- April 3, 2019
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Horizon West Middle put together a collage of construction and new school photos as part of the celebration of its school dedication Nov. 15.
Principal Michelle Thomas, School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs, School Board Vice Chair Pam Gould, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez, Southwest Area Superintendent Dr. James Larsen and Pastor Ortiz of Oasis Windermere.
Horizon West dance students wearing the school colors of gold and black performed to enthusiastic cheers and applause from their fellow students.
Many students raised their hands when School Board Vice Chair Pam Gould asked how many students were new to the area in the past five years.
The Horizon West Middle chorus performed and sang the national anthem. It's amazing to think that these students have only been together for three months.
School Board Vice Chair Pam Gould shakes hands with the Horizon West Hornet after Horizon West Middle and Orange County Public Schools dignitaries and students officially cut the ribbon.
Principal Michelle Thomas and School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs cut a cake featuring the Horizon West Middle crest during a reception held in the media center.
Submitted by Lauren Roth, Orange County Public Schools senior manager of facilities communications
Horizon West Middle School hosted a dedication ceremony for the entire school community on Friday, Nov. 15. The school was one of three to open in Horizon West in August. Students were the stars of the show, including dance and chorus students, as well as students Aya Mimouni and Joao Pedro Morato, who presented gifts to the dignitaries in attendance.
School Board Vice Chair Pam Gould asked students, by a show of hands, how many have moved to the area in the past few years. Nearly half raised their hands. Gould told them that in order to have Horizon West Middle open today, Orange County Public Schools had to anticipate that they were coming. Gould also told the students that they could make a difference in the world, improving on what they see around them, from school construction materials to cell phones.
After the students agreed to take care of their school, respect the adults trying to help them and to work hard in school, Dep. Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez presented a ceremonial key to Principal Michelle Thomas. School Board Chair Teresa Jacobs told the students that they are much smarter than kids were 150 years ago, when OCPS was established.