Here at the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber, we are continuously proud of the work of the students, teachers, and staff of the School District of Osceola County. Every year our Poinciana Area Council recognizes graduating seniors in the Poinciana area with a scholarship competition. Past winners of this award have attended schools as diverse as Poinciana High School, New Dimensions, Osceola County School for the Arts, and Haines City High School.
This year PAC received many applications from students living in the 34758, 34759, and 34746 zip codes in either Osceola or Polk County. Two winners were chosen to receive scholarships in the amount of $1000 each. The chosen students were Kaitlyn Haslam from the Osceola County School for the Arts and Darrell Nieves-Lugo from Liberty High School. We were thrilled to be able to honor these two amazing students with an in-person awards ceremony once again this year. As in years past, the event was catered by the culinary students of Poinciana High School under the direction of Chef Juan Alamo. They offered a clever build-your-own flatbread or wrap with beef and chick kabobs, salad toppings, a delicious sauce, and an amazing chocolate baklava for desert, served in pandemic-safe individually-boxed servings.
To kick off the proceedings, 2021 Poinciana Area Council Chairman Crystal Bethea of Riviera Spa Massage spoke about the work the PAC Board of Directors has done to keep the scholarship alive during the pandemic. Last year, to support out students during a tricky time, the board used all remaining funds in the scholarship account to provide four students with $1000 scholarships and honor them during a virtual event via Zoom. Unable to offer their signature PoincianaFest event this past October, the PAC board had to be creative about ways to replenish the funds for this year’s awards. As Crystal shared, an awesome Virtual Paint Night on March 5 helped the PAC board raise over half the needed funds. A generous matching grant from Commissioner Brandon Arrington got us to the desired amount.Following Crystal’s opening remarks, School Board Member Jon Arguello offered some inspiring words to our two students. He took the opportunity afforded him by the intimate setting to address the two students directly and praise them for their hard work and inspiring goals that led them to be chosen for the award. He noted that these are two people of strong character, as well as impressive academic resumes, and that often people don’t touch on the amount of character it takes to achieve one’s goals.With some words of introduction from their academic advisors, the students each took the time to read the essays they penned as part of their winning applications. Attendees heard from Kaitlyn about how her mother’s struggle with cancer has inspired her to pursue a career in medical oncology. Meanwhile, Darrell has his sights set on space as he would like to work for NASA or SpaceX one day as an Aerospace Engineer. His immediate plan to is to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Central Florida, while Kaitlyn is headed to the University of Florida to study pre-professional Biology.
Unfortunately, our second keynote speaker, Valencia Poinciana’s Executive Dean, Dr. Jennifer Robertson, was unable to join us due to injury. However, she sent a video that very succinctly expressed her congrats to the winners, specifically calling them out for their achievements and goals, and her general positive impression of the talented students that Valencia accepts to their dual enrollment program from our local high schools. She also noted the historic moment in which we are living and applauded these students’ resilience to pursue their academic achievements during such unprecedented times. Finally, she reminded them that, “to achieve a big goal, you have to set many small goals along with way.”We were also excited to have School District of Osceola County Superintendent Dr. Debra Pace present to congratulate and celebrate the students. If you would like to assist the Poinciana Area Council with either funds or supplies as they support our schools, please contact us at cpilkington@kissimmeechamber.co.
This year the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber launched a new recurring event called "Osceola Round-Up." The goal of this event is to highlight our attraction and entertainment members while providing an evening of networking in a fun environment. As with our First Friday series that highlights our member restaurants, attendees at this event pay their own way to participate in the attraction or activity, and the Chamber brings the group setting!
Wild Florida
We kicked off our first Osceola Round-Up on March 30 at Wild Florida. Our group took an airboat ride on Lake Toho where they had the opportunity to spot gators in their natural habitat, as well as birds and other wildlife native to Florida. For some, it was their very first time on an airboat, one of Floridians' favorite ways to explore. They then ventured over to Wild Florida's animal park to experience the unique wildlife that the park has to offer. From Florida panthers and albino alligators, to wallabies and adorable baby goats, Wild Florida has a collection of native and non-native animals for visitors to meet and learn about. During the day, shows and demonstrations add to the educational value of the park. Our group didn't have time on their after-work adventure to experience Wild Florida's new drive-through Safari park, but several were anxious to return and check it out! Both the Safari and Airboat Ride at Wild Florida include admission to the animal park.
Gatorland
The April Osceola Round-Up took us to Gatorland for a Gator Night Shine Adventure. Our intimate group of 20 members started the excursion doing what we do best, fueling up for the excitement on delicious food and drinks. Gatorland set up a custom snack bar complete with build-your-own Dorito nachos made to go because, as the tour guide pointed out, “you never know when you might need to outrun a gator.” After enjoying this fun snack and a cool beverage, our group had the park to themselves and set off on a journey to explore some of Gatorland's signature residents. Attendees even had the opportunity to hold baby gators and massive snakes! As the sun set, our Chamber crew made their way to the main event: Gatorland's Night Shine Adventure. Armed with flashlights, the group walked deep into the park to a long bridge over calm black water. It was pitch black, the water was still, and the only sounds came from the silent chatter of the group. Tour guide Michael hollered and threw pellets of food into the water to invite his reptilian friends to the party. With the aid of flashlights, the group could see over 50 gators begin to emerge from the water for a late-night snack in what one attendee described as "epic." Gators of all sizes and temperaments chomped aggressively for the pellets, while others just chilled as bits of food ended up lodged on their backs. While gators and wild animals may provide a thrill, our favorite part was watching attendees form connections over the event. Newer members had an opportunity to meet veteran members who welcomed them into our Chamber and shared information about how being a part of the Chamber has helped their business. Many of them were also experiencing these popular local attractions for the first time!We can't thank Wild Florida and Gatorland enough for being our guinea pigs as we launched this new series. For a change of pace, our next Osceola Round-Up will be at Board and Brush on May 13. You can still register if you wish to join us!
On March 10, the Osceola Resort Area Council made their first foray back into in-person networking with an evening event at the brand new, new-concept Shoney’s at Old Town. ORAC invited tourism industry professionals to visit the outdoor bar location at the new restaurant along Highway 192, sample their menu, and re-kindle and create new connections with others in their industry.
Old Town and Shoney’s sponsored a selection of food and beverage, and some brave attendees even took a complimentary ride on the Old Town Ferris wheel. The weather cooperated, and a cool breeze nicely complemented the outdoor setting. Attendees dropped their business cards into a raffle bucket and several people walked away with fun prizes including attraction tickets and hotel stays.
ORAC Chair and Old Town General Manager Thearon Scrulock took a few minutes to speak to those in attendance, as did West 192 Development Authority Director Christina Morris, Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber President/CEO John Newstreet, and Tourist Development Council member Brad Boland.
John Newstreet thanked everyone for coming and gave recognition to the ORAC Board of Directors for their work putting the event together. Christina Morris informed those present that, as guests at Old Town, they were standing in District 5 – the “Entertainment District” – of the West 192 Development Authority. She went on to talk about some of the incentives available for businesses looking to re-develop or invest in the tourism corridor. Brad Boland spoke about how exciting it is to see tourism industry businesses in the county start to open up and welcome guests as things begin to look more like normal.
If you missed this opportunity to network with other members, join the Celebration Area Council for a similar event at Old Town on April 6.
