The South Lake Chamber of Commerce announced this year’s recipients of the prestigious Citizen of the Year, Heritage Award, and Oakley Seaver Award at the South Lake Business Award Gala held at Bella Collina on April 10.
Citizen Of The Year award was presented to a South Lake resident who displays extraordinary dedication to the community.
This year’s Citizen of the Year is Dr. Kasey Kesselring
Dr. Kasey Kesselring is an active member of the Chamber, having served as Chair in 2012. He is a vital community member and has become ingrained as a leader in our community. Dr. Kesselring has participated as a board member of multiple local and regional organizations such as the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, the South Lake Hospital, Cornerstone Hospice, the Orlando Economic Partnership, Lake County Planning and Zoning Board, Lake County Tourist and Development Council, American Cancer Foundation, IMPACT Lake, and more.
Dr Kesselring has taken Montverde Academy to new heights. From a small mostly international boarding school, to one of the preeminent private schools in Central Florida, Montverde Academy has grown from 103 students in 1999 to more than 1,350 students representing more than 90 countries and 13 states. More than $55 million has been invested in new construction, renovations and land acquisition to grow the 130-acre campus. In addition, a multi-million-dollar endowment supports need-based financial assistance. Academically, the Academy offers 33 Advanced Placement courses, 13 honors classes and has a 100 percent college acceptance rate. In athletics, the varsity basketball and soccer teams have earned national rankings, which attracts elite players from all over the world. These programs have produced collegiate and professional level athletes. This is also complemented by an award-winning theatre, music and fine arts programs.
In his spare time, Dr.Kesselring plays piano and enjoys farming and classical opera, as well as traveling with family that includes a spouse of 25 years and a daughter and son.
Oakley Seaver Special Service Award honors a non-profit business that has contributed significantly to the community and has created a lasting impact.
Recipient – Faith Neighborhood Center was founded in 1972 and has been in continuous operation since opening. They provide support to low-income families and individuals in South Lake County. In 2018 alone this organization served more than 12,000 families, 4,000 seniors, 20,000 children, and 43,000 individuals. This amounts to more than 730,000 pounds of food distributed last year
Heritage Award recognizes a business that has shown continued contributions to the business community.
This year’s recipient – Lake Apopka Natural Gas District
The Lake Apopka Natural Gas District will be celebrating its 60thyear in business this June. This business is a relatively small company providing first class service to its more than 22,000 customers. Over the past 60 years, this business has strived to be a forward-looking company with a small-town feel. The Gas District is an active member of the Chamber and the South Lake Community at large including Pig on the Pond’s Project Scholar, the Downtown Clermont Art Festival, the City of Groveland’s 4thof July Celebration, Light-Up Clermont, and the Kiwanis Club of South Lake’s Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament, just to name a few
For additional information and recipients of this year’s Best of South Lake Awards, visit SOUTH LAKE RECIPIENTS.
