela Cook 

4. Mrs. Dougherty and Munsif Minhas 

5. Mrs. Meder and Kylee Brown 

6. Mrs. Dougherty and Aamirah Higgins 

7. Mrs. Meder and Zaid Al-Suleiman 

8. Fifth grade performance 


Ms. Meristell Shackelford, Mrs. Dana Cook, Mrs. Jayne Beucher 

LOWER SCHOOL 

Teacher of the Year 

2021-22 

Mrs. Dana Cook 

By Mrs. Rosalie Garland, Lower School First Grade Teacher 

On May 16, the Lower School held their annual Honors 

Night. On this night, the Lower School faculty announces 

the winner of the colleague who they feel shows 

exemplary character and leadership. The winner is 

selected by vote, and it has been a tradition in our school 

for quite some time now. This year our “Teacher of the 

Year” was awarded to Mrs. Dana Cook. If you attended 

the event, you would have witnessed her complete shock 

as she turned around and saw not only her husband, 

Todd, but her parents who drove from Georgia to 

surprise her. It was heartwarming to see her reaction! 

growth mindset and innovative approach to teaching is 

contagious as she seeks to meet the individual needs of 

her students year after year.” 

It has been a privilege to work with Mrs. Cook for the last 

nine years. She is my first-grade right hand, and I am 

proud to say that she is not only my colleague, but she is 

my friend. Congratulations Dana on a job well done. We 

see you and recognize your worth. 

Mrs. Cook has served as a teacher at Montverde 

Academy for 18 years and is currently one of our firstgrade 

teachers also having served as a Pre-K4 teacher 

several years ago prior to moving to first grade. Mrs. 

Cook is kind-hearted and dedicates her time beyond her 

school day to her students. She has a heart for children 

and is always seeking knowledge of how to facilitate her 

students’ love of learning. Mrs. Cook is always willing to 

help her colleagues in any way and share any knowledge 

that she has attained. Ms. Shackelford shared, “Mrs. 

Cook is a dedicated and valued educator of young 

children Virtual Reality at Montverde Academy Lower School. Her 

Mrs. Cook is a dedicated and valued 

educator of young children... Her 

growth mindset and innovative 

approach to teaching is contagious as 

she seeks to meet the individual needs 

of her students year after year. 

Ms. Shackelford, Dean of the Lower School 


COMING SOON! 

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION CENTER 

By Dr. Caryn Long, Director of the Educational Technology and Innovation Center 

What is innovation? This is the most popular question that I am asked. It’s a word 

that gets tossed around in everyday language and has become an integral part of 

our culture, something that we hear every day on television and social media, see in 

sporting events, technology, and healthcare. In short, without innovation our society 

would not advance. 

By formal definition, innovation is 1. A new idea, method, 

or device, novelty. 2. The introduction of something new. 

Merriam-Webster. (n.d). By my definition it’s a unique way of 

thinking to approach a problem that may (or may not) have 

already been solved using all available resources. 

In 2022-23 we will begin a new era of innovation 

for Montverde Academy with the introduction of our 

Educational Technology and Innovation Center (ETIC). 

Our students will have the opportunity to experience 

unique advanced technologies giving them deeper ways 

to show what they know and provide them with the 

skills that are necessary to be ahead of the game when 

compared to their peers. 

Our new partnership with EA SPORTS in the development 

of EA SPORTS at MVA Gaming Academy will allow 

students to concentrate on a career in this field. MVA is the 

only school in the country with this exclusive partnership 

and the possibilities of career development are staggering. 

backend to the frontend of the e-sports industry in order 

for them to make decisions on career paths and give 

them exposure to the appropriate level of support, giving 

them a step up in this field once they have completed the 

EA SPORTS at MVA Gaming Academy. Some of these 

students may even choose to be a part of the competitive 

team which opens up the door to scholarship opportunities 

as well. 

MVA is the only school in the 

country with this exclusive 

partnership and the possibilities 

of career development are 

staggering. 

Dr. Caryn Long, Director of ETIC 

Our plan is to provide students the foundational 

knowledge that will allow them to traverse through the 


Our Media Arts department has a collaboratively designed 

space all its own. The television studio will have editing 

and audio recording equipment suites for our videography 

students to create creative productions that will be shared 

with the entire campus and give them the opportunity 

to mentor students not in the program that would like to 

use the equipment to create new and interesting ways to 

showcase their learning. Podcasts for the MVA community 

will be developed in our new recording studio, digital art 

can be created through our photography program that can 

be shared and utilized across campus, and our yearbook 

staff will be able to collaborate with like-minded peers to 

enhance the presentation of the yearbook for all beyond 

the printed publication. 

Our Middle and Upper School robotics teams will have 

a new space suitable to collaborate cross-divisions and 

provide exposure to multiple programming strategies 

through FIRST LEGO league and VEX robotics. This 

space will allow both teams to observe and provide critical 

feedback to one another, mentoring opportunities and new 

technology that will advance their strategic skills to assist 

in their advancement in both programs. It has the potential 

to grow both programs where MVA could potentially be 

engaged in competitions in both VEX and FIRST in both 

divisions giving a wider exposure of our school and our 

skills nationally. 

Maker-spaces for all divisions are also included. The 

Lower School will have its own space on the bottom floor 

of Conrad-Lehman on the old stage where our Pre-K 

through grade five students will have materials to build, 

take apart, and rebuild various projects that apply to their 

own learning objectives. Middle School and Upper School 

students will have “bigger tools” such as sewing machines, 

common hardware, machinery, and a wide-variety of other 

materials that will allow them to do the same. All students 

will be presented with national challenge competitions 

and innovation Maker Fairs to highlight their work. It is our 

hope that one day that we can host an MVA Maker Fair to 

showcase our school’s talent! 

Technology will be expanded through exciting programming 

opportunities with our newly designed computer classes 

where students will learn everything from various program 

languages, how to solve basic tech issues for teachers and 

students across campus, and how to design Augmented 

and Virtual Reality platforms. Imagine the opportunities 

for students to build their own programming and create 

actual products that could be published even before they 

leave our campus. These classes will support not only 

our general student populace interested in a technology 

career but will also partner seamlessly with EA SPORTS 

at MVA Gaming Academy and STEM Student Academic 

Concentration (SAC) programs. 

Besides these academic spaces, what else can our 

students and families look forward to? MVA faculty and 

students will have open collaborative meeting spaces 

in which they can bring their colleagues for planning 

academic projects, integration of educational technology 


and access to the resources of the center in order to 

develop their ideas and propose solutions to real-world 

problems. A coffee bar will be headed by our marketing 

classes to provide actual immersive business experience. 

A series of talks from Montverde Academy and community 

leaders will give everyone personal experience on their 

definition and integration of innovation and become role 

models and mentors for all of our MVA students. 

I would like to personally thank you for your financial 

support to help make this dream a reality for our 

community. This is a developing process and we will 

continue to ask for your involvement in a variety of ways. 

If you are willing to donate your time and talents to the 

center for our speaker series or to mentor our students, 

we would welcome these partnerships. Please contact 

me at caryn.long@montverde.org should you want a tour 

of the center or would like to brainstorm ideas of how you 

may be involved! 

Mateo Ortiz and Connor McClain - Robotics 

EDUCATION 

Instructor 

Researcher 

Teacher 

ADMINISTRATION 

Attorney 

Financial Analyst 

Accountant 

ENTERTAINMENT 

Streamer 

Video Maker 

Desk Analyst 

SALES MARKETING 

Head of Advertising 

Head of Product 

Brand Manager 

PERFORMANCE 

OPTIMIZATION 

Physical Therapist 

Sports Director 

Nutritionist 

E-Sports 

Related 

Professions 

Endless Possibilites 

COMMUNCATION 

PR Officer 

Content Editior 

Web Designer 

EVENTS 

ORGANIZATION 

Event Director 

Executive Producer 

Project Leader 

INFORMATION & 

TECHNOLOGY 

Network Engineer 

Software Architect 

Data Engineer 

MEDIA 

Journalist 

Photographer 

Editorial Manager 

BUSINESS 

HR Manager 

Training Manager 

Business Developer 


Top row left to right: Lyder Reksten, Luiza Tanaka Aranda, Claudia Barbey, Aria Sallin, Christopher Wathington 

Bottom row left to right: Kayla Gherghel, Nicole Sanchez, Sara Echavarria, Carington Helms, Christopher Russo, Nishchay Bhattarai 


Some of our eighth graders have chosen to take a Leadership and Service-Learning 

class with Ms. Melissa Benner, Middle School mathematics teacher, that helps each 

of them progress as leaders. Leadership and Service Learning is a student-centered, 

student-driven elective that allows students to design, plan and execute servicelearning 

projects to inspire positive change within and outside of the Montverde 

Academy community. 


This is such a student-led class 

that it’s really interesting to see 

them as they start in the class 

and their growth throughout. 

Ms. Melissa Brenner, Middle School Teacher 

Upcoming eighth graders interested in this class are selected 

after careful review from the previous class and Ms. Benner. 

“Students should come to the class with an open mind,” said 

student Carington Helms. 

With targeted instruction and coaching in service-learning, 

students discover and increase their leadership and 

collaborative skills, as well as their character. They are 

also oriented in the steps of project planning using teachercreated 

tools that help them engage in reflection practices, as 

well as, discussing leadership characteristics. Some practices 

during class include committee work, where they learn how to 

plan and pitch ideas such as “Casual for a Cause” to Mr. Troy 

Urquhart, Dean of the Middle School and Mrs. Emilie Fracker, 

Associate Dean of Middle School. They also partnered with 

South Lake Animal League and prepared a food and toy drive 

for pets at the Academy. 

Another interesting part of class includes “Tuesday Ted 

Talks”, where students watch a short Ted Talk, chosen by 

Ms. Benner and answer questions about the video. 

“It is mostly about what the purpose is behind what the 

speaker is saying and convincing an audience to be 

engaged,” said Helms. 

“It’s really interesting to see the students as they start in the 

class and their growth throughout,” said Ms. Benner. 

“For example, they work at the Eagle Café, and I helped them 

the first time and then they took over. They do everything. 

They have control over the entire process which helps so 

much when it comes to working as a team.” 

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, students can design and 

execute a lesson on a leadership style or characteristic style 

to build better leaders amongst their peers. They range from 

choosing videos to watch or participating in an interactive 

activity that builds their character, time management skills, 

and multi-tasking skills. 

“I have definitely accomplished a lot in class this year,” 

said one student. “We get to do and learn so many fun 

things at the same time while helping the community. You 

enjoy everything you work for in this class so you can’t 

be afraid to put yourself out there. Not everything will go 

exactly as you planned so don’t be discouraged or afraid 

of putting yourself out there because it’s normal to get 

rejected at times.” 

Although next year’s class has already been chosen, 

rising seventh graders can sign up for the class in 

the 2023-24 academic year at the end of the 2022-23 

academic year. 


MIDDLE SCHOOL 


Ms. 

Courtney 

Williams 

By Mrs. Sara Stelle-Parets, Middle School English Language 

Arts Teacher 

Social studies education is so much more than 

memorizing dates and places. It is about giving students 

what they need to help understand their world and how to 

make the best decisions about their role in it. It requires 

a comprehensive understanding of history and how 

lessons can be applied now. From the Fertile Crescent 

to Financial Literacy, Aristotle to King Arthur and even 

Washington, D.C., Courtney Williams does it all. 

Sixth graders adore her creative and energetic style of 

teaching. They have the G.R.A.P.E.S. song memorized 

and know the best way to mummify potatoes. Mythology 

is a favorite elective for seventh and eighth graders 

throughout the year. All the way through the Upper 

School, students are challenged with big questions in her 

Philosophy course. 

"Not only does Ms. Williams inspire her students, but 

she inspires her colleagues and other educators through 

her passion and commitment to developing real-life 

application and lifelong learning habits,” said Melissa 

Benner, Middle School Math Teacher. 

The excellence that Ms. Williams brings to Montverde 

Academy is not contained by her stellar performance in 

the classroom. She also leads Builder’s Club, the Middle 

School chapter of Kiwanis. Sixth, seventh, and eighth 

graders are empowered under her leadership to engage 

in acts of service to both our school and the larger 

community. She guides members towards leadership 

opportunities and helps them figure out how to work best 

with their peers to come together and do amazing things. 

Mr. Troy Urquhart, Ms. Courtney Williams, Mrs. Emilie Fracker 

preparing for this once in a lifetime opportunity. It is one 

of the highlights for each eighth grade class. 

“Ms. Williams gives 100 percent effort and energy to 

everything she does! Her students pick up on that energy 

and react with enthusiasm. Her passion for learning is 

infectious. She cares deeply about our Middle School 

students and wants to give them the best experiences 

possible. We are very lucky to have Ms. Williams in the 

Middle School!” said Emilie Fracker, Associate Dean of 

the Middle School. 

While teaching with the utmost excellence, Ms. Williams 

also pursued her own academic goals. She earned her 

Master’s degree concentrated in STEAM Education from 

Clemson in December 2021. She spent the last few years 

diving into how to create inquiry-based learning, projectbased 

assessments, and how to best educate students 

with twenty-first century needs. 

“Ms. Williams is one of the more humble, hardworking 

teachers that I’ve had the privilege of working with. She’s 

consistently kind to her students and always willing to 

give them the attention that they need and deserve. She’s 

passionate about her curriculum and always looking for 

ways to improve and gain more knowledge so that she 

can continue to give the best service to her students. I 

think everyone can agree that it is a pleasure working 

with someone that is passionate, kind, and caring. 

Congrats, Ms. Williams!” said Coach Griffis, Head Softball 

Coach and Middle School PE teacher. 

Ms. Williams also facilitates the eighth grade Washington, 

D.C. trip each year. She spends months planning and 


UPPER SCHOOL 


Mrs. 

Amy 

Napoles 

By Mrs. Sarah Schlussel, Upper School Science 

Department Chair 

Dr. Kasey C. Kesselring, Mrs. Amy Napoles, Mrs. Kim Brauman, Mr. David Bernatavitz 

Kind, warm and passionate: these are the words used by 

faculty and students alike to describe this year’s Upper 

School teacher of the year, Mrs. Amy Napoles. Mrs. 

Napoles has been a faculty member of the Upper School 

science department for seven years. During her time at 

the Academy, she has brought a deep awareness and 

understanding of our connection to the planet and the 

life around us to hundreds of students. Her passion for 

the environment and for her students is evident any time 

you enter her classroom. According to student Lincoln 

Baptiste, “The only thing that rivals Mrs. Napoles’ ability as 

a teacher is her passion for what she teaches.” 

Mrs. Napoles gives her all to her science lessons 

every day. She spends countless hours developing the 

extraordinarily creative and engaging science lessons 

that students talk about weeks later. You are just as likely 

to find her students engaged in activities inside her room 

as you would be to find them outside taking soil samples, 

photographs, or water samples at the lake. 

Most recently, in her “soil your undies” lab, she buried new 

underwear under the soil in various places on campus. 

Once uncovered weeks later, her students analyzed the 

remains to understand how soil properties in different 

areas of campus affect rates of decomposition. 

Ms. Courtney Richardson remarks, “From my first day at 

Montverde Academy, Mrs. Napoles has been an example 

of kindness, passion for learning, and dedication to her 

students. I love hearing from my students about the cool 

experiments and hands-on activities they are doing in their 

Environmental Science class!” 

Montverde Academy Cross Country Invitational 

Mrs. Napoles is an inspiration to her students, 

encouraging them to look closely at their environment, 

to pay attention and to advocate for the planet. She 

started the first environmental club on campus, giving 

students who are passionate about the environment 

an opportunity to get involved both locally and globally. 

According to the president of the environmental club, 

Kendall Walsworth, “Mrs. Napoles is not only an amazing 

teacher, but a fantastic mentor. She has inspired me to 

pursue environmental science and pushed me to achieve 

my highest potential. I could not be more grateful to have 

a mentor like Mrs. Napoles in my life!” 

Her students would also tell you that a notable feature 

of Mrs. Napoles’ class is her frequent use of messaging 

on Teams to stay connected to her students. A constant 

stream of science memes, environmental news stories, 

and science facts keep her students engaged even when 

they are not in class. She even stays in contact with 

past and future students over the summer, keeping them 

informed about environmental events and challenging 

them to environmental scavenger hunts. 

Mrs. Napoles is a dedicated educator who is an inspiration 

to students and a compassionate friend to her colleagues. 

As the chair of the Upper School science department, I am 

grateful for her presence bringing kindness and creativity 

to our department. We are better because she is part of 

our team. 


Sports 

Wrap 

WINTER & SPRING 

Up 

By Mr. Michael Damon, Sports Information Manager 

BASEBALL 

The Montverde Academy baseball team ended this 

spring with a 17- 9 overall record, which included 

big wins against highly skilled teams in tournaments 

across three states. 

The Eagles started the season winning three of 

their first four games against local-based schools 

before competing in a trio of showcase tournaments 

against the best high school competition around. 

The Eagles competed in the Alabama Showdown in 

Hoover, Alabama, the PBR Spring Break Experience 

in Emerson, Georgia and the Florida League High 

School Invitational in Sanford, Florida, winning a 

combined seven of 12 games in those three events. 

The elite competition proved to elevate the Eagles 

play as MVA opened the month of April winning their 

first five games, four of which were won via shutouts, 

outscoring opponents by a combined 54-1 in that 

span. Overall, the Eagles posted seven shutout wins 

this season, including an 11-0 win over Ocoee (2/15), 

2-0 over East Forsythe (3/5), 10-0 over Grayslake 

Central (4/1), 5-0 over Ridge Community School 

(4/4), 21-0 over Iola Scandinavia (4/5), 10-0 over 

Lake Highland Prep (4/13) and 15-0 over Celebration 

High School (4/27). 

Salvador Alvarez 

Statistically, the Eagles were led in hitting by senior 

Salvador Alvarez who batted a team-high .521 and 

led the Eagles in runs with 30, while finishing second 

on the team with 25 runs batted in. AJ Goytia finished 

second on the team in batting average, hitting .450 

while leading the team in doubles with 11. Anthony 

Cole batted .385 and led the team in home runs with 

four and runs batted in with 27. 

Pitching wise, Matthew Heyl led the way with a 2.27 

earned run average, while striking out 52 batters in 

43.2 innings of work. 

Matthew Heyl 


BOYS LACROSSE 

The boys lacrosse team finished 12-7 this season and 

were Citrus League champions. Additionally, the Eagles 

finished as runners-up in the Florida High School Athletic 

Association regional tournament, leaving them one game 

away from advancing into the state championship for the 

first time. 2022 was the deepest the MVA boys’ lacrosse 

team advanced into the state postseason series to date. 

Nine of MVA’s 12 wins were by 10 goals or more, which 

included wins of 21-4 against Trinity Prep (2/16), 22-7 

against Oviedo (2/17), 18-8 against Windermere (2/22), 

15-4 against Bishop Moore (2/28), 22-3 against The First 

Academy (3/1), 21-4 against Lake Howell (3/8), 20-2 

against Windermere Prep (3/10) and 21-3 against Trinity 

Prep in the FHSAA 1A District 5 semifinal round (4/12). 

The Eagles were led by Jack Green who was named a 

USA Lacrosse All-American after scoring 27 goals and 

offering a team-high 18 assists. Aaron Williams led the 

way in goals, netting a team-high 41, while Seth Isenhour 

was second on the team with 33 to go along with a teamhigh 

25 assists. Zachary Hobson picked up a team-high 

86 groundballs for the Eagles. Goalkeeper Eddie Roth 

made 127 saves and had a .507 savings percentage. 

Jack Green 

Zachary Hobson 

BEACH VOLLEYBALL 

Montverde Academy beach volleyball team finished 11-6 

overall this season and won a pair of championships, 

including the Citrus League championship and the Florida 

High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) class 1A 

District 12 championship. The Eagles earned four shutout 

victories in the process including a pair of 3-0 wins in the 

district playoffs. 

The biggest win of the season came when the Eagles 

earned a 3-0 shutout over West Orange High School in 

the district championship. After losing twice to them in the 

regular season, the Eagles earned the win when it was all 

on the line. The Eagles’ Citrus League championship win 

came on April 20 when they beat Windermere Prep 3-2 in 

the championship match after downing The First Academy 

5-0 in the semifinal round earlier that day. 

Overall, Luiza Manata had the best winning percentage 

on the team and earned the most wins, garnering a 

13-3 overall record. She earned wins with four different 

teammates at three different flight levels. Gianna Carrasco 

also notched double figures in wins, going 10-4 while 

playing at flight number two all season. 

Beach Volleyball Team 


Softball Team 

SOFTBALL 

The Montverde Academy softball team went 17-9 

this spring and won the Florida High School Athletic 

Association district championship. The Eagles started 

out the season hot, winning their first eight games of 

the season, which included four wins at the Florida-US 

Softball Challenge in Panama City Beach in early March. 

The Eagles more than doubled their opponents run total, 

outscoring them 151-75 in total, which included five 

shutout wins. 

With a team batting average of .301, the Eagles were led 

in hitting by Makayka (Mimi) Navarro who batted .426 

and led the team in runs with 23 and stolen bases with 

11. Meanwhile, Danika Spinogatti was second on the 

team with a .400 batting average, and had team-highs in 

doubles with 10 and total bases with 46. Yani Guzman 

batted .317 and led the team in home runs with two and 

runs batted in with 23. 

In the circle, the Eagles had a team earned run average 

of 1.34. Nevaeh Williams pitched a team-high 78 innings 

and earned a 1.26 earned run average with a team-high 

83 strikeouts. 

BOYS WEIGHTLIFTING 

In its first year as a varsity sport, the 

Montverde Academy boys weightlifting team 

earned three wins and qualified for the 

FHSAA district and regional championships, 

while one team member qualified for the 

state championship. 

The Eagles earned wins over The First 

Academy, Lake Highland Prep, and 

Orangewood Christian during the regular 

season. In the district championship, the 

Eagles finished second out of six teams 

in the snatch discipline. At that event, the 

Weightlifting Team 

Eagles earned several individual wins, 

including Colby Helms who lifted a combined 250 pounds in the bench press / clean and jerk combination in the 

129-pound class. James Tanis, in the 238-pound class, won the bench press / clean and jerk combination by lifting a 

total of 520 pounds. In the snatch discipline, Jason Kong finished first in the 139-pound class, while Alexander Caballero 

won at the 199-pound class. Tanis also finished first in the snatch. 

Additionally, Tanis qualified for the state championship in the snatch discipline and represented Montverde Academy on 

the statewide stage. He finished a creditable fourth out of 20 weightlifters in the 219-pound division. 


BOYS TRACK AND FIELD 

The boys track and field team was the best in the state of 

Florida in 2022. They won five invitationals, including the 

Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state 

championship meet on May 12. Not only did the Eagles 

win, but the team won by a convincing margin, 24 points 

over the second-place team. 

In addition to winning the state’s top honor, the Eagles 

took first place in their FHSAA regional (5/5) and district 

(4/25) championship meets. During the course of the 

season, MVA also earned first place in the Citrus League 

championship (2/25), Mount Dora Christian Academy 

Invitational (3/29) and IMG Academy Invitational (4/9). 

The Eagles were led by Micah Larry who excelled as 

the season went on. He finished no worse than second 

in every event at each invitational, after the first meet 

of the season. He won 11 events overall in five different 

meets. Zyaire Nuriddin also had an all-American caliber 

season, winning 15 events total. He led the state of 

Florida with the fastest times on record this season in the 

100-meter dash and 400-meter dash. He blazed the way 

to victory in the 100-meter dash in 10.24 seconds at the 

district championship meet and ran the 400-meter dash 

in 45.78 seconds en route to victory at the Florida Relays 

on April 2. Alex Georgiev also had a fantastic season, 

winning eight pole vaulting events. He had the secondhighest 

height of the season in the state of Florida when 

he won the event at the Mount Dora Christian Academy 

Invitational with a height of 4.84 meters. 

Alex Georgiev 

Zyaire Nuriddin 

Michelle Smith 

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD 

The girls track and field team was solid in 2022, winning 

three invitationals, including the Florida High School 

Athletic Association (FHSAA) regional championship meet 

on May 5, the district championship meets on April 25 and 

the Florida State Relays on March 26. The Eagles also 

had solid second place finishes in the state championship 

meet on May 12, the Mount Dora Christian Academy 

Invitational on March 29, the Bolles Bulldog Classic on 

March 4 and the Citrus League championship on 

February 25. 

The Eagles were led by the duo of Micayah Holland and 

Michelle Smith. Holland won all eight 100-meter dash 

events she was entered in. She ran the fastest 100-meter 

dash in the state of Florida this year when winning it at the 

state championship meet in a time of 11.26 seconds. She 

also ran the fastest time in the state in the 200-meter dash 

when she won it at the state championship meet in 23.13 

seconds. Smith meanwhile earned a team-high 17 total 

wins, including the fastest 300-meter hurdles in a time of 

41.56 at the state championship meet. 

Micayah Holland 


COLLEGE 

SIGNING DAY 

Congratulations to our student-athletes who announced their college decisions during Signing Days on 

February 23, 2022 and May 4, 2022! Student-athletes earned a full or partial scholarship totaling nearly 

$10.5 million, bringing the 2021-22 total to $22.5 million. 

BoYoung Chang 

Lafayette College 

Golf 

Filip Jakubcik 

University of Arizona 

Golf 

Sakurako Tanaka 

Lander University 

Golf 

Kenny Leseur 

Butler University 

Golf 

Emma Kim 

University of South Florida 

Golf 

Chengqi “Naomi” Huang 

The Citadel 

Golf 

Ava Campione 

Concord University 

Soccer 

Amy Nguyen 

Grinnell College 

Golf 

Aidan Robertson 


Golf 

Gwangwook “Kyle” Kim 


Golf 

Thomas Taylor-Cross 

Queens University of Charlotte 

Golf 

Kaung “Jordan” Kyaw 

Emory and Henry College 

Golf 


Sabrina Oncins 

Benedictine College 

Volleyball 

Carolina Ribeiro Ferreira 

Daytona State College 

Volleyball 

Miliani Guzman 

Florida Atlantic University 

Softball 

Lucy Hartmann 

Colby Sawyer College 

Equestrian 

Emmy Hartmann 

Colby Sawyer College 

Equestrian 

Dilyara Bulambayeva 


Golf 

Taishi Shigaki 

Hofstra University 

Golf 

Nicole Shirley 

Covenant College 

Soccer 

Brian Ehrlich 

Indian River State College 

Baseball 

Paris Ford 


Softball 

TJ Wainwright 

Robert Morris University 

Basketball 

Leila Soto 


Soccer 

Ashley Conklin 

Emory University 

Track & Field 

Mia Dansby 


Track & Field 

Joshua Howe 

Limestone University 

Lacrosse 

Mathias Roy 


Tennis 


Jean Almeida, Jr. 


Swimming 

Catharina Schoch 

University of West Florida 

Tennis 

Guilherme Siqueira 

Warner University 

Tennis 

Tiago De Felicio 

Luther College 

Tennis 

Matthew Capuano 

Eastern University 

Soccer 

Kaushik Sriram 

Holy Names University 

Soccer 

Sidney Hartmann 


Soccer 

Max Hartmann 


Soccer 

Gabriel Ariza Ávila 

University of Tampa 

Soccer 

Marc Chin 

Syracuse University 

Soccer 

Guilherme Yamamoto 


Soccer 

Landon Davison 


Soccer 

David Robinson 

Jacksonville University 

Soccer 

Sydney Rivera 

University of South Florida 

Soccer 

Avril Rodriguez Melillo 


Soccer 

Alekzander Bates 

Wofford College 

Soccer 


Pedro Arruda 

IU-Purdue Univ. Indianapolis 

Soccer 

Kristina Duvnjak 

Ryerson University 

Soccer 

Maridza Desir 

Bethel University 

Soccer 

Yuo Torii 


Golf 

Haya Yoshizawa 

Georgia Southern University 

Soccer 

Misei Yoshizawa 

Virginia Tech University 

Soccer 

Joseph Andema 

Clemson University 

Soccer 

Noah Alves 

Emmanuel College 

Soccer 

DJ Jackson 

IU-Purdue Univ. Indianapolis 

Basketball 

Jermaine Ballisager Webb 

American University 

Basketball 

Colin Killian 

Franciscan University 

Basketball 

Bayley Crawford 

Southwest Baptist University 

Basketball 

Mateo Arevalo Luna 

Penn State Berks 

Basketball 

Jarred Frankle 

Converse University 

Basketball 

Emmett Hendry 


Basketball 

Bess Chan 

Univ. of British Columbia Okanagan 

Golf 


Andres Asin 

Lynn University 

Golf 

Zachary Colon 

Virginia Commonwealth Univ. 

Golf 

Gianfranco Lopreiato 

American International College 

Soccer 

Jacob Parent 

University of Montevallo 

Soccer 

Nikos Diaz 

Sarah Lawrence College 

Soccer 

Daniel Malheiros 

University of St. Thomas 

Soccer 

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 

2021-22 CHAMPIONS 

BOYS LACROSSE 

Citrus League Champions 

BOYS BASKETBALL 

GEICO High School Nationals Champions 

GIRLS BASKETBALL 

GEICO High School Nationals Champions 

SOFTBALL 

FHSAA 3A District 7 Champions 

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY 


BOYS TRACK & FIELD 



FHSAA 2A Region 2 Champions 

FHSAA 2A State Champions 

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD 



GIRLS BEACH VOLLEYBALL 



GIRLS VOLLEYBALL 


BOYS SWIMMING 


GIRLS SWIMMING 




A Historic Year for MVA 

BASKETBALL 


Never before had a high school have both its 

boys’ and girls’ basketball teams win the GEICO 

High School Nationals tournament in the same 

year. Montverde Academy put an end to that 

drought in the 2021-22 season when 

the Eagles made history by 

becoming the first high school 

to ever win the GEICO High 

School Nationals championship 

in boys’ and girls’ basketball in 

the same year. 

DARIQ WHITEHEAD ʼ22 

Naismith Player of the Year 

MaxPreps National Player of the Year 

McDonaldʼs All-American 

Naismith First Team 

JANIAH BARKER ʼ22 

Naismith Second Team 



Girls and Boys Varsity Teams and Coaching Staff 

On April 2, the Montverde Academy boys’ and girls’ 

basketball teams both won their respective championship 

games at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers. 

The boys defeated Link Academy, 60-49, while the girls 

beat New Hope, 67-54, to secure Montverde Academy’s 

place in GEICO High School Nationals basketball history. 

The win by the boys marked the sixth time in program 

history they have won the GEICO High School Nationals 

championship, while the girls won the title for the first time 

in program history. 

“As a school community we are in awe and incredibly 

proud,” said Mrs. Khrystal Phiri, Director of Athletic 

Operations. “It is amazing to be a small part of the history 

they made.” 

The boys were the No. 3 seed in the eight-team 

tournament. First, they defeated No. 6 seed AZ Compass, 

70-63, in the quarterfinal round before beating in-state 

rival, No. 2 seed IMG Academy in the semifinal round, to 

set the stage for the national championship showdown 

against No. 4 seed Link Academy, whom they beat to win 

it all. 

“We didn’t have as great of a regular season as we 

thought we should have. The guys worked extremely hard 

the last seven weeks for three hours each day, six days a 

As a school 

community we are in 

awe and incredibly 

proud. It is amazing to 

be a small part of the 

history they made. 

Mrs. Khrystal Phiri, Director of Athletic Operations 

week,” said Mr. Kevin Boyle, Head Coach. “They 

gave it their all, and worked so hard to achieve this 

accomplishment, and their hard work paid off.” 

The girls not only won the championship for the first time, 

but it was the first time the Lady Eagles earned a spot in 

the national tournament. The girls earned the No. 3 seed 

in the five-team competition, and they defeated in-state 


ival, No. 2 seed DME Academy, 67-54, in the semifinal 

round, before topping top seeded New Hope Academy in 

the championship game to officially claim the first national 

championship in Montverde Academy girls’ basketball history. 

“When I became the head coach of the girls’ program two 

years ago, I knew I had three goals in mind: to graduate all 

seniors, to bring this program into national prominence and 

to win national championships,” said Mrs. Special Jennings, 

Girls Basketball Head Coach. “To be the first to ever bring 

this prestigious academy a national championship is an honor 

I’ll never forget. It is a memory that I’ll cherish for a lifetime. 

The best part of it all is that we’re just getting started.” 

Upon the historic wins, the Academy threw a campus-wide 

parade to celebrate the milestone. With both championship 

trophies in tow, the players and coaches from both teams 

boarded the back of pick-up trucks and did a loop around 

Palanti Family Circle, to the roar of the entire student body, 

including those in Upper School, Middle School, and Lower 

School, along with faculty, staff, and residents. 

After their three wins in the GEICO High School Nationals, 

the boys ended their season 23-4 overall, and had several 

players earn postseason awards in the process. Dariq 

Whitehead, who had been with the team since eighth 

grade and had won three national championships with 

MVA before winning again this year, earned McDonalds 

Dillon Mitchell 


All-American honors, and was named the game’s most 

valuable player too. He also was the recipient of the Jersey 

Mike’s Naismith Trophy for most outstanding high school 

basketball player, he was the MaxPreps National Player of 

the Year and he earned All-NIBC first team honors. He was 

also named the GEICO High School Nationals tournament 

most valuable player. 

Jalen Hood-Schifino earned All-NIBC third team honors and 

was named to the NIBC all-defensive team. He also earned 

Naismith third team honors. Dillon Mitchell was named a 

McDonalds All-American, earned Naismith second team 

honors, All-NIBC defensive team and MaxPreps third 

team honors. 

“This campus has a commitment to excellence, drive for 

growth, and the willingness to be accountable. As iron 

sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” Phiri 

added. “Simply put it is our culture and the people that 

make up our community.” 

To be the first to ever bring 

this prestigious academy a 

national championship is 

an honor I’ll never forget. 

It is a memory that I’ll 

cherish for a lifetime. The 

best part of it all is that 

we’re just getting started. 

Mrs. Special Jennings, Girls Basketball Head Coach 

Mjracle Shephard 

Fernanda Ovalle 


Overall, the girls finished 20-3 on the season marking 

the third time in the past four seasons the Eagles had 

at least 20 wins. Janiah Barker earned four individual 

post-season awards, including being named a McDonalds 

All-American, WBCA All-American, Naismith second 

team honors, Baden first team All-American honors and a 

Jordan Brand Classic selection. Fatima Diakhate was an 

All-Canadian Games selection, while Mjracle Shephard 

was named GEICO High School Nationals tournament 

most valuable player. Fernanda Ovalle, who led the team 

with 21 points in the championship game, was named to 

the all-tournament team. 

“Sustaining a culture of excellence is no small task… 

careful and deliberate attention to detail, to self-discipline, 

and work ethic in the classroom and in competition is 

hard work, but the reward is a manifestation of that 

commitment,” Montverde Academy President Dr. Kasey 

C. Kesselring said. “I am super proud of both teams, their 

coaching staffs, and our school community.” 

Fatima Diakhate 

DILLON MITCHELL ʼ22 

Naismith Second Team 


JALEN HOOD-SCHIFINO ʼ22 

Naismith Third Team 

McDonaldʼs All-American Nominee 


DARIQ WHITEHEAD 


It would be difficult for anyone who looks at Dariq Whitehead’s basketball 

accomplishments during his time at Montverde Academy to say he was not 

one of the most successful student-athletes in school history. 

In his four and a half years at MVA, Dariq was a part of three GEICO 

High School Nationals championship teams and four high school national 

championship teams overall. His personal merits this year alone, Naismith 

High School Player of the Year, MaxPreps National Player of the Year, first 

team All-NIBC, McDonalds All-American (game MVP) on top of earning 

the GEICO High School Nationals tournament most valuable player, speak 

for themselves. 

The accomplishments are many, but the road Dariq took to reach the 

pinnacle of success in high school basketball was not handed off to 

him without him having to earn his stripes. Dariq credits his success on 

the court and in the classroom to the humble beginnings he endured at 

Montverde Academy to propel him to the successful trajectory he is on 

today. 

As a 13-year-old eighth grader from Newark, NJ, Dariq enrolled at 

Montverde Academy. While he easily could have easily played basketball 

and been the star immediately at 99 percent of the school varsity teams 

in the United States, he stayed at Montverde Academy and saw limited 

playing time while his older teammates, including future NBA 

talents like RJ Barrett, logged the majority of time on the court. 

“It was definitely hard in the beginning and there were times I didn’t 

want to stay. I knew I could have gone somewhere else and started right 

away,” Dariq recalls. “But my family knew I was in a great place here and 

encouraged me to trust the process and keep working hard.” 

The results have been tenfold for Dariq. As a result of staying the course, 

Dariq learned discipline and personal responsibility in the process, while 

developing a character and a maturity that is difficult to match. He credits 

his family, the MVA basketball coaching staff and Montverde Academy as a 

whole for his great student success. 

“Coach Boyle and my family really helped me understand basketball more 

than I ever could,” Dariq said. “They saw the bigger picture when I didn’t 

always see it. Being with this program helped develop me from a boy to 

a man.” 

Dariq is well on his way to successful adulthood. His willingness to grow 

and learn catapulted him from a young middle schooler who barely saw 

time on the court to the most celebrated high school basketball player in 

the United States. 

Upon graduation from MVA, Dariq will continue his education at Duke 

University in Durham, North Carolina where he will be a member of its 

legendary men’s basketball program. He aspires to play professionally in 

the National Basketball Association after that. 


2022-23 THEATRE SEASON 

The Broadway Musical! 

SEPTEMBER 29 - OCTOBER 2, 2022 

NOVEMBER 10-13 

2022 

The 

Miraculous 

Journey 

FEBRUARY 10-12 

2023 

of 

Edward 

Tulane 

THE 

WOLVES 

BLACK BOX SERIES 

DECEMBER 9-10 


Shakespeare 

Returns! 

APRIL 14-16 

2023 

MONTVERDE ACADEMY 

Festival 

MARCH 25-26 

APRIL 1-2 

2023

A Year in Review 

By Mr. Dean Bell, Director of Arts 

Ashton Appadu and Sydney Barker in “The Sound of Music” 


Megan Lindberg and Brianna Monahan 

Aaron Kaufman in “Little Shop of Horrors” 

One of the many wonderful things I enjoy about living in Central Florida is the ability 

to very quickly and easily visit the theme parks and enjoy the many things they have 

to offer. On a recent visit driving to Disney World, I got caught up contemplating their 

slogan, “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” as I drove under their entry arches. 

While I would never argue that premise with Disney, I couldn’t help but think how the 

Fine Arts at Montverde Academy, and especially the Music and Theatre Conservatories, 

might be in strong contention for designation as “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” 

When one considers the number of shows, concerts, 

recitals and the like the department undertakes in the 

course of the year, the level to which these are produced, 

the accolades achieved, and the joy these provide not 

only to our students, but also countless students, families 

and community members; one cannot help but believe a 

bit of magic exists within our borders as well. 

Vocal Students: 

• Produced the musical “A… My Name is Alice” 

• Presented the always magical “Lessons and Carols” 

at the Clermont Performing Arts Center 

• Sang a “Bach, Beethoven and Beyond” concert 

which featured songs preparing for Solo & Ensemble 

Competition 

• Won six Superior ratings at Solo & Ensemble 

Competition 

• Brought home an Excellent rating in MPAA Choir 

Competition 

• Wrote and performed the Cabaret, “Charming: A 

Cinderella Story” which christened the new W. Daniel 

Mills stage in Lindor Hall 

• Spotlighted senior, Alejandra Quintana, in her senior 

recital 

• Presented an end-of-the-year formal recital 

• Sent three All-State singers (Ashlyn Anderson, Olivia 

Fontana and Elana Young) to the Florida Music 

Education Association Conference 

• Shared the stage with professional singers Ben 

Gulley, Callie Day and Daniel Emmet 

String Students: 

• Sent two All-State musicians (Jason Tejada-Chancay 

and Vaasu Gadiparthi) to the Florida Music Education 

Association Conference 

• Had every entrant in Solo & Ensemble Competition 

achieve a Superior Rating 


Tatriana Hinds and Nidhi Krishna 

Cast of “Charming: A Cinderella Story” 

• Presented an All-Strings Concert featuring our 

students from grades 2-12 which celebrated Music in 

Our Schools month 

• Partnered with Wekiva High School to bring in Mark 

Wood, an electric violinist, for Master classes and a 

combined concert called “Electrify Your Orchestra” 

• Concluded the year with a “May the Fourth Be With 

You” concert 

Piano Students: 

Our piano students partnered with many of the above 

activities, and also: 

• Won three medals, including a gold medal, at the 

Central Florida Music Teachers Association Sonata 

Festival 

• Received three superior ratings at Solo & Ensemble 

Competition 

• Spotlighted senior, James Tanis, in his senior recital 

• All of the above occurring while 87 percent of the 

Music Conservatory students maintained Honor Roll 

status academically. 

Theatre Students: 

• Produced the musical “The Secret Garden” and 

received 16 Applause Award nominations for the 

production 

• Premiered the commissioned play, “Time Bros.” 

written by Mallory Vance 

• Participated in FTC auditions 

• Presented the original work, “Stone” as a One-Act at 

District ITS Competition and received Top Honors, as 

well as 12 other honors 

• Received 14 Excellent, 20 Superior and four Top 

Honors at ITS Districts 

• Staged “The Sound of Music” to three sold-out houses 

and received 17 Applause Award nominations for the 

production 

• Had the One-Act, “Stone,” elevated to a Mainstage 

production at State ITS and presented two 

performances in Ferguson Hall 

• Received 1 Excellent, five Superiors, and two Top 

Honors at the State ITS Festival 

• Presented the classic play, “Twelve Angry Jurors” 

• Wrote and presented five Senior Freeplays 

• Staged four Junior One-Acts 

• Were awarded three Applause Awards (CJ Rosado, 

Supporting Actor; Lily Downs, Outstanding Singer; 

Kathy Wiebe-LaPlante, Lighting Design) 

• Have one finalist in the Applause Awards competing 

for Outstanding Lead (Sydney Barker) 

• Created and performed the inaugural “Legacy 

Concert” inspired by the memory of William 

Daniel Mills 

• All of the above occurring while 80 percent of the 

Theatre Conservatory students maintained Honor Roll 

status academically. 

Additionally, our Middle School theatre returned to the 

stage this season with a production of “Little Shop 

of Horrors.” 


Cast of “Twelve Angry Jurors” 

Cast of “The Sound of Music” 

All told, there were over 40 nights of major performances 

attributed to these programs over the course of the year. 

And those programs were produced by approximately 50 

students and seven instructors. 

CJ Rosado 

APPLAUSE AWARDS 

So, I hereby am throwing my glove down to challenge for 

the right to be “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Those 

of you who are alumni of the programs, those of you 

who are current students, our families, our Arts Alliance 

members, and our faithful patrons already know the magic 

we create here, and will continue to expand upon. 

Take a look at next year’s season and plan now to be a 

part of the magic! 

Legacy Concert 


2022-23 MUSIC SEASON 

Enjoy American music from the 1920-60s 

AMERICAN 

VOCAL 

SALON 

Oct. 27-29 


DECEMBER 3, 2022 

AMERICAN TOP 40 

100 YEARS OF BROADWAY 

JAN. 20 2023 

••MUSIC CABERET•• 

American Top 40 hits 

from the 1960s 

to today. 

MARCH 

30 & 31 

2023

RELATIONS 

By Mrs. Nyoshie Higgins, Alumni Relations and Engagement Officer 

Camilo Moreno ’19 

Camilo Jose Moreno 

Vasquez ʼ19 feels one 

of the greatest things he 

learned at MVA was how 

to bring people together 

and that truly shaped 

the trajectory of his life. 

“I am fortunate to say 

that Montverde Academy 

shaped the path I am 

walking on now. It was 

at the Academy that I 

developed a passion for 

sports, music, dance, and event planning. As part of the 

Prefect group, I made long-lasting memories and hosted 

different events for the student body. I learned new 

traditions, languages, costumes, and dances that make 

each culture unique. Apart from that, Montverde Academy 

cultivated that sense of family and community.” 

After he graduated in 2019, Camilo went on to 

Erskine College where he currently studies Business 

Administration and Sports Management. In January, his 

passion opened doors for him to become an adjunct 

professor for dance at Erskine. He was also re-elected 

as Campus Life Assistant for 2022-23. 

Camilo is originally from Nicaragua and reflects that one 

of his fondest memories from MVA is when a group of 

his friends secretly collected money to pay for his flight 

back home. “It was during a challenging time in my life 

emotionally and economically. They had already asked for 

I am fortunate to say that 

Monverde Academy shaped 

the path I am walking on now. 

Camilo Moreno Vasquez 

permission from the Dean, talked to my family, and fully 

paid and scheduled my flight. A memory I will never forget.” 

He truly feels that by being here, his classmates became 

friends, eventually turning into family. 

When asked if there was any advice he would like to give 

current students, he said, “I would advise taking advantage 

of the time they have with their friends, classmates, 

roommates, and teammates. To make memories, learn 

from them, and support them on their journey. Kindness 

goes a long way. I would also advise them to get started 

researching about where they would like to go to college 

and following up with their advisors.” Camilo will be fully 

involved with the Academy this summer as a Senior 

Counselor at our on-campus Day Camp. 

The future is bright for Camilo, and we know he would like 

to keep growing in his professional field and gain as much 

experience as possible so he can be a great candidate for 

any job he may wish to apply for once he graduates. In his 

final words, he said, “Go Eagles!” 


Johnna Messam ’03 and 

Jena Messam Janse ’07 

Anyone who attended Montverde Academy during the 

mid 2000s has fondly mentioned Johnna Messam ’03 and 

Jena Messam Janse ’07. They were highly active and 

involved students on campus. Their names are mentioned 

affectionately by alumni and teachers alike because they 

definitely left their mark on campus. 

They hail from the islands of Turks and Caicos and their 

parents decided that Montverde Academy would be a great 

school to send them to because of the community they felt 

it would provide for them. Johnna explained, “There were 

many changes and uncertainties for us, moving to the 

United States, being away from home, not having family 

nearby. All these concerns were alleviated when we met 

dorm mothers, friends (who have become family), and 

some of the best teachers anyone could ask for.” 

I became a better, more 

mature version of myself. I met 

incredible people that would 

always be in my life and in my 

heart, most importantly MVA 

became a part of my legacy. 

Johnna Messam 

Johnna Messam attended MVA for two years. She had 

already graduated high school in Turks, but as she was 

only 16 at the time, her parents believed her next steps 

should be college preparatory school. “My dream was to 

move to New York City to go to college. My Caribbean 

mother wouldn’t have it, in fact, she insisted that the only 

way I could move to New York is if I did prep school. I 

reluctantly agreed and we began the search for the best 

school. Of all the schools that were recommended and 

we visited, I chose Montverde Academy but what I didn’t 

know then, was my life would forever be changed.” 

Initially, she thought two years seemed too long, but 

before she left the Academy, she realized they were truly 

Jena Messam Janse and Johnna Messam 

transformational years, “I became a better, more mature 

version of myself. I met incredible people that would 

always be in my life and in my heart, most importantly 

MVA became a part of my legacy.” Johnna says, “On 

graduation day, I didn’t know where the time had gone 

and wished I had more.” 

Johnna’s dreams did eventually come true. After 

graduating from MVA she made it to New York. She 

thanks Mr. Brian (former choir teacher) and Mr. Craig 

(former theatre teacher) who were instrumental in making 

her dreams a reality. She studied Musical Theater at 

American Musical and Dramatic Academy and shortly 

after graduation she landed a leading role in Hairspray, 

a professional show! 

She also sends thanks to Dr. Kesselring, Ms. Tortora, 

Mrs. Warner (former dorm mother), Mr. Delmolino, and 

a handful of others for the role they played in shaping 

her future in such a brief period. “I am forever grateful!” 


Jena expresses the same affection for the Academy as 

her older sister, “Coming from a small island my extended 

family was filled with questions and there were many 

preconceived notions of what boarding school would 

be like, but MVA ended up being the opposite of that. It 

was such a joy to come to Montverde Academy...Being 

at Montverde Academy was one of the most beautiful 

experiences of my life because the friends I made there 

I still have today. Students, especially from the boarding 

program, were from all over the world but no one stood 

out. We just all got along, and it was beautiful.” 

The foundation MVA gave me 

was everything I needed to 

succeed in business because of 

the confidence I gained, and 

the love and security I felt from 

teachers and my dorm parents. 

I gained so many valuable assets 

that allowed me to develop as a 

human and as an entrepreneur. 

Jena also authored a book on marriage preparedness 

called Ring Ready: A Practical Playbook on How to 

Find, Keep and Marry Mr. Right, which she wrote for a 

community of women she felt had a vacuum of resources 

on how to have a healthy long-term relationship. She 

hopes to draft more books in the future and to work 

closely with young women helping them to know their 

value. In 2020, she and her husband bought a high-end 

store located in a bustling tourist area in downtown Turks 

Island where they sell fragrances, fine jewelry, and are 

the island’s exclusive Pandora ® dealer. 

Jena says, “The foundation Montverde Academy gave me 

was everything I needed to succeed in business because 

of the confidence I gained, and the love and security I felt 

from teachers and my dorm parents. I gained so many 

valuable assets that allowed me to develop as a human 

and as an entrepreneur.” 

When we asked the Messam sisters if they had any 

advice to give our current MVA students they said: “Focus 

on what you do to improve the school and make life 

better. Be solution-oriented. Embrace what you have now, 

do not complain but enjoy the beauty of the experience 

you are in.” 

Jena Messam Janse 

As a student the routines that were put in place were 

sometimes difficult, but Jena believes it contributed to her 

being a responsible adult. She remembers being on the 

judicial committee, the debate team, and track and field, 

and participating in drama and the weekend activities that 

came with the being a boarding student. 

Jena Messam 

Janse ʼ07 

When asked about the path her life has taken and 

the role the Academy played, she says, “MVA was 

foundational in my life. It felt like more than an education; 

it felt like a community and a family.” 

After graduation, Jena Messam Janse went to Lynn 

University in Boca Raton. She graduated with a Bachelor 

of Science in International Business in 2011. After 

college, she returned to the Caribbean and worked 

as a brand manager for one of the largest beverage 

distributors in Nassau, Bahamas. She then relocated 

back to Turks Island in a similar position where she met 

her husband Robin Jane and they now have a beautiful 

2-year-old daughter, Sahalie Janse. 

Johnna Messam ʼ03 


Kency Duarte ’07 

Kency Duarte attended Montverde Academy for his junior 

and senior years, graduating in 2007. He was co-captain 

of the 2007 baseball team that finished as State Runnerup. 

His baseball career continued to soar when he played 

Division I baseball at Alabama A&M University, starting 

all four years, and earned the student-athlete award the 

last three years he was there. After college, Kency played 

for the Puerto Rico professional baseball organization for 

three years before starting a career in an international 

accounting firm having completed a Bachelor of Science 

(B.S.) in Accounting from Alabama A&M. He has worked 

the past 10 years as an accountant and recently began 

working at Arledge & Associates, in Oklahoma City, 

Oklahoma where he has already been promoted to 

senior manager and hopes to become a partner in the 

firm one day. 

Kency has carried the MVA spirit of community and 

service with him along the years, having recently 

received the On the Horizon Award by the Oklahoma 

City Young Professionals. This award recognizes young 

professionals who are positively impacting the community 

with their leadership, volunteerism, and stewardship. 

In early 2022, He was nominated and later selected for 

the Trailblazer Award by the Oklahoma Society of CPAs, 

which is awarded to members who are under the age of 

40 and have five or fewer years of CPA experience. 

MVA provided me with the 

necessary tools to be successful 

after graduation. With the skills 

and values learned it certainly 

set me up to be successful in life 

after school. 

Kency Duarte 

Kency does not believe that the success he has 

experienced is by accident, “Montverde Academy 

provided me with the necessary tools to be successful 

after graduation. With the skills and values I learned, it 

certainly set me up to be successful in life after school.” 

said Kency. 

“Being involved in a school with so many different 

cultures provided an opportunity for growth as an 

individual that many don’t get to experience.” 

When he thinks back to his time at the Academy he 

remembers the strong relationships he built and still has 

to this day. “Itʼs a unique feeling of joy when I see alumni 

reach their goals as well as the positive impact MVA has 

on the students and community.” 

Kency has been married for more than seven years to 

Maryorie Montalvo who is currently pursuing her PhD. 

They are pet parents to a mini farm: two mini horses, 

one potbelly pig, a chihuahua named Ginger, a German 

shepherd named Kona, and chickens that provide fresh 

eggs for the ultimate backyard to table experience. 

In closing, Kency leaves some good advice to our current 

MVA community, “Do not allow life to come at you, but 

instead take action to move towards reaching your goals, 

one day at a time. Invest more energy in utilizing your 

strengths than developing your weaknesses. Let yourself 

be seen and heard. We can all add value and be of 

positive impact with our strengths that speaks volume to 

those around us. I will forever cherish my time at MVA 

and be a proud Eagle!” 


Dr. Judith Willems ʼ84 

Dr. Judith Willems arrived at Montverde Academy at the 

tender age of 12 from Aruba. Her family was seeking 

better educational opportunities for her and believed that 

MVA would be the perfect environment for her to thrive. 

It was her first time being away from her family and 

although it was a daunting experience, she was able to 

adapt to campus quickly. Judith believes that coming to 

the Academy and completing high school was one of the 

most life-altering choices in her life and truly set her on 

the path to achieving her dreams of becoming a doctor. 

“High school is the place where we start our learning 

phase of life. High school grows you into the person you 

are today,” said Dr. Willems. “I always wanted to be a 

doctor, even when I was in high school. My experience 

at MVA has influenced my development as a person. It 

made me independent, helped me choose friends wisely, 

and accomplish goals I had set for myself. It helped me 

contribute to the realization of my dreams and aspirations. 

I became a doctor because I love helping people. The 

school also taught us valuable life lessons that we can 

incorporate in our daily lives. My school life helped me 

learn dedication and self-actualization.” 

She graduated with the class of 1984 and went to college in 

the Dominican Republic, where her mother resided, and in 

1992 graduated from the Medical Faculty of the University 

Eugenio Maria de Hostos, Dominican Republic. In 1994, 

she graduated with a Master’s degree in Clinical Sexology 

from the University of APEC, Dominican Republic. 

She returned to Aruba where she met her husband, Hans 

Willems, who is Dutch, and they moved to the Netherlands 

after their nuptials. The move resulted in her having to 

complete medical school again, but that did not deter 

her. Being a doctor had been in her heart since she was 

a child and although the road had been challenging to 

accomplish that dream fully, she had not given up! 

In 2004, while pregnant, she was determined to begin 

medical school in the Netherlands. In 2008, she 

received her revalidation at the University of Groningen 

(Rijksuniversiteit Groningen), Netherlands. For the last 22 

years she has lived and worked in the Netherlands certified 

as a medical doctor where she works at a mental health 

clinic intensive care unit as a mental care general doctor. 

Last year, Judith contracted COVID-19 and spent eight 

months in the hospital where she almost died. She says 

it’s been a long road to recovery, but she is thankful for life 

and that she can continue to be here for her family and 

hopefully see her son become a professional baseball 

My experience at MVA has 

influenced my development as a 

person. It made me independent, 

helped me choose friends wisely, 

and accomplish goals I had set 

for myself. 

Dr. Judith Willems 

player one day. She also knows that this is a second 

chance and intends to continue to serve as a doctor and 

will focus on those with mental health conditions. 

Judith is also the founder of the first MVA Facebook 

alumni group which has been instrumental in reconnecting 

alumni to former classmates and the school. She initially 

started the group on Hotmail messenger many years ago 

and it has now grown to a more than 1,000 member page. 

When we asked Judith if she had any advice for our 

current students she said: “You can succeed without over 

exerting yourself. Less stress and anxiety. When you earn 

your degree, you accomplish a big step in your life. Be 

yourself, gain knowledge, skills, and experience to help 

you both in your career and in life in general. There is 

always time to study and be what you want in life.” 


1 

2 

3 4 5 6 

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES 

1966 

GLENN EDWARD 

BERNHARD owned an AM/ 

FM radio station for 20 years. 

he also owned a computer 

sales/service store for 15 

years and worked in the 

FL School for the Deaf and 

the Blind Special Needs 

department for 15 years. 

1972 

MRS. PATRICIA TURNER 

(1) celebrated her 50th 

year after graduating from 

MVA. She visited campus 

this spring for the first time 

since graduation and we 

received her with open arms. 

She fondly remembers her 

Miss Congeniality award in 

the Miss MVA pageant. She 

worked at Riverwood Golf 

Club before retiring. She now 

spends her days camping 

around the country with 

her husband. 

1977 

KEITH FEES celebrates 45 

years since graduating from 

MVA. He currently is in the 

oil refinery business in Texas 

where he lives with his wife 

and has several children 

and grandchildren. This past 

January, he came to campus 

for the first time in decades 

to attend the MAIT alumni 

homecoming weekend. He 

enjoyed his time connecting 

with old friends and other 

alumni while here. 

1983 

After graduating from MVA, 

SHIGEYUKI NAKAJIMA 

studied at Temple University 

and Stetson University 

to obtain a BA and MA, 

respectively. Upon returning 

to Japan, he has been 

teaching English and other 

subjects such as International 

Relations and World History 

at various schools in Tokyo. 

“Thanks to Montverde 

Academy for my memorable 

teenage years!” 

1990 

MIGUEL ELIAS owns his 

own law practice that serves 

the state of Louisiana. He 

resides in Kenner with his 

wife and four daughters. He is 

the First Hispanic Magistrate 

Judge for the City of Kenner 

and the First Magistrate 

Judge to preside over the 

Division for Domestic Abuse 

in Kenner Mayor’s Court. 

2002 

CHRIS MITCHELL and 

JESSE MEADOW ʼ04 (2) 

have just ventured into 

their third year running their 

business Schoolcraft Digital, 

a digital marketing firm 

specifically geared to K-12 

Independent Schools. “It’s 

exciting to be able to continue 

to follow our passions for 

independent schools and 

build our business off of our 

foundations and experiences 

made at MVA.” Through 

working with the Academy 

and sponsoring a variety of 

events each year Jesse and 

Chris have used Schoolcraft 

as another way to engage 

with and grow the MVA family. 

2007 

KENCY DUARTE (3) 

was selected for the 2022 

Trailblazer Award which is 

given to young accounting 

professionals through the 

Oklahoma Society of CPAs. 

Congratulations on your 

accomplishment! 

Congratulations to ASHLEY 

THOMPSON (4) awaiting the 

arrival of a second daughter 

this summer! She has one 

bonus daughter and a 

3-year-old daughter with her 

husband. 

Congratulations to JOE 

KATUKA (5), CBD and 

Varsity Basketball team 

coach at MVA, who received 

the Sunshine Independent 

Athletic Association SIAA 

Coach of the Year award! 


7 8 9 

10 11 

SEND US YOUR CLASS NOTES! Send Class Notes submissions and a high-resolution (at least 300 dpi) photos to 

nyoshie.higgins@montverde.org or mail to Class Notes at MVA, 17235 Seventh Street, Montverde, FL 34756. 

2011 

VICTOR SAVIAN (6) 

married Thaís Fusco this 

past January with the 

blessing of their parents. 

Victor was a part of the first 

soccer program at MVA. He 

graduated from UNIP in 2020 

and works in foreign trade in 

Valinhos, Brazil. 

2012 

CLAIRE XIONG (7), 2012 

MVA Salutatorian, completed 

her undergraduate at UC 

Berkeley with a Bachelor’s 

of Arts in Economics and 

Media Studies. She got her 

first MBA from Said Business 

School, the University of 

Oxford in 2021. She recently 

received her second MBA 

from Jones Graduate School 

of Business at Rice University 

in May 2022. She will begin 

a career at Google ® as a 

growth strategy manager. 

2013 

Congratulations to KAILIN 

(KESSELRING) GRAVES 

(8) on her marriage to Ethan 

Graves. The Tennessee 

wedding was attended 

by several alumni and 

Montverde Academy faculty. 

Wishing you all the best! 

LUJIA “LUKE” ZHANG (9) 

graduated from Rose Hulman 

Institute of Technology 

with a bachelor’s degree 

focused in computer science, 

software engineering, and 

mathematics in 2017. He 

also completed a Master of 

Science in Machine Learning 

in 2021. He is a senior 

data scientist at Resultant. 

Lujia is making his mark in 

Indiana as he was featured 

in the Indianapolis Business 

Journal “Twenty in Their 20s” 

which has led to speaking 

engagements and local 

television appearances. He 

is currently a member of the 

highly coveted Stanley K 

Lacy Executive Leadership 

Series-Class XLV and a 

Board member of CFA 

Society Indianapolis. 

JANKI PATEL (10) attended 

DePaul College where she 

majored in political science. 

She was a part of De Paul 

College Dance Marathon, 

the Dean’s List, Dean’s 

Scholarship, Delta Zeta, and 

served as a Recruitment 

Counselor. In May 2022, 

she graduated Magna Cum 

Laude from the University of 

Illinois College of Law. She 

has accepted an associate 

position at Thompson 

Coburn, LLP 

in Chicago. 

CORINNE MISSI (11) aka 

“Miss Missi,” completed 

her studies in actuarial 

mathematics and business 

administration from Spring 

Hill College in 2017. That 

same year, she won the 

crown of Miss Africa USA 

2017-18 with the social 

project of empowering young 

girls in STEM (Science, 

Technology, Engineering, 

and Mathematics) education. 

For the last three years, Miss 

Missi has been the founder 

and promoter of SACAY, a 

group of two companies: 

textile garment manufacturing 

and a wood carpentry/joinery 

whose mission is to contribute 

to the industrialization of 

the African continent for 

sustainable development, 

financial independence, and 

a considerable increase in 

employment. 

2014 

SHAFA NATHANI is currently 

at Tufts University School of 

Dental Medicine and is slated 

to graduate in 2024. 

2015 

Congratulations to SKYLAR 

KNIGHT who was recently 

promoted to the highly 

competitive position of 


12 13 14 15 

16 17 18 


Investigative Case Specialist 

at the U.S. Department of 

State. He has also joined the 

MVA Alumni Board and will 

be helping to establish our 

Inaugural MVA Mentorship 

program in the fall of 2022. 

JAKE LABRADOR (12) 

has been in ministry full 

time since leaving MVA. 

He is currently attending 

Lee University studying 

Pastoral Ministry. He works 

at Discovery Church Sand 

Lake Campus and resides 

in Windermere with his wife 

McCayla and daughter Kaia. 

2016 

MANOLY JOSE 

BAQUERIZO (13) graduated 

from Clayton State University 

in 2020 with a Bachelorʼs 

degree in Biology. After 

graduating, she became a 

professional soccer player in 

Spain. Currently, she plays 

on the Ecuadorian Women’s 

National Team, which 

recently qualified for the 

Copa America World cup this 

summer. 

JENNA EDWARDS (14) 

relocated to Spain in 2017 

where she completed a 

Bachelor’s degree in History 

and Spanish at Saint 

Louis University - Madrid 

Campus and a Master’s 

degree in Marketing and 

Communications at IE 

University. She recently 

accepted a job offer as a 

Digital Consultant in 

Madrid, Spain. 

Congrats to ISABELLA 

OJEDA (15) on her 

engagement to Mario 

Benedetti. She works for 

a company called Culture 

Accelerators as a Client and 

Community Engagement 

Manager. The company is a 

strategic advisory firm and 

change catalyst to senior 

executives in healthcare, 

education, tech-driven 

corporations, and the public 

sector. 

2017 

SAM VICTOR graduated 

from Embry-Riddle 

Aeronautical University where 

he majored in homeland 

security and is currently 

pursuing his Master’s degree 

in Cybersecurity. He has 

accepted a position at BNSF 

Railway as an IT auditing 

management trainee. 

NATALIA RODRIGUEZ (16) 

graduated from the University 

of Michigan, Ross School of 

Business in 2021 and played 

collegiate softball (making the 

Big 10 All Defensive Team 

and 3x Big 10 Champion). 

She currently lives in 

Portland, Oregon working in 

commercial banking for Bank 

of America. She continues to 

be a member of the Puerto 

Rican Women’s National 

Softball Team and will 

compete next in The 

World Games 2022. 

Congratulations to MORGAN 

KAUFFMAN (17) on 

completing her Master’s 

Degree in Communication & 

Business Leadership at High 

Point University. She will be 

working as a news producer 

for FOX8 in High Point, NC. 

2018 

KATHERINE CARPENTER 

(18) graduated from Lake- 

Sumter State College with 

AA in 2020. She played 

indoor volleyball at LSSC 

her freshman year and the 

team made it to the national 

tournament and finished 

11th in the nation. In her 

sophomore year, she was a 

part of the first-ever beach 

volleyball program at LSSC. 

She is currently working at 

Global Sourcing Group in 

marketing and sales. 

JULIAN PERICO (19) is a 

senior at the University of 

Arkansas and plays golf for 

the Razorbacks. He was the 

2021 Arnold Palmer Cup 

62 THE TOWER | WINTER 2021

19 20 21 22 

23 24 25 26 

selection and the first player 

from Peru ever selected 

for the Arnold Palmer Cup 

and just the third in South 

America. Congratulations! 

WARIBOKO SEMENITARI 

(20) completed The 

University of Minnesota/ 

Guthrie Theater BFA Actor 

Training Program this past 

May and will graduate with 

his Bachelor’s degree in 

December 2022. He will 

appear in “12 Angry Men” this 

summer at Theater Latte’ Da 

in Minneapolis. 

JUSTIN CINTRON (21) 

graduated from the 

University of Florida in 2022 

with a Bachelor of Arts in 

Criminology. He is currently 

working for Rumberger Kirk 

Law as a Litigation Support 

Clerk while prepping for the 

LSAT Exam. 

AISHA GREEN (22) 

graduated as a Distinguished 

Scholar from Duke University 

with a Bachelor’s degree in 

Neuroscience in May 2022. 

She is currently working in a 

lab at Duke while publishing 

her senior thesis and is 

slated to start a Master’s 

Program in Neuroimaging 

and Informatics. She hopes 

to enroll in medical school in 

2023. 

KATIE BECK (23) graduated 

Cum Laude from Catawba 

College and majored in 

exercise science with a 

concentration in sports 

medicine. She was also a 

member of The National 

Society of Leadership and 

Success and the Phi Epsilon 

Kappa Honor Society. She 

played women’s soccer 

and was the team captain. 

She was awarded the SAC 

Defensive Player of the Year 

for three years in a row. 

She was also honored with 

All-American and Scholar All- 

American accolades. Katie 

will be completing MBA. 

KATHERINE GHIVIZZANI 

(24) graduated from the 

University of Florida with a 

degree in microbiology with 

a minor in health disparities. 

Congratulations! 

2019 

CAMILO MOREANO is in his 

junior year at Erskine College 

and is studying business 

administration with sports 

management and fitness 

administration. He was 

recently hired as an adjunct 

dance professor for dance at 

his university. 

MATHEWSON PARKS 

(25) is a filmmaker studying 

at Berry College. He has 

recently taken an internship 

with Brand Red Studios 

in Rome, Georgia while 

continuing his student work 

at Viking Fusion Studios 

as Director of Marketing at 

the Center for Personal and 

Professional Development. 

YANNI ZHANG (26) is a 

rising senior at Vanderbilt 

University double majoring 

in English and human and 

organizational development, 

with a minor in business. 

She has interned at the 

Department of Commerce 

and volunteered at a coffee 

farm in China. She is also 

an Honor Council VP at 

Vanderbilt and a Peabody 

Scholar which gives her 

the opportunity to travel to 

Geneva to work for UNICEF 

or Guatemala to do coffee 

equity research. This 

summer she will be interning 

with PWC in LA which is a 

management consulting firm. 

YUXAN “DANIEL” SONG is 

attending Lehigh University 

majoring in computer science 

and business with a minor 

in environmental science. 

He has been named to the 

All-Patriot League First Team, 

named Player of the Year and 

will be captain of the men’s 

golf team for 2022-23.

27 

30 

28 15 

29 15 


2020 

Congratulations to 

SCOTTIE BARNES (27) 

of the Toronto Raptors who 

was the 2022 NBA Rookie 

of the Year. He became the 

first rookie in the Raptors 

team history to record at 

least 1,000 points, 500 

rebounds and 250 assists 

in a season. He also set 

the franchise rookie record 

for offensive rebounds 

with 195, which was 15th 

among all players this 

season. 

JACK KAMSICKAS (28) 

was honored at Clemson 

University’s Mortar Board 

for achieving a 4.0! In May, 

he began a seven month 

internship at Merion Golf 

Club which is ranked as the 

7th best golf course in the 

USA by top100golfcourses. 

com. 

MATTHEW KAREN (29) is 

a sophomore at Richmond 

College and pursuing a 

Bachelor’s degree in health 

science and received the 

Metcalf Prize. The awards 

recognize five Richmond 

College students from each 

class who are positive role 

models and committed 

to fostering a culture of 

respect. The award is 

committed to celebrate 

Richmond College students 

who are living lives of 

purpose on campus. 

2021 

Congratulations to JOHN 

DALY, II (30) for winning 

the PNC Championship 

with his father, veteran 

golfer John Daly. They beat 

Tiger Woods and his son 

Charlie to take first place at 

the PNC Championship. 

IN MEMORIAM 

Claudette 

Beerman Allen 

Class of 1987 

Stephane 

Bakinde 

Class of 2005 

Jay 

McDaniel 

Class of 1992 

Michelle Guillen 

Rigaud 

Class of 1980 

Mindy Melton 

Rosario 

Class of 1981 


Montverde Academy’s 18th Annual Celebrating Education fundraising event 

THE RUN FOR THE ROSES 


Thank you to our sponsors! 

Title Sponsor 

Triple Crown Sponsor 

Winner’s Circle Sponsors 

Run for the Roses Sponsors 

Advanced Faces 

Bella Bella Dental Group 

Brown & Brown Insurance 

City of Clermont 

Clermont Radiology 

4 Corners Insurance/Swiss Vacation Houses 

MMI Dining Systems 

Orlando Health - South Lake Hospital 

Paterson Services, Inc. 

Prime Plumbing, Inc. 

Risse Brothers School Uniforms 

Seacoast Bank 

Photo Finish Sponsors 

The Capuano Family 

City Electric Supply 

EA Tours 

Germana Engineering & Associates, LLC 

Hand & Stone Spa - Winter Park 

Dr. and Mrs. Kasey C. Kesselring 

Kroger Delivery 

Schoolcraft Digital 

TSL Shipping and Trading 

United Southern Bank 


Montverde Academy’s 18th Annual 

Celebrating Education fundraising event 

THE RUN FOR THE ROSES 


MAY 7, 2022 

Earl and Melissa McCoy 

Ernie Morris Group 

Kimberly and Robert Killian 

Jay and Elske Palmer 

Heath and Kristin Nailos 

Jeff and Jillian Powell 


Alexandre De Nobrega Dos Santos, Dr. Lorna Bennett, Katty Parent, Michael & Sharon Palanti 

Dr. David and Mary-Kay Rath with Rosie 

Rick and Nattascha Aly, Maria and Kenn Soendergaard 

Sue Tortora, Toni Specht, Michele Story 

Christine and Mark Conklin 

Don and Heather Johnson, Dr. Chuck Helms and Dr. Christine Tran, Scott and Jill Turnquist 


Montverde Academy 

17235 Seventh Street 

Montverde, FL 34756 

SAVE 

THE 

DATE 

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MONDAY 

OCT. 3, 2022 

SPONSORSHIPS 

AVAILABLE! 

FIND OUT MORE TODAY! 

Email kalena.meyers@montverde.org

Tower Summer 2022

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