Town-Crier Newspaper May 29, 2026

ITID To Cut Ribbon On Corbett Levee Project June 1

By Louis Hillary Park

Staff Report

Westlake’s O’Connor, Langowski Take On Major League Roles Westlake Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor was sworn-in Wednesday, May 27 as president of the Palm Beach County League of Cities during the organization’s annual installation banquet at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. “Innovation” will be the key word during his 12-month tenure, O’Connor said. Page 4

Hundreds On Hand To Enjoy Flavors 2026

On Thursday, May 14, the Greater Wellington Chamber of Commerce hosted Flavors 2026, now in its 23rd year. Several hundred attendees had a chance to sample tasty and diverse food from a number of different restaurants in the Wellington area, riding buses from place to place. Page 18

RPBHS Celebrates Class Of 2026 At Graduation Ceremony

By Fiona Slusarev Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach High School’s Class of 2026 graduated on Monday, May 18 with a ceremony at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Each of the 565 students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas amid explosions of applause and cheers. Principal Dr. Shakeica Robinson got teary-eyed while she congratulated the seniors, including her son Jermaine Moore Jr., on their accomplishments. Robinson described the Class of 2026 as a quiet group that preferred to let their work ethic and accomplishments speak for themselves. “People mistake quiet for average, but quiet can be powerful,” Robinson said, lauding them for achieving academic excellence while balancing other obligations,

such as family commitments, work and athletics.

Among the many special guests on stage were Superintendent Michael Burke, Deputy Superintendent Jamie Wyatt, Chief of Student Health & Wellness Keith Oswald and School Board Member Marcia Andrews.

Representing the Village of Royal Palm Beach were Mayor Jeff Hmara, Vice Mayor Sylvia Sharps and Councilman Richard Valuntas, who was also given the honor of presenting a diploma to his daughter, Christina Valuntas.

Burke shared a commencement message with the soon-to-be graduates about the importance of character and confidence. In an age where social media influencers seem to pervade everyday life, Burke encouraged students to “not

Graduating Wolverines Saluted At Commencement Ceremony

introduced an array of officials joining her on stage, including leadership from the School District of Palm Beach County and the Village of Wellington, along with principals from Wellington High School’s feeder schools.

Gorham lauded WHS as a “community that recognizes the value of relationships,” adding that the Class of 2026 has set remarkable standards. This includes: 194 full Bright Futures scholarships and 37 partial scholarships, 214 AICE diplomas, 26 AP Capstone diplomas, 18 students who have also earned their AA degree and 190 academy program completers. They also earned an array of accolades in athletics and fine arts.

“This class has distinguished itself in every arena,” Gorham said. “Your talent, dedication and impact have left an extraordinary mark on Wellington High School.”

SGA President Nicole Rosano

“This ribbon cutting represents progress, partnership and a stron-

ger future for our residents and our region,” Argue added in an ITID press release. In August 2012, Isaac dumped approximately 19 inches of rain on the western communities in just a short period of time, partially breaching the existing levee. There were improvements made to the levee at the time,

SEMINOLE RIDGE HONORS HAWK GRADS

By Shannon Anastasio Town-Crier Staff Report

honor four extraordinary young scholars whose academic excellence, leadership and dedication to community service embody the spirit of the scholarship’s namesakes.

in young people and encouraging civic engagement, education and volunteerism.

Although Arle passed away in 2017, and Ken in 2020, their legacy lives on through the students who carry forward their commitment to excellence and service. Each year, the Wellington Community Foundation continues that mission by recognizing exceptional graduating seniors

Palm Beach Central Grads Celebrate At Fairgrounds Ceremony

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

Seniors from Palm Beach Central High School are looking ahead to bright futures after walking across the stage at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center during their graduation ceremony on Friday, May 15.

More than 670 graduates turned their tassels to the left and were awarded diplomas, signifying one of their first steps toward achieving their goals in life. In attendance were family members, friends, teachers and local leaders to congratulate the seniors on their success and potential future.

Superintendent Michael Burke of the School District of Palm Beach County told students that they are living in an era of social media’s rise and an increasingly digital-focused world. Despite all this, Burke urged the graduates to maintain their character and confidence above all else.

“The world is full of people who want the prize without the process,” he said. “But you are Palm Beach County graduates. You are not afraid of the grind. As scholars, athletes, artists and leaders, you have learned that success at any level is almost always a result of hard work, grit and determination.”

Salutatorian Jonathan Davis, who achieved a cumulative weighted GPA of 5.3, compared the journey in high school to a long baseball game. He explained that success is not about playing

perfectly, but about learning and improving throughout it.

“High school was never about playing a perfect game,” Davis said. “It was about learning how to keep going when things don’t go as planned. It was about growth, effort and showing up again and again.”

Each year, hundreds of seniors graduate from the A-rated Palm Beach Central. It offers strong academic opportunities, including its college-level AP and AICE course programs, as well as its diverse extracurricular activities.

This year’s valedictorian, Jacqueline Birbrayer, is a student who took full advantage of Palm Beach Central’s offerings. She achieved a cumulated weighted GPA of 5.3971.

Birbrayer framed her speech as a series of letters to students’ younger selves at different stages in life. She encouraged her fellow graduates to remain connected to their past selves and use that reflection as motivation as they continue in life.

“Most of all, I want you to remember that even though the world around you might be in chaos; family, given ones, or even chosen ones, will always be your foundation, and you’ll always have someone to hold your hand for dark times,” Birbrayer said.

Principal Reginald Myers closed the speeches with a reminder to students that their years in school have prepared them to take on anything they set their minds to. He said that success is

only achieved through patience and perseverance, and he urged the Class of 2026 to continue to strive toward achievement.

“Today, I see over 670 young adults filled with passion and

promise,” Myers said. “While some of you may feel a sense of uncertainty right now about what lies ahead, know that that is OK. However, I am confident that you will figure it out.”

Indian Trail Gets First Official Candidate; Katherine Waldron Enters County Race

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

With two weeks to go before the filing deadline, the roster continues to fill out for the 2026 election cycle.

Acreage resident Jay Sweet has become the first person to jump into any of the three available races for the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors.

Sweet is vying for Seat 1, being vacated by ITID President Elizabeth Accomando, who is running in the Republican primary to represent District 6 on the Palm Beach County Commission. Meanwhile, former State Rep.

Katherine Waldron has made it a potential four-way race for the District 6 seat when the Democrats choose their nominee.

An Acreage resident since 1983, Sweet said Wednesday, “I’m concerned about budgeting and expenditures. I’m not sure the right questions are being asked.”

Sweet, a licensed land surveyor and certified urban planner, has worked in both the public and private sectors in connection with engineering and construction. He also has owned his own consulting firm, Sweet & Associates. “I think [Sweet] would be a good addition to the board,”

Accomando said. “He’s intelligent. He’s thoughtful when he speaks. He knows how government works.”

Accomando added that she plans to support him.

Sweet said more transparency is needed regarding budgeting and finance, especially in the district’s use of no-bid contracts.

“The board has to exercise good stewardship and stretch a dollar as far as they can,” he said.

ITID Vice President Patricia Farrell has said she plans to file soon in an effort to retain Seat 3. Supervisor Michael Johnson, who has held Seat 5 for eight years, is

yet to file or make a formal statement about his intentions.

The filing deadline is noon on Friday, June 12.

Waldron, an entrepreneur and former Fortune 50 executive, served one term in the legislature from 2022 to 2024, after five years as a Port of Palm Beach commissioner.

“I’m very concerned about the kind of development I see,” Waldron said this week. “I want smart development that takes into account ecosystems and traffic patterns.”

Waldron said the other two

See ELECTIONS, page 14

Westlake’s O’Connor, Langowski Take On Major League Roles

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Westlake Mayor JohnPaul

O’Connor was sworn-in Wednesday, May 27 as president of the Palm Beach County League of Cities during the organization’s annual installation banquet at the

Kravis Center in West Palm Beach.

O’Connor, who is moving up from first vice president, takes over for the outgoing president, Mayor Molly Young of Tequesta.

“Innovation” will be the key word during his 12-month tenure, O’Connor said this week, “but not just in terms of artificial intelligence,” he explained.

“My agenda will be focused on innovation in leadership, in governance, in education, in health — innovation across the board,” said O’Connor, who runs a technology consulting firm. “I want to highlight technological innovations, for instance, that are going on within the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and helping to keep us safe.”

Meanwhile, Westlake Vice Mayor Greg Langowski is becoming the other half of Westlake’s dynamic duo of league leadership, with his work focused at the national and state level.

Langowski is on the national board of directors, representing more than 3,000 municipalities across the country, and participates

on the national Legislative Action Committee, Small Cities Council, and the Council on Youth, Education and Families.

Within the Florida League of Cities, Langowski has chaired the Federal Action Strike Team and continues to serve on that committee, as well as the Advocacy, Education & Training, and Development, Code Compliance and Redevelopment committees.

Langowski also is running for second vice president of the Florida League of Cities, which includes some 400 municipalities.

“This gives Westlake a seat at the table at the county, state and national level,” said Langowski, who for years served on the staff of then-U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and now is on the staff of current U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL).

“We are an innovative city,” he said. “I’m always hearing about innovative ways to do things… and bringing ideas back to our municipality. People are really starting to know about Westlake.”

While O’Connor and Lan -

gowski run across each other at various league functions locally, in Tallahassee and in Washington, D.C., Florida’s strict Sunshine Law forbids them from talking about specific legislation or programs. But that does not mean that broadly they can’t share the same agenda.

“We’re running on parallel tracks, but separately,” O’Connor said.

The Palm Beach County League of Cities was chartered in 1969 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. Today it represents all 39 of the county’s municipalities, along with some 80 associate members.

In his new role, O’Connor said he looks forward to implementing his “innovation agenda” through appointing the chairs of various committees, selecting the speakers for monthly meetings, and overseeing the executive committee and the 18-member board of directors.

“As president, I’ll have the opportunity to help craft policy not just for Westlake but for all of the cities in what may be the most

influential county in the country,” O’Connor said.

The stated purpose of the league, according to the local web site, is to promote and advance collective interests, analyze issues, seek cooperative solutions, enhance residents’ quality of life and uphold the principles of Home Rule — meaning ensuring that municipalities can govern on their own without overarching interference from the state and/or federal governments.

O’Connor said that Home Rule is the key thing the league “vigorously defends” at every level.

Municipal leaders “are the civic officials closest to our citizens,” he said. “We’re the people our residents see at the mailbox and around the community. That’s why it is crucially important to preserve the right of citizens to govern themselves.”

In April, the Florida League of Cities recognized O’Connor and Langowski with Home Rule Hero awards for their “hard work and advocacy efforts” during the 2026 Legislative Session. “Local voices matter, and during

the 2026 Legislative Session, these leaders made sure those voices were heard,” FLC Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook said. “By engaging early, often and thoughtfully, they helped elevate the municipal perspective and reinforce the importance of local decision-making.”

The National League of Cities, as it has been known since 1964, was founded in 1924 as the Association of State Municipal Organizations in an effort to reform and empower local governments during a period of rapid urban growth.

Through the 1960s and into the 1970s, the NLC’s legislative victories were substantial, successfully advocating for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in 1965, the Clean Air Act (1970), the Clean Water Act (1972) and later the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (1995). More recently, the NLC played a central role in securing direct aid to municipalities in the American Rescue Plan Act and lobbied for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Royal Palm Beach Awards Scholarships To 11 Outstanding Grads

By Patrick Sherry

Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach leaders recognized 11 local students for their academic and community achievements on Thursday, May 21. For their work, the village awarded each of them a scholarship to assist in their post-secondary education.

“These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, character and community service,” Mayor Jeff Hmara said.

Each year, the village’s Education Advisory Board reviews applications and selects 10 new high school graduates from Royal Palm Beach for $1,000 scholarships. This year, officials were able to honor an additional student, thanks to Councilman Richard Valuntas, who sponsored the additional scholarship.

Brooke Bloeser has been a resident of Royal Palm Beach for more than 16 years. She attended the King’s Academy and was part of the school’s mock-trial law and medical programs. Outside of academics, Bloeser is heavily involved in sports, competing in varsity golf and weightlifting while also participating on the figure skating team. She will be attending the University of Florida in the fall to study biochemistry.

Graduating from Seminole Ridge High School, Cienna Col-

lado will be attending Florida Gulf Coast University. She plans to study communications with a minor in journalism. Collado was a film and television production student at the school and has competed at the district, state and national levels. This has led her to want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Zuri Dowdell, a Royal Palm Beach High School graduate, will be attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University on a Bright Futures scholarship. She earned an Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) diploma and an AA degree from Palm Beach State College. Dowdell is looking to continue her studies in graphic communications.

From Seminole Ridge High School, Tamsin Lee will be attending Emerson College. Her goal is to become a screen director for films. Active in her community, Lee volunteered as president of the Teen Coalition in Action, where she organized and videotaped events for multiple communities.

Ayden Martinez spent 13 years attending Dos Caminos Dual Immersion School in Palmdale, California, before moving to Royal Palm Beach. While attending Royal Palm Beach High School, he participated in dual enrollment and completed an early admission

program as a senior. He wants to pursue a career in nursing to help others and make a positive impact in the community.

Sayonee Parag is an AICE diploma recipient from Royal Palm Beach High School. Outside of her studies, she enjoys going to the beach and playing golf. Parag will be studying neural science at the University of Central Florida.

A longtime village resident and a graduate of Royal Palm Beach High School, Gshada Rampersad has ambitions to be a world-renowned architect. She will be attending Florida Atlantic University to help her achieve this goal.

Malia Rhone served as platoon commander at the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program at Royal Palm Beach High School and was part of the Medical Sciences Academy program. She is looking to stay local and will be attending Palm Beach State College.

Calee Richard is a graduate of Royal Palm Beach High School. She will be attending the University of Florida to specialize in applied physiology and kinesiology. Graduating in the top five percent of his class at Seminole Ridge High School, Nicholas Ruddick will be studying sports media at the University of Florida. He is a lifelong soccer player and started

playing for the Royal Palm Beach Strikers program when he was four years old. Ruddick was on his high school’s soccer team for all four years and was awarded Defensive Player of the Year his senior year. Finally, Royal Palm Beach High School graduate Liana Wright is driven to have a career in veterinary medicine from her passion for science and love for animals.

She will be attending University of Central Florida on the pre-veterinary track while majoring in zoology. During high school, Wright volunteered at animal rescue centers and participated in soccer and flag football. In other business: • Village officials announced their newest art installation project. Seven utility boxes will be wrapped along Royal Palm Beach Blvd. with floral art designs. Design and wrapping company CRD Wraps will be assisting with the project. • The council unanimously approved a five percent performance-based raise to Village Manager Ray Liggins. The raise will increase Liggins’ $267,855 annual salary by $13,392.75.

Lox Council Remains At An Impasse Over Town Manager’s Exit

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

A divided Loxahatchee Groves Town Council remains at an impasse on how to settle their town manager dispute, but they agreed to present another counteroffer to attempt to conclude her exit.

The council was updated on the state of negotiations with Town Manager Francine Ramaglia at a special meeting on Thursday, May 21. Ramaglia, who was placed on administrative leave last month, rejected the council’s previous offer to terminate her without cause, provide 10 weeks of severance pay that included the five weeks she had already received while on administrative leave, and pay any accumulated paid time off. Unable to reach a consensus, council members agreed to present another counteroffer after hours of indecision.

The council hired attorney Johneeka Simpson from the law firm GrayRobinson to negotiate Ramaglia’s accelerated leave.

Ramaglia had previously said that she would be leaving at the end of her current contract in September. The main contention in negotiations was whether to terminate the town manager’s contract without cause and how many weeks of severance pay she should be entitled to.

Ramaglia’s final counteroffer requested 16 weeks of severance, in addition to administrative leave pay, unused paid time off and the balance of a flexible spending account intended for personal medical expenses. In total, the deal would cost the town $73,367.20 plus $929.73 from her flexible spending account.

Councilwoman Anita Kane began the discussion with a motion to agree to the town manager’s counteroffer to resolve the conflict definitively.

“I think that we should just go ahead and make a motion and pay off the contract because I think the cost of litigating is actually going to be considerably more than $100,000,” she said.

Other council members were not keen on conceding. One option they considered was terminating Ramaglia with cause. Doing so would require an investigation and likely lead to litigation.

While Simpson was not able to go into detail on what specifically would warrant “cause” publicly, she did outline what provisions under the contract that may have been violated, including neglect of duty, violation of any substantive town policy or regulation, which would subject any other town manager to termination, or the commission of any act that involves moral turpitude, or which causes the town disrepute.

Yet, Simpson advised the council that, in her opinion, it would be in the town’s best financial interest to resolve the matter instead of proceeding with other actions.

“It is my recommendation that the town give some thought to her counteroffer and consider the benefits versus the cons of not accepting it, as far as finances are concerned,” she said. “It’s not go-

ing to take away from the fact that the town could establish that she could be terminated with cause.”

Terminating with cause requires a supermajority vote from the council. If Ramaglia were to sue, her legal team would have to prove she was terminated wrongly. Any investigation and litigation would be a large expense incurred by the town, whose leaders have been working toward more financial stability.

Councilman Paul Coleman believed that the uncertainty of going to court over the matter was not in the town’s best interest.

“I think we have some circumstantial proof, or we have some stuff that could be interpreted one way or another… but we’re not going to get our lawyer’s fees back,” Coleman said.

Mayor Lisa El-Ramey, who originally proposed placing the town manager on administrative leave, believed there was evidence of alleged impropriety.

“If an attorney who has reviewed the information that was

documentable regarding operational and performance matters before an official investigation rises to the level of cause, I think that the council should give that due consideration,” she said.

Halfway through the meeting, council members took a prolonged recess to privately meet with Simpson individually to discuss specifically what could constitute “cause.” While criminality is not required for such action, certain council members were still hesitant.

Those who gave public comment told the council they needed to put personal feelings aside and do what is best for the town.

“You are doing detrimental harm to the town with these actions by continuing to go after somebody and putting your personal feelings in front of the town,” former Councilman Todd McLendon said.

“It just needs to go away so that everybody can move on with their lives,” Kane said. “Right now, this is sucking the life out of our staff, it’s sucking the life of our townspeople, it’s sucking the life out of me, and all of us up here.” With the conversation at a deadlock, El-Ramey decided to compromise to come up with another counteroffer. The new motion included terminating Ramaglia without cause, offering 10 weeks of severance and paying accumulated paid time off. Unlike the council’s previous offer, the new motion would not separately include the administrative leave pay as part of the severance package.

Council members passed the motion 4-1, with Vice Mayor Manish Sood dissenting. Ramaglia’s legal team was given until May 27 to return to the council with a response.

A series of failed motions followed public comment. Kane, who has consistently supported ending the matter as quickly and as cheaply as possible, reiterated to the council that they need to put the matter behind them and move forward.

Federal Grant Could Create ‘Safety Town’ At Okeeheelee Park

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

Officials from Palm Beach County are seeking more than $11 million in federal grant money to fund the construction of a new interactive children’s traffic safety space at Okeeheelee Park, coupled with an array of roadway safety improvements across the county. The Palm Beach County Commission unanimously approved

a resolution for staff to submit an application for the project at a workshop meeting Tuesday, May 19. If awarded, the federal grant would cover 80 percent of the project’s cost through the Federal Highway Administration’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program. Included in the application is “Safety Town,” an interactive space featuring a miniature community with streets, a railroad

crossing, crosswalks, signals and small buildings.

“[Safety Town] is two things. It is, one, a physical location, and two, a nationally recognized program that teaches children all about roadway safety, among other safety issues,” said Casey Pranckun, streetscape manager at the county’s Engineering and Public Works Department.

Officials plan to build the educational facility somewhere at

Okeeheelee Park, but they have not yet determined an exact location.

Similar spaces have been built in other areas across the country, including Sunrise in Broward County. When not used for educational programs, the facility can be used for open play.

“I like your idea of getting one of these all across the county for multiple schools and children to be able to use this,” Palm Beach

County Vice Mayor Marci Woodward said.

While Safety Town is one highlight of the grant application, the money will also pay for improvements on five roadway segments that have the highest rate of fatal and serious injury crashes in the county.

Local leaders are looking to make median modification improvements on 6th Avenue South/ Melaleuca Lane from Pine HOV

SEMINOLE RIDGE HIGH SALUTES HAWK GRADUATES IN THE CLASS OF 2026

On Thursday, May 21, Seminole Ridge High School celebrated the Class of 2026 at a graduation ceremony held at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. A total of 519 students earned their diplomas this year. Of the graduates, 123 earned AICE diplomas and 24

earned their Associate of Arts degree from Palm Beach State College. Speakers at the ceremony included Principal Robert Hatcher,

Superintendent Michael Burke, Senior Class President Sophia Thompson, valedictorian Lauren Lewis and salutatorian Isis Secor. They addressed the graduates, giving final recognitions, thanks and advice to the Class of 2026.

Little Miss Mahjong Has Brought A Unique New Experience To Wellington

By Fiona Slusarev Town-Crier Staff Report

The game of mahjong has arrived at the Mall at Wellington Green. Little Miss Mahjong was bustling with seasoned mahjong players and newbies alike during the store’s grand opening on Saturday, May 16.

Owner Candice Drake had her heart stolen by mahjong in October 2025 and has been an avid player ever since. After playing several open plays around Wellington, she realized that there was no real mahjong gathering spot for regular players.

“People needed a place to be able to go regularly, and I decided only a few months ago on a whim to open just the place,” Drake said.

Drake’s whim has turned into a vibrantly colorful mahjong parlor, complete with refreshment offerings. The atmosphere is true to the cutesy Little Miss Mahjong name

with pink accents and a lively, jungle-print wallpaper. Customers can refuel with a coffee or cappuccino, hydrate with a beverage, or nibble on snacks while they play. For the seasoned mahjong player, seats and tables are available to reserve. Players can come alone and be placed at a table or book with their friends. “Connection is so important,” Drake said. She noted that signing up alone is a great way to meet other players and join the mahjong community. They offer three levels of open play for $25 per seat: beginner, intermediate and advanced.

If you are new to the mahjong world and are worried about navigating the game’s complex rules, Little Miss Mahjong also offers lessons. You can reserve a lesson for yourself or for up to 12 friends. Drake suggests taking some lessons if you are completely new, and if you have experience, lessons for brushing up your skills

are also offered. Each session is $65, and you don’t need to bring your own supplies.

“Our lessons are fully taught by an instructor over a two-anda-half-hour period and are a great way to get all your friends involved,” Drake explained.

Mahjong can be played with two, three or four players. There’s a total of 10 tables that have four seats each, so the parlor can accommodate 40 players at a time. The game that was once associated with senior ladies and country clubs has become popular with women in many different stages of life, Drake noted.

“Now I see all ages of ladies from teens to elderly playing. I also understand it is big in the sorority world in colleges,” she said.

Little Miss Mahjong is open seven days a week: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Though reservations can be made

online and guarantee a seat, walkins are also welcome.

If you discover that you can’t get enough of mahjong, the parlor also sells Oh My Mahjong mats and tiles, so the game can follow you home.

Currently, if you book open play or a lesson, you also get an additional 10 percent off all merchandise on that day.

From the support at the grand opening, it seems that the Wellington community is embracing Little Miss Mahjong with open arms.

“If you are looking to connect with and meet new people, then we are the place. Everyone who tries mahjong seems to love it,” Drake said.

Little Miss Mahjong is located in Suite 264 in the Mall at Wellington Green, across from Pandora. For more information, or to book lessons and open play, visit www. littlemissmahjong.net.

ITID: Grass Will Be Greener With New Park Maintenance Team

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

The up-and-mostly-down relationship between the Indian Trail Improvement District and Juniper Landscaping of Florida to maintain the district’s parks has come to an end.

ITID President Elizabeth Accomando, Supervisor Betty Argue and Supervisor Richard Vassalotti voted 3-0 to terminate the contract through mutual agreement with the company at the ITID board’s Wednesday, May 20 meeting. Supervisors Patricia Farrell and Michael Johnson were not present. The decision stems from what ITID staff told supervisors was a lack of oversight and consistent

maintenance by Juniper of grass fields, particularly at Acreage Community Park North. “It just hasn’t been satisfactory,” Accomando said this week. “We’re spending a lot of money on park maintenance… [and] we need to make sure we’re getting the most out of that money.”

As required by contract, Juniper was given a 10-business-day notice of termination.

At the same meeting, the board voted 3-0 on a no-bid contract with Brightview Landscape Services for three years beginning Oct. 1 at an annual cost of $772,000 — totaling $2.3 million — for maintenance of all of ITID’s 11 parks. Between now and Oct. 1, Bright-

view will take on maintenance at a rate of $45,000 per month instead of its usual $64,000 rate.

According to the agenda item, “Brightview has agreed to offer the complete scope of work for the district’s entire park system… to help get the district through the summer months without affecting the district’s [Fiscal Year 2026] budget. The remaining FY26 budgeted funds from the Juniper agreement will be used to cover the months of July through September with Brightview.”

ITID officials were supportive of the change.

“Not only will you be saving, you’ll be gaining [maintenance for] the entire district,” Parks &

Recreation Director Kenny Lawrence told the board. “I think it’s a wise decision,” ITID Associate Executive Director and Chief Construction Officer Rob Robinson added. “As soon as we get those fields back up, and a top-notch company maintaining them in a top-notch way, we can get practice and play back out there, and they’ll be ready for the season.”

The primary user of the fields is the Acreage Athletic League, which holds practice and competition there for girls flag football from July through October and tackle football from August through October, according to the AAL web site.

Wellington Ponders E-Bike Ordinance As State, County Eye Additional Measures

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

A surge of accidents and injuries across the state from electric bicycles — known as e-bikes — has caught the attention of state and local lawmakers, and Wellington leaders are also interested in creating their own e-bike rules to improve community safety measures.

The Wellington Village Council discussed creating local regulations on e-bikes at a visioning workshop meeting Wednesday, May 13. State lawmakers have already approved Senate Bill 382, which establishes statewide safety rules for e-bikes and other “micromobility devices.” Notably, it would require e-bike riders to yield to pedestrians, give an audible warning before passing on shared pathways, prevent riders from

traveling faster than 10 miles per hour within 50 feet of people in pedestrian-designated areas, and create a statewide Micromobility Device Safety Task Force.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has not signed the bill into law yet, but Village Manager Jim Barnes said that Wellington staff has been working to draft a local ordinance to regulate e-bikes.

“Senate Bill 382 doesn’t preempt us from being able to address it at the local level,” Barnes explained.

Last year in January, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies launched Operation Moto Madness to enhance public safety and address illegal electric motorcycle and e-bike activity throughout Wellington. The initiative resulted in dozens of arrests and citation notices, but deputies

discovered that enforcement for device-related violations can be difficult.

“We only pursue vehicles in cases of violent crimes,” PBSO Capt. Nichole Addazio said. “Not only are they taking off, but they’re taunting our officers, they’re wearing masks, they’re wearing helmets and they’re blacked out. This is not just a problem in Wellington.”

There are multiple different types of e-bikes, that each come with their own set of rules, including whether riders need a driver’s license and maximum speed limits. Palm Beach County leaders are also considering creating their own ordinance that the village can decide to opt into.

“The best thing we can do is continue the public education, continue the public engagement,

and ultimately make a determination of whether we want to fall under the auspices of the county, and how they choose to implement their micromobility ordinance countywide,” Barnes said.

Mayor Michael Napoleone was interested in creating a local ordinance because he believes that the village can create better safety regulations than could be adopted at the county or state level.

“I think I’d rather do our own ordinance than rely on what the county is going to come up with,” Napoleone said. “When we did our golf cart ordinance, we put in better restrictions than what the state had and what the county had.”

DeSantis is expected to consider signing the bill into law by June or July. Barnes advised the council to decide how to proceed after the governor’s decision.

Committee Will Consider Names For Trails In Loxahatchee Groves

By Patrick Sherry

Town-Crier Staff Report

Residents may soon be seeing new names on trails across the Town of Loxahatchee Groves.

The town’s Roadway, Equestrian Trails & Greenway Advisory Committee (RETGAC) discussed naming multi-purpose trails at their meeting on Thursday, May 21.

“We want to name the trails,” Public Works Director Craig Lower said. “I think it should be

names we come up with and that… we can present to the council.”

Many residents refer to trails based on landmarks, nearby canal banks or roads, which town officials want to change. Committee members were interested in naming the trails after native or commonly seen animals in Loxahatchee Groves.

“It sort of gives us the chance to actually set ourselves apart from everybody else around us,”

Committee Member Frank Schiola

said. “At the end of the day, whatever the committee decides to do, I’m good with.”

Lower said that his team is also working to improve connectivity across horse trails. They are currently reaching out to private property owners to see if any of them would be interested in using some of their land for integration, he said.

Committee members will come up with potential names to be reviewed by Lower. He will then

present them to the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council, which will decide whether to approve the changes.

Lower also provided an update on the North Road Trail Project. He said that the town staff is almost finished with the A Road portion of the project.

In other business, new committee members Katie Lakeman and Jodi Jansen were sworn into their positions and took their seats on the panel.

Two Royal Palm Beach Residents Receive Prestigious YWCA Awards

Two Royal Palm Beach residents were recognized for their leadership and community impact at the YWCA of Palm Beach County’s “Until Justice Just Is: Our Vote, Our Power 2026” brunch, held Thursday, May 7 at the West Palm Beach Marriott. Former Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia Baker received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Over the course of nearly four decades in public service, Baker rose through the ranks, from budget analyst to leading more than

7,000 employees and overseeing a $9 billion budget. Her tenure was defined not only by strong financial stewardship, but by a deep commitment to building a more equitable and connected community.

“Ms. Baker championed affordable and workforce housing, supported small and minority-owned businesses, and fostered partnerships that have strengthened Palm Beach County’s economic and civic landscape,” YWCA Board Member Vanessa Moss said. “Beyond her professional role,

Ms. Baker has remained deeply engaged in the community — serving on numerous boards, mentoring future leaders, and contributing to organizations that advance opportunity and equity.”

Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Selena Samios was honored with the Dorothy Height Award, which recognizes individuals who embody the YWCA’s commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women.

Through her advocacy and public service, Samios has worked to engage residents, amplify com-

munity voices, and ensure that more people feel seen, heard and represented in the decisions that shape their lives.

“Her leadership is grounded in connection, bringing people together and building trust toward a stronger democracy, and her work reflects the spirit of this event — Our Vote, Our Power — and the idea that meaningful change starts with community,” Moss said of Samios.

Learn more about the YWCA of Palm Beach County at www. ywcapbc.org.

In September 2023, Lawrence told supervisors that the district’s rapid growth made in-house maintenance “not feasible or realistic to meet the level of service expected.”

Supervisors voted 5-0 to enter a three-year, $2.7 million contract with Juniper for maintenance of all district parks, but by mid-2025, the district significantly scaled back Juniper’s role — reducing the contract by approximately $250,000, down to roughly $565,000 annually.

Under the restructured arrangement, Juniper would focus only on the fields and their immediate surroundings at Acreage Community Park North and South. District employees would absorb the rest of the maintenance workload across all other parks, with the exception of tree trimming.

Prior to the switch to Brightview, ITID staff said problems with Juniper would be documented and an attempt to recoup some costs would be made.

Lawrence noted that he was able to recoup $60,000 from Juniper in 2025.

In other business, the supervisors will be holding their workshop for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget on Tuesday, June 2. The workshop was originally scheduled for May 19 but was postponed at the last minute. The public hearing for the budget that was scheduled for May 27 has been pushed back to June 18. At the May 20 meeting, the board voted to cancel its July regular meeting. That means that the board will have to call a special meeting to vote on the assessment rate prior to the July 20 deadline for assessment rates to be submitted to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office. According to the Florida Truth In Millage (TRIM) law, notices of proposed taxes must be sent out to property owners by mid-August. The notices are not tax bills. They represent the maximum possible property taxes and assessment. Municipalities and special districts, such as ITID, can later reduce the assessment rate but cannot increase it. A final vote on ITID’s budget is scheduled for Aug. 19.

NEWS BRIEFS

Closure

There will be an upcoming temporary closure at Wellington’s Primrose Park to support planned maintenance

The Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office has been nationally recognized by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) with a 2025 Clearinghouse Award, commonly known as a “Clearie,” for its innovative “RealTime Transmission Oversight for the Modern Election Administration” program.

The office received top honors in the category “Security: Innovation and New Tools in Election Security and Technology.” Winners were announced by the EAC on May 12.

The award recognizes the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office for developing an in-house Election Night Transmission Monitoring Dashboard that modernizes and strengthens how election staff oversees the transmission of results from voting locations across the county.

“Palm Beach County is committed to continually improving the security, transparency and efficiency of our election processes,” Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link said. “This recognition reflects the incredible work of our staff and their commitment to developing innovative solutions that strengthen election administration, while improving communication and operational awareness on election night.”

Designed and built using existing tools and staff expertise, the dashboard provides election administrators with a live, centralized view of election night activity, allowing staff to monitor the status of transmissions from all 377 voting locations in real time. The system automatically processes incoming transmission

data, updates a live map interface, and identifies locations that may require additional support or follow-up.

Prior to implementation of the dashboard, election staff relied heavily on manual spreadsheets, phone calls and fragmented reporting methods to track election night transmissions. The new system significantly reduced manual processes, streamlined communication among teams, and allowed staff to focus more directly on resolving issues and supporting voting locations as results were transmitted.

The EAC recognized the project for its innovation, cost-effectiveness, scalability and replicability for election offices of all sizes. The system also supports continuity of operations efforts by providing election administrators with a clearer and more comprehensive picture of election night operations in real time.

The EAC’s Clearinghouse Awards program highlights best practices in election administration from jurisdictions across the country. This year, nearly 200 submissions were received nationwide, with awardees selected based on innovation, sustainability, costeffectiveness and measurable impact.

The awards are part of the EAC’s mission under the Help America Vote Act to serve as a national clearinghouse for election administration best practices. More information about the EAC Clearinghouse Awards is available at www.eac.gov. Visit www.votepalmbeach.gov to learn more about the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office.

take place on the Great Lawn near the stage. The park is located at 11600 Poinciana Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. Centering around its mission of “helping veterans navigate the obstacles of reintegration,” Unified Dream is a veteran-run notfor-profit corporation that provides the resources to guide veterans on the road to recovery and

The Rotary Club of Wellington held its annual scholarship awards ceremony on Thursday, May 14 at the Wanderers Club. Schol arships were presented to Jacob Guzik, Amanda Lelis, Yvelisse Diaz and Alina Estevez, who got the legacy scholarship. Diaz was honored as the Student of the Quarter. Rotarian Jay Broder provided additional support for the scholarships in honor of his late wife, Donna Broder. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

RPBHS Grad

Wildcat

Graduates

continued from page 1 worry about being cringe” and to simply live life authentically.

Shanice Dennis, the senior class representative, addressed the graduates, emphasizing how each student has the potential to achieve great things if they commit to a goal, and she encouraged everyone to find their dream.

Salutatorian Tony Zhu made sure to take the time to thank all the teachers and faculty at RPBHS. He acknowledged that with the excitement of this milestone, graduates also have to face the fear of the unknown.

Zhu suggested that his classmates face the challenges of life the same way they faced the challenges of high school: hard work, grit and with the support of good friends.

Valedictorian Shubh Patel reflected on his time in high school, encouraging his fellow students to enjoy this moment of success.

“You can always take a test again, but you can never live this moment again,” Patel said. He reminded the seniors to go into the world remembering to be kind to each other. Patel explained that as the graduates move on to this next chapter of life, they do

not do so alone — they enter into the world together. Seniors were congratulated by each official on stage before they were handed their diplomas. Aside from Valuntas, several students had the honor of receiving their diploma directly from family members. Gabriela Adelle Bell, Destiny Cowart, Ynnoah Legion Latras Dionson, Gabriela Lorenz and Hadassah Pickens were joined by their mothers. Jordan Patricia Patterson was presented with her diploma by both her parents, and Jermaine Moore Jr., by his mother, Principal Robinson. Leah Coughlin accepted a special honor in memory of her late son, Troy Sheets. Ila Janvier, the senior class president, led the Turning of the Tassel ceremony, marking the official graduation of Royal Palm Beach High School’s Class of 2026. The crowd of Wildcats erupted into cheers before the school band played them out, and they reunited with their loved ones as new high school graduates.

Friends and families of graduates took every opportunity to show their pride. As each student’s name was called, there were cheers from the crowd. Groups came with custom shirts and cut-out posters with the faces of graduates. Outside, graduates were greeted by balloons, flowers, money bouquets and more, in a scene of happy celebration.

WCF Honors

Four New Graduates

continued from page 1 academic records, extensive volunteer efforts and strong leadership experience.

Serena Amro Gazze, of Florida Atlantic University High School, distinguished herself with an outstanding 5.57 GPA and nearly 800 hours of community service. Gazze served as president of the National Honor Society and also mentored fellow students as a peer mentor. Gazze will attend Columbia University, where she plans to study artificial intelligence for healthcare. She hopes to use technology and data analysis to improve hospital efficiency, reduce medical errors and enhance patient care. Her passion for helping others and advancing healthcare innovation reflects both compassion and ambition. Her recognition also continues a family tradition, as her sister Sophia was previously awarded a Wellington Community Foundation scholarship.

Georgeia Mareska, of Wellington High School, was also

recognized for her impressive academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Graduating with a 5.03 GPA and more than 360 hours of community service, Mareska has consistently demonstrated creativity, leadership and dedication. At WHS, Mareska served as president of the Quill and Scroll Honor Society and as a lead editor for the school yearbook, where she managed content and guided fellow students. In addition, Mareska worked as a peer writing tutor, helping classmates strengthen their communication and writing skills. She will attend Purdue University to pursue a degree in motorsports engineering, combining technical innovation with problem-solving and design.

Joseph Ayoub, of Atlantic Christian High School, was also honored at the event. He earned a 4.33 GPA while completing nearly 600 hours of community service. A talented musician and respected student leader, he served as band captain and vice president of the student council during his high school career.

Ayoub plans to attend Florida Atlantic University, where he will pursue his passion for music with a focus on trombone performance. His dedication to both leadership

and artistic excellence demonstrate the scholarship’s emphasis on following one’s passions while remaining committed to serving others and contributing positively to the community.

The fourth honoree was Jaidyn Rosenzweig Shapira, of Suncoast High School, whose dedication to leadership, public service and civic engagement made her an outstanding scholarship recipient. She earned a 4.33 GPA and completed nearly 500 hours of community service during her high school career.

Shapira plans to attend Florida State University, majoring in political science with a minor in Spanish. She has already gained firsthand political experience through an internship with U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, where she developed a deeper understanding of government and constituent engagement. Her long-term aspiration is to run for local office in Wellington and continue serving her community. In high school, Shapira served as a teen trainer and held a leadership role on the board of the Suncoast PTSA.

Together, these four remarkable students represent the future of leadership, innovation and compassion within Wellington

and beyond. Whether pursuing careers in healthcare technology, engineering, music performance or public service, each recipient has already shown a strong commitment to excellence and community involvement.

The annual Scholarship Soirée serves not only as a celebration of academic achievement, but also as a reminder of the importance of investing in future generations. Through the continued support of donors, volunteers and community partners, the Wellington Community Foundation remains committed to “building a stronger community” by empowering local students to achieve their dreams.

The foundation thanks Village Music Café for graciously hosting the evening’s celebration.

The Wellington Community Foundation congratulates Serena Amro Gazze, Georgeia Mareska, Joseph Ayoub and Jaidyn Rosenzweig Shapira on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to watching their continued success in the years ahead.

To learn more about supporting the Arle & Ken Adams Scholarship program or becoming involved with the Wellington Community Foundation, visit www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org.

PBSC Names New Dental Building To Honor Julie And John Kime

On Thursday, May 19, Palm Beach State College named its new Dental and Health Innovation building at its Loxahatchee Groves campus in honor of alumni Julie and John Kime, recognizing their decades of generosity and support.

The Kimes are among PBSC’s most generous donors and have long supported student scholarships and other opportunities.

Their legacy is already evident on the Loxahatchee Groves campus through the Julie and John Kime Library Learning Resource Center, which opened in 2022 and serves as a hub for studying,

collaboration and student success.

After long and successful careers in the insurance industry, the Kimes have continued to invest in their community and in the next generation of PBSC students.

Julie Kime, a PBSC alumna, has also helped expand access through the Julie Kime Hispanic Women Scholarship, which has opened doors for students pursuing their education.

“Julie and John have been steadfast friends of Palm Beach State College, and their support has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our institution,” PBSC

President Ava L. Parker said.

“Their commitment reflects what we value most at PBSC: When you invest in students, you invest in the future of our entire community.”

For Julie Kime, the naming carries deep personal meaning.

“Standing on this campus means more to me than I can say. This is where my journey truly began,” she said. “John and I believe that every student deserves a chance — a chance to learn, a chance to grow and a chance to dream.”

Kime said Palm Beach State College gave her and her husband the foundation for successful

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

careers and inspired them to give back through scholarships and community support.

The four-story, 83,954-squarefoot building will expand healthcare education and increase access to affordable dental care in Palm Beach County’s fast-growing western communities.

“The Dental and Health Innovation building positions PBSC as the cornerstone for healthcare education in our region,” Parker said.

“It’s more than just a building — it’s a commitment to opportunity and the well-being of our county.”

Learn more at www.pbsc.edu.

THE WELLINGTON ART SOCIETY PRESENTS ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

THE WELLINGTON SENIORS

• ESTATE PLANNING

• COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

• GUARDIANSHIP

• BUSINESS PLANNING

• PROBATE ADMINISTRATION

• REAL ESTATE

• MARCHMAN

Levee

Flooding Protection

continued from page 1 Beach County Commission. District 6 includes most of the county west of State Road 7.

“Shortly after I took office, I made the completion of this levee one my priorities,” Baxter said Wednesday. “I’m very happy to see it come to fruition.”

Current ITID President Elizabeth Accomando gave particular praise this week to Argue, former District 6 Commissioner Melissa McKinlay and the lobbying efforts of Geoffrey B. Sluggett & Associates for pushing the project forward. “The completion of the levee was absolutely critical,” Accomando said. “It took a lot of work and coordination between a number of multi-jurisdictional agencies to get this done.”

Indeed, the project partners included ITID, the county, the South Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“The Corbett levee completion

Elections District

6 Race

continued from page 3 issues that particularly concern her are the hyperscale data center known as Project Tango proposed for just off Southern Blvd. near Arden, and the county’s rising cost of living for seniors and recent graduates.

“We’ve got to find a way so our kids can afford to stay here,” she said.

is not just an infrastructure project. It is a commitment to preparedness,” former ITID Supervisor Joni Martin said. “It reflects the hard work of many partners who understood the urgency of this need and stayed committed to finding a long-term solution.”

The levee, which runs along the northern boundary of The Acreage, has stood for decades as the primary line of defense keeping water from Corbett’s 60,348 acres from inundating 50,000 nearby residents. During Isaac, Acreage streets flooded and homes were threatened if the breach continued. Officials from the SFWMD conducted around-the-clock inspections and deployed emergency pumps to stabilize the structure.

In the aftermath, it was determined that 5.6 miles of the existing berm needed to be made higher and replaced using modern levee engineering techniques, including protections against wave erosion and internal seepage.

The initial project was estimated at $8 million. In 2013, the state appropriated $4 million, and by 2015, the western half of the levee was completed, largely protecting agricultural land. The critical eastern portion, which shields residential

neighborhoods, was left unbuilt when the promised follow-on funding never materialized.

In 2021, ITID hired lobbyist Mary McNicholas of Geoffrey B. Sluggett & Associates to push the project through the Florida Legislature. By then, the remaining cost estimate had grown to $9.4 million when bundled with needed M-O Canal outfall improvements. Palm Beach County committed $2 million in local match funding, and the state eventually awarded a grant covering a three-mile section. The project finally crossed the finish line this month.

“While no infrastructure can eliminate all storm risk, this project is an important step toward reducing the threat of the kind of destructive flooding experienced during [Tropical Storm] Isaac and improving the region’s readiness for future hurricane seasons,” ITID officials said in a social media post. Those planning to attend the ribbon cutting should RSVP to rsvp@indiantrail.com by Friday, May 29 for the “rain or shine” event. Parking is limited, and carpooling is suggested. Attendees should dress casually and wear comfortable shoes. Refreshments will be served.

deputies, police and correctional officers across Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties.

“Our law enforcement officers put everything on the line to keep our neighborhoods, families and businesses safe,” Accomando noted. “Having the trust and backing of the brave men and women who protect Palm Beach County means the world to me.”

LANDOWNER’S AND REGULAR SUPERVISORS MEETING

Monday, June 22, 2026 • 6:00 pm

Loxahatchee Groves Town Hall 155 F Road, Loxahatchee, Fl 33470

Attendance also available Via Zoom at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81090031072?pwd=VV2m7NH6YN2xff4wx-

2WoLtPuRTSkUK.1

Meeting ID: 810 9003 1072 Passcode: 220030

Landowner’s Meeting to include: Upcoming election of expiring term of Supervisor: Kerry Hitt Supervisors Meeting to include: 1. Regular Business 2. Election of Officers

Per Section 298.11 Florida Statute, voting by proxy is permitted. Please visit website at www.ptwcd.org to obtain a copy of the proxy form and instructions.

In her announcement press release, Waldron added, “Palm Beach County is at a turning point. Insurance costs are crushing families, the overall cost of living keeps rising, and traffic is getting worse as overdevelopment continues. District 6 deserves a commissioner who will show up, listen and deliver. I’ve spent my career building consensus and getting things done at the Port, in the State House, and in business. I’m running because the families of western Palm Beach County cannot afford a commissioner who continues to ignore their needs.”

Also running as Democrats in the primary are Acreage/Loxa-

On the Republican side, Accomando is trying to unseat incumbent Sara Baxter, who also is serving this year as Palm Beach County mayor. Both candidates are residents of the Acreage/Loxahatchee area.

Accomando announced recently that she has picked up the endorsement of the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association (PBC-PBA), which represents thousands of

Meanwhile, Baxter said Wednesday that she appreciates the numerous endorsements she has received, including that of President Donald J. Trump, but is not interested in playing the endorsement game — especially one that is “rigged.”

Baxter said she never received a timely invitation to be interviewed by PBC-PBA representatives that would have allowed her to fairly present her views, adding, “I’ve always been pro law enforcement through and through.”

Baxter said that she is, “busy getting things done for the county and my district,” not chasing endorsements, added that, Accomando’s “entire campaign is anti-Baxter, not pro-Acreage. I think the residents of District 6 are intelligent enough to see through it.”

Rotary is looking to add a few good spokes to our Rotary Wheel.

Join us at one of our weekly meetings

Wellington Rotary Meets Thursdays - 12:15 p.m.

The Wanderer’s Club

For additional information call Chris Warren, 561-350-7247

Royal Palm Beach Rotary Meets Tuesdays - 7:30 a.m.

Hilary’s

For additional information call Andre Blackwood 772-631-1716

Make lasting friendships. Enjoy good fellowship.

WHS Grad Fairgrounds Ceremony

continued from page 1 noted that the students did not make it to their graduation day alone. “We are here with help from teachers, staff and also our fellow peers,” she said, personally thanking her own family.

Senior Class President Ari Buckstein noted that he will be “trading in his baseball cleats for army boots” as he attends the Citadel to major in criminal defense.

“Over these last four years, we faced down everything that came our way,” Buckstein said. “We were challenged, we were stressed and we were pushed to the limit. We stuck together, took whatever was thrown at us and came out stronger.”

Superintendent Michael Burke congratulated the graduates, noting that they “have come a long way since kindergarten.” He also shared concerns about social media, urging them to live their authentic lives.

“Make us proud by focusing on your true self,” Burke said. “You don’t need to worry about impressing a bunch of strangers on the internet.”

He urged them not to compromise their integrity, adding that “success comes from hard work, grit and determination.”

Next, the attendees heard from salutatorian Natalie Honzik, followed by co-valedictorians Olivia Berman and Victoria Sullivan.

Honzik focused on overcoming challenges, using stories from her own life.

“All of us have had moments where we doubted ourselves and made mistakes, but over these last four years, we kept showing up,” said Honzik, who will be attending Florida State University to major in behavioral neuroscience. “Keep growing. This is your life, and it is never too late to change direction.”

Berman will be heading to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to major in neuroscience. She stressed that success is not something you build on your own.

“Success has never been a solo achievement. It is built in shared moments, in quiet encouragement, in challenges that push us forward and in the people who stand beside us,” Berman said. “Be intentional in how you show up in people’s lives.”

Sullivan will be attending the University of Florida to major in biology. She said that no one knows exactly where they are headed.

“My advice to you all is to savor that mystery,” Sullivan said. “Go out there and be you.” She added that, “There is no set timeline for anyone. Forge ahead at your own pace.”

Gorham told the Class of 2026 that their graduation is a celebration of achievement and growth.

“High school was not meant to define you. It was meant to prepare you,” she said. “Today is not then end of your story. It is the beginning of a wonderful new chapter.”

CRESSWIND WOMEN’S CLUB HOSTS ‘BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S’ FASHION SHOW

Westlake’s Cresswind Women’s Club recently enjoyed a fabulous member appreciation event held on Saturday, May 9. Eighty members of the Cresswind Women’s Club gathered in the community clubhouse to enjoy a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” themed morning, complete with a catered breakfast and a fun fashion show. The tables were beautifully decorated in coordinating colors to match the theme, and an abundance of authentic Tiffany items, generously provided by one of the members, added the finishing touches. A delicious spread of food was provided by Wellington’s Catering by Donna, and custom-made desserts were baked by “So Delish,” owned by a Cresswind resident. Two clothing retailers partnered with the club to produce an elegant fashion show featuring 12 club members rocking the runway with stylish outfits from Chico’s at the Mall at Wellington Green and Style Encore, an upscale resale store in Palm Beach Gardens. Attendees showed up dressed for the occasion in true Tiffany style and grace.

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium kicked off the summer season with the opening of “Sean Kenney’s Brick Planet: A Magical Journey Made with Lego Bricks” on May 17. On view through Sept. 27, the exhibit invites guests of all ages to explore ecosystems from around the world with larger-thanlife sculptures crafted entirely from Lego bricks.

Created by artist Sean Kenney, Brick Planet takes visitors on a magical journey to see the world through a new lens and discover the beauty and diversity of environments from across the planet. In the immersive gallery spaces, visitors will explore interactive building stations, hands-on activities with science facts throughout and detailed one-of-a-kind sculptures.

“This summer, we’re excited

to introduce an exhibit that brings together creativity, curiosity and discovery in a unique way,” CEO Kurt Allen said. “Brick Planet invites guests of all ages to blend a fun experience with a fresh perspective on what makes our planet unique and beautiful.” In addition to Brick Planet, guests can enjoy other interactive exhibits at the science center, a 10,000-gallon aquarium, STEAM Cart activities and live science shows in the Cox Amphitheater. The new outdoor exhibit on the Fisher Family Science Trail, “Giants of the Ice Age,” will be on view through April 13, 2027. The Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s purpose is to “Open Every Mind to Science.” In 2021, the center launched a transformative capital expansion campaign.

Construction began in May 2024 with completion expected in 2027. General admission is $26 for adults; $24 for teens ages 13-17 and seniors ages 60 and older; $22

for children ages 3-12; and free for children younger than 3 and CSCA members. For hours, tickets and additional information, visit www. coxsciencecenter.org or call (561) 832-1988.

Volunteers Needed For PBC Back To School Event

The Palm Beach County Office of Community Revitalization is calling on residents, community partners and service-minded volunteers to step forward and support the Back to School PBC 2026 event, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1. The event will be hosted at multiple locations across Palm Beach County. This annual, invitation-only community event is designed to prepare more than 11,000 Palm Beach County students for the upcoming school year by providing essential supplies, resources and support. Of those, approximately 6,000 students will be served in person at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Volunteers are needed for the event setup on Friday, July 31, and the event day operations on Saturday, Aug. 1, with the greatest need for hands-on support during the main day at the convention center. Volunteer assignments include student check-in and registration, backpack and school supply distribution, traffic flow and crowd management, translation assistance, and event breakdown and cleanup. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. To support volunteer operations, refreshments and a light lunch will be provided throughout the day. This is a pre-registration-only event, and all participating students must be pre-registered in advance. For more information, or to sign up to volunteer, visit www. backtoschoolpbc.org/volunteer.

VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON HOSTS A MEMORIAL DAY PARADE AND

The Village of Wellington held its annual Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony on Monday, May 25. The parade began at Wellington Village Hall, with the procession ending at the Wellington Veterans Memorial. Several hundred people were in attendance for the ceremony, honoring those lost in service to the nation. Heather Durand opened the ceremony by singing the national anthem. Speakers included Mayor Michael Napoleone, Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri, Councilman Johnny Meier and Councilman Stephen Levin. Joining them to give remembrance was Krissy Robbs of American Legion Post 390. The ceremony concluded with a gun salute and the playing of “Taps” by Armando Cedeno. PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Seminole Ridge Wins Second Straight State Flag Football Crown

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

For the second straight year, the Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity flag football team completed its season on a winning note, emerging as the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Class 3A state champions. In the championship final on Saturday, May 16, Seminole Ridge defeated Fort Lauderdale’s St.

Thomas Aquinas High School, 27-19. The final score remained in doubt until the final play of the game, when the St. Thomas Aquinas quarterback threw an incomplete Hail Mary pass, preserving the victory for Seminole Ridge. The game was held inside the AdventHealth Training Center, the indoor practice facility of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This was the third straight year that the Buccaneers hosted the event.

The victory by Seminole Ridge was the seventh flag football state championship in school history and the third under current head coach Scott O’Hara.

Seminole Ridge reached the Class 3A state championship game by winning its state semifinal the night before, when the Hawks defeated East Lake High School from Tarpon Springs, 26-6.

After claiming the state title, O’Hara said he was delighted with his team’s commitment to excellence and work ethic throughout the season.

“This season, we had a really tough schedule,” O’Hara said. “The girls were phenomenal. The chemistry was great on this team. This year’s team worked as hard as any team that I have ever coached. I was happy to see them get what they really deserved tonight — another state title.”

In Tampa, the Hawks were led by strong performances from Aubrey Fogel, Jazlyn Ruiz, Chachi Saunders, Ava Dowdell, Kylin Chieffalo and Ava Aiken.

Dowdell was named the Most Valuable Player of the championship game. Her statistical production against St. Thomas Aquinas was impressive. On offense, she caught 11 passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns. On defense, she had four flag pulls and an interception.

In the state championship game, Fogel completed 31 of 41 passes for 291 yards and four touchdowns. Ruiz had four catches for 10 yards, while Saunders had four receptions for 70 yards. Chieffalo had four catches for 34 yards, a pair of touchdowns and an extra point.

Chieffalo’s contributions may well have made the difference. She

was pressed into playing because teammate sophomore Avaree Brant suffered a leg injury in the game against East Lake, which left Brant unable to play in the championship game. Chieffalo played offense and defense in the final.

“Kylin really stepped up and started in place of injured starter Avaree Brant, our leading receiver this past season,” O’Hara said.

In the game, Chieffalo scored first to take a 7-0 Seminole Ridge lead. By the midway point of the third quarter, St. Thomas Aquinas had responded with two touchdowns to lead 13-7. Dowdell then scored back-to-back touchdowns to give Seminole Ridge a 20-13 lead. St. Thomas Aquinas narrowed the score to 20-19 before Chieffalo scored the game’s final touchdown and extra point to give her team the final eight-point advantage, 27-19.

According to O’Hara, Saunders’ most important catch was not for a touchdown. “The biggest catch of the year was on fourth down and five from midfield with the game winding down in the fourth quarter,” O’Hara said.

On defense, Seminole Ridge was equally as aggressive, as safety Angelina Romanski had seven flag pulls and a late-in-the-game interception. Earlier in the game, Saunders grabbed an interception in the end zone to stop a scoring drive. Abigail Nosworthy had a quarterback sack late in the game when Seminole Ridge was having difficulty stopping the opposition’s offense.

The biggest key to the success of the Seminole Ridge flag football program this season was its defense, which only allowed an average of 6.8 points per game. The Seminole Ridge offense was

simply prolific, averaging 29.8 points per game. Of Seminole Ridge’s 20 victories this season, half were shutouts.

Across 22 games this past season, Fogel, a junior, completed 72.7 percent of her passes. She threw a total of 78 touchdown passes. Her top receiver was Brant, who caught 36 touchdown passes. Brant averaged 74.9 receiving yards per game. Defensively, Saunders, a junior, and Dowdell, a sophomore, were one-two in interceptions with 17 and 15, respectively. Aiken, a sophomore, led the team with 17 sacks, while Brant led the team with 4.5 flag pulls per game.

Looking back at the victories in Tampa, O’Hara feels that the team’s preparation leading up to the two games played an instrumental role.

“We worked on our goal line offense and defense, our two-minute offense, our communication on defense, our punt and punt return special teams units, our condition-

ing, and our overall execution,” said O’Hara, who finished his 11th season as the team’s head coach. Seminole Ridge concluded its season by winning its last nine games and posting a record of 20-2. For the second straight year, Seminole Ridge has finished the season as not only the top-ranked Class 3A team in Florida, but the No. 1 team in both Florida and the entire United States. Flag football is a sanctioned girls varsity

school sport in 16 states. Besides Seminole

Keith Kloiber Pursues His Gridiron Dreams After Eye Injury

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

From a very young age, Keith Kloiber had a vision for playing football. He had his first taste of victory as a member of the Western Communities Football League (WCFL) Varsity Tackle Ravens team.

Then, at the age of 13, Keith’s football vision and eyesight were severely impacted — literally — following a freak injury to his left eye while playing in a WCFL flag football game on April 13, 2024.

To properly appreciate where Keith is right now — more than two years later — it’s important to go back to the day of the injury.

His parents, Mark and Katiuska Kloiber, remember the incident like it was yesterday.

“My son and two defenders jumped up to catch a pass in a flag football game, and when my son fell to the ground without the ball, one of the defenders came crashing down on him, and his elbow hit my

son in his left eye,” Mark recalled. The damage done was immediate and painful. It never occurred to Mark that you could get severely injured in a flag football game, but his son felt the brunt of the collision. The injury required an emergency response.

“The medics at WCFL acted rapidly and told us that he needed to be sent to St. Mary’s on the Trauma Hawk,” Mark said. “He arrived at the emergency room blind in his left eye. The personnel at the hospital quickly realized they had a two-hour window to relieve the pressure on his optic nerve, otherwise he could potentially lose total eyesight.”

That was the first emergency procedure performed.

Dr. Peter Rubin was contacted by the hospital, and after directing the team to perform the first operation, he came to do the second one, which allowed Keith, at that point at least, to see some shapes.

“Our son’s passion for returning to the football field remained strong, and he kept asking when he could go back to playing football,” Mark said. “Within a week after the injury, he was beginning to see more clearly.”

By the summer of his upcoming freshman year (2024-25), Keith was well enough to go through summer conditioning workouts with the Wellington High School football team. At the time, Keith was a rising freshman. By the end of that summer, he was the starting quarterback for Wellington’s junior varsity team and the second-string varsity quarterback, behind senior starting quarterback Jonathan Paul. Keith survived the 2025 football season with the Wolverines without any further injuries.

Fast forward to this April. Keith made a return to the WCFL’s flag football league. He played in the WCFL’s six-team High School Prep division as his team’s starting quarterback. It had been nearly two years since the injury that briefly took his eyesight, but the injury never stopped his dream of making a football comeback.

After playing injury-free in the regular season this past spring, Keith’s team advanced to the Super Bowl Championship Game on May 16, where his team, the Florida Gators, played and defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide, 26-7. In that game, Keith threw for 125 yards, two touchdowns and an extra point. He also ran for 110 yards, a touchdown and an extra point.

While he was playing WCFL flag football this past spring, he was also practicing high school spring football with head coach Pete Walker and his WHS teammates. It just so happens that the WHS spring game, which marked the end of spring football, was played on the evening of Friday, May 15 against the Pahokee Blue Devils — less than 24 hours prior to that Super Bowl flag football finale.

Well, toward the end of the first half of the spring game, Keith was sacked for a second time by the Blue Devils and was ruled out for the rest of the game by Walker and the athletic trainer.

Keith’s parents were told by the trainer about a possible concussion, so they took him to the Wellington Regional Medical Center at 10 p.m. on that Friday night to have him tested. Five hours later, at 3 a.m., he was released from the hospital and was cleared to play

in the flag football championship about 12 hours later, which he did, and his team won.

Keith’s passion for football and vision to play as a high school quarterback remains intact.

This incident also impacted Keith’s younger brother, Christopher. For Keith’s WCFL comeback this year, Christopher was playing right by his side and decided to play up two years, joining him in the High School Prep league as a 13-year-old. Christopher helped the team advance into the Super Bowl and, ultimately, win the championship.

In early June, when summer conditioning for the WHS football team begins, Keith Kloiber plans to be there, as he continues to pursue his vision of playing football, with the full support of his parents.

“He’s so passionate about it,” his mother Katiuska said.

“This is what he wants to do,” his father Mark added. “He’s very determined to play.”

A MAKE AND TAKE ART STUDIO

FIFA’s World Cup Soccer Tournament Getting Ready To Start

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

If you glance at your calendar and start paying attention to what you see on television, you’ll quickly realize that we are just days away from the start of this year’s FIFA World Cup men’s soccer tournament.

The opening game of the World Cup will be played in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11 when Mexico plays South Africa at 2 p.m. (Eastern). Games will continue until the final of the World Cup, set for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19 at 3 p.m.

The number of teams competing in the World Cup has been increased to 48 teams from 32, which makes this year’s World Cup the biggest on record.

Throughout the 104-game tournament, there will be seven games played in South Florida, specifically at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The first game in Miami Gardens will take place June 15, when Saudi Arabia plays Uruguay at 6 p.m.

The two most anticipated matches in Miami Gardens will be Scotland versus Brazil on June 24 at 6 p.m. and Columbia versus Portugal on June 27 at 7:30 p.m. Other matches in Miami Gardens will be on June 21, when Uruguay plays Cabo Verde at 6 p.m.; a round-of-16 match on July 3 at 6 p.m.; a quarterfinal match on July 11 at 5 p.m.; and the bronze medal game, which will decide which team finishes in third place, on Saturday, July 18 at 5 p.m.

The U.S. Men’s National Team is in Group D. Its three scheduled matches are June 12 against

Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California; June 19 against Australia at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington; and June 25 against Turkey, again at SoFi Stadium.

Another unique aspect of this year’s World Cup is that it’s being hosted for the first time by three countries — Mexico, Canada and the United States. The oddsmakers list Spain, Argentina, France, Brazil and England as the favorites to win the tournament.

If you want to experience the build-up to the World Cup, make plans to attend one of England’s two warm-up matches — both of which are being played in Florida. On June 6, England will play New Zealand at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, and on June 10, England will play Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando. Both games will start at 4 p.m.

A bit closer to home, the Men’s National Soccer Team from Haiti is conducting its final World Cup training camp in Port St. Lucie.

The Haitian team will be there from May 24 through June 8, after which the team will head to

New Jersey for the balance of the World Cup.

One high school soccer coach in the western communities is really looking forward to being a World Cup fan this summer.

Jon Iverson, the head coach of the girls varsity soccer team from Berean Christian School, hopes to attend a match, but ticket prices are hefty.

“I do not currently have tickets, but if I end up going to a match, it will most likely be in Miami,” Iverson said. “The game I would love to see is Scotland versus Brazil on June 24. Right now, the ticket prices are absolutely insane and have pretty much priced normal people out of the market. I have a feeling there will be some last-minute deals, and I only live about an hour from the stadium, so I can be flexible.”

One of his dreams as a spectator is to witness a World Cup game south of the Rio Grande.

“I’ve always wanted to see a game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City,” Iverson said. “Honestly, right now it might actually be cheaper to fly to Mexico, get tickets, eat tacos for three days and watch Uzbekistan versus Colombia than attend a game in Miami.”

Iverson will be cheering for the U.S. team, but he feels the American squad is not ready to win it all this year.

“Obviously, I will be following the United States the closest,” Iverson said. “I think the U.S. can win its group, and I’d love to see us make a serious run. I think we could win in the Round of 32, possibly against Senegal, and then maybe end up with Belgium in the Round of 16. At that point, the en-

tire country will suddenly become soccer experts for about a week, which is always fun.”

Iverson’s interest in global soccer is broad. “I always follow Germany because the league I watch the most is the Bundesliga,” Iverson said. “I’ll be keeping an eye on Norway because I’ve been a big Erling Haaland fan for years. Brazil and Argentina are always teams I watch, too, partly because of the nostalgia of all the legendary players, and partly because I have good friends from both countries who care deeply about their national teams.”

Iverson feels that comparisons can be drawn between the World Cup and the men’s NCAA Division I basketball tournament because shocks, surprises and upsets are the norm.

“I also love rooting for an underdog,” Iverson said. “Every World Cup needs a surprise team, and maybe this year Haiti or Uzbekistan can shock a few people and ruin some brackets. The World Cup is one of the few events where chaos is basically guaranteed. One bad bounce, one red card, one goalkeeper standing on his head and suddenly an entire nation is heartbroken.”

In the end, Iverson expects “the cream to rise to the top” by the final in mid-July.

“I don’t think anyone would be surprised if Spain or France wins it all,” Iverson said. “France just keeps producing unbelievable talent year after year, and Spain has been dominant in Europe recently. Both teams are loaded with depth, skill and experience.”

One of the big-picture side effects of the World Cup return-

ing to the U.S. for the first time since 1994 is that it’s expected to positively impact U.S. soccer participation.

“The United States is entering the 2026 World Cup with record [soccer] participation, broad demographic momentum and an industry that has been building toward this moment for years,” said Alex Kerman, senior director of research and operations at the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the sporting goods industry’s trade group based in Washington, D.C. “Entering the tournament, conditions are ideal for real-time conversion from fan to participant.”

Tickets for the seven games in Miami Gardens remain available,

Wellington Wolves Program Honors Nearly 70 Scholar-Athletes

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

On Monday, May 18, the Wellington Wolves travel basketball program gathered in the main gym at Village Park in Wellington. But this time, the get-together had nothing to do with bounce passes, free throws, rebounds, layups or practicing the pick-and-roll.

Instead, it was the eighth annual Scholar Athlete Night. On this occasion, the Wolves recognized and honored the top student-athletes who play basketball for the Wolves. The evening was sponsored by the Council of Dads, which is the group of local leaders who volunteer to run an after-school tutoring program for

the boys and girls — and their siblings — who play basketball under the Wolves banner. The grade levels of the students who were honored ranged from third grade to 11th grade.

According to Council of Dads founder John Sitomer, there were two types of academic excellence award winners honored by the

Wolves and the Council of Dads.

“We recognized Honor Roll recipients, which are students with a grade point average of at least 3.0, and we recognized Top Gun recipients, which are students with a grade point average of 4.0 and above,” Sitomer explained.

Wellington Wolves President Mike Colin underscored the importance of the ceremony.

“We enjoy celebrating academic excellence in the classroom and athletic excellence on the basketball court,” Colin said. There were 55 Honor Roll hon-

orees and 12 Top Gun students. Of the 55 Honor Roll recipients, nine were girls and 46 were boys. Of those 12 Top Gun students, there were eight boys and four girls. The Top Gun boys were Robert D’Angelo (third grade), Jackson Wenger (fifth grade), Dominic Drummond (sixth grade), Jasiyah Freeman (eighth grade), Xander Furbino (ninth grade), Siro Fierro Baechli (10th grade), Jordan Sanders (10th grade), and Ethan Ranney (11th grade). The Top Gun girls were Makenna Joseph (sixth grade), Olivia Tabora (sixth grade), Mariella O’Neal (sixth grade) and Gabriella Tabora (seventh grade). In addition to a certificate of achievement given to each student, each Honor Roll recipient received a $25 gift card to an area business, and each Top Gun recipient was given a $50 gift card to an area business. The gift cards were purchased by the membership of the Council of Dads. Also, all Honor Roll and Top Gun scholar-athletes were rewarded with a visit to Universal Studios in Orlando on Saturday, May 23.

Cardinal Newman Marks

State Football Title With Special Ring Ceremony

Cardinal Newman High School celebrated its historic 2025 Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1A football state championship season with a special ring ceremony on Thursday, May 14, honoring the players, coaches and legendary former head coach Sam Budnyk, whose 46-year tenure helped lay the foundation for the success of Crusader football.

Players and coaches received commemorative championship rings marking the program’s first football state title in school history.

Supporters gathered on campus for the ceremony as Budnyk, now 93 years old, returned to campus to receive a state championship ring of his own, in recognition of his lasting impact on Cardinal Newman football and generations of student-athletes.

Widely respected as one of the most influential figures in Florida high school football history, Budnyk coached at Cardinal Newman for more than four decades, earning more than 300 career victories while building a tradition of excellence that continues to shape Crusader athletics today. Members of the Budnyk family were also in attendance.

“This championship represents

not only the hard work of this team and coaching staff, but also the generations of players and coaches who helped build this program,” Athletic Director Ryan Partridge said. “Having coach Budnyk there to share in this moment made the evening especially meaningful.”

The afternoon celebrated the Crusaders’ remarkable 2025 season, culminating in a 17-14 victory over Chaminade-Madonna to secure Cardinal Newman’s first football state championship. More than a celebration of a title, the ceremony reflected on the perseverance, discipline and brotherhood that defined the team throughout the season.

RPB TALONS 10U TEAM BRING HOME CHAMPIONSHIP

Newsworthy Notes On Local Sports

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

New Court At Berean — Berean

Christian School has a brand-new court inside its on-campus gym.

After some major warping issues were detected on the original court back in November of last year, plans were quickly implemented to replace the floor with a new, state-of-the-art playing surface.

The gym is used by the school’s girls volleyball teams, its intramural indoor soccer and basketball programs, boys and girls basketball teams, and many daily physical education classes. The new gym floor opened in mid-March for the school’s PE classes.

The first official varsity athletic contest on the new floor will take place on Aug. 18, when Berean’s girls varsity volleyball team will play Jupiter Christian School.

According to Athletic Director Doug Walters, that varsity volleyball contest in August will feature a number of before-match on-campus activities, such as a tailgate party, music, facepainting for children and possibly a bounce house.

John R. Myers Honored — On Tuesday, April 14, the Palm Beach County Commission named the bridge that connects West Palm Beach to Manalapan in honor of the late John R. Myers, assistant bridge superintendent for Palm Beach County from 1984 to 2025. Myers had been a Palm Beach County resident since 1972 and a resident of Royal Palm Beach

since 1999. An avid hunter, fisherman and motorcycle enthusiast, Myers was also a longtime playing member of the Palm Beach Rugby Football Club for more than 10 years, from the 1980s to the mid1990s, where he was a starting wing forward and a member of the club’s two state championship teams in 1991 and 1993. Myers was a 1980 graduate of Twin Lakes High School. He died on Oct. 17, 2025, at age 64. Seminole Ridge Volleyball Ends Season — The Seminole Ridge High School boys varsi-

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Armory Art Center — Enjoy a summer of creativity at the Armory Art Center, where 2026 Summer Art Camps run from June 1 to Aug. 7, offering young artists the opportunity to explore diverse cultures and traditions through hands-on activities led by teaching artists in state-of-the-art studios. Preschoolers ages 3 to 5 have a chance to explore art through playful activities. For children ages 5 to 12, the Cultural Art Camp provides a rich experience, while teens ages 13 to 17 can dive into intensive studio sessions aimed at developing their portfolios across various artistic mediums. The Armory Art Center is located at 811 Park Place in West Palm Beach. Visit www.armoryart.org for details.

Florida Rowing Center’s Summer Rowing Camp The Florida Rowing Center’s Summer Rowing Camp is now in its seventh year. The program is designed for both boys and girls who want to learn to row, as well as experienced rowers looking to improve their sculling technique and fitness. Come have fun on the water. The program rows on Lake Wellington, a freshwater, protected, 2,000-meter-long lake. Registration is limited to allow individual, personalized coaching and instruction. The summer program is open to students age 12 and up led by head coach Doug Cody. For 35 years, the Florida Rowing Center has attracted and trained elite-level competitors from North America and Europe. Register and learn more at www.floridarowingcenter.com.

NICU Graduate From Wellington Captures The No. 2 Florida BMX State Ranking

Six-year-old BMX rider Sullivan Cagle of Wellington recently captured the second-place state championship trophy in the Florida BMX Sunshine State Series after an unforgettable championship weekend in St. Cloud. Sullivan finished tied for first overall in total points, narrowly missing the state title by a single tiebreaker point in one of the closest championship finishes of the season.

The accomplishment marks Sullivan’s first Florida BMX state championship podium finish at

just six years old — a milestone made even more inspiring by the incredible journey that brought him there.

Born prematurely at only 28 weeks on July 4, 2019, at Wellington Regional Medical Center, Sullivan weighed just two pounds at birth and spent his earliest days in the NICU before growing into one of Florida’s top young BMX riders. His family said his life and strength during those first difficult weeks were nothing short of a miracle.

The championship weekend

Country Club Leaders Rally For Local Children’s Charities

As economic uncertainty continues to put pressure on families and the nonprofit organizations that serve them, more than four dozen country club managers from Vero Beach to the Florida Keys came together to raise critical support for children’s charities across South Florida. The event was held Thursday, May 14, at the Wycliffe Golf and Country Club.

At a time when many nonprofits are being asked to do more with less, the Seminole Region Charity Golf Tournament Committee of the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) is rallying community leaders, clubs and supporters around a shared mission: helping organizations that provide children and families with educational opportunities, essential services, autism support, financial and career literacy, and other lifechanging resources. The need is especially urgent as many households and charitable organizations continue to feel the effects

of inflation, higher living costs and broader economic instability.

“This tournament reflects a shared commitment to helping children overcome adversity and pursue brighter futures,” Committee Chair Michael McCarthy said. “At a time when economic uncertainty is creating added strain for families and the nonprofits that support them, it is more important than ever for our community to step up. These organizations are doing essential work, and they need our help now more than ever.”

All proceeds from the event will directly benefit programs in Palm Beach County and beyond, with funds distributed to Special Olympics, SOS Children’s Villages Florida, the Fuller Center, the First Tee, 4KIDS, the George Snow Scholarship Fund, Caring Children Clothing Children Inc., the Boca School for Autism, the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches and Junior Achievement of South Florida.

was especially meaningful for the Cagle family, as Sullivan’s twin sister, Sage Cagle, raced alongside him during the semifinal race at the Sunshine State Championship Finals in St. Cloud. The twins lined-up side-by-side in gates 3 and 4, creating one of the most memorable moments of the weekend for family, friends and fellow riders.

Sullivan and Sage both call Okeeheelee BMX their home track, where they have developed their love for the sport and spent countless hours training and building confidence on two wheels.

The celebration didn’t stop there for the Cagle family. Younger sister Summer Cagle, age 3, earned the Participation Champion Award in Strider balance bike racing and has already begun competing in the 5 & Under Novice BMX class, making it a true family affair.

“It was such an exciting weekend for our family,” said Ashley Cagle, mother of Sullivan, Sage and Summer. “Our faith in Christ has been the foundation of our family through every season of life. Sullivan experienced a true miracle during those first weeks

after being born at just 28 weeks and only 2 pounds, and we are so grateful to see him thriving today doing what he loves. We are a proud homeschool family who loves traveling together to different BMX tracks, riding across Florida, and eventually across the United States.”

As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, the Cagle family will celebrate their own milestone.

“We are especially excited to celebrate our own little firecrackers, Sage and Sullivan, turning 7 years old on July 4. Their personalities shine just as brightly on and off the track,” Ashley said.

The Cagle family says BMX has become more than a sport — it has become a lifestyle centered around faith, family, athleticism, perseverance and adventure. With Sullivan already making his mark on the Florida BMX circuit, the future looks bright for this young rider from Wellington.

“We are especially thankful for Okeeheelee BMX and all the support they pour into young riders,” Ashley said. “From the coaches, clinics, racing and communication,

Historical And Educational Speaker Roger Gross Speaks At Palomino Gardens For Memorial Day

Historical and educational speaker Roger Gross, a Wellington resident, conducted a Memorial Day presentation on Monday, May 25 at the Palomino Gardens senior living establishment. More than 30 residents were in attendance.

The ceremony started with the raising and the lowering of the flag to half-staff. The presentation on the history of Memorial Day began after the residents gathered in the auditorium.

Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day and more than 410,000 Civil War veterans joined the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) from 1866 to 1956. The GAR was essential in securing pensions and benefits for the Union soldiers, widows and the severely wounded. When the last Civil War veteran passed away, the GAR ceased to exist. A number of U.S. presidents were members of the GAR.

Men who served in the Spanish-American War were not eli-

gible to join the GAR. Therefore, they formed the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), which is still in existence today. Six veterans, including a combat medic, were in attendance at the presentation. They represented

the men who served in or during the Korean and the Vietnam wars. A commemorative certificate was given to each veteran who was able to attend.

Gross also thanked the spouses of the veterans for supporting their husbands from the homefront. If you or your establishment would like to learn more about hosting a historical and or educational presentation, contact Roger Gross at ragross978@gmail.com.

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Junior Marine Biologist Summer Camp — Do you know an aspiring scientist? The Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Junior Marine Biologist Summer Camp gives children ages 6 to 13 the amazing opportunity to explore Florida’s coastal ecosystems, enjoy hands-on science activities and much more. Campers will also learn about fun ways to protect the oceans. Sessions include Sea Turtle Savers, Ocean Adventures and Conservation Heroes. Camps run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Late pickup at 5 p.m. is available for an additional fee. For more information, or and to register, visit www.marinelife.org/camp.

St. David’s Episcopal School Summer Camp — Join St. David’s Episcopal School for summer camp featuring exciting travels around the world — all without leaving camp! Each week, campers will “visit” a new country to learn more about its culture, language, food and fun. Including: Week 1 – June 8-12 Canada, Week 2 – June 15-19 Mexico, Week 3 – June 22-26 England, Week 4 – June 29 - July 3 the United States, Week 5 – July 6-10 Australia, Week 6 – July 13-17 Egypt, Week 7 – July 20-24 Japan, and Week 8 – July 27-31 France. The program will also include Bible stories, arts & crafts, free play, games, playground time, movies, water play and more. The cost is $225 per week and runs Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For registration, visit https://stdavidsepiscopalschool.com.

Wellington High School’s Suzanne Reddoch Wins Dwyer Award

Teacher Susan Reddoch from Wellington High School recently won the William T. Dwyer Award for Excellence in Education in the Senior High School Education category.

The Economic Council of Palm Beach County’s William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education celebrated outstanding educators from across Palm Beach

County during a ceremony on May 4 at the Kravis Center. The event recognized this year’s finalists and announced honorees in seven categories, each exemplifying exceptional dedication and commitment to student success. Aside from Reddoch, the other honorees were: Cindy Fakhoury of Lake Worth High School in Grow Up Great: Early Learning Education; Dana Tate of Village Academy in Elementary School Education; Jorge Valls of the Bak Middle School of the Arts in Middle School Education; John Kux of West Boca Raton High School in STEM Education; Amy Spano of Marsh Pointe Elementary School in Exceptional Student Education; and Shameka Thomas of Riviera Beach Preparatory & Achievement Academy in Student Support & Advancement.

SEMINOLE RIDGE ONEBLOOD AWARD

Seminole Ridge High School, in partnership with OneBlood, recently won an award for its student body blood drives on campus. The school won first place for most platelets donated from all high schools in Palm Beach and Martin counties. Also, sponsor Mrs. Vento and co-sponsor Ms. Hunter won Blood Drive Chairperson of the Year for Palm Beach County schools.

CHEF KIDS CELEBRATES END OF SCHOOL YEAR

Chef Kids recently celebrated another successful and creative year working with students from School District of Palm Beach County schools. It was a wonderful year of creativity, learning and fun. Young chefs explored the art of cooking by transforming fruits, vegetables and healthy ingredients into colorful and creative dishes. Through hands-on experiences, the children discovered that healthy food can be exciting, artistic and delicious.

The evening began with an elegant cocktail reception featuring music by the Bak Middle School of the Arts String Quartet, as guests mingled and enjoyed a curated selection of food and refreshments. The program opened with an energetic performance by the Palm Beach Lakes High School Ram Regiment Band, under the direction of Josh Velez, followed by a moving rendition of the national anthem by Chase Bauer, a sophomore at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts.

Opening remarks were delivered by Mark Elhilow, chair of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County; School Superintendent Michael Burke; Dwyer Awards Chair Deana Pizzo and Vice Chair Mike Bauer; and Michele Jacobs, president and CEO of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. Felicia Rodriguez of WPBF 25

served as mistress of ceremonies.

“The Dwyer Awards are a powerful reminder of the extraordinary impact educators have on our students and our community,” Jacobs said. “This year’s finalists and honorees represent the very best, and we are proud to celebrate their dedication, leadership and commitment to student success.”

The Dwyer Awards, named in honor of the late community leader

William T. Dwyer, are an annual program established in 1985 by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County to recognize outstanding educators in both public and private schools across the county. More than 400 nominations were submitted for the 2026 awards, and each nominee underwent a rigorous evaluation process by approximately 100 prominent local business leaders. This thorough

American Heritage School Students Earn Admission To Top Universities

American Heritage Schools is proud to announce that the Class of 2026 has reached a record-breaking year, securing acceptances to the nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities.

Fifty-three American Heritage students earned acceptances to Ivy League institutions, highlighting the highest level of academic achievement. Building on this success, more than 524 students were accepted to Top 30 universities nationwide. At the state level, 217 students were admitted to the University of Florida, underscoring sustained excellence across the full spectrum of higher education.

This year reflects more than strong outcomes. It marks a significant expansion in both reach and recognition. American Heritage students are earning placements at highly selective institutions across

the country, from the Ivy League to top universities on the west coast. The momentum positions American Heritage not only as a leader in Florida, but as a school with a growing national impact.

Students are entering college with “sophomore-level” skills as a result of participating in pre-professional programs. American Heritage students begin building a robust academic foundation early on, supported by a balanced approach that fosters both intellectual curiosity and emotional resilience. This comprehensive preparation ensures that by their senior year, students are not just ready to apply, they are ready to lead. By senior year, many students are ready to pursue their academic dreams. A significant number choose to apply through early decision to their top-choice schools,

reflecting their commitment to these elite institutions.

“Our mission has always been to prepare students for the global stage, and this year’s college map proves exactly that,” said Dr. Doug Laurie, president of American Heritage Schools. “From the Ivy League halls of Harvard, Yale and Brown to the innovative hubs of Stanford and UCLA, and the prestigious quadrangles of Duke, Johns Hopkins and Vanderbilt, the Class of 2026 is truly a coastto-coast cohort. This national footprint reflects the versatility of a Heritage education, showing that our graduates are highly sought after by top-tier admissions officers from every corner of the country.”

As a leader in academic excellence for decades, American Heritage continues to set the gold standard in Florida. A total of 87

seniors in the 2026 class were named National Merit Semifinalists, and 26 seniors were named Presidential Scholars Candidates. The 2026 class achieved a 95 percent pass rate on AP exams, significantly outperforming state and global averages, and earned a combined $127 million-plus in college scholarships.

“American Heritage Schools equipped me with amazing teachers, rigorous courses and great leadership and extracurricular opportunities, so I feel very prepared to balance all that I will tackle in college,” said Daniela Staton, a senior from the Palm Beach campus who plans to attend Stanford and study biomedical engineering and neuroscience. For the full list of top American Heritage acceptances, visit www. ahschool.com/topcolleges.

Foundation Launches Affordable Housing Grant Program For Westlake Homebuyers

The Westlake Community Foundation has launched the Westlake Affordable Housing Grant Program, a new initiative that is providing $650,000 in financial assistance to help

Eligible

basis until funds are exhausted.

“Westlake already offers the best value for new home construc-

tion in Palm Beach County,” said John Carter, senior vice president of Minto Communities USA. “Still, we recognize that some buyers need additional support to make the dream of homeownership possible. Through grant programs like this, we’re helping more families purchase a home in Westlake and become part of our growing community.”

To qualify, applicants must have an annual household income of $250,000 or less, purchase a newbuilt home in Westlake and intend to occupy the home as their primary residence for at least five years. The grant program is adminis-

tered by the Westlake Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization created to support housing affordability within the city. Grant proceeds will be disbursed to qualified buyers.

This program is separate from the City of Westlake’s Housing Assistance Purchase Program Yearly (HAPPY), which provides down payment assistance to eligible buyers. While each program has its own application and qualification requirements, eligible buyers may layer in both programs for additional savings. Together, these initiatives support broader access to homeownership

and reflect Westlake’s ongoing commitment to housing attainability. Westlake continues to attract homebuyers seeking new construction in a vibrant, master-planned setting. Conceived as the “new downtown” for central Palm Beach County, the 3,800acre community has the capacity for more than 6,000 homes and is approved for more than 2 million square feet of commercial development. Minto Communities USA is currently offering a mix of single-family, estate and townhomes for sale, with prices starting in the $300s.

Quantum Foundation Opens Applications For Quantum In The Community Program

The Quantum Foundation is once again calling on local grassroots nonprofits to apply for funding through its annual Quantum in the Community (QIC) program, now in its 16th year of supporting organizations that meet the most essential needs across Palm Beach County. Applications for the 2026 cycle will open June 1 and close Aug. 2, with $1.25 million in grant funding available to eligible nonprofits with annual budgets at or under $500,000. Through QIC, the Quantum Foundation provides critical funding to organizations addressing basic needs such as food, shelter, transportation, clothing and financial assistance — factors that play a vital role in overall health and well-being. Additional support may include access to healthcare, medical equipment, hygiene supplies, furniture and other essential services that help stabilize individuals and families throughout the county. The foundation’s mission is to inspire and fund initiatives that improve the health of Palm Beach County residents. The foundation was formed from $125 million in proceeds from the sale of JFK Medical Center. Now in its third decade of community investment, the foundation has assets of approximately $172 million. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded $184 million to hundreds of Palm Beach County nonprofit grantees. Every dollar the foun-

dation grants stays in the county to benefit local communities.

In 2025, the Quantum Foundation awarded $1.25 million in unrestricted funding to 140 local grassroots organizations across Palm Beach County. To date, QIC has invested millions in local nonprofits working on the front lines of community health.

“Quantum in the Community continues to be one of the most meaningful ways we invest directly in the well-being of Palm Beach County residents,” said Eric Kelly, president of the Quantum Foundation. “As we celebrate 16 years of QIC and 30 years as a foundation, we remain deeply committed to supporting the organizations that are closest to the community and making a real, lasting impact every day.”

The foundation announced a 10year, $12.5 million commitment to

the Quantum in the Community program in 2025, further solidifying its investment in grassroots solutions in Palm Beach County.

Eligible applicants must be registered nonprofit organizations that have been operating in Palm Beach County for at least six months and have an annual operating budget of $500,000 or less. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of foundation staff and board members.

In addition, the foundation will continue accepting nominations for the Marie Thorpe Above & Beyond Award, which recognizes an individual who exemplifies extraordinary service and dedication to the community. The honoree will receive a $2,500 award, with an additional $2,500 granted to their nominating organization.

Grant recipients will be announced in the third week of

October and will be recognized at the annual Quantum in the Community Awards Breakfast on Nov. 17 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. To apply, or learn more, visit www.quantumfnd.org/qic.

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“We

grateful to all our resident artists who shared their extraordinary talents with us for this year’s show,” said Jay Mikosch, executive campus director at Wellington Bay. “Art is vital for senior citizens because it promotes

aging by stimulating cognitive function,

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The Summer Camp Experience Has Changed Since I Was Young

Here comes summer! I know this because (a) it is getting uncomfortably warm, (b) the kids are out of school and (c) I dropped my grandkids off at their first camp of the summer last week. They say, “Youth is wasted on the young” — and it is so true. Children have no idea what goes on behind the scenes to make their days — especially their summer camp days — so enjoyable. We pulled up at camp, and they were met with ear-splitting hip-hop music and a human arch of applauding counselors to run through as they were lauded just for showing up. Behind the scenes, their “guardian” (me) had driven for two-anda-half hours to get them there with gas at

never-before-seen prices and one iffy tire.

Plus, I still needed to get home. I had never been at this camp before and was surprised at the state-of-the-art, air-conditioned central building plopped in the middle of the cabins. It contained a basketball court, restrooms and a fully

equipped kitchen. “What do you guys eat out here?” I had asked before arriving. Expecting them to say “hot dogs over a campfire,” they instead wrinkled up their noses and said, “Cafeteria food.”

When I was young, the highlight of my year was when my grandmother took me downtown on the trolley car (yes), and we got to eat at a real cafeteria, choosing from a line-up of attractive options including desserts! Hot food was not introduced to the schools until I was in fifth grade. Until then, we all brown-bagged it. Before being admitted to camp, you had to get screened for lice, pick up your complimentary bottles of sunscreen and insect repellent, and turn in your satchel

of medications (in their original bottles or else) for any necessary refrigeration and adult-supervised distribution at the proper hour of each day. At the end of the table, there was a doctor of psychology available to me if I had any questions. (I did have a question, and that question was, “What the hell!?”) But I mumbled that I had no questions and moved on to where the kids received free T-shirts in free backpacks. Did the kids appreciate the veritable army of professionals on hand to minister to their every need while they were out there “roughing it?” They did not. Next stop were their cabins. As the kids eagerly ran ahead to choose their bunks, two muscular college students hoisted up

their trunks and carried them. To make conversation, I asked the guys about themselves. One was a pre-med student; the other opted to work at the camp instead of visiting China with his parents. I thought of my college summers, spent working in the wig department of a discount store, except for the two weeks my family spent visiting my grandparents. I came home sunburned, covered in insect bites, lugging not only my suitcase but my brother’s. I had dined on wild strawberries, hickory nuts, pierogi, potato pancakes and Polish sausage. If I got sick, somebody forced me to swallow an aspirin and no one gave a rat’s behind about my mental health. They were the best days of my life.

‘In The Grey’ Is Not A Particularly Good Action Thriller Movie

I generally like Guy Ritchie movies because they tend to be stylish, gangster-style, bits of fun. But In the Grey was a great disappointment. It has stars, great scenery, dead bodies and all the rest. But it has the excitement of a delivery from Domino’s Pizza. You would expect a film about the corrupt ultra rich getting zapped to be fun, especially when the lead villain Salazar (Carlos Bardem) is a major industrialist. But he winds up seeming more fun and interesting than the person who is responsible (Rosamund Pike) for allowing a billion-dollar debt that he reneged on and pays to retrieve the money.

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On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

That, of course, sounds like great fun, in terms of a setup. So Wild hires some top mercenaries, Sid (Henry Cavill) and Bronco (Jake Gyllenhaal), and a team of tough guys (just about all of whom are good-looking and experts with weapons) to retrieve the money.

It sounds like this could be real fun. The problem is that the plot is so convoluted

Lawyer Rachel Wild (Eiza González) works “in the grey,” meaning the world outside the black-and-white world of contracts. The problem is that Salazar lives on what is essentially a private island where he has a couple of spectacular homes (and stunning women who seem to never speak) and also a private army, as well as essentially owning the police. And he owes a billion dollars, has a sleazy attorney (Fisher Stevens) for legal protection and a lot of hidden assets.

that about two-thirds of the film is the setup. Wild is a top, even if shady, lawyer, but even when she gets court victories, she can’t get to the money. Thus the mercenaries. And they work with her to mess up Salazar’s businesses. Yes, it is amusing to watch the big shot screaming on the phone about getting work stoppages through assorted bits of sabotage. But it just is not all that exciting. Finally, the mercenaries get to the bad guy’s island which, for cinematic purposes, is gorgeous. The movie was made on Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. But for a place that is supposedly run with an iron fist, there seems to be a lot of police but just about no surveillance. Which, of course, would have quickly found out that there were people out to get the ruler.

So we get to see some loving looks at fancy weapons plus a wide assortment of fun-looking vehicles and some great driving and motorcycle tricks. For much of

the movie, they are essentially tricks with no direct action taken against the bad guy. They are essentially a long-winded setup with lots of explanation that makes certain we can fully appreciate what will come later. Finally, we see a quick victory and then betrayal — and finally a set action sequence that has loads of explosions, dead bodies, heroism and crazy stunts. But all of that comes near the end of the movie. The problem is that there is almost no sense of fun. The lines are often delivered in monotones. There seems almost no real passion in the mercenaries who, after all, are supposed to be the real heroes. It’s more a matter of deciding who goes where, so they can be efficient. The bad guys are the ones who have the emotions. Bardem and Stevens show far more emotion than anyone else. Bardem seems to just seethe and demand action. There is no evidence that he has the brains it might have taken to become an industrial powerhouse. And

Stevens just gets nervous because despite supposedly being a powerhouse attorney, he always loses. Cavill and Gyllenhaal essentially disappear. They are totally vanilla good guys. Loyal beyond belief. And they and their people are seemingly able to kill dozens of the bad guy’s soldiers almost at will. Gonzalez, in the flashiest part, is shown winning legal battles, but later becomes simply the “damsel in distress” when the action comes. Yes, she is very pretty, but that seems to be irrelevant in this film, where there is no hint of any emotion outside of greed. And that hurts. The good guys do lots of killing, presumably for money, and are essentially boring. Everyone is boring. But the scenery is nice, and the movie is a reasonably pleasing distraction. Wait until it comes to the small screen. It is, frankly, not worth the price of a ticket, not to mention the snacks that might go with it.

St. Jude’s Novena

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St.Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day by the 8th day, your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you, St Jude for granting my petition.

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