Winter Garden, FL., April 21, 2025 – The West Orange Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the West Orange Foundation, celebrated outstanding students and educators at its annual Education Awards Ceremony.

During the ceremony, graduating high school seniors who are recipients of a Danniel J. Petro Scholarship Fund scholarship, and fifth, eighth, and eleventh grade recipients of the SOAR award were honored and presented with their awards. This year, the Chamber and Foundation awarded nine scholarships, totaling over $20,000, and 41 SOAR awards.

New this year was the addition of the Educator Appreciation Award, generously funded by Duke Energy. This award was created to celebrate and recognize a team or individual educator who is going above and beyond in the classroom with their efforts to foster excellence, creativity, and a commitment to enhancing the learning experience for their students. Twelve instructors representing Bay Meadows Elementary School, Orange Technical College-West Campus, St. Andrew Catholic School, and Whispering Oak Elementary School were among the inaugural recipients of this award.

Dignitaries, educators representing area schools, family, and friends joined the celebration to offer support and praise for this deserving group of students and educators. A few notables on hand to help honor the award recipients were Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, Orange County School Board Member – District 4, Anne Douglas, City of Winter Garden Commissioner – District 2, Iliana Ramos Jones, and WOCC Chair, Betsy VanderLey, along with several Chamber and Foundation Board members.

The West Orange Foundation’s Danniel J. Petro Scholarship Fund was established to make it possible for eligible students from local high schools in West Orange County to further their education at a college, university, or trade/vocational school. The West Orange Foundation was able to fund this year’s scholarships through the generosity of its scholarship partners, Duke Energy, Orlando Health, and the Petro Family Foundation. Administration and implementation of the program is provided by the West Orange Chamber of Commerce.

The SOAR, Students of Achievement and Renown, Award recognizes students in the Chamber’s service area who have shown initiative, good citizenship, commitment, and personal growth in the classroom.  SOAR Award recipients are fifth, eighth, or eleventh-grade students who meet certain criteria and are nominated by faculty and staff at their school.

The West Orange Chamber of Commerce and the West Orange Foundation congratulate all of the students and educators who were recognized during this event!

About West Orange Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1972, the West Orange Chamber of Commerce (WOCC) serves as the leading

business advocate in Central Florida by advancing community, collaboration, and leadership for

nearly 1,200 member businesses. Learn how the West Orange Chamber of Commerce

can help grow your business by visiting wochamber.com/grow-with-us/.

About the West Orange Foundation

The West Orange Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that serves as the community-based, philanthropic arm of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce (WOCC). The Foundation’s vision is to create a broader community reach, streamline the Chamber’s philanthropy and community outreach programs, engage more industries & businesses, create and embolden alliances, and foster positive change, health, and growth. It supports many of the WOCC’s philanthropic initiatives, including its adult and youth leadership programs, scholarships for local students, community-need projects, and educational Chamber events.