The Tower Summer 2024

FEATURE ARTICLES 

Class of 2024 pg. 6 

Lower School Expansion pg. 22 

Fine Arts Gala pg. 48 

SUMMER 2024

HEAD OF SCHOOL 

Mr. Jon Hopman 

2023-24 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. Sidney McPhee Trustee Emeritus 

Mr. Gregory L. Nelson 

STAFF 

Mrs. Clara Winborn 

Mrs. Ginny Holm 

Mrs. Nichole Smith 

Mrs. Kimberly Braden 

Creative Director 

Creative Editor 

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 

Front cover: 2024 Graduate Asa Newell 

Interior: Seventh-Grade Track & Field athlete Kylee Brown on the pole vault 

Back Cover: Emily Santos '24 at Senior Lake Day 

“The Tower” magazine is published exclusively for 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. 

CONNECT WITH US 

Are you looking for photos, events, news, and more? Montverde Academy provides the 

latest news and Eagle happenings on a variety of platforms. Follow us on social media. 

Visit montverde.org | mvasports.com 

2 THE TOWER | SUMMER 2024

SUMMER 2024 | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 2 

IN THIS ISSUE 

6 

The Class of 2024 

Celebrating the latest graduating class from 


22 

Lower School Expansion 

An inside look at the exciting changes happening 

at the Lower School 

CONTENTS 

Message from the Head of School.....................................4 

The Class of 2024.............................................................. 6 

College Acceptances.......................................................... 8 

Valedictorian & Salutatorian............................................. 10 

Senior Wisdom................................................................. 12 

Night for the Cure............................................................. 14 

Student Spotlights............................................................ 16 

Parent Perspective........................................................... 18 

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

Lower School Expansion.................................................. 22 

Lower School Teacher of the Year.................................... 24 

Kindergarten and Fifth Grade Graduation........................ 26 

Middle School Feature..................................................... 28 

Teacher of the Year Awards.............................................. 30 

Upper School Feature...................................................... 32 

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

Boys Varsity Basketball.................................................... 36 

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

Huynh Brothers................................................................ 40 

Fine Arts Season.............................................................. 42 

Fine Arts Behind the Scenes............................................ 44 

Inaugural Arts Gala........................................................... 48 

Alumni News.................................................................... 50 

Alumni Class Notes.......................................................... 55 

THE TOWER | SUMMER 2024 3

By Mr. Jon Hopman, Head of School 

I am grateful for an exceptionally successful 2023–24 school year. I am deeply impressed and 

immensely proud of the Montverde Academy school community. As the school year ends, it is a 

perfect time to reflect on the incredible achievements of our students who have excelled in every 

aspect of what Montverde Academy has to offer! 

Academic Excellence 

Academically, students across all 

divisions consistently outperform 

state and national averages, rising 

to our classroom expectations 

every day. Particularly noteworthy 

are those who further push their 

limits in the Upper school through 

their participation in our Advanced 

Placement courses, National Honors 

Society, and Distinguished Scholar 

program. I am proud to see our 

students making the most of our 

Innovation Center, participating in 

clubs and service organizations, and 

seizing leadership opportunities within 

our community. As we conclude this 

school year, it is an honor to present 

diplomas to our 2024 graduates of 

which 40 were Distinguished Scholars 

and 34 were inducted into the Cum 

Laude Society. Graduation is a proud 

moment for all involved, and we wish 

our graduates well as they step into 

the next chapter of their lives. 

Performing Arts Achievements 

The Performing Arts Department 

was once again spectacular, with 

our students participating in 18 

productions across 50 nights 

of performances. Impressively, 

85 percent of our Conservatory 

4 THE TOWER | SUMMER 2024 

students maintained honor roll status 

throughout the year. I encourage you 

to join the Arts Alliance and witness 

the incredible talent our students 

possess. The 2024–25 playlist 

promises something for everyone, so 

please mark your calendars! 

Athletic Excellence 

Montverde Academy has earned 

a stellar reputation for producing 

outstanding student-athletes; 

the 2023–24 seasons were no 

exception. Our student-athletes set 

a new school record by winning 28 

championships, including four team 

state championships and two national 

championships. Additionally, two of 

our student-athletes were recognized 

as national champions for their 

individual accomplishments! 

Community 

I genuinely hope our entire school 

community – educators, staff, 

parents, and students – can reflect 

on the 2023–24 school year 

and appreciate the remarkable 

community that makes Montverde 

Academy unique. Through our 

many community-building events 

on campus, I have seen friendships 

blossom among parents and students 

from around the world. As always, I 

encourage everyone to get involved 

and maximize their experience at 

Montverde Academy. 

An Eye on the Future 

Montverde Academy remains focused 

on the future and has several projects 

to benefit our school community: 

Roberts Gym Redesign 

We are implementing this project 

in two phases to create additional 

space for all Lower School needs. 

This expansion will include more 

classrooms, enrichment areas, 

offices, a dedicated gym, and 

assembly space. Even more exciting 

is the addition of a dedicated dining 

room, ensuring our Lower School 

students no longer have to trek 

across campus in inclement weather. 

Legacy Training Center 

To fully allocate the existing Roberts 

Gym space for the Lower School, we 

must first construct the new Legacy 

Training Center. This multipurpose 

indoor training facility will primarily 

support basketball, volleyball, and 

soccer and will include dedicated 

spaces for athletic offices, storage, 

medical support, and a strength and 

conditioning room.

New Property Acquisition 

Montverde Academy recently 

acquired property at the corner of 

455 and Porter Avenue just behind 

the Sandra O. Stephens Fine Arts 

Auditorium. Our Performing Arts 

Department is excited to claim this 

property as the future home of a 

multipurpose space, including a 

black box theatre, an outdoor stage, 

a reception area, and much-needed 

office and rehearsal spaces. 

Commitment to Excellence 

As a school, we are dedicated to 

meeting the needs of our students 

by providing the best possible 

educators and coaches, offering a 

comprehensive range of courses 

and extracurricular activities, 

and creating top-notch learning 

environments and facilities. With the 

guidance and support of our Board 

of Trustees, Montverde Academy 

has achieved remarkable progress 

while maintaining fiscal responsibility. 

We invite our community to continue 

supporting our mission and vision for 

the future as they encompass every 

aspect and division of our school. 

If you feel inspired to support this 

vision, don't hesitate to contact our 

Development Office to learn how 

you can help shape the future of 

Montverde Academy. 

Gratitude for Growing Enrollment 

I am also grateful for a new 

phenomenon that Montverde 

Academy is currently experiencing. 

For the first time in my educational 

career, we closed enrollment in mid- 

May for nearly all grade levels due 

to capacity constraints. This surge 

in demand reflects the incredible 

things happening on our unique 

campus. Our community of dedicated 

educators, administrators, coaches, 

mentors, supportive parents, and, 

most importantly, motivated students 

continues to set us apart. 

DONATE TODAY! 

The Montverde Academy Annual Fund plays a vital role in sustaining the distinctive 

and invaluable Montverde Academy experience. Your contributions actively support 

our committed educators, small class sizes, innovative programs, and hands-on 

learning opportunities. 

Every donation serves as a testament to your belief in the Montverde Academy 

mission and significantly enriches the educational journey of both students and 

faculty members alike. 

Thank 

You! 



AVERAGE AP 

EXAM SCORE 


Our 200 graduates were accepted into top-ranked 

colleges and universities and amassed over $5.5 million 

in academic scholarships. 


Below is the complete list of acceptances 

for the class of 2024. 

Allegheny College 

American University 

Appalachian State University 

Arizona State University (Tempe) 

Auburn University 

Austin College 

Austin Peay State University 

Baldwin Wallace University 

Barry University 

Baylor University 

Belmont Abbey College 

Belmont University 

Berry College 

Binghamton University 

Bryant University 

Butler University 

CUNY City College 

Campbell University 

Carthage College 

Chapman University 

Chowan University 

Clemson University 

College of Charleston 

Colorado School of Mines 

Colorado State University (Fort Collins) 

Cornell University 

Davidson College 

Daytona State College 

DePaul University 

Drake University 

Drew University 

Drexel University 

Duke University 

East Carolina University 

Eastern Florida State College 

Eckerd College 

Elmhurst University 

Elon University 

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 

(Daytona Beach) 

Emory University 

Erskine College 

Flagler College 

Florida Atlantic University 

Florida Gulf Coast University 

Florida Institute of Technology 

Florida International University 

Florida Southern College 

Florida State University 

Fordham University 

Furman University 

Gannon University 

George Mason University 

Georgia Southern University 

Gonzaga University 

Grand Canyon University 

Greensboro College 

Hastings College 

Hawaiʽi Pacific University 

High Point University 

Hofstra University 

Houston Christian University 

Howard University 

Hult International Business School (Boston) 

IE University 

Indian River State College 

Indiana University (Bloomington) 

Iowa State University 

Jacksonville University 

James Madison University 

John Cabot University 

Johnson & Wales University (Providence) 

Keiser University 

Lafayette College 

Lake-Sumter State College 

Lander University 

Lesley University 

Liberty University 

Long Island University (Brooklyn) 

Louisiana State University 

Loyola Marymount University 

Loyola University Chicago 

Lynn University 

Macalester College 

Marquette University 

McDaniel College 

Mercer University 

Merrimack College 

Michigan State University 

Mount St. Mary’s University 

Niagara University 

Norfolk State University 

North Carolina A&T State University 

Northeastern University 

Nova Southeastern University 

Oklahoma State University (main campus) 

Pace University (New York City) 

Palm Beach Atlantic University 

Penn State University (University Park) 

Penn State University (world campus) 

Pepperdine University 

Point Park University 

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (Ponce) 

Purdue University (main campus) 

Purdue University Northwest 

Queens University of Charlotte 

Quinnipiac University 

Regent’s University London 

Regis University 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 

Rhodes College 

Rochester Institute of Technology 

Rollins College 

Russell Sage College 

Rutgers University (New Brunswick) 

SUNY College at Old Westbury 

Sacred Heart University 

Saint Leo University 

Saint Louis University (Madrid) 

Saint Peter’s University 

Sam Houston State University 

Savannah College of Art and Design 

Seattle University 

Seton Hall University 

Shenandoah University 

Siena College 

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology 

Southwestern University 

Spelman College 

Spring Hill College 

St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London 

St. Edward’s University 

St. John’s College (Annapolis) 

St. John’s University 

St. Olaf College 

St. Thomas University 

Stetson University 

Suffolk University 

Syracuse University 

Tallahassee Community College 

Texas State University 

The New School 

The Ohio State University 

The University of Alabama 

The University of Tampa 

The University of Tennessee (Knoxville) 

The University of Texas at San Antonio 

Towson University 

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid 

Universidad de Navarra 

University of Arkansas 

University of Bridgeport 

University of California (Davis) 

University of Central Florida 

University of Colorado Boulder 

University of Dayton 

University of Denver 

University of Florida 

University of Georgia 

University of Greenwich 

University of Hartford 

University of Houston 

University of Idaho 

University of Illinois at Chicago 

University of Indianapolis 

University of Iowa 

University of Kansas 

University of Kentucky 

University of Maryland (College Park) 

University of Massachusetts (Amherst) 

University of Massachusetts (Boston) 

University of Miami 

University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) 

University of Mississippi 

University of Nevada (Las Vegas) 

University of New Hampshire (main campus) 

University of New Haven 

University of North Carolina Wilmington University of 

North Carolina at Charlotte 

University of North Carolina at Greensboro 

University of North Florida 

University of Northern Colorado 

University of Oklahoma 

University of Oregon 

University of Pennsylvania 

University of Pittsburgh 

University of Redlands 

University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne) 

University of San Francisco 

University of South Carolina 

University of South Florida (main campus) 

University of South Florida (St. Petersburg) 

University of Southern California 

University of Utah 

University of Vermont 

University of Westminster 

Valdosta State University 

Valencia College 

Virginia Commonwealth University 

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 

Wake Forest University 

Walsh University 

Western New England University 

Westmont College 

Wingate University 

Wittenberg University 

Wofford College 

Wright State University (main campus) 

Xavier University 


By Dr. Arghyris Arghyrou, Upper School History Teacher 

Madeline Xie is the Valedictorian of the Class of 2024. Originally from Shenzhen, China, she came 

to Montverde Academy in 2017 and enrolled in the sixth grade. I had the pleasure of having her as 

a student for three years. 

In her long academic career at Montverde Academy, she 

excelled every year. She maintained an average 4.6 GPA 

throughout high school and passed seven of her eight 

Advanced Placement courses with a score of 5 (the highest 

score possible on an AP exam). Madeline took four AP 

courses this year for a total of 12 AP courses. Her academic 

performance is even more commendable since English is her 

second language. 

She was one of the most unique students that I have 

encountered in my teaching career, memorable for her 

exceptional academic abilities, enthusiasm for learning, 

and character. 

Complementing and elevating Madeline’s academic 

achievements is her inquisitive mind. She wants to learn about 

philosophy and abstract ideas, especially those relating to 

politics and economics. At the end of her sophomore year, 

she came to me and asked about the AP Comparative 

Government and Politics course that she wanted to take in 

her junior year. I gave her two books that she took with her 

to China to read. Madeline read the books, and when she 


eturned, she came to me to discuss them. She would often 

stop by to converse about challenging ideas and current 

global issues. 

A testament to Madeline’s character is her engagement in 

extracurricular activities, exhibition of leadership skills, and 

commitment to her community. On a smaller scale, these skills 

were exemplified in the classroom, especially with Madeline’s 

contributions to the class regarding Chinese politics, history, 

and language. China is one of the topics of the Comparative 

Government and Politics course. She helped the class with the 

proper pronunciation of Chinese names and commented on 

the Chinese interpretation of their current political situation and 

relations with the West. 

During spring break of 2024, Madeline participated in the trip 

to Greece with teachers and peers. During this educational 

experience, Madeline engaged in a deeper understanding of 

the ancient Greeks and contemporary European economics. 

Madeline applied her high-level analysis and thinking skills 

toward this experience to maximize the educational value. 

Moreover, Madeline founded an organization, Global Social 

Entrepreneurship and Partnership Program (GSEP), and 

has started writing a book. According to the United States 

Chamber of Commerce, “a social entrepreneur is a person who 

explores business opportunities that have a positive impact 

on their community, in society or the world.” GSEP’s goal is 

to encourage other students to use social entrepreneurship to 

address United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Madeline was a boarding student at the International Junior 

Golf Academy (IJGA). She assisted the faculty in managing 

the school, serving as the longest running student-captain. 

Furthermore, she graduated as one of the top-three students 

academically and athletically in the Academy. 

Madeline will continue her education at UCLA to pursue a 

degree in political science and economics. I am confident 

she will excel in college and in the future. She will be a great 

ambassador for MVA due to her intelligence, cordial character, 

and leadership skills. 

By Mrs. Sarah Schlussel, Upper School Biology Teacher 

Anabella Munoz is the Salutatorian of the Class 

of 2024. She has attended all four years of Upper 

School at Montverde Academy. 

During her time at Montverde Academy, Anabella excelled 

in classes in every academic department and took 14 AP 

classes, including courses in every scientific field. She 

achieved the title of AP Scholar with Honor and received both 

the National Hispanic Recognition Award and the National 

Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award from the College 

Board for her achievements. She is a member of the National 

Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, Mu Alpha 

Theta, and the National Spanish Honor Society. She also 

received the Scholar Athlete Award for the past three years 

as the girls varsity swim team captain, and she served as 

Eagle Ambassador, a member of the Disciplinary Committee, 

a member of the Arts and Athletics Leadership Committee, a 

member of the Head of School Advisory Leadership Council, 

and Secretary General of the Model United Nations team. 

Anabella’s achievements while at Montverde Academy are 

staggering. She was a member of the S.T.E.M. SAC program 

in Biomedical Sciences from ninth grade through 12th 

grade, completing her Senior Apex Project investigating the 

effectiveness of stress-reduction techniques. 

At the start of her sophomore year, Anabella began work with 

Dr. Sharon Wasserstrom at the University of Central Florida 

and Dr. Elizabeth Frates at Harvard University Medical School 

to open a Lifestyle Medicine Club at Montverde Academy. 

That year, Anabella started the first and only high school 

lifestyle medicine club in the United States. As part of her 

work with the club, Anabella has organized activities each 

year to promote healthy living on campus. As part of her 

work for the lifestyle medicine movement, Anabella met with 

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and wrote an article 

for the Orlando Sentinel to promote Lifestyle Medicine Week 

throughout Orange County Schools. She also co-wrote a 

peer-reviewed journal article about the club for the American 

Journal of Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Wasserstrom and 

Dr. Frates. 

Anabella has been a brain health scholar with Harvard 

University for two years, working with professors to develop 

a curriculum on brain healthy habits. She will attend Cornell 

University to study cognitive science and hopes to become a 

neurosurgeon. Anabella finds the brain fascinating and loves 

serving others. She looks forward to combining her love of 

medicine and neurobiology with her desire to help save lives. 

She also hopes to take part in medical research looking into 

neurodegenerative diseases and cultural biases. She feels 

it is important that all cultures are represented in scientific 

research studies. 

Anabella is a big thinker and has a vision, but she also can 

carry out that vision with determination and drive. If you 

think all of this is too much for one ordinary person to have 

accomplished, you are right! Anabella is no ordinary person. 

Best of luck to Anabella as she pursues her dreams. 


“ Enjoy it while it lasts – it goes by quicker than you think. 

The future is important, but you can’t get to your future 

without living in the present.” 

— Javier Collazo Lopez 

“ Meet as many people in and out of school as you can. 

Surround yourself with people that will lift you up 

and not drag you down.” 

— Alex Georgiev 

“ To solve a problem, sometimes you have 

to look at it from someone else’s perspective.” 

— Michelle Smith 

“ Get involved in the clubs and programs 

you are interested in or are already 

a part of and try to make an impact.” 

— Leonard Polcaro 


“ Always remember to have a good work ethic, get involved, and enjoy 

the little moments you have with your friends. Remember, everything 

is about your purpose and knowing what you want.” 

— Leslie Okai 

“ Make connections outside of your comfort zone. 

Montverde Academy is a great place to meet 

people from all over the world, so take advantage 

of it. You never know when you may find new 

friends and relationships that can last you 

a lifetime.” 

— Georgia Ritchey 

“Try new things. If something 

piques your interest, try it. 

You are not too late or 

inexperienced!” 

— Quinn Fitzpatrick 

“ When in doubt, 

give the Lord a shout!” 

— Vivian Iwuchukwu 

“ Make the most of your free time. Spend it diligently on 

assignments and getting ahead. Your future self will 

thank you.” 

— Catherine Emilcar 

“ Enjoy high school. It goes by fast, and Montverde Academy has a 

great community with people from all over the world, so get to 

know as many people as you can.” 

— Robert Wright 


In April, the Montverde Academy community gathered for the 15th annual Night for the Cure event, 

joined by VIPs from prior years, GCCF, and Cornerstone Hospice. With over 26 booths representing 

all three divisions, the atmosphere was electric with unity and support for our community! 

In the Heroes Tent, over 10 families shared their inspiring 

stories. Our honored guest speaker Mrs. Damu Cherry- 

Mitchell, a track & 

field Olympian, Vice 

President of Star 

Athletics, and MVA mom, 

shared her touching 

story about how her 

battle to compete in the 

Olympics prepared her 

for her battle against 

cancer. 

Lenny Polcaro, our Night 

For the Cure Student 

Director, said, “One thing 

that drew me to be a 

part of the NFC leadership team was the event’s ability to 

bring the whole campus together. For everyone to be so 

passionate about contributing to their community and the 

world around them, whether or not they have a personal 

stake in the matter, is really amazing to me. Everyone 

who attended should be proud of the impact they are 

going to make!” 

Lenny Polcaro, NFC Student Director 

Thanks to your generosity, we’re proud to announce 

that over $14,000 is heading straight to our local 

community in the fight 

against cancer! 

A big thank you to the 

Lower School choir for their 

performance of “Roar” and 

“I Lived”; the Middle School 

for hosting a grill station; 

the MS Leadership Club 

for holding a raffle with 

prizes such as athletic gear, 

art supplies, and a PS5; 

Mr. Thomas Narducci’s 

MS Speech & Debate 

enrichment for hosting 

a Family Feud game; and the Upper School’s Soaring 

Eagles Club for their spectacular drone show! 

This night would not have been possible without the joint 

effort of the MVA community. Thank you to everyone who 

volunteered for this event and to those who attended. 

Your contribution will make a difference in the lives of 

those fighting cancer. 


By Mr. Adrian Wright-Ahern, Upper and Middle School Theatre Arts Teacher 

Students of the children's theatre class stepped back into 1962 to join residents of the Madison at 

Clermont assisted living facility to celebrate their “senior prom.” 

The childrenʼs theatre performers were joined by fellow 

students, teachers, and members of the administration 

from across all divisions to portray classic characters 

such as a surfer, a biker, a beatnik, and a beauty pageant 

queen, among others. 

The prom became an interactive, improvisational 

performance with students, teachers, and parent 

chaperones mingling among the residents, chatting, 

campaigning for their votes for prom king or queen, 

and asking them to dance. 

Pop-up scenes, designed to catch everyoneʼs attention, 

included the announcement of the prom court, a 

performance by the Madison choir, a rocky relationship 

between the star football player and the head cheerleader, 

the principal chasing behind the shenanigans of certain 

students, and a petition to let the less-than-stellar coach 

keep his job. 

The climactic moment of the evening was the crowning 

of the prom king and queen, who were Madison residents, 

of course. Although MVA students and admin were the 

main performers, mention of specific residents was written 

into the script; and everyone took the opportunity to 

dance, joke, and join in on the fun, becoming part of this 

unique experience. 

When originally planned, the prom was scheduled to last 

an hour. Once our MVA students were asked to join, I had 

the idea to add the performance aspect and requested 

additional time. The event was then extended to an hour 

and a half. Once everyone began interacting and the 

residents were having such a good time, they begged for 

the prom to go on even past the extended time. In the 

end, our staff and students helped everyone enjoy 

a nearly three-hour event. 

This is a fine example of how performance and community 

service can come together with spectacular results, 

even those exceeding expectations. While some have 

dismissed Childrenʼs Theatre as “just another class,” 

we know that it can inspire and motivate students not 

just to put on a good show but to do so for the benefit 

of others beyond a given audience seated in a school 

auditorium. The energy and goodwill of our young and 

adult performers uplifted not only the fine residents of the 

assisted living facility but also themselves. Combining 

a good show with good work is conducive to infectious 

goodwill, which the students proved by giving their all 

for the seniors and also by giving a full performance of 

“Aladdin” for the Lower School. 


AUDREY 

HOGAN 

Lower School Spotlight written by 

Mr. Steve Hand, Fourth-Grade Teacher 

Audrey Hogan is a 

rising fifth-grade student 

at Montverde Academy. She has 

been attending MVA since PreK-3 

and has always been very active. 

Early on, she was involved in 

gymnastics and dance, but recently 

she has discovered that she likes to 

fly through the air with the greatest 

of ease with aerial silks. At the Lower 

School Talent Show in March, Audrey 

put on a performance that left the 

audience gasping and thrilled. 

Audrey first discovered aerial silks 

when she went to Defy Air Sports 

Trampoline Park at the age of 

eight. There were many activities at 

the facility, but Audrey was drawn 

to the aerial silks hanging down 

from the 30-foot-high ceiling. She 

showed a video of the silks to her 

grandmother, a retired engineer 

who is always eager to encourage 

her grandchildren’s activities. Her 

grandmother attempted to install an 

aerial silks hook on the back patio for 

Audrey. At this point, Audrey’s parents 

shut down the construction 

by using the tried and true 

“I don’t think this looks safe” 

argument. 

Two summers ago, 

Audrey’s second cousin 

from California came to visit. Audrey 

learned that her cousin participated 

in aerial silks back in California. Her 

cousin showed their grandmother 

where to buy a portable aerial silks 

rig online, and then her grandmother 

secretly bought the 10-foot-tall rig, 

had it delivered, and later claimed 

she did not realize the only place 

the rig would fit in the house would 

be smack dab in the middle of the 

living room! Audrey’s parents learned 

an important lesson that day: Never 

leave Engineer Grandma alone in the 

house with the grandchildren and a 

credit card! 

Audrey and her sister, Madeline 

(MVA Class of ’28), then began 

finding lessons on YouTube. Audrey’s 

mom signed her up for lessons so 

she could learn proper techniques 

before she hurt herself. She took 

group lessons and quickly progressed 

to competitions. She continues to 

improve and hopes to become a 

member of an aerial arts 

performing team. 

In addition to aerial silks, Audrey 

takes piano, voice, and dance 

lessons. She said with a smile, “What 

I love about aerial silks is that it 

combines music and dance, but up 

in the air.” Audrey loves the feeling 

of being in the air and almost flying. 

(The aerial silks at the studio are 20 

feet high!) She also loves that there 

are endless moves to learn. She 

especially likes learning to do “drops” 

that are fun and scare everyone 

watching. When Audrey was younger, 

her father always wanted her to get 

involved in sports. Who knows? 

Aerial silks may become an 

Olympic sport someday. 


SALVATOR SCELFO 

Middle School Spotlight written by Ms. Jordan Horacek, Eighth-Grade English Teacher 

Salvator Scelfo, better known as Torr, is 

an eighth-grade student who has attended 

Montverde Academy since Pre-K4. 

Torr represents the MVA community 

in numerous ways, such as running 

track, playing baseball, and leading the 

Middle School as Student Government 

Association President. 

Family is important to Torr, and he is 

inspired by his parents, Bae and James, 

whom he looks up to for all their hard work 

and accomplishments in their careers and 

athletics. Torr is the oldest of three siblings 

who all attend Montverde Academy. His 

youngest brother, Shepard, is in third 

grade, and he has twin sisters, Alon 

and Alafair, in sixth grade. He says his 

younger siblings motivate and encourage 

him to be a better person both at home 

and in the classroom, and he hopes that 

he does the same for them. 

Reflecting on his time spent at the Lower 

School, Torr fondly looks back on the 

memories he made. Not only did he enjoy 

eating what he grew in the garden club, 

but he also formed relationships with 

people whom he still considers his best 

friends. He also began running track at the 

Lower School, which continues to be one 

of his passions. 

When Torr arrived at the Middle School, 

he made the choice to run for student 

government. “I decided to run for student 

body president because I missed out 

during sixth grade and had the desire 

to try for the role again,” said Torr. 

Succeeding in his eighth-grade year, 

Torr became the Class of 2028 Student 

Government President and has enjoyed 

the responsibility and leadership that 

come with the position. According to 

Krisha Patel, the 2023-24 Student 

Government Association Secretary, Torr’s 

fellow students working with him in SGA 

describe him as “a fantastic president who 

has amazing, unmatched energy and is 

always thinking positively!” 

An excellent student who earned High 

Honors throughout his time in Middle 

School, Torr also excels outside of 

the classroom, successfully balancing 

academics and athletics. Part of the 

reason Torr loves MVA is because of 

its strong track program. He is most 

proud and accomplished in his 5k time, 

landing himself the second spot among 

all middle schoolers in Florida with an 

imposing time of 18:20. Torr said, “My 

favorite part of track is running with 

the wind and going so fast to the 

point where people are in awe.” 

Coach Dustin Spanbauer described 

Torr as “a highly motivated and 

well-rounded individual who exemplifies 

discipline on all fronts. The passionate 

attitude he brings to training every day 

is felt by the whole team. A leader in his 

own right, it will be great to see how Torr 

continues to develop as a person and 

an athlete as the years progress. I know 

a great deal of success is ahead for 

him!” Torr was also on the Middle School 

baseball team and contributed to the 

team’s Citrus League championship in his 

seventh-grade year. 

Torr says he is grateful for the 

opportunities that have shaped him 

throughout Middle School and is looking 

forward to the experiences that come 

with transitioning to the Upper School. “I 

hope to keep excelling academically and 

athletically at the Upper School,” said Torr. 

“A leader in his own right, it will be great to see how 

Torr continues to develop as a person and an athlete 

as the years progress. I know a great deal of success 

is ahead for him!” 

‒ Coach Dustin Spanbauer 


18 THE TOWER | SUMMER 2024 2023

By Mrs. Nichole Smith, Communications Coordinator 

Jim and Daney Monahan are the two proud parents 

of Brianna Monahan, who attended Montverde 

Academy from Pre-K3 through her senior year. 

When the Monahans began looking for the right 

preschool for their daughter, the decision was an easy 

one, they recall. “We said we are going to pour our heart 

and soul into helping her become the best she can be,” 

said Mr. Monahan. 

The decision to invest in Brianna’s future was one they 

would never regret. They recall Brianna’s days in the 

Lower School with great fondness. “When she was in 

Lower School, she was in the choir, and she played violin. 

They used to do the Christmas choir, and to see her all 

dressed up and singing her heart out made us so proud,” 

said Mrs. Monahan. 

As the Monahans reflected on this nostalgic time, Mr. 

Monahan expressed how grateful he was that students 

had so many opportunities to get on stage and present in 

front of people, and he attributes his daughter’s current 

public speaking successes to the foundations that were 

built in the Lower School, not only in music and theatre 

productions but also during Assembly where he saw 

students giving presentations in front of their peers and 

other MVA families. “I thought that was so crucial,” said 

Mr. Monahan. “I never had that, and I thought that was 

something completely missing during my academic years. 

It’s so important for them to start young. And now I watch 

her give presentations for Eight Waves, speaking in front 

of 200 people, and she speaks so eloquently. I think it all 

stems from her giving presentations in front of her class.” 

Brianna continued playing the violin through her junior 

year, and she joined the swim team in the seventh grade 

after her parents met Coach Gui. They immediately 

knew the program would be a good fit for their daughter. 

She was able to begin her day with swim at 7 a.m. and 

practice the violin after school. “It became the perfect 

scenario for a parent,” said Mrs. Monahan. “She was in a 

very protective environment, an environment that really 

cared about her future, that was offering all these different 

activities to enrich her not only in academics but also in 

the arts and sports.” 

Brianna values her time in the Middle and Upper School 

where she was free to explore her interests and was given 

the opportunity to be a leader. Her sophomore year, she 

became the co-director of the hygiene branch of Eight 

Waves and was involved with many other community 

service projects. The Monahans felt great joy in watching 

their daughter grow at MVA and become the leader she is 

today. “[Watching her grow] has been amazing,” said Mr. 

Monahan. “It reaffirmed our decision from early on to bring 

her here.” 

The swim team would prove to be a great fit for Brianna, 

a team she would continue to be a part of throughout her 

time in the Upper School. Brianna always appreciated 

the close-knit quality of the team. She described a time 

when a teammate had an asthma attack in the middle of 

a race and how two of her teammates, without hesitation, 

dove in and rescued her before the lifeguard could even 

get to her. Brianna also appreciates how the team was 

comprised of students from all over the world. “Diversity 

is so important,” said Mr. Monahan. “You will work with 

people from all different backgrounds after high school, 

and you have to respect their culture and their beliefs. 

I think that is completely covered here at 

Montverde Academy.” 

The sense of camaraderie that Brianna feels about her 

team is similar to how Mr. and Mrs. Monahan feel about 

the other parents at MVA. “We all have a common bond, 

a common goal,” said Mr. Monahan. “We’re all here for a 

reason, and we’ve all made the sacrifice for a reason. We 

want the best for our children. It’s not just our child – we’re 

looking out for everybody else’s child, too.” 


Vitaliia assisting a student in the campus store 

At Montverde Academy, there is a dedicated individual 

who not only ensures the smooth operation of the 

Student Center but also fosters a warm and supportive 

environment for students from various backgrounds. 

Mrs. Vitaliia Doyon, the Student Center Assistant, brings 

her passion for working with young minds to life every day. 

When she arrived at MVA in August 2023, Mrs. Doyon was 

immediately drawn to the schoolʼs vibrant atmosphere. 

With a background in English and German studies back 

home in Ukraine, she had always aspired to work closely 

with children. When the opportunity at the Academy 

arose, she seized it, fascinated by the schoolʼs “esteemed 

reputation for its academic and athletic programs.” 

Her role as the Student Center Assistant involves 

many tasks, such as managing the Beehive Café and 

overseeing the Campus Store. From preparing delicious 

treats and the famous Student Center cookies to ensuring 

inventory is stocked, Mrs. Doyonʼs days are filled with 

activities aimed at enriching the student experience. 

But for Mrs. Doyon, or “Mrs. V.” as the students fondly call 

her, this job is more than running a café or a store – 

it is about forming connections with students and being a 

pillar of support in their lives. She values the diversity of 

the student body, relishing the opportunity to interact with 

individuals from all over the world. Through conversations 

with students, she learns about their cultures, aspirations, 

and challenges, forging bonds that extend beyond the 


classroom. “They like to learn different things; they 

teach me about different things. These students are just 

incredible!” she exclaimed. 

At the heart of Mrs. Doyonʼs role lies a deep sense of 

responsibility toward the well-being of the students. 

She recognizes 

that her 

interactions with 

them extend 

far beyond the 

Student Center, 

influencing their 

experience 

at Montverde 

Academy. 

By fostering 

a welcoming 

and inclusive 

environment, she 

aims to instill a 

sense of belonging and support among the student body. 

One of Mrs. Doyonʼs main goals is to raise awareness 

about the Student Center and Campus Storeʼs offerings. 

Through creative initiatives and engaging promotions, 

she strives to attract more students and parents to utilize 

these facilities. Whether it is organizing special events or 

introducing new products, Mrs. Doyon ensures that the 

Student Center remains a hub of activity and excitement. 

Mrs. Doyonʼs dedication to her work is evident in her 

commitment to going the extra mile for the students. 

Whether it is ordering special items for the store or simply 

lending an ear to listen, she ensures that students feel 

valued and cared for. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, 

with students frequently returning to share updates, a 

testament to the meaningful connections she cultivates. 

“Mrs. V has been so welcoming and is always looking out 

for you,” said Skye Arcia, Class of 2024. “She is always 

interested in my next plans for the future, and overall, she 

is so kind and fun to be around. She always has a smile 

on her face and is extremely hard working. Mrs. V has 

always shown interest in my school activities. Whenever 

I had a weightlifting meet or performance for Pom Squad, 

she always wished me good luck and congratulated me on 

my achievements.” 

Beyond her role at Montverde Academy, Mrs. Doyon 

is a loving wife, a doting mother, and a compassionate 

daughter. Her mother is an OBGYN physician in Ukraine. 

“She is a kind woman, very, very kind,” says Mrs. Doyon 

nostalgically. She misses her family tremendously, and 

despite being thousands of miles away from them, 

she remains deeply connected to her roots, often 

reflecting on the challenges they face back home. 

She finds solace in her work and her supportive husband, 

Ryan, who shares her enthusiasm for education 

and travel. 

Looking ahead, Mrs. Doyon 

envisions a future with a growing 

family. Recently, she was granted 

her United States citizenship 

and is excited about establishing 

roots and continuing to make a 

difference in the lives of students 

while also embracing new 

adventures and experiences. 

Christopher Tanis, Class of 2025 

Had she not made connections 

with the students at MVA, she 

would have “never realized how 

special some of the countries they 

come from are and how much the 

world has to offer!” Mrs. Mr. Doyon’s Urquhart advice with to grandson all students Charlie is 

to “be kind, look out for your friends, and never give up 

on your future.” 

With her unwavering dedication and genuine compassion, 

Vitaliia Doyon embodies the spirit of Montverde Academy 

where every student is valued and supported on their 

journey to success. “Thank you to everyone at this school 

for being so welcoming and supportive, especially Mrs. 

Moore,” said Mrs. Doyon. “She has been extremely nice, 

and I am truly grateful for it.” 


Renovations underway at Roberts Gym 

During winter break of 2023, Montverde Academy began the expansion of the Lower School 

through the renovation of Roberts Gym, a project that included tearing down the bleachers that 

once lined the left side of the court and repurposing that space for three new classrooms, a 

multipurpose room, and an office space. 

The Lower School will be adding a new section of third-, 

fourth-, and fifth-grade classes; and the newly renovated 

space in Roberts Gym will be home to all three fifthgrade 

classes. Through this expansion, the Academy 

continues to emphasize the learning opportunities that 

arise from diverse perspectives and friendships and 

from a larger student body that can better accommodate 

innovative programs and extracurricular activities. Mrs. 

Allison Varnado, the Counselor for the Lower and Middle 

School, will be transitioning to her new role as Lower 

School Counselor in the fall and will relocate to the 

new office space in Roberts Gym. With the expansion, 

the Academy remains steadfast in its commitment to 

ensuring a supportive and enriching learning 

environment for its students. 

grade to the next encourages deeper connections and 

expands learning opportunities as students bring diverse 

experiences to the table. “The increase in the number of 

students not only broadens social circles but also enriches 

perspectives, enhancing the overall learning environment,” 

she added. 

Addressing parent questions about the change, Ms. 

Shackelford highlights the Academy's proactive approach. 

“While change may evoke apprehension, it paves the way 

for elevated learning experiences and growth,” she stated, 

underscoring the delicate balance between embracing 

change and maintaining familiarity. “While acknowledging 

As the Academy embarks on this journey, 

Ms. Meristell Shackelford, Dean of 

the Lower School, sheds light on the 

changes and benefits the expansion 

brings to the school’s educational landscape. 

Ms. Shackelford emphasizes the value 

of “continuity and growth” within the 

student community. Transitioning from one 


Fourth grade student Audrey Hogan 

with teacher Mr. Steve Hand 

Third grade student Mathias Sosa 

this natural resistance, the Academy seeks to reassure 

parents that each adjustment is made with careful 

consideration for the students' wellbeing and educational 

experience.” Regarding class sizes, Ms. Shackelford 

clarifies that while individual classes may fluctuate in size, 

“the administration will maintain a balanced student-toteacher 

ratio to optimize learning experiences.” This 

ensures that students receive personalized attention while 

acclimating to a larger cohort. 

Beyond social dynamics, the expansion opens doors to 

new extracurricular opportunities. Ms. Shackelford hints at 

potential activities tailored to student interests, reflecting 

the Academy's adaptive approach to curriculum 

development. Specific offerings will be determined based 

on student preferences and feasibility. 

The expansion aligns with Montverde Academy's mission 

to inspire students to become leaders with a passion for 

knowledge, global vision, and innovation while developing 

character in a nurturing and diverse community. By 

expanding facilities and opportunities, the Academy 

remains at the forefront of educational innovation, 

ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and 

resilience needed to flourish in the 21st century. 

Our academic curriculum will continue to provide our 

young students with opportunities to practice the essential 

skills that develop creativity/imagination, critical thinking, 

problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate with others 

as they explore and gain knowledge. 

As Montverde Academy continues to progress, its Lower 

School expansion reflects a commitment to nurturing wellrounded 

individuals prepared to navigate an increasingly 

complex world. It signifies more than just physical 

growth — it symbolizes a commitment to quality, 

inclusivity, and continuous improvement. Through 

thoughtful planning and a student-centered approach, the 

Academy empowers every student to thrive academically, 

socially, and emotionally. 

The expansion of Montverde Academy's Lower 

School represents a milestone in its ongoing pursuit of 

educational excellence. By embracing change and 

leveraging opportunities for advancement, the Academy 

reaffirms its position as a leader in fostering lifelong 

learners and global citizens. 

“I am very excited about the opportunity to further invest in 

our Lower School,” said Mr. Hopman, Head of School. 

“As we look at our strategic plan for the future of 

Montverde Academy, it is abundantly clear how important 

the Lower School’s role is in our future success. 

“With the construction of our new Legacy Training Center, 

we are able to repurpose what is now known as the 

Roberts Gym and use it as a dedicated space to benefit 

the Lower School. Once completed, the area will house 

classroom space, multipurpose rooms, offices, and a 

dedicated dining room, essentially providing the Lower 

School its own self-contained campus. This marks the first 

expansion to our Lower School, an exciting milestone in 

the success of our school. 

“With our Board of Trustees in full support and funding for 

phase one approved, grades 3–5 will start the 2024–25 

year with an additional section in each grade, along with 

more office space for teachers and staff, and a 

multipurpose room. 

“As the Head of School, I ask that our school community 

support phase two of this project, which will bring 

additional sections in grades 3–5, multipurpose rooms, 

additional office space, and a dedicated dining room for 

our Lower School students. If you are looking for a way to 

support the Montverde Academy Lower School, there is 

no better time than right now to make a lasting impact. 

Please reach out to our Development Office to make a 

donation. I could not be prouder of our Lower School, 

and I could not be more excited for what is to come.” 


Lower School Honors Night 

Kindergarten Graduate Kayson Phiri 

24 THE TOWER | SUMMER 2023 2024

Head of School Mr. Jon Hopman, Mrs. Rosalie Garland, Ms. Meristell Shackelford, and Dr. Yordin Robinson 

Mr. Jon Hopman, Coach Kelly Golden-Neer, Ms. Meristell Shackelford, and Mr. Yordin Robinson 

2023-24 

LOWER SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR 

Mrs. Rosalie Garland 

By Mrs. Dana Cook, First-Grade Teacher 

In the heart of our educational community shines a 

beacon of inspiration, Mrs. Rosalie Garland. This year, 

she received the well-deserved honor of Lower School 

Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Garland has a dedication, 

passion, and deep love for the children she nurtures. 

Her classroom is more than just a space for learning; 

itʼs a place where every child feels cherished and 

empowered. With her warmth and genuine care, she 

creates an environment where curiosity thrives and 

friendships blossom. Mrs. Garland tailors an educational 

plan to meet each childʼs needs and ensures that every 

student feels seen, heard, and valued. 

It is Mrs. Garlandʼs personal touch that sets her apart. 

She doesnʼt just teach; she connects. With a smile that 

lights up the room and a hug that speaks volumes, 

she builds meaningful relationships with her students, 

laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning and love. 

Mrs. Garlandʼs impact extends beyond her classroom. 

Countless families have been touched by her kindness 

and dedication, watching their children grow under 

her guidance. Through her unwavering belief in their 

potential, she allows her students to embrace their 

uniqueness and reach for the stars. 

Mrs. Garland understands that parents are their 

children's Virtual Reality first and most influential teachers. 

She fosters a strong partnership with families, creating 

an open line of communication and a welcoming 

atmosphere where parents feel valued and supported. 

From the very beginning, she takes the time to listen to 

parents' hopes, concerns, and aspirations for their child, 

building a foundation of trust and collaboration. 

Iʼve been fortunate to work together with Mrs. Garland 

in both Pre-K4 and first grade. What sets Mrs. Garland 

apart is not just her exceptional teaching skills but also 

her genuine desire to see other teachers succeed. With 

a generous heart, Mrs. Garland goes out of her way to 

support and uplift her colleagues. Whether itʼs sharing 

teaching strategies, lending a listening ear, or offering 

words of support, she creates a culture of cooperation 

and friendship that encourages everyone around her. 

In honoring Mrs. Garland as the Lower School Teacher 

of the Year, we celebrate not only her outstanding 

achievements but also the difference she has made 

in the lives of countless children and families. She 

embodies the essence of what it means to be an 

outstanding educator – someone who not only teaches 

but nurtures, inspires, and uplifts. Let us continue to be 

guided by Mrs. Garlandʼs example and strive to create 

environments where every child can thrive. 


1 2 

3 4 5 

1. Mrs. Sinopoli's Kindergarten class 

2. Mrs. Sinopoli and Ariana Patel 

3. Mrs. Shirley and William McArthur 

4. Mrs. Sinopoli and Mia Gil 

5. Dominic Spaulding 

6. Philip Alexakis and Costello Aponte 

Congrats! 

6 


3 

1 2 

4 

5 6 7 

8 

1. Mrs. Bartley and Thierno Diallo 

2. Ms. Zeng and Lochlyn Soule 

3. Mr. Jon Hopman and Maheeba Minhas 

4. Valeria Binotto 

5. Mrs. Meder's Fifth-Grade Class 

6. Ms. Zeng and Maximo Lama 

7. Mrs. Bartley and Alyssa Hammett 

8. Fifth-Grade Performance 


By Mrs. Nichole Smith, 

Communications Coordinator 

Rhea Bisht, Rowan Bayer, Zihan Li, Sanvhi Gandhi, Lilia Becker 

It’s no secret that students in the Middle School at Montverde Academy have a 

wide range of options when it comes to getting involved and making a difference 

in the world, but what might be surprising is how much autonomy these 

ambitious students are given to take charge and lead their own projects. 

“When students enter the Middle School, they often 

remark on the amount of freedom they have,” said 

Mr. Urquhart, Dean of the Middle School. “They’re no 

longer walking in single file behind their teacher to go to 

the Dining Hall, and they’re able to choose some of their 

elective classes. But with those new freedoms comes an 

increase in responsibilities. We feel it’s the perfect time for 

students to begin leading their own projects while reaping 

the benefits of both their successes and failures.” 

Several organizations in the Middle School give students 

public speaking opportunities throughout the school year. 

But what rising ninth-graders Rowan Bayer and Madeline 

Hogan noticed was a need for an enrichment that would 

equip students with the skills needed to thrive in those 

organizations. “We wanted to create this enrichment so 

sixth graders who were too intimidated to join a larger 

organization could be a part of something that would build 

their public speaking skills and increase their confidence,” 

said Rowan. 

Rowan and Madeline presented the idea of a Speech 

& Debate enrichment to Mr. Urquhart and Mrs. Fracker. 

They not only accepted their proposal, but they also gave 

them pointers on how to move their idea forward. After 

Rowan and Madeline announced the new enrichment, 

they welcomed 23 members. With Mr. Narducci coming 

on board as their faculty advisor for the 

enrichment, they began meeting on Fridays 

after school. One of the activities most popular 

among the students were the mini debates 

where they would choose a topic, research it 

for 10 to 15 minutes, and then present their 

claim, with Mr. Narducci usually serving as 

the judge. 

“In the beginning of the year,” said Madeline, 

“students were so uncomfortable speaking in 

front of other people. But by our last meeting, 

they were much more comfortable with 

each other.” 


Rising ninth-grader Sanvhi Gandhi started a group 

called The Planning Project that strived to spread 

awareness about important topics by creating 

informative posters, displaying them on the walls of 

the Middle School, and presenting at Assembly. During 

Mental Health Awareness Month, the group created 

posters and planned a scavenger hunt. They also 

worked to raise awareness during Native American 

Heritage Month and had a booth at Night for the Cure. 

Sanvhi feels that the Middle School helped shape 

her into the leader she is now because of the many 

opportunities she was given to lead and because of 

the influence of her older peers in the Middle School. 

“When I saw the work that the SGA executives were doing 

last year, they inspired me,” said Sanvhi. “I hope I have 

inspired other students to have the confidence to take on 

leadership roles in the future.” 

Students in the Middle School’s leadership class complete 

a service project every quarter. During the second quarter, 

rising ninth-graders Gabby Moise, Lyla Langley, and 

Edielys Negron wanted to lead a fundraiser for Matthew’s 

Hope, a nonprofit homeless outreach ministry based out 

of Winter Garden. To raise money, these three students 

held a raffle, consisting of a 50-dollar Amazon gift card, 

Uno cards, fidget toys, Rubik’s cubes, Fransico Lindor 

merchandise, and other prizes. The raffle raised over 

$300, which was all donated to Matthew’s Hope. 

“In sixth and seventh grade, I was in Builders Club,” 

said Gabby. “But I was always just helping – 

I was never on the planning side. 

Just the three of us planning 

everything for this project was a 

lot different. I was surprised that 

we were able to put our ideas into 

action and actually help people. It 

felt kind of stressful in the middle 

of it, but I felt very accomplished 

afterwards.” 

Gabby Moise, Eighth Grade Student 

Middle School SGA officers Torr Scelfo, Krisha Patel, 

Ghevin Olmstead, and Meera Patel hosted a Bagel 

Cart many Friday mornings this spring to raise funds for 

the Middle School socials. The officers were entrusted 

to work out the logistics of the Bagel Cart, including 

finding the right vendor for their food and supplies and 

communicating with Mr. Narducci (their SGA advisor) 

and other SGA members. Throughout the course of the 

year, the Bagel Cart brought in more than $1,800, and the 

SGA was able to fund inflatable games for the February 

social and lots of fun activities for the final social, from 

water basketball and beach balls to decorations and food, 

making these socials experiences that students will never 

forget. “The Middle School gives a lot of opportunities to 

students,” said SGA Secretary Krisha Patel. “Being a part 

of those things helps you to build your communication 

and leadership skills, and it helps you to be a 

better person.” 


Head of School Mr. Jon Hopman, Ms. Claudia Salazar, Mr. Troy Urquhart, and Mrs. Emilie Fracker 

Mr. Jon Hopman, Coach Kelly Golden-Neer, Ms. Meristell Shackelford, and Mr. Yordin Robinson 

2023-24 

MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR 

Ms. Claudia Salazar 

By Ms. Melissa Benner, Middle School Math Teacher & Professional Development Coordinator 

Claudia Salazar is the esteemed Middle School Teacher 

of the Year. With an impressive tenure of 15 years 

teaching Spanish at the Academy, Srta. Salazar has 

continually inspired her students through innovative and 

engaging teaching methods. Gabrielle Moise, a rising 

ninth-grade student, stated, “Having Srta. Salazar as a 

teacher has been a great experience. I’ve had her since 

seventh grade, and she always makes sure every student 

understands and is very engaged with her class. She is 

also a very kind person, which makes her class something 

I look forward to every day.” 

Srta. Salazarʼs teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in 

her passion for education and her commitment to her 

students. In her 30 years of teaching, she has learned to 

be resilient, adaptable, and fair, viewing teaching not only 

as a job but as a vocation. Her journey began at the age 

of 12, assisting her mother’s ESL teacher, and continued 

through teaching religious education at age 15 when she 

felt a call to become an educator. Srta. Salazar considers 

all her students her own children and draws daily 

inspiration from them. Her heartfelt dedication ensures 

that every student is remembered and valued. 

Srta. Salazarʼs commitment to understanding and 

addressing the individual needs of her students creates a 

supportive and dynamic learning environment that fosters 

both academic success and personal growth. Sanvhi 

Gandhi, a rising ninth-grade student, remarked, “Srta. 

Salazar has always been inspiring and is the reason I 

hope to advance in my Spanish classes! She uses fun and 

interactive games that keep us engaged and never fails to 

make us laugh! My favorite thing in her class this year was 

the Spanish field trip, and I can’t thank her enough for all 

the work she puts in for us!” 

Srta. Salazar makes learning Spanish fun and engaging 

by employing a variety of teaching strategies, including 

games, Zumba, and immersion activities. Her innovative 

methods ensure that every lesson is lively and interactive, 

capturing the studentsʼ interest and enthusiasm. This 

year, students had the unique opportunity to attend the 

Hispanic Flamenco Ballet, allowing them to experience 

Hispanic culture beyond the classroom. Through such 

enriching activities, Srta. Salazar brings the language and 

culture to life, making learning an exciting and memorable 

experience. 

This award is a testament to her exceptional dedication 

and creativity and to her impact on the MVA community. 

Her passion for teaching and her ability to inspire students 

to embrace a new language and culture make her an 

exemplary educator. Her innovative approaches and 

unwavering commitment to her students’ success leave a 

lasting impression that extends far beyond the classroom. 

Srta. Salazarʼs passion and commitment to her students 

have not gone unnoticed. Rising ninth-grade student 

Meera Patel shared, “Srta. Salazar has been such a great 

Spanish teacher who has taught me so much over the last 

two years! Whether it be the basics of verb conjugation; 

indirect, direct, and reflexive pronoun; or even the names 

of fruits and vegetables, she always finds a way to make 

class fun for all of us!” Srta. Salazarʼs dedication to making 

each lesson enjoyable and accessible demonstrates her 

unwavering commitment to her studentsʼ success and 

enjoyment in learning. 


Mrs. Kim Brauman, Head of School Mr. Jon Hopman, Mr. Robert Burke, and Mr. David Bernatavitz 

2023-24 

UPPER SCHOOL TEACHER OF THE YEAR 

Mr. Robert Burke 

By Madeline Xie, Valedictorian of the Class of 2024 

Mr. Robert Burke stands out as one of the most 

passionate educators at Montverde Academy. With an 

encyclopedic knowledge of history and an exceptional 

ability to bring historical events to life in a fun and 

engaging manner, Mr. Burke has been a pillar of the MVA 

community throughout his ten-year tenure, dedicating his 

career to teaching history with courses like AP European 

History and world history. 

Beyond his teaching duties, Mr. Burke manages the 

Chinese Club and the Eagle Model UN and has led 

transformative school trips to Greece and France. 

Mr. Burke's empathetic nature allows him to connect 

deeply with students, fostering a supportive learning 

environment. Mr. Burke commands an impressive 

presence in the classroom with his captivating, 

emotionally stirring lectures. His care for his students is 

profound and sincere as he is committed to seeing every 

student reach their full potential. His dedication inspires 

students to take greater ownership of their learning, 

leading to a positive ripple effect of remarkable academic 

achievement throughout the student body. 

A captain for EagleMUN, MVA’s Model UN team, 

Mr. Burke has truly been the root of the program’s growth 

and success. From what began as a small, unknown 

program, he built a team with over 45 members who 

share a passion for debate and diplomacy. “I have been 

a part of Model UN for four years in which I was very 

grateful to have Mr. Burke’s leadership. Whether it was 

calming my nerves before my first conference, ensuring 

our preparation for each conference, or making us laugh 

with his funny jokes, Mr. Burke always made sure that 

we enjoyed our Model UN experience. EagleMUN would 

Montverde Academy Cross Country Invitational 

not be what it is today if it were not for Mr. Burke!” said 

Anabella Munoz, Secretary General for EagleMUN and 

Salutatorian of the Class of 2024. 

Mr. Burke has long been a stalwart supporter of the 

Chinese Club at MVA. Each year, he plays a crucial role 

in contacting parents to garner support for the club during 

Diversity Fest, brainstorming engaging activity ideas and 

fostering member participation. He encouraged the club 

to organize this year's Lunar New Year Talent Show and 

arranged outings, such as the hotpot trip, which allowed 

club members to unwind outside of school and build 

relationships with each other. 

Mr. Burke’s exceptional organizational skills and 

commitment truly stood out during the March trip to 

Greece. He seamlessly coordinated a large group in 

a foreign country despite not speaking the language. 

His ability to connect with local contacts and plan an 

immersive itinerary made the experience unforgettable. 

The students enjoyed authentic Greek cuisine as they 

connected with the culture and people. His commitment 

to planning annual trips is invaluable as it gives students 

the chance to see the wider world and feel the richness of 

history firsthand. 

We owe immense gratitude to Mr. Burke for his hard 

work, commitment, and enthusiasm, which continuously 

inspire the Montverde Academy community. We eagerly 

anticipate witnessing his future accomplishments as he 

continues this impactful journey. 


2024 Graduates Cassidy Burris, Alex Georgiev, Anabella Munoz, Michelle Smith, 

Marisol Gonzalez, Leonard Polcaro, and Demari Shirley 


The College Counseling Office, whose door is always 

open, begins delivering those resources to students in the 

eighth grade and then guides them through each stage 

of the application process during their time in the Upper 

School until they receive the college acceptance letter 

they’ve been waiting for. 

The College Counseling Office holds Eighth- to Ninth- 

Grade Transition Night for rising ninth graders and their 

families. The philosophy behind this event is for students 

to begin their time in the Upper School with college in 

mind. “We don’t expect them to know what they want to 

major in or know what college they want to go to,” said 

Mrs. Marcia Bernatavitz, Director of College Guidance, 

“but the main goal for freshmen is to help them choose 

their classes that will set them on a path to keep as many 

college doors open as possible.” 

Since colleges want to see increasing rigor on the 

student’s academic transcript, the college counselors first 

stress to incoming freshmen the importance of maintaining 

a high GPA so they can steadily increase the rigor from 

year to year. The college counselors then encourage 

freshmen to take a personality inventory, such as Myers- 

Briggs, research several career interests, find out what 

college majors might lead to that career, and attend 

various college fairs in the area. 

During the second semester of the sophomore year, the 

college counselors speak to all English II classes, 


give students a copy of their transcript, and discuss more 

about their course selections, stressing that their transcript 

during junior year is the most important since it will be 

submitted with their college application. 

The college counselors are available to every student in 

the Upper School, but during junior year, students are 

assigned a specific counselor that will be with them until 

they graduate and hold one-on-one meetings with them 

and their families 

when possible. “I 

prefer to meet with the 

whole family so we 

can discuss whether 

the colleges make 

sense geographically 

and financially,” said 

Mrs. Bernatavitz. 

“Sometimes that’s 

probably the hardest 

conversation for 

families to have. We try 

to help families have 

those conversations, 

be realistic, and consider the cost of attendance.” 

Mrs. Marcia Bernatavitz 

Director of College Guidance 

In the spring, the College Counseling Office holds College 

Information Night, which is geared primarily toward 

juniors and their families. At that time, students enter the 

college list building phase of the application process. The 

counselors use a program called Scoir that allows them to 

suggest colleges to students. Students can log in and see 

those suggestions based on the parameters 

that have been set, usually starting with a 

list of about 20 schools. The counselors 

suggest that the students visit some of 

those schools throughout their junior 

year. Toward the end of junior year, 

the student should reach out to 

teachers for recommendations, 

work on their college essays, 

and work on the pieces of 

the applications that can be 

done at that time. “We try 

to get as much done as 

possible before they start 

their senior year,” said Mrs. 

Bernatavitz. “We focus 

on encouraging students 

to visit colleges during the 

summer before their 

senior year.” 

Over 100 schools visit MVA’s campus every year to give 

students as much information as possible, everything from 

degree programs to campus life and food. The college 

counselors also participate in roughly five counselor flyins 

every year where they can tour the campuses, meet 

college deans, and immerse themselves in the different 

programs for several days. “This year I went to Butler 

University in Indianapolis,” said Mrs. Bernatavitz. “When 

I came back, I had a list of students I wanted to go talk 

to. We have about three 

students who will be going to 

Butler next year, and I think 

it was largely because I was 

there and saw it and knew 

which students would be a 

good fit. We try to learn as 

much as we can about the 

colleges so we can educate 

families to look beyond the 

rankings.” 

In the fall of senior year, 

students begin submitting 

their college applications 

and applying for financial aid, and the College Counseling 

Office holds a Financial Aid Night. Once students receive 

their financial aid letters, the counselors begin meeting 

with them to explain the intricacies of their letter and 

respond to general questions about financial aid. “One 

of my goals is for all seniors to have a ‘yes’ before winter 

break,” said Mrs. Bernatavitz. “Once they get a ‘yes’ in 

their back pocket, they can breathe a little easier.” 

“What drives me to see our students succeed 

is seeing the joy on their faces when they 

make that decision. Seeing the joy on their 

faces as they come bursting through my 

office door to give me good news is very 

rewarding. That’s what I love, when 

those decisions are made, 

they’ve trusted the process, 

and they’re excited about 

where they’re going next.” 


Girls Varsity Basketball National Champions 

Left to right: Holland Harris, Lourdes Da Silva Costa, 

Paige Sweeting, Kiarra Orphelia, 

Amaia Jackson, and Chloe Sotell 

Girls Varsity Softball Wins 

FHSAA State Championship 

Christian Borbely 

Girls Varsity Soccer Wins 

FHSAA State Championship 

Beach Volleyball Wins District Championship 


By Mr. Michael Damon, Sports Information Manager 

Any insider to the high school athletics landscape already 

knows the success of Montverde Academy. From its eight 

national championships by its boys basketball team to its 

three straight national championships in girls basketball, 

to the 11 consecutive district championships by its softball 

team, no one can deny the overwhelming success of its 

programs. Montverde Academy Athletics enjoyed more 

success in 2023–24 than any other year in its 

111-year history. 

This past academic year, MVA teams have combined 

to win 28 post season championships. In 2023–24 MVA 

teams combined to win 10 Citrus League championships, 

six Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) 

district championships, six regional championships, and 

four state championships, along with its boys and girls 

basketball teams both winning their respective national 

championships. 

In addition to the team championships, several Eagles 

accomplished individual feats for the first time in school 

history or for the first time in many years. Girls weightlifting 

team members Skye Arcia and Elena Friedman made 

history for the girls weightlifting program in 2023–24. 

Arcia was the individual winner at the FHSAA district 

championship, a first for a Montverde Academy girls 

weightlifting team. Additionally, Friedman qualified for 

the state championship meet, becoming the first-ever 

girls weightlifting team member to qualify for the state 

championship meet. 

Girls swim team member Emily Santos captured gold 

when she was the individual winner in the 100-yard 

breaststroke at the FHSAA state championship 

meet. Her win in the state’s top meet marked 

the first individual winner for a Montverde 

Academy swimmer since the 

2017 meet. 

The girls track & field team also 

accomplished something amazing 

this year. Before winning the state 

championship meet, the Eagles 

relay team, consisting of Adaejah 

Hodge, Dasia Reed, Michelle 

Smith, and Alivia Williams, won 

the 4 x 400-meter relay at the 

New Balance Indoor National 

Championship. Additionally, 

Hodge was the national 

champion in the 200-meter dash. 

As the Montverde Academy studentathletes 

continue to break new ground 

and soar even higher, there is no telling 

what the Eagles will accomplish in 

2024–25 and beyond. 

POST-SEASON 

CHAMPIONSHIPS 

10 2 

CITRUS LEAGUE 

CHAMPIONSHIPS 

6 

6 FHSAA 

4 

REGIONAL 

CHAMPIONSHIPS DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS 

NATIONAL 

CHAMPIONSHIPS 

STATE 

CHAMPIONSHIPS 


Cooper Flagg 

By Mr. David Bernatavitz, Assistant Head of School and Dean of the Upper School, 

and Mr. Michael Damon, Sports Information Manager 

IT 

is with immense pride and joy that we celebrate the 

remarkable academic achievements of the seniors 

in the Montverde Academy Class of 2024 boys varsity 

basketball team. Montverde Academy has long been 

known for producing champions on the court, but it is the 

success in the classroom that truly sets us apart. This 

unique blend of athletic and academic excellence makes 

Montverde Academy a special place for aspiring athletes 

who are committed to excelling not only in sports but 

also in life. 

The seniors on the team set an amazing example 

for the underclassmen. Collectively, they displayed a 

commitment to their studies while managing a demanding 

schedule that had them competing nationally. Despite 

these challenges, they achieved a combined GPA of 

3.945 throughout their senior year. This remarkable 

achievement underscores their dedication, time 

management skills, and relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Being a student-athlete at Montverde Academy requires 

an extraordinary level of commitment and discipline. 

Balancing rigorous academic coursework with the 

demands of a nationally competitive basketball schedule 

is no small feat. It involves early morning study sessions, 

late-night practices, and constant travel for games and 

tournaments. The seniors exemplified what it means 

to be dedicated student-athletes, often starting their 

days with team study periods while on the road. These 

sessions ensured they stayed on top of their academic 

responsibilities, even amidst their busy travel schedules. 

One standout example of this success is Asa Newell. 

While Newell's prowess on the basketball court is 

well known, his academic achievements are equally 

impressive. As a University of Georgia commit, Newell 

graduated on the morning of Saturday, May 18, with 

an astonishing 60 college credits, enough to earn an 

associate degree before even stepping foot on the 

Athens campus this fall. As a dual enrollment student 

at Montverde Academy, Newell balanced his athletic 

commitments with rigorous college coursework, proving 

that dedication and hard work can lead to exceptional 

outcomes. Reflecting on his decision to join Montverde 

Academy, Newell said, “Montverde Academy is the best 

basketball place, so I just felt it was the best decision for 

me. That’s why I came here. And I wasn’t going to come 

here if I couldn’t get my associate degree. That was 

really important to me.” 


Curtis Givens 

Liam McNeeley 

Newell’s journey is just beginning. As he prepares to 

compete for the University of Georgia, his ultimate 

goal is to play professionally in the National Basketball 

Association. However, his aspirations extend beyond the 

court. Newell aims to own a business and give back to 

the community, ensuring that the support he received is 

passed on to others. “I want to be able to take care of my 

family. I want to be an entrepreneur,” Newell shared, “give 

back to the community, help the people who helped me, 

and just be the best person that I can be.” 

Another exemplary student-athlete is Cooper Flagg, 

who will be attending Duke University this fall. Flagg 

demonstrated extraordinary dedication by doubling up 

on his academic coursework last summer, achieving the 

required 24 credits while maintaining an impressive 4.1 

GPA. His devotion to his studies allowed him to navigate 

the rigorous Montverde Academy curriculum, providing 

him the opportunity to reclassify up to the class of 2024. 

Cooper's commitment extended beyond the classroom; 

he often spent his lunch periods at home finishing his 

English III assignments between intense workouts. This 

level of dedication ensured that he excelled academically 

while maintaining peak performance on the court. 

In addition to Asa and Cooper, our exceptional senior 

class includes Liam McNeeley (University of Connecticut), 

Derik Queen (University of Maryland), Curtis Givens 

(Louisiana State University), and Robert Wright (Baylor 

University). Collectively, these amazing student-athletes 

took 40 academic courses throughout the 2023–24 

school year. Their dedication to academic excellence is 

truly commendable. 

Liam McNeeley has been named the Montverde Academy 

Male Student-Athlete of the Year, a testament to his 

outstanding performance both on the court and in the 

classroom. His ability to balance a demanding athletic 

schedule while excelling academically is a true inspiration 

to his peers and the entire MVA community. Curtis Givens 

was honored by being named to the National Honor 

Society in April, recognizing his exceptional academic 

achievements and commitment to scholarship, leadership, 

service, and character. This prestigious accolade is a 

testament to Curtis's hard work and dedication. 

Derik Queen was presented with the Most Improved 

Student Award, celebrating his tremendous academic 

growth and dedication to his studies. Derik's journey at 

Montverde Academy is a powerful example of what can 

be achieved with perseverance and a strong work ethic. 

Robert Wright was presented with the Outstanding 

Boarding Student of the Year Award, recognizing 

his exceptional contributions to campus life and 

his commitment to his studies. Robert's dedication 

to both his academic and athletic pursuits, while 

being an active and positive member of the boarding 

community, exemplifies the values that Montverde 

Academy stands for. 

The balance of rigorous academic schedules, 

grueling practice sessions, and extensive 

travel for national competitions demanded 

exceptional time management and 

resilience. These student-athletes often 

found themselves studying late into 

the night after a day of travel and 

competition, waking up early for team 

study sessions, and utilizing every 

spare moment to stay ahead in their 

coursework. Their ability to thrive 

in such a demanding environment 

speaks volumes about their 

character and determination. Their 

success serves as an inspiration 

to their peers and underscores the 

values that Montverde Academy 

strives to instill in all its students: 

discipline, perseverance, and a 

commitment to excellence.

William Ampofo 

University of North Carolina 

Greensboro - Soccer 

Kwaku Bawa 


Wilmington - Soccer 

Alexander Block 

Indian River State College 

Swim 

Christian Borbely 

Daytona State College 

Baseball 

Jaloni Cambridge 

The Ohio State University 

Basketball 

Isabela Carmona 

Mount St. Mary’s University 

Golf 

Anthony Concolino 

Gannon University 

Soccer 

Paola De Chavarria Munoz 

Long Island University 

Volleyball 

Mateus De Souza 

Purdue University Northwest 

Soccer 

Santiago Del Aguila 

St. Thomas University 

Golf 

Gianluca Franco 

George Mason University 

Soccer 

Alex Georgiev 

University of Pennsylvania 

Track & Field 

Jayvian Greene 

University of Tennessee 

Track & Field 

Osei Gyamfi 


Wilmington - Soccer 

Adaejah Hodge 


Track & Field 

Bailey Hollis 


Volleyball 

Mohammed Ibrahim 

Virginia Commonwealth 

University - Soccer 

Takato Imoto 

University of Northern Colorado 

Golf 

Vivian Iwuchukwu 

Aracelis Jimenez 

University of Southern California Eastern Florida State College 

Basketball Boys & Girls Track Softball & Field 


Congratulations to our student-athletes who announced 

their college decisions during the National Signing Days 

in February & April! 

Jonathan Kidd 

Messiah University 

Soccer 

Emmanuel Kwame Kwakye 

Campbell University 

Soccer 

Eris Lester 

University of Alabama 

Basketball 

Kira Lewis 

Rollins College 

Waterskiing 

Jean Mathieu-Lacroix 

Niagara University 

Soccer 

Antonella Mazziotto 

North Carolina State 

University - Soccer 

Nia Norville-Smith 


Swim 

Adam Odler 

Wingate University 

Swim 

Leslie Okai 


Soccer 

Rhyanne Pascoe 

St. Leo University 

Soccer 

Ava Penkal 

Rhodes College 

Softball 

Anthony Picciano 

West Texas A&M University 

Baseball 

Giana Provenzano 

Jacksonville University 

Basketball 

Derik Queen 

University of Maryland 

Basketball 

Victoria Renzi 

Sam Houston State University 

Soccer 

Yaya Sadamoto 

Butler University 

Golf 

Michelle Smith 


Track & Field 

Abdul Wahabu Musah 


Soccer 

Alivia Williams 

University of Iowa 

Track & Field 



Ethan, Corbin, Carter, and Christian Huynh, four brothers 

who attend Montverde Academy, have been a part of 

the MVA community since 2013 when the oldest brother, 

Ethan, enrolled in Pre-K4. Their parents chose MVA due 

to its great reputation and sense of community, and now 

the family is most grateful for the many friendships they’ve 

built along the way. 

Since early childhood, each of the boys has participated 

in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including 

swimming, golf, tennis, piano, saxophone, and a range of 

other activities. When their parents would take them on 

weekend fishing trips, they realized the boys needed to 

become strong swimmers, so they enrolled them in MVA’s 

Learn to Swim afterschool program. 

“Mom and Dad let us pick which sport we wanted to 

keep,” said Corbin, “and all four of us decided to keep 

swimming.” It wouldn’t take long for a passion for 

swimming to emerge in each of them. Not only do these 

four brothers share a love for swimming, but they each 

share an enthusiasm for academics, particularly math. 

In the evenings, they can be found actively engaged in a 

competitive math program outside of school, a curriculum 

that strongly emphasizes logic and reasoning, to 

supplement the math instruction they receive at MVA. 

In 2019, the youngest brother, Christian, faced some 

health challenges that would last for two and a half years 

and cause him to withdraw from school for the bulk of 

that time, yet the support he received from his friends 

and teachers helped him to persevere until his recovery. 

“Whenever I had to go to the hospital, Mrs. Cook always 

asked how it went,” said Christian. “Some of my friends 

and teachers from school even came to the hospital. 

Mrs. Shackelford helped come up with a plan to keep my 

brothers from getting sick so they wouldn’t bring germs 

home to me.” 

A few years later in 2023, the oldest brother, Ethan, would 

also face a serious health challenge that would force 

him to withdraw indefinitely from school midway through 

the eighth grade. But after he started missing his friends 

and being on campus, he asked doctors to allow him to 

return to school for just one class. He then worked his way 

up to two classes, then three, etc. Despite the difficulty, 

he finished eighth grade with straight A’s and scored a 

perfect score in math while scoring in the 99th percentile 

in reading on the PSAT 8/9. At the Middle School Honors 

Night that same year, he was named the Geometry 

Student of the Year and received Distinguished Scholar 

recognition and High Honors recognition. Ethan was also 

awarded a scholarship through the National Junior Honor 

Society’s Outstanding Achievement Award and received 

the Sons of the American Revolution Award. 

When asked how he overcame his struggles, Ethan 

replied, “My paternal grandfather went to prison two times 

before successfully escaping Vietnam with my dad. He 

was sponsored to America and learned English while 

earning a pharmacy degree and raising three children. My 

maternal grandfather escaped Vietnam at age 20 using 

the family’s fishing canoe. They were shot at and lost one 

person on board. With a hole in his canoe and using only 

a handheld compass and the stars, he sailed four days 

and five nights to find freedom. I hope I’ve acquired some 

of their determination and grit.” 


Ethan recalls arranging a meeting with the Middle 

School deans to discuss how to navigate classes while 

in treatment. He was met not only by them but also by 

Mrs. Kimberly Brauman, Associate Dean of the Upper 

School, and Mr. Jon Hopman, Head of School. “We were 

overwhelmed by the support,” said Ethan’s parents. “It 

reminded us of why we chose Montverde Academy to 

begin with. There is a sense of community here that is 

simply unmatched.” 

Corbin and Carter relied on teacher support, as well. 

“Sometimes watching those you love suffer is even 

tougher than enduring it yourself,” said the boys’ mother. 

Corbin appreciates Mrs. Tannehill and Mrs. Dougherty for 

their support. “They poured their hearts into teaching, and 

you could tell they love their classrooms, which translated 

to loving their students,” said Corbin. “We love them as 

teachers, but we also consider them friends of the family.” 

“Mr. Hand was really assuring, and he helped us a lot,” 

said Carter. “He was strict but nice at the same time. He 

enforced the normal rules, but he often made jokes and 

kept a calm attitude. He also sent letters. Sometimes 

when I would walk by his classroom, he would ask how 

Ethan was doing.” 

Ethan has maintained a positive outlook that he attributes 

to his parents. “My parents helped me appreciate the 

things I have. They’ve always talked about their childhood, 

being immigrants from Vietnam, and how they had almost 

nothing. They had to do things on their own, which makes 

me feel a lot more grateful that I have the support and 

resources that I do.” 

After Ethan returned to swimming in the fall of 2023, he 

learned that he had regressed considerably. But within a 

few months, he was on to setting new personal bests. In 

February 2024, both Ethan and Christian made the cut 

for Florida Age Group Championships (FLAGS), a huge 

accomplishment for swimmers aged 14 and under. Carter 

soon followed in his brothers’ footsteps, and Ethan went 

on to be nominated for Freshman Male Athlete of the Year 

in the spring of 2024. 

“It is wonderful to have the boys giving their best for their 

teammates and enjoying the sport we love,” said Coach 

Gui, MVA’s Head Swim Coach. “Ethan is a generous older 

brother and acts the same way towards his teammates. 

Corbin is a loyal friend to his peers. Carter brings a lot of 

energy to the group. And Christian is calm and relaxed 

until it's play or race time. The Huynh family puts in 

tremendous dedication, and we are very grateful for that. 

I can't wait to see what the future holds for the boys.” 

All four brothers have maintained a 4.0 GPA during their 

time at MVA. “Academics aside,” said their mother, “the 

most important part is that we are all thriving once more.” 

Left to right: Carter, Corbin, Ethan, and Christian 


Presenting Sponsor 

SEPTEMBER 2024 DECEMBER 2024 

JANUARY 2025 

MARCH 2025 


Play a role in the success of our 

student performers and artists and 

join the Arts Alliance! 

Memberships for the 2024-25 

Fine Arts season open on July 24. 

APRIL 2025

Presenting Sponsor 

SEPTEMBER 2024 

OCTOBER 2024 NOVEMBER 2024 

MONTVERDE ACADEMY 

Four Women 

Festival 

Lyrics by Tim Rice 

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber 

FEBRUARY 2025 

MAY 2025 

APRIL 2025 

MARCH 2025

The cast of the Middle School production of “Clueˮ 

By Mr. Dean Bell, Director of Arts 

44 THE TOWER | SUMMER 2024 2023

Jason Tejada Chancay 

“Wanting Moreˮ Dance Recital 

I like to jokingly recall the story of my very early days as a 

piano student. I was one of those “unusual” kids who truly 

enjoyed practicing. To this day, I actually prefer it in many 

ways to the actual performance. Each night after dinner, 

I would go into our family room and practice for an hour. 

Over time, my father would come in and sit on the couch 

at the opposite end of the room and listen to me practice. 

I used to have one of those toy guns that shot suction-cup 

darts I liked to play with. One night as I was practicing and 

hit a particularly wrong note, I got “thunked” in the back 

of the head (my father was a good shot) by one of those 

darts, which he launched from his seat on the sofa. As 

I exclaimed a much more surprised than hurt “Ow!”, we 

both broke into laughter. 

It became a ritual that lasted for many years. I would 

practice, and when I would hit the inevitable wrong chord 

or note, “thunk,” another dart would come my way. 

To be clear, I remember this fondly as it was a special 

bonding time we shared; but it taught me at a very early 

age the premise of practicing for perfection. It is quite 

likely I owe my piano skills (and probably my ability to 

duck quickly) to my father even more than just paying for 

lessons all those years. If only he had hit me with a few 

more darts when I played the violin! 

When we began the Conservatory programs at MVA, 

we modeled them after the already successful Academy 

programs we had in soccer and basketball. Obviously, 

talent is essential in each of these areas, but what was 

clear was that time on task allowed our students to excel 

in their chosen field. In its own way, it is not so different 

than the model technical and vocational schools use – 

students balance their academics with hands-on time to 

focus on their craft with teachers (professionals in their 

areas) who help hone their skills. Essentially, practice 


Elizabeth Crosley in “Firstˮ 

"Aspects of Love" Concert 

Eagle Orchestra 

Carys Williams in “The Lady Julianaˮ 

makes perfect. Our Conservatory 

students receive three hours of 

education in their discipline each 

day, which includes significant 

opportunities beyond the school 

day for additional practice and 

performance opportunities, and the 

results speak for themselves. 

This year’s seniors received 

acceptances in their disciplines 

at various colleges, including 

the University of Florida, Rollins, 

PACE, Florida State University, and 

Shenandoah, amongst others. On 

top of quality acceptances, many 

of our students received significant 

talent awards from their prospective 

colleges as well. As an example, 

Jason Tejada Chancay was given a 

full ride at Florida State University to 

pursue cello studies. Additionally, he 

received the Harold Schwartz Music 

Scholarship presented by the 

Opera Club of The Villages for an 

additional $12,000. This is truly 

where we see the return on the 

investment of time. 

Our musicians excelled this year 

earning multiple top ratings at Solo 

& Ensemble competitions, NATS 

(National Association of Teachers 

of Singing) competitions, and Music 

International Grand Prix, placing 

three students in Florida All-State 

ensembles. Our visual artists won 

Scholastic Gold and Silver Keys 

for their extraordinary artwork 

submissions. Theatre students 

amassed twelve District top honors 

and two State top honors on top of 

a multitude of superior ratings at 

both competitions. Additionally, our 

theatre program received the firstever 

Gold Honors Troupe designation 

in the State of Florida. Our actors 

also received an unprecedented 67 

Applause Award nominations for this 

year’s shows. Across the board, our 

artists are known in the state and 

regionally as being the very best at 

their discipline. 

We are so fortunate to have 

your support as we continue to 

produce these amazing artists and 

productions. Please take the time to 

look at next year’s music, dance, and 

theatre seasons, which are included 

in this publication, and make plans 

to come out and see where “practice 

makes perfect” becomes more than 

just a saying and instead becomes a 

way of life. Our hope is the next time 

someone asks if you know how to get 

to Carnegie Hall, you might choose to 

answer by saying, “Attend MVA!” 


TO THE 2024 

APPLAUSE AWARD WINNERS 

Sunday in the Park with George 

Outstanding Musical & Outstanding Ensemble 

Amelie Jaime Outstanding Leading Performer Finalist Oliver! 

Lily Downs Outstanding Leading Performer Finalist Sunday in the Park 

Tyler Price Outstanding Leading Performer Finalist Oliver! 

Beckett Lee Outstanding Young Performer Oliver! 

Amelie Jaime Outstanding Supporting Performer Sunday in the Park 

Eros Sanchez Outstanding Actor The Lady Juliana 

Mr. Michael Citrinite Outstanding Lighting Design Sunday in the Park 

Elana Young Outstanding Sound Design Sunday in the Park 

Zachary Lane Outstanding Sound Design Sunday in the Park 

Phoenix Connick Outstanding Stage Manager Sunday in the Park 

Mr. Dean Bell Outstanding Music Director Sunday in the Park 

MORE EXCITING PRODUCTIONS COMING IN 2024-25 

MAY 2025 


Jin Shin, Emily Santos, Skyler Barnaby, Quinn Fitzpatrick 

and Alaska Dorvil 

By Mr. Dean Bell, Director of Arts 

Many years ago when I first started my career 

in Ohio, our school held an annual Spring Arts 

Festival. This day of celebration saw many 

different formats over the years but always included 

the visual arts, performing arts, industrial arts, and, of 

course, food. Fast forward many years later and I have 

had the privilege of attending the Wright State University 

Arts Gala supporting Theatre Conservatory alum Aidan 

Fracker (’21). While their night is black tie and also 

designed to raise money for the arts programs, the format 

is essentially the same: visual arts, music, dance, theatre, 

and, of course, food. In each of these cases, the event 

was a celebration of the programs and the students, 

showcasing their talents and accomplishments. 

Artwork by Jery Chen 

It goes without saying that Montverde Academy’s arts 

program is worthy of a gala event such as described 

above, and thus “Impromptu” was born. “Impromptu” 

was our first foray into an arts gala, which was designed 

to celebrate and showcase our students’ talent. On 

Monday, April 29, all the rooms in the Fine Arts building 

were transformed into art galleries showcasing student 

work in painting, drawing, ceramics, crafts, and digital 

photography. Art teachers Ms. Rhonda Ross and 

Mrs. Kristy Tubbs, as well as photography teacher 

Mr. Oscar Torres led students in creating, arranging, and 

displaying work to encourage guests to wander through 

the exhibits and enjoy the talent displayed therein. As 

a special addition, the Music Technology class, under 

the tutelage of Mrs. Mary Mincy, provided original 

compositions which were written, recorded, and designed 

as “gallery music” to enhance the viewing experience in 

the galleries. 

“Impromptu” also included a Short Film Festival, which 

allowed us to showcase some of the great work coming 

out of our new Film & TV Studio, which opened this past 

fall in the Innovation Center. Under the direction of 

Mr. Torres, both the Middle and Upper School film 


students produced five short films, which were screened 

that night. As a special treat for attendees, alumni 

filmmakers Alec Lipscomb (’23), who is currently studying 

film at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, 

and Molly Smith (’20), who is currently studying film at 

Yale University, each provided two of their short films 

designed as a part of their studies at their respective 

universities. The 45-minute Short Film Festival repeated 

throughout the night in the new recording studio, which 

was the unveiling for that redesigned space. 

The recording studio takes over the original film/TV studio 

in the Sandra O. Stephens Center for the Arts and is a 

project entirely funded by the Arts Alliance. This state-ofthe-art 

space was designed to enhance the Performing 

Arts programs and recognize the changing landscape 

of prescreening and auditioning practices, as well as to 

provide our artists professional space to practice and learn 

the techniques behind recording and recording theory. 

All in attendance were truly impressed by this beautiful 

new space. 

The hallmark of the night was the “Impromptu” 

concert, which featured our musicians in a student-led 

performance. In keeping with the idea of “impromptu,” 

students were informed of the theme of the concert two 

weeks before the performance and had to choose music 

and devise the concert in that amount of time. This year’s 

theme was “Holidays” – specifically holidays which had 

not been celebrated as a part of the 2023–24 music 

season. In their most creative way, students managed to 

find songs celebrating everything from Mother’s Day to 

Earth Day. Along with music staff Mr. Aubrey Connelly- 

Candelario, Ms. Daniela Monzon Villegas, Mrs. Mary 

Mincy, and Mr. Andres Villa, the concert served as a great 

centerpiece for the event. 

Did I mention food and drink? Naturally, that was in 

abundance as our magnificent dining services provided 

tasting stations around the arts campus for patrons to 

enjoy as they traveled from area to area. There were 

also libations designed to enhance the food offerings, 

making this a celebration of the culinary arts, as well. 

Many thanks, again, go to the Arts Alliance and especially 

our season presenting sponsor, Westgate Resorts, who 

provided the funding for the reception portion of this event. 

By all accounts, “Impromptu” was a beautiful night, a 

showcase of talent, and a celebration of Montverde 

Academy arts. Next year, look for this event to expand and 

include theatre and dance. If you missed this year’s event, 

put March 6 on your calendar as “Impromptu” returns for 

another night of food and festivity. 

"Impromptu" Music Concert 

The brand new audio recording studio 


Alumni NEWS 

By Mrs. Zehra Naqvi, Donor Relations Coordinator 

The Montverde Academy Alumni Association is the 

heartbeat of our alma mater, fostering a sense of 

belonging and unity among graduates far and wide. 

In recent months, at the forefront of our efforts were 

two standout events: the spectacular reunion for the 

Soccer Institute at Montverde Academy (SIMA) alums 

and the eagerly anticipated alumni homecoming for the 

Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament (MAIT). 

Saul Chinchilla (ʼ14), Kevin Varnado, 

Zach Sitler (ʼ14), and Justin Malou (ʼ17) 

The SIMA reunion was a resounding success, with 

over 100 former students flocking back to reminisce, 

reconnect, and revel in the memories that shaped their 

futures. From shared anecdotes to catching up with 

old friends, the event embodied the enduring spirit of 

camaraderie that defines our alumni community. 

Similarly, the MAIT alumni homecoming brought together 

generations of graduates, each one a testament to the 

institution's legacy of excellence. Amidst laughter and 

nostalgia, attendees celebrated their shared experiences 

and marveled at the evolution of their alma mater. 

Alumni Savannah Swenson (ʼ17) and guest at MAIT 

SIMA alumni touring campus during the SIMA Friendlies and 10-year SIMA reunion 


By Mrs. Zehra Naqvi 

Donor Relations Coordinator 

Beyond these flagship events, the Alumni Association has 

been abuzz with activity, with campus visits from alums and 

their families becoming a common occurrence. These visits 

not only serve as a trip down memory lane but also provide an 

opportunity for former students to witness firsthand the growth 

and progress of their alma mater. 

The association is in the process of revamping its mentorship 

program. The goal is to leverage social media platforms 

and establish a network to facilitate engagement and 

collaboration among alumni. This will allow graduates from 

diverse backgrounds and industries to come together to share 

insights, offer support, and forge new opportunities. 

As the alumni association continues to flourish, its impact 

reverberates far beyond the confines of our campus, enriching 

the lives of graduates and strengthening the bonds that unite 

us. With each passing day, our community grows stronger, 

fueled by the shared values and aspirations that unite us as 

proud alumni of Montverde Academy. Once an Eagle, 

Always an Eagle! 

Would you like to be featured 

as a Notable Alum or know 

someone that should? 

Contact Mrs. Zehra Naqvi 

Donor Relations Coordinator 

alumni@montverde.org 

FOLLOW US ONLINE: 

@mvaalumni 

@MontverdeAcademyAlumniAssociation 

@mvaalumni 

montverde.org/alumni 

Tyler Davis ʼ04, Luc Mbah a Mouteʼ 05, Christina Gazzia ʼ05, Jesse Meadow ʼ04, 

Bryce Davis ʼ04, Laura Yameen ʼ03, Chris Mitchell ʼ02

Victoria with husband Mike and their children, Kennedy and Benjamin. 

By Mrs. Zehra Naqvi, Donor Relations Coordinator 

In the sphere of special needs advocacy, few careers shine as brightly as that of Victoria 

Pisciottano, MVA class of 2010 graduate, and Executive Director of Group Life Foundation. 

Victoria’s tenure at MVA laid the 

groundwork for her exceptional career 

trajectory. It was here that she was 

exposed to a mosaic of backgrounds, 

abilities, and perspectives. This early 

immersion proved invaluable in her 

current role where understanding 

and celebrating differences are 

paramount. Group Life Foundation 

is a 501(c)(3) charity whose purpose 

is to enhance the lives of individuals 

with special needs residing in local 

group homes in Lake County, Florida. 

The skills and knowledge cultivated at 

MVA equipped Victoria with the tools 

needed to excel in her field. “Effective 

communication, empathy, problemsolving, 

and inclusivity were hallmarks 

of my education at MVA,” she says. 

These attributes form the bedrock 

of her approach to supporting adults 

with special needs, enabling her to 

navigate complex challenges with 

grace and compassion. 

Victoria's proudest achievement 

from her MVA experience is learning 

to embrace diversity and cultivate 

inclusive communities. Through 


initiatives like Key Club and 

various cultural events, she honed 

her leadership skills and global 

perspective, laying the groundwork 

for her future endeavors. Since 2019, 

Victoria and her mother, Lynn Riffle, 

have opened three group homes to 

provide residential rehabilitation and 

life skills services for adult women 

with intellectual and developmental 

disabilities. 

Her time at MVA also fostered 

cherished memories, from spirited 

cheerleading to impactful volunteer 

work. These experiences not only 

enriched her high school years but 

also instilled “a sense of camaraderie 

and purpose that continues to 

resonate.” In 2024, Victoria and her 

mother expanded their nonprofit to 

include Fireflies Resale Marketplace, 

the proceeds from which support the 

mission of Victoria’s work. 

Reflecting on her journey, Victoria 

acknowledges the value of resilience 

and mentorship. “Embracing failure 

as a catalyst for growth and seeking 

guidance from teachers and peers” 

are lessons she wishes she had 

embraced sooner. 

To graduating seniors, Victoria offers 

sage advice: “Embrace change 

and uncertainty as opportunities 

for growth.” As she and her family 

have exemplified, resilience and 

adaptability are the cornerstones of 

success. Victoria currently lives in 

Montverde, Florida, with her husband 

and high school sweetheart, Mike, 

and their two children, Kennedy 

and Benjamin. 

Today, as the driving force behind 

the Group Life Foundation and 

Fireflies Resale Marketplace, Victoria 

continues to champion the rights 

and dignity of individuals with special 

needs. Her legacy is not just one 

of professional achievement but 

of compassion, advocacy, and the 

continuing impact of a nurturing 

educational environment like 

Montverde Academy.

Justin Baret '14 

From the stages of Montverde Academy 

to the enchanting realms of Disney, 

Justin Baret has carved a remarkable 

journey through the world of theatre. 

Justin’s love for the performing 

arts ignited here at MVA. His early 

years were adorned with countless 

rehearsals, fervent performances, and 

the unwavering support of mentors and 

peers alike. 

Upon graduating, Justin embarked on a 

quest to explore the diverse landscapes 

of theatre, honing his skills in various 

productions across the globe, including 

a two-year national tour with Feld 

Entertainment as the lead singer for 

“Sesame Street Live: Make Your Magic!” 

and productions of “The Wild Party,” 

“In the Heights,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” 

“West Side Story,” “Ybor City,” and 

“Frozen the Musical” aboard the 

Disney Cruise Line. 

Currently gracing the prestigious role 

of Rafiki at Disneyland Paris, Justin 

has impressed audiences with his 

commanding presence, stirring vocals, 

and captivating portrayal of the beloved 

character. 

Off stage, Justin remains a beacon 

of inspiration for aspiring performers, 

generously sharing his wisdom and 

experiences with the next generation 

of theatre enthusiasts. Wherever his 

journey may lead, Justin will remain 

an integral part of the rich history of 

Montverde Academy’s theatre and arts. 

Elicia D'Orazio '14 

embodies the spirit of dedication, 

resilience, and community impact. 

Currently, she serves as a Middle School 

Learning Support Teacher and an 

assistant varsity softball coach at MVA. 

Elicia’s time at Montverde Academy 

served as a springboard for her future 

endeavors, instilling in her invaluable 

skills and a passion for excellence. As 

a student, she embraced academic 

challenges while excelling in her roles 

as a three-sport athlete in varsity 

softball, volleyball, and track. The 

rigorous academic environment, 

coupled with the demands of athletic 

competition, equipped her with essential 

organizational and time management 

skills that proved invaluable during her 

collegiate years as a Division 1 

student-athlete. 

Reflecting on her MVA experience, 

Elicia fondly recalls the camaraderie 

and lifelong friendships fostered within 

its diverse community. She remains 

connected with fellow alumni across 

the globe. 

Elicia’s advice to graduating students 

is to embrace every opportunity for 

learning, friendship, and personal 

growth. Whether attending school 

events, participating in extracurricular 

activities, or forming meaningful 

relationships, each experience at 

Montverde Academy contributes to a rich 

tapestry of memories and connections 

that endure beyond graduation. 

Michelle Keswani '14 has 

come a long way from the classrooms 

of MVA. Located in NYC, Michelle 

currently serves as the Senior 

Manager of Global Communications 

and Influencer Marketing at Skinfix, 

a renowned skin barrier health brand 

exclusive to Sephora. In this role, 

Michelle orchestrates all facets of global 

communications, including PR, brand 

partnerships, and brand storytelling. 

She recognizes that her tenure at MVA 

laid the foundation for her successful 

career, instilling in her the invaluable 

skills of multitasking and adaptability, 


traits that have propelled her to success 

in the fast-paced world of global 

communications. Michelle says that MVA 

granted her a solid foundation upon 

which to build her career. The lessons 

learned and friendships made led her to 

secure her first job after graduation. 

Michelle cherishes her time as a 

boarding student when she learned 

to embrace independence at a young 

age, a challenge that ultimately shaped 

her into the resilient and self-assured 

individual she is today. Among her 

fondest memories of the Academy are 

the enduring friendships she formed, 

some of which have blossomed into 

lifelong bonds. Michelle met her closest 

friends at MVA, and their unwavering 

support and camaraderie continue to 

enrich her life to this day. 

Michelle’s advice to graduating seniors 

is to “maintain the connections” they 

have created here, even as life unfolds 

and distances grow, because “these 

connections are what serve as a source 

of strength and support in the years 

to come.” 

Gileysa Penzo '14 is a 

distinguished MVA alum whose journey 

from the hardwood courts to the realms 

of education exemplifies a relentless 

pursuit of excellence. After graduating 

from the Academy in 2014, Gileysa 

donned the prestigious colors of the 

University of Oklahoma's basketball 

team from 2014 to 2019. There, her 

name became synonymous with quality 

collegiate sports. With four consecutive 

appearances in the revered NCAA 

Tournament (March Madness), Gileysa 

left an indelible mark on the realm 

of collegiate basketball, showcasing 

unparalleled skill and an unwavering 

commitment to team success. 

Simultaneously, Gileysa demonstrated 

remarkable academic dedication. She 

graduated with a Bachelor of Science 

Degree in health and sports sciences 

and furthered her academic journey by 

obtaining a master’s degree in adult and 

higher education with a specialization in 

intercollegiate athletics administration. 

Gileysa’s athletic endeavors culminated 

in a momentous achievement at 

the 2019 Pan American Games. 

Representing the Puerto Rico National 

Team, she played a pivotal role in 

securing the Bronze Medal. 

Gileysa has since seamlessly 

transitioned into the realm of coaching, 

nurturing the next generation of budding 

talents. From her tenure at Whittier 

Middle School and the Oklahoma Flyers 

in 2020 to assuming the role of Sports 

Director at the YMCA of Lakewood 

Ranch in Florida in 2021, she continued 

to inspire and impart her wisdom 

to aspiring athletes. Currently, she 

serves as a physical education teacher 

and basketball coach at The Conrad 

Academy. Additionally, Gileysa extends 

her coaching expertise to the Rising 

Stars Academy. 

D’Angelo Russell '14 

Raised in Louisville, Kentucky, D’Angelo 

Russell honed basketball skills early 

on, catching the attention of scouts with 

his remarkable talent. At Montverde 

Academy, he solidified his reputation 

as a top-tier player, showcasing his 

exceptional ball-handling and scoring 

abilities. 

After an impactful stint at The Ohio State 

University, where he earned Big Ten 

Freshman of the Year honors, Russell 

declared for the NBA draft in 2015. 

Selected as the second overall pick by 

the Los Angeles Lakers, he wasted no 

time making his presence felt in the 

league. His rookie season saw him 

named to the NBA All-Rookie Second 

Team, setting the stage for a promising 

career ahead. 

Russell's journey in the NBA has been 

characterized by ups and downs, 

including times with the Lakers, 

Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, 

and Minnesota Timberwolves. Along 

the way, he has continued to dazzle 

fans with his scoring prowess and 

playmaking abilities. In 2019, he earned 

his first NBA All-Star nod as a member 

of the Nets. 

Beyond his on-court achievements, 

Russell remains a beloved figure among 

basketball fans for his charisma and 

engaging personality. He established 

the D'Angelo Russell Foundation, which 

supports youth programs and education 

initiatives in his hometown of Louisville, 

Kentucky. He has also been involved 

with the NBA Cares program, which 

promotes community service and social 

responsibility among NBA players and 

teams. As he continues to make his 

mark in the NBA, there's 

no doubt Russell will be 

remembered as one of the 

game's most talented and 

dynamic players. 


Alumni News 

REXY ROLLE '06 was 

appointed the first woman 

President and CEO of Western 

Air Bahamas on January 1, 

2024. 

ROBERT (BOB) LOMBARD 

'72 visited the MVA campus in 

December. He is posing in front 

of his original Sunday dress 

blazer from 1972, displayed 

in the Walter L. Stephens, 

Jr. Administration building 

lobby, that he donated to the 

Academy as a keepsake. 

JORDAN FOLEY '07 

and Mariah Lynn Roberts were 

engaged on February 15, 2024. 

The engagement took place 

in their backyard in the milk 

district in Orlando, FL. 

JOSE SERGIO PRESTI '10 

and wife welcomed a baby boy, 

Lucca Sousa Presti, on 

April 22, 2024. 

NICK ZABOTIN '13 and his 

wife are expecting their 

first child. 

TRENT KSIONEK '13 and 

Amanda Lyman were engaged 

in North Georgia in December 

2023, with their dogs Sir 

Lancelot the corgi and Arthur 

cheering them on! 

CATHERINE MALAMISURA- 

MACCORQUODALE '84 

welcomed her granddaughter 

on January 9, 2024. Raelyn 

Rose was born in Orlando, FL. 

\ 

HA NA LIM MURPHY '09, 

mother of two, graduated from 

the University of Houston with 

a Bachelor of Music in piano 

performance. Ha Na plans on 

continuing her education and 

returning for a master’s degree 

in the near future. 

GABRIELA BARBER '13 and 

Adam Brockett were engaged 

on January 1 in Clermont, FL, 

at one of their favorite spots 

along Lake Minnehaha. 

LUIZA MARANGONI '14 

graduated from Florida 

International University with 

a master’s in industrial and 

organization psychology. Luiza 

is working towards opening 

her own business practice 

that will focus on human 

performance and development 

in companies, organizations, 

and sport settings. 

JOHNNA MESSAM '05 

welcomed a baby girl, 

Salome Desaulney, on 

January 29, 2024. 

Class of 2010 Alumni 

AUGUSTO BRACCIALLI, 

RENATO NEVES, CHRISTIAN 

MELLO, JOSE SERGIO 

PRESTI, AND SAMUEL 

RONDON reunited in Brazil in 

February 2024. 

MIGUEL CARTAGENA '13 

matched at HCA JFK Hospital 

U-Miami in West Palm Beach, 

FL, in the orthopedic surgery 

program. 

MORIAH WHITE '14 

married Thomas Hessburg on 

December 7, 2023, at Capen 

House in Winter Park, FL. 


MAX FRIEDERICH '17 married 

Hailey Williams on October 27, 

2023, in Stuart, Virginia. 

JESSE JONES '20, MVA 

Valedictorian of the graduating 

Class of 2020 and member 

of the 2019–20 varsity boys 

basketball team, earned a 

prestigious spot on the fall term 

President's List at FSU. 

KELSEY MCGILLIS '16 is 

interning with the Clooney 

Foundation for Justice in the 

spring semester of 2024, 

working with their Docket 

team. This initiative focuses on 

initiating prosecutions against 

individuals involved in mass 

atrocities, including genocide 

and war crimes. 

MARIA CONTRERAS '17, 

member of the Guatemalan 

National Women's Football 

League, played in the Women's 

Gold Cup in February 2024. 

JACKSON WÄLTI '18, 

SIMA alum, signed with the 

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in 

January 2024. 

MATTHEW KAREN '20 with 

Dr. Anthony Fauci at the 

Richmond Forum speaker 

series on March 16, 2024. 

ANDREA RODRIGUEZ 

FLORES '16 married Rafael 

Rebollar Nava on December 

9, 2023, in Monterrey, Nuevo 

Leon, Mexico. 

AJAH JACQUELYN 

BISAILLON '17, mom of two, 

graduated with an MBA from 

the University of Miami Herbert 

Business School in December. 

GRACE OWUSU-AGYEMANG 

'18 is a recipient of the 2023- 

24 British Fashion Council 

Foundation MA Scholarship. 

Gracey is a multidisciplinary 

designer studying fashion 

womenswear at Central Saint 

Martins – University of the 

Arts London. She showed her 

Autumn-Winter 2024 collection, 

SONWÊRELD, and won the 

Canada Goose HUMANATURE 

Award for Responsible Design 

at the 2024 Central Saint 

Martins MA runway show. 

RODRIGO ALMEIDA '18 

married Sophia Reitz on 

November 29, 2023, in 

Rodrigo's hometown in 

Salvador, Brazil. 

KETLYN RODRIGUEZ MATOS 

'19 was awarded Women's 

Swimmer of the Week in week 

13 of Conference Carolinas 

after she won three individual 

events and broke the facility 

record. 

VIVIANNE BESSETTE '20 

graduated Magna Cum Laude 

from the University of Florida 

with a Bachelor of Science 

in health sciences. She was 

recognized as part of the CSC 

All-District Academic Team 

comprised of the nation's 

top student-athletes for their 

combined performances on the 

field and in the classroom. 

KATIE SCHORR '18 visited 

the MVA swim team at their 

practice session on January 

27, 2024. 

HANNA SWIDLER '20 

graduated from Stetson 

University in 3.5 years with 

a Bachelor of Science in 

psychology and a minor in 

management. 


SHAWN SMART '22 made his 

pro debut with the Las Vegas 

Lights FC on Saturday, March 

9, against Memphis. 

OUSMANE SYLLA '20, SIMA 

alum, won the Mac Hermann 

Trophy, the most prestigious 

award in college soccer, on 

January 5, 2024. 

NYAUNI CROWELLE '21 is 

the Valencia College Mary S. 

Collier Distinguished Graduate 

for 2024. 

JOSEPH (JOEY) WATSON 

'21 has been selected as 

a recipient of the eMerge 

Americas 2024 Rising Star 

award. 

SIMA alums ANDERSON 

ROSA '20, OUSAME SYLLA 

'20, AND STEPHEN ANNOR 

'23 were selected in the MLS 

2024 Draft. 

MOLLY SMITH '20 is a Her 

Campus and E.L.F.ING 22 

Under 22 Award winner for 

"Inspiring Positive Change 

Through Visual Storytelling." 

ANDREA BARROWS '20 

is the 2024 University National 

Champion for weightlifting. 

LOGAN LOPEZ '21 joined the 

MVA Theatre Conservatory to 

perform in "The Lady Juliana." 

ISABELLA (BELLA) 

RECINOS '21 made her 

national soccer debut with 

El-Salvador in the Women's 

Gold Cup qualifiers on 

November 29, 2023. 

LJ DALY '21 AND BRADY 

DUVAL '23 played together 

with their dads (John Daly and 

David Duval) in the 2023 PNC 

Championship. Both teams 

teed off in the final round. 

(Photos courtesy of PNC 

Championship.) 

KETLYN RODRIGUEZ '19, 

PEDRO HELOU '20, AND 

LUISA RIOS '23 are the 

2024 Conference Carolina 

champions. 

BELLE FRANCE '23 

presented the check from the 

Middle School Penny Wars 

fundraiser to Give Kids the 

World in January 2024. 

CHRISTOFF MALBOEUF 

'21 and Jess Goncalves are 

expecting their first baby in 

October 2024. 

MIA ASENJO '21 has 

made the final roster for the 

Dominican Republic's Women's 

Gold Cup team. 

ALI FADAL '21, SIMA alum, 

made his debut with Valencia 

CF at the Copa del Rey in 

December 2023. 

IMÉN NASSER '23 released 

her first single, "Dime," on 

February 11, 2024. 


Mrs. Sandra O. Stephens 

November 23, 1941 – February 14, 2024 

Montverde Academy extends its condolences to the family of Mrs. Sandra Stephens. Mrs. Stephens' remarkable journey 

at Montverde Academy spans over five decades of tireless service. Throughout her tenure in multifaceted roles, including 

Dean of Girls, Director of Admissions, Vice President, and in public relations, Mrs. Stephens has left a permanent mark 

on the Academy's history. Hand in hand with her husband, the esteemed Dr. Walter Stephens, former Head of School, 

they have etched their legacy into the very soul of the institution during their 24-year tenure on the Board of Trustees, a 

legacy not confined to the corridors of academia, but one that has touched the lives of students and families from around 

the globe, enriching their educational journeys. 

Loula Alexandra Heffner Parks 

October 25, 1963 – December 12, 2023 

Ms. Loula Alexandra Heffner Parks, 60, passed away peacefully 

on December 12, 2023, surrounded by her dear siblings, mother, 

and children in her home in Leesburg, Florida. Loula devoted her 

life to serving others in her teaching career, the church, and her 

family, looking to the Lord for His guidance in all she did. She was 

a beloved English teacher at Montverde Academy for 13 years. 

Karen Laugerud Lossi 

Class of 1983 

Nathan Barrett ’22 

Nathan Barrett was a valued member of the Montverde 

Academy community. He was a kind, wonderful person and a 

bright, hardworking student with a cheerful smile. Our deepest 

sympathies to Nathan's family, friends, teachers, coaches, and 

classmates. His time at MVA is cherished by all who knew him, 

and his spirit has left a lasting imprint on our community. 

Luis Miguel 

Montoto Valle 

Class of 1979 

Gloria Katuka '15 

PhD, University of Florida 

Silvano Krecklau '18 

MHA, University of Florida 

Yici Zou '19 

UNC Chapel Hill 

Destiny Hanger '16 

MBA, Webber International 

University 

Sharon Wei '18 

M. Ed. Vanderbilt 

Peabody College 

Maria Eduarda 

Vallilo '19 


Maryn Douglass '17 

J.D., Florida State University, 

College of Law 

Olivia Young '18 

MPH, UNC Charlotte 

Brandon Picard '19 


Elle Victoria Bailey '18 

J.D., Florida A&M 

College of Law 

Love-Star Alexis '19 

West Virginia University 

Mario Valdes 

Hernandez '19 

University of Tampa 


GRADS CONTINUED 

Brittany Shirley '19 


Olivia Crosbie '20 

Savannah College of Art 

and Design 

Ishaan Sinha '20 

University of Arizona 

Ryan Ren '19 

University of the Pacific 

Michael Flores '20 

Saint Leo University 

Yang Shao '20 

University of Connecticut 

AJ Aziz '20 


Gabriella Gilrowski '20 

Georgetown University 

Emily Wissinger '20 

Purdue University 

Arantza Armas '20 

New Mexico State University 

Anabel Granger '20 


Lukas Losen '20 

University of Arkansas 

Maria Amador Garcia '20 


Hugo Hollander '20 


Matthew Karen '20 

University of Richmond 

Merrily Arnold '20 

Principia College 

Jasmine Iman '20 


Taylor Turnquist '20 


Jody Brown '20 


Jack Kamsickas '20 


Bailey Johnson '20 

Covenant College 

João Victor Correia '20 

University of South Florida 

Thin Wai Khaing '20 

University of South Florida 

Damaal-Jordan Sands '20 

Lincoln University of PA 

Hannah Davies '20 

Lees-McRae College 

Aryaman Mohan '20 

University of Illinois 

Springfield 

Angel Lopez '21 

Seminole State College of Florida 

Hunaiza Maqsood '20 


Jesse Jones '20 


Joseph Watson '21 




17235 Seventh Street 

Montverde, FL 34756 

ALUMNI, 

SEND US YOUR 

NEWS! 

You could be featured in the next 

issue of The Tower. 

Send Class Notes submissions 

and high-resolution (at least 300 dpi) 

photos to alumni@montverde.org 

or mail to Class Notes at 

MVA,17235 Seventh Street, 

Montverde, FL 34756.

The Tower Summer 2024

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