Who is Kevin Ballinger? Some would say he is a department head for Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). Others might say he is a military retiree. If you ask his wife, he is a husband. If you ask his children, he is a father. He is many things. After an hour conversation, one would probably agree that is he is the epitome of a human Swiss army knife. He is versatile, well … [Read more...]
Tough Things to Talk About: Bullying
Bullying - a word used loosely most of the time. But do we really know what true bullying is? According to www.stopbullying.gov, "Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time." Bullying can come in many forms, such as name calling, … [Read more...]
Exchange Program Teaches Lessons From a Diverse World
Each year, Education First (EF) High School Exchange Year matches almost 3,000 international exchange students from around the world with host families across the United States. They come for a calendar school year to experience the American culture by attending high school and becoming part of the family. This year, we have three students right here in Lake Nona as well as … [Read more...]
The ‘Goat Idea’
Valencia College seems to be forever growing. It seems there are always more students, more buildings being added, and more free food somewhere. In the case of the Lake Nona Campus, there is a surplus of ideas busting out of campus president Michael Longhitano’s head. As leader of the Student Government Association, his job is to better the surroundings for students and … [Read more...]
Underdogs to Alphas: A Girls’ Water Polo Season for the Books
The Lake Nona High School girls’ water polo team has certainly had one of the best seasons in Lake Nona’s history, coming out with an incredible team of dedicated athletes who worked to their full potential to create a dynamic, wellrounded and incredible group of young women in the sport. It wasn’t always like this, however. At the start of the season, the team was faced with … [Read more...]