The South Lake Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast was held on Friday, May 19.
Thom Kieft of Lake-Sumter State College and president of the SLCC presented two $1,000 Ray Goodgame Awards.
The Ray Goodgame Award honors exceptional students in the South Lake area who serve as champions for our community.
The first recipient Diego Jose Bodden Gonzalez of East Ridge High School has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership skills, and community involvement during his high school tenure. He participated in leadership roles such as Rho Kappa (National Social Studies Honor Society), National Honor Society, East Ridge High School Debate Club, East Ridge High School Academic Program, Dance Marathon, National English Honor Society, and National Science Honor Society! When Diego was not dominating the classroom, he participated in his cross-country and track-and-field teams. This outstanding student leader has given more than 220 total hours of volunteerism to local organizations such as the New Beginnings Thrift Store, Dream Catcher Horse Ranch, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hope Center, and Christmas Across South Lake. Diego was awarded an AP Scholar, and Latin Honors Award, and will graduate with a 4.86 GPA! He will attend UCF majoring in Biology with a focus on Pre-Health Professional, and later attending dental school to become a general dentist.
Amy Roman of South Lake High School was also awarded a $1,000 Ray Goodgame Outstanding Student Leader Scholarship. Amy has displayed exceptional academic achievement and leadership amongst her peers. She has earned the AP Scholar Award for her remarkable achievements in high school. Amy has shown a strong commitment to academic excellence through her membership in the National Honor Society. Additionally, her leadership role as a percussionist for the South Lake High School Screaming Eagle Band demonstrates a dedication to the arts and a willingness to take on important responsibilities. It’s clear that Amy is a well-rounded and motivated individual. This outstanding student leader spent more than 50 hours volunteering at Gray Middle School Band Program and assisting a local church with their electronics. Amy has worked at Mamma Rita’s Pizzeria & Italian Grill as a take-out cashier while earning a GPA of 3.94. She plans to attend the University of North Florida and pursue a career in nursing to help children in a pediatric office.
The keynote speaker was the Lake County Supervisor of Elections, Alan Hays. He spoke of the importance of voter integrity, security, and his commitment to upholding all election laws and regulations to ensure the election process is administered fairly and transparently.
Main Event Sponsor of the event was owner Philip Toppino of W.O.F.T. (Where Our Families Train). Basic firearms training, scenario training. martial arts instruction and educational assistance are some of the services offered. Learn more by calling 352-223-8787 or visiting https://woft.com/pages/about-us
Co-Sponsor of the breakfast was Threadlink CEO and COO William and Faschyn Pavon. Threadlink is a full-service marketing agency that focuses on modern design, branding, and web design. For additional information visit https://www.mythreadlin.com or call 407-664-1287.
