The Tavares High School softball season may have come to a close, but a few players in particular continue their leadership off the field. For Olivia Padilla, Jasmine Lawrence, Emmy Lee, and Aliyah Cantu-Lopez, they have stuck together over the past few years no matter what adversity has been thrown their way. These four juniors were very impressive this year, and the record that Tavares had does not reflect the teamwork that was displayed on the softball field. “Each one of these girls is a team player. They have grown into great leaders on and off the field. That’s what makes them so specia ..read more

The Mount Dora Christian Academy Baseball team is gearing up for their Class 2A FHSAA Regional Semifinal matchup against Lakeland Christian on Saturday night at 7 p.m. For this group of MDCA athletes, they are hoping to extend their season and come into the game as the underdogs. But don’t tell MDCA that. This team has played equally as well as Lakeland Christian. Both teams come in with nearly identical records. Lakeland Christian is the #1 seed and MDCA is the #4 seed. (Junior Ethan Priest has been having a stellar year for MDCA on the pitchers mound.) For MDCA to win, they will need to g ..read more

Katie Short is a name synonymous with excellence both on and off the field. As a standout softball player for Eustis High School, Katie’s athletic prowess is undeniable, boasting a .281 batting average, 18 hits, and 18 runs scored. However, it’s her academic achievements that truly set her apart. With a remarkable 4.7 GPA, Katie’s dedication to her studies is as unwavering as her commitment to the game. But Katie isn’t just a student-athlete; she’s a trailblazer. (Katie Short stands with her parents during the teams senior night.) Recently earning her AA Degree from Lake-Sumter State Colleg ..read more

Beacon College will confer honorary doctorates on two national learning disability advocates, Dr. Richard O. Williams and John “Jack” R. Horner, at its Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 11, at 11 a.m. at the Brownwood Hotel & Spa. “We are privileged to celebrate the profound influence of Dr. Williams and Mr. Horner with honorary doctorates of humane letters,” said Beacon President George J. Hagerty. “Their contributions on behalf of people with learning differences have been truly transformational. The scope and impact of their work can only be characterized as extraordinary.” Honora ..read more

Leesburg names new Duty City Manager in this week’s Hometown Headlines. Other stories this week: Mount Dora Taste & Craft Beer Fest winners! Clermont teacher competes for America’s Favorite Teacher Spring Creek Principal Honored. Best of the best nominations are open. Style Highlights 2024 Businesswomen of Style. A big thank you to Tri-County Foot & Ankle and Red Apples Media for providing ongoing production support for the program ..read more

Cameryn Bowcott has signed to play softball with Truett McConnell University to continue her academic and playing career. TMU is located in Cleveland, Georgia and they are members of the Appalachian Athletics Conference. Bowcott has been a varsity softball player for the past four years at Umatilla High School. As a sophomore, she was part of the team that won a district championship. She was also named the MVP of the softball team during her freshman year. Cameryn will be graduating Umatilla High School with the AICE Diploma with Merit, along with graduating Lake Sumter State College with an ..read more

In the heart of Lake County, where dreams sprout from humble beginnings, Brady Singer’s journey from a small town to the grand stage of Major League Baseball is a testament to perseverance and talent. Born in August of 1996, in Leesburg, Florida, Singer’s passion for baseball ignited early. His High School journey began on the dusty diamonds of Tavares High School, where he helped secure the Tavares Bulldogs first district championship in over 24 years back in 2012. People still talk about that team even today. (Brady Singer when he was a senior at Eustis High School – Photo Credit – Batter ..read more

Lake-Sumter State College just completed its largest Commencement Ceremonies in the College’s 62-year history! More than half of the 630-plus graduating students chose to walk across the stage at one of the two ceremonies held as part of the Sixty-Ninth Commencement exercises. “Today marks not just the end of your academic journey at this College, but also the beginning of the next chapter of your lives – one that holds the promise of possibilities and exciting adventures,” LSSC President Heather Bigard told the graduating class. “As you navigate the path ahead, embrace challenges as opportuni ..read more

Lexie Clow is the 2024 Class Valedictorian for Umatilla High School. She has a 5.47 GPA and is one of the first Cambridge AICE Diploma recipients at Umatilla High School. She is one of only a handful of students to have earned this diploma with the ‘Merit Scholar’ designation. (Lexie has a 5.47 GPA. She is one of the first graduates of the Cambridge AICE program which was implemented a few years ago by Principal Brent Fraizer. The program allows high school students to take college level courses and earn credits towards a degree before high school graduation.) During her time at Umatilla Hi ..read more

During its Sixty-Ninth Commencement Ceremonies, Lake-Sumter State College awarded State Senator Dennis A. Baxley an honorary Bachelor of Leadership degree in recognition of his exemplary service to the citizens of Florida. During the ceremony, President Heather Bigard and Trustees Bret Jones and Emily Lee presented Senator Baxley with a hood for his ceremonial regalia and a diploma in acknowledgement of this honor. The Senator’s humble and influential style serves as an example for LSSC’s students. “We are proud to recognize Senator Baxley’s unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions ..read more