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Dr. Vazquez: OCPS has some amazing volunteers and partners coming up next. Meet this year's award winners.
Announcer: Welcome to Mondays with Maria, presented by ADDITION Financial Credit Union. Here's OCPS Superintendent, Dr. Maria Vazquez.
Dr. Vazquez: Hi everyone. Jamie Holmes is back with me, and today we have a very special episode taking a look back at the OCPS Crystal Awards, which were held this month at SeaWorld.
Jamie Holmes: Yes, absolutely. I love the Crystal Awards. Out of all the events that you guys do, and you do a lot, it's one of my favorite ones to be a part of.
Dr. Vazquez: It's always a lot of fun. For those who may not know what the Crystal Awards are, it's an event that's organized by the foundation for Orange County Public Schools, where we honor our amazing partners, volunteers, and volunteer coordinators.
Jamie Holmes: Yeah, it's an amazing morning. We celebrate the honorees, people who are giving their time and resources to be able to go out and help the Orange County School system. And it's wonderful. We were very privileged. We're honored every year to be able to produce the videos that are shown at the Crystal Awards. And of course, they also go out on social media, and we get to sit down and talk to these folks, and it's, it's wonderful. We love it.
Dr. Vazquez: Speaking of videos, our intern from Jones High School, Kaleb Priester, put together a quick recap video of the event. So, let's take a look.
Kaleb Priester, Student Intern & Announcer: On a bright and beautiful morning at Seaward Orlando. The OCPS community gathered for a special tradition, the Annual Crystal Awards, honoring those who make a difference every day in the lives of our students. The morning open with energy and excitement from the Memorial Middle School drum line, followed by a moving performance from the Howard Middle Show Choir. The event brought together dedicated volunteers, volunteer coordinators, and partners in education, all to celebrate their service and commitment. Throughout the morning, honorees cross the stage to receive their crystal award, a symbol of appreciation for their outstanding contribution. All of our honorees have a great story. Let's hear their why.
Miguel Torres Cintron, Volunteer: I just want to be someone in their life that they know have been in their shoes and can be a nice reference point to what they can be and what they can do and their potential.
Vanessa Faberlle, Market Director of Sales: I'm being there for the parents that can't be there. A lot of parents have to work and can't be there for the kids. So, I feel like it's important that we help not just the kids, but the administration.
Nathan Cicero, Resident Pianist & Chorus Master: Person out there who goes home and is affected by what we do. Then it it's worth it.
Francesca Coverini, Featured Soprano: It's very important to let them have this exposure and know that this is something that they can do.
Sarah Purser, Education Director: I know that this work is important. I know that it's important for us to bring the arts into the schools and for them to see what the possibilities are.
Kaleb Priester, Student Intern & Announcer: The Crystal Awards not only celebrated the individual contributions, but highlighted the power of community, proving that when we stand together, there is no limit to what we can achieve for our students.
Dr. Vazquez: Wow.
Jamie Holmes: Wow. Yeah.
Dr. Vazquez: Standing room only
Jamie Holmes: It was amazing, Kaleb. Wow. What a rock star. I think I need to hire him. <Laugh>.
Dr. Vazquez: Well, you know, we're going to be losing Kaleb. He's going off to college, but he did an amazing job. He did. He's very talented with the video, and it looks like such a fabulous morning. And did you see the awards? Yeah, those were amazing
Jamie Holmes: Real crystals there as well. They looked like absolutely beautiful. I travel though always, of course, with my own award. Oh my God. So just a reminder.
Dr. Vazquez: Okay, that's nice. A little sad that you have it with you.
Jamie Holmes: Well, former TV guy, I got to get the love. Anyway, I can. You know. So <laugh>,
Dr. Vazquez: Thank you to all of our volunteers and partners in education for the work you do in our schools, for our students and staff, and for our district. We truly appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you all for watching. Don't forget to like, follow and subscribe. We will have more of our conversation on our podcast. Just go to wherever you get your podcast and search for Mondays with Maria. Have a great day and I'll see you next week. <Laugh>,
Announcer: For an extended conversation on today's topic. Listen to the Mondays with Maria podcast available wherever you get your podcasts. Mondays with Maria is presented by ADDITION Financial Credit Union. Count us in for every step of your financial journey. Learn more at Additionfi.com. For more OCPS news and information, visit TheSlice.OCPS.net. I'm your announcer. Kaleb Priester, a senior at Jones High School. Thanks for watching and have a great week.