Pinecrest Lakes Preparatory High School celebrated a milestone this week as senior Sophia Picciano became the school’s first-ever student-athlete to sign a National Letter of Intent to compete at an NCAA Division I university. Surrounded by friends, family, coaches, classmates, and teachers, Sophia signed with West Virginia University, where she will begin her collegiate rowing career this fall.

Sophia’s achievement caps off an extraordinary high school career marked by academic excellence, leadership, and athletic accomplishment. A standout scholar, she maintains a 4.7 GPA and is a proud member of the National Honor Society. She also serves as Senior Class President, known across campus for her integrity, positivity, and dedication to her school community. Perhaps most impressively, Sophia has achieved 100% perfect attendance since VPK, a testament to her commitment and consistency.

Her accomplishments extend well beyond the classroom. Sophia recently made history as the first-ever State Champion representing the Lake County Rowing Association, cementing her place as one of the region’s most promising young athletes.

During the signing ceremony, Lake County Rowing Association President Mark Vantrease opened the event with a heartfelt speech recounting Sophia’s journey from novice rower to state champion. He highlighted her grit, discipline, and refusal to let obstacles define her path.

Vantrease noted that Sophia competes with a lightweight frame—a body type not typically sought after by major Division I rowing programs. Despite this, Sophia set her sights on rowing for a Big 12 university and worked relentlessly to elevate her performance to the highest level.

“Sophia overcame every barrier through sheer work ethic and determination,” Vantrease shared. “We couldn’t be more proud of her and her representation of our rowing program and Pinecrest Lakes Prep. Go Eagles! We wish you the best of luck as you soar to the mountains.”

As Pinecrest Lakes Preparatory High School held its inaugural College Signing Day, Sophia’s accomplishment set the tone for future athletes at the growing Lake County school. Her journey serves as an inspiration to younger students who witnessed firsthand what dedication, character, and resilience can achieve.

Sophia will head to West Virginia University in the fall, prepared to compete, study, and represent both her school and community on the national stage.

With her record of excellence—both in the boathouse and the classroom—there is no doubt that she will continue making Lake County proud.

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Dr. Stan Sidor, President of Lake Sumter State College, stated, “We are pleased to enter into this partnership with Pinecrest Lakes Academy to expand the availability of a STEM-focused education within Lake County. Pinecrest Lakes has a successful history of providing innovative and rigorous education by fostering family and community support systems to serve underrepresented and underserved communities. Together, we will create pathways for secondary students to work toward credentials and college credit that will accelerate their degree completion and improve the health and wealth of our local economy.”

Pinecrest Board Chair Carlos Alvarez also remarked, “The ultimate goal of this collaboration is to put students on the path toward success by connecting them with higher education, building a pipeline for students to receive a STEM-focused education and enter the workforce prepared.”

Pinecrest Lakes students will graduate high school prepared for college and a career, with vital communications and critical thinking skills as well as real-world experiences that Lake Sumter College will provide. Christina Alcalde, Pinecrest Lakes’ principal, is extremely excited about this union because this partnership will create more college and career-focused educational pathways and opportunities for our students, families, and the community. “I can’t imagine a better partnership as we are working to expand our high school programs!”

Pinecrest Lakes Charter school students will earn college credit while they are also pursuing their middle and high school courses. This partnership will offer students the quality and integrity of a program that meet the standards of the College and ensure the students receive elective credit toward graduation.

Dr.  Sidor concurs. “This partnership continues our work with our secondary and postsecondary educational partners to deliver our mission of providing opportunities for career success in our evolving and global workforce.”

Pinecrest Academy, Inc. is a high performing charter school network that operates 19 schools in Florida and 5 campuses in Nevada. The organization has a twenty-year proven track record of successfully implementing their vision of raising student achievement while decreasing the achievement gap for disadvantaged student populations. www.pinecrestacademyschools.org Pinecrest Academy, Inc. charter schools are serviced by Academica, one of the nation’s longest-serving and most successful charter school service and support organizations with a proven track-record developing growing networks of high performing charter schools.  Academica works with over 200 charter schools across the U.S.  For more information please visit http://www.academica.org

Founded in 1962, Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) offers a high-quality education at an affordable price to the communities of Lake and Sumter counties. As a proud member of the Florida College System, LSSC serves more than 6,000 students annually at three locations: Leesburg, South Lake (Clermont), and Sumterville. LSSC offers non-credit, certificate, and degree programs designed to support and prepare students for today’s dynamic workforce. LSSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Learn more about LSSC at www.lssc.edu

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The 2-day Olympic Games began on Tuesday, March 10.

The Learning:

“The most important thing in the Olympic games is not to win but to take part.
Just as the most important thing in life is not to triumph but the struggle.
The essential thing is not to conquer but to have fought well.”

The 2020 Pinecrest Lakes Academy Olympic games kicked off with the lighting of the authentic Olympic torch which was furnished by Kathy Johnson, a 1984 silver and bronze Olympic Medalist.  Christina Alcalde, school principal, introduced Heather Torres and 1988 Olympian Chelle Stack. 1992 Olympic Bronze medalist Wendy Martin Bruce was the guest speaker. She spoke to the students about what an honor it is to participate in the Olympic games and than asked everyone to recite the Olympic Oath with her.  A student sang the National Anthem and the games began. The Anthem is not an easy song to sing and she did a great job.

Students competed in nine competitions. Each grade was awarded a gold, silver and bronze medal.

“I think the students got a once in a lifetime experience by being able to hold an actual Olympic bronze metal and torch. The students had countries to represent which gave them a sense of diversity, enthusiasm and pride”, said Delaney.

Adding to the day’s excitement was a special message that the school received from the world’s top gymnast, Simone Biles.

(SEE VIDEO AND PICTURES BELOW)

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The students carried passports as they traveled the world and received stamps after interacting with the volunteers at each location.

Video Courtesy of Kelly Smy

LEARNING CAN BE FUN!

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Each grade level (K-7) was asked to participate and, as an extra bonus, the grade level donating the most pet food and supplies would be awarded an ice cream social.  The Pre K and Kindergarten classes won with 7th grade close behind!

Once the supplies were collected, Linda from HoundHaven arrived at the school to collect the donations. She was happily surprised at how many things the students had collected. Linda was especially happy when she saw a large bag of dog food which she commented was the favorite dish of one of her doggie guests.

Houndhaven rescues large dogs and puppies from euthanasia at kill shelters. Volunteers care for the dogs until they can be placed in loving homes or with another rescue group. Why only large dogs? Linda explained that many people looking to adopt a pet prefer small dogs.

Houndhaven, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit charity located in Minneola, FL.  Founded in 2000, Houndhaven has rescued more than 1,400 dogs and puppies and provided them with excellent vet care and placed them in loving homes. The facility is strictly a no-kill organization and is operated entirely by donations and volunteer help.

The shelter hosts up to 18-20 dogs at one time. Each dog has its own clean kennel, an exercise play area and a  “spa day” to maintain grooming hygiene.

Linda says that Houndhaven is not a typical shelter. Volunteers describe it as being a happy place and the dogs at Houndhaven, all appear happy and well cared for. Dogs with medical problems such as cataracts, diabetes, skin and ear infections, eating disorders aren’t turned away but given love, affection and medical treatment.

Volunteer duties include walking, feeding and medicating the dogs, as well as cleaning kennels, picking up play yards, doing dishes and laundry and other things necessary to provide the dogs with excellent care. Linda explains that the shelter is always looking for volunteers, 18 years and older, who can handle large dogs and have no medical conditions such as pregnancy and serious back problems. Volunteer opportunities also exist at adoption events most weekends.  The dogs are taken to Petsmart and Petco from 12-3:30 pm on most Saturdays so that they can meet prospective adopters.

Thanks to Scout Troop 996, there is a quiet place where a dog and prospective best friend can met, play, and get to know each other.

Thank you Pinecrest Lakes Academy for Caring and Sharing.

Linda shows off some of the many dogs awaiting adoption at Houndhaven. Donate, Volunteer, Adopt.  Learn more about Houndhaven and the current dogs looking for forever homes at www.houndhaven.org.

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Twelve-year-old Brayden Bates recently competed in the 2019 USA Gymnastics Men’s Region 8 Championships in Alachua, FL April 5-7.  At the competition, the life-long south Lake athlete placed 1^st on P. Bars, and 1^st on Rings.  Though falling short of winning state and regionals, Brayden did finish high enough to earn a berth in the 2019 Mens’ Junior Olympic National Championships to be held in Reno Nevada on May 2-5.

Brayden will represent his gym, Gymnastic USA in Winter Garden.

“Brayden is very excited to have qualified for Nationals”, said his proud dad. “This was the first year that Brayden could qualify and has worked very hard to have the opportunity to compete!”.

For the past 4 years, Brayden has trained at Gymnastic USA in Winter Garden, a state-of-the-art gym. Brayden excelled immediately in gymnastics and was placed on a team without ever attending a recreational class program. At age 10, Bates competed as a level 5 and finished first on the pommel horse, high bar, and parallel bars, completing the state championships by winning the All-Around competition. His superior performance earned him a place in the 2017 USA Gymnastics Men’s Regional Championship.

His athletic ability, stamina, competitiveness, teamwork, and perseverance may have been inherited. Brayden’s mother was an All-American gymnast at the University of Alabama and his dad is City of Clermont Mayor Pro Tem who has served on the City Council since 2012.  

Brayden and his teammates have 3 coaches who structure their coaching around a positive atmosphere. They are Nick Kosteski, John Hallet, Robbie Hunt.

Brayden is excited and ready to compete. He states, “I can’t wait to fly to Reno and compete and to see how other kids do from all over the country”.

Brayden, wishing you the very best, more importantly, bring home lots of wonderful memories.

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