Chamber, West Orange Foundation honor students with education awards

Hundreds of students, parents and community leaders attended the West Orange Chamber of Commerce Education Awards to honor students for their accomplishments in and out of the classroom. Orlando Health, Bright Future Electric and Trophies Unlimited sponsored the event.

Two high school seniors were awarded the Danniel J. Petro Scholarship: Isabella Alves, of Olympia High School, and Stephanie Da Silva, of Windermere High School.

The Danniel J. Petro Scholarship Awards, at $2,500 each, are provided through the West Orange Foundation Inc. and administrated by the West Orange Chamber of Commerce. The scholarship fund was established to make it possible for eligible students from local high schools in Orange County (public or private) to further their education at Valencia College, Orange Technical College or the University of Central Florida.

The West Orange Foundation is able to fund the scholarships through the contributions of the Petro Family Foundation.

Nearly 50 students received S.O.A.R. (Students of Achievement and Renown) awards. Students were nominated by their teachers for their academic achievements combined with good citizenship and commitment to personal growth. Students received a medallion compliments of Trophies Unlimited and gift cards to Twistee Treat and Chick-fil-A. 

J.T. McWalters, chairman of the West Orange Chamber board of directors, said, “The most valuable investment we can make in today’s students is education.”