Nichole Smith, Montverde Academy
On Wednesday, January 7, Montverde Academy proudly celebrated students whose dedication, creativity, and intellectual curiosity exemplify excellence across literature, the arts, civic engagement, and scientific exploration. From award-winning journalism and powerful performances to national and global recognition in science, these achievements reflect a community committed to high standards and meaningful impact.
Excellence in Journalism and Visual Storytelling: Yearbook The 2025 edition of Interlachen yearbook, If Only You Knew, earned exceptional recognition across multiple prestigious organizations, underscoring the staff’s commitment to storytelling, design, and journalistic integrity.
2025 Awards and Honors
- Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA): All-Florida Ranking, with highest marks in Concept; Writing and Editing; Layout and Design; Photography; and Visuals and Readership Essentials
- National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA): All-American Ranking with Marks of Distinction in Photography and Coverage; Pacemaker Finalist
- Southern Interscholastic Press Association (SIPA): Superior Ranking
- Columbian Scholastic Press Association (CSPA): Gold Medalist Rating with All-Columbian Honors in Essential and Verbal sections
These accolades are a testament to the collaborative excellence of the yearbook staff:
Lyder Reksten, Brooke Burton, Krisha Patel, Lyla McMillen, Ella Holt, Marisha Pirani, Wiljeanne Marc Estime, Riya Gupta, Gabby Joseph, GG Giovanna Gaia, Claire Tornetta, Jaidyn Lakhan, Seleen Soufi, Maria Pereira, Matthew Chin, Julia Saelg, Ella Demarest, Taylin Hansen, Journey Jones, Akylah Shirley, Haya Ghanayem, Lily McMillen, Braden Ray, Kayden Brown, Kayla Nguyen, Laura Menossi, Free Coleman, Landon Garcia, Mia Neves, Tank Chaveous, Talia Alqawasmi, Zara Liles-Henry, Addie Cooper, and Jacob Martinez.
Photographers whose work elevated the publication include Tian Zhong, Lilia Becker, Janiyah Miller, Makaela Gordon, and Laura Wu.
Excellence in Civic Leadership: Model United Nations
In the fall, sophomore Elissa Ghanem earned Best Delegate at the Model United Nations conference hosted by the University of Central Florida (KnightMUN). This recognition highlights exceptional preparation, diplomacy, and persuasive leadership on a competitive collegiate stage.
Excellence in the Performing Arts: District and State Recognition
District Thespians At the District Thespians competition, Montverde Academy students achieved top honors across acting, music, playwriting, and dance, demonstrating artistic range and performance excellence.
- Tyler Price (3 awards): Solo Musical, Solo Acting, Duet Acting
- Elana Young: Solo Musical
- Dylan Bova: Solo Musical
- Tatriana Hinds: Duet Acting
- Beckett Lee: Playwriting
- Estella Carattini-Cintron: Musical Theatre Dance
- Ariana Delgado: Musical Theatre Dance
Florida Music Education Association All-State Selection
- Jason El-Bacha: All-State Middle School Mixed Choir and All-State Guitar Ensemble
- Eason Li: All-State Middle School Honors Orchestra
Excellence in Scientific Exploration: National and Global Recognition
Botanical Society of America – Star Project The Star Project is a nationwide program recognizing student-designed, plant-focused scientific investigations. For Fall 2025, Montverde Academy had two teams, Root Awakening and 2526 Project 7, selected as finalists. Notably, the national winners emerged from MVA’s 2526 Project 7 team.
Guided by Environmental Science teacher Mrs. Amy Napoles, the winning team demonstrated scientific rigor, clear communication, and meaningful engagement with their Planting Science Mentor:
- Felipe Bueno
- Sid Goecke
- Rafael Martinez
- Joaquina Mora
Breakthrough Junior Challenge The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a global science video competition for high school students. MVA junior Isabela Lelles was one of the 16 finalists worldwide, popular vote top scorer, and regional champion for South and Central America.
Excellence in Independent Athletic Achievement Eighth grader Grace Young passed her eighth and final U.S. Figure Skating Skills test, earning the distinguished title of U.S. Figure Skating Gold Medalist in Skating Skills. This milestone is achieved by only 3–4 percent of skaters nationwide and reflects Grace’s incredible dedication, perseverance, and passion.
Across disciplines and stages, local, national, and global, these students exemplify the pursuit of excellence through passion, perseverance, and purpose. Montverde Academy offers a challenging academic environment for students who have a strong desire to learn.
It is because of this that the Academy is ranked #1 of 51 as the Best Private K–12 School in the Orlando Area.
The South Lake Tablet congratulates every honoree for their achievements, as wll as their faculty mentors.
