SO U T H W E ST O RA N G E
Observer Windermere, Horizon West, Dr. Phillips
Observer
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
NEW CLASS JUST DROPPED!
Nothing mid about it! We celebrate the Class of 2025 with our special section. INSIDE.
OBSERVER | OrangeObserver.com
After stepping down as president of Foundation Academy, Dave Buckles is using the lessons he learned to help schools across the country with his company, Paradox Consultants. SEE PAGE 7A.
FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025
VOLUME 10, NO. 33
Look out, world! Like a new track that’s about to take Spotify by storm, the Class of 2025 is fit-checked and ready to make its mark on the world. And, we’re here for it.
Buckles leaves the Lions’ den
Town of Windermere honors local veterans. SEE PAGE 7A.
GRADUATION
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2025
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PARTING
SHOTS
YOUR TOWN HONOR OUR HEROES FOR MEMORIAL DAY
There are several ways to honor our heroes this Memorial Day. Ocoee begins the observances Thursday, May 22, with its Memorial Day Ceremony. Retired U.S. Army Col. Shay Talley-Bradley will speak at the ceremony, which begins at 11 a.m. at Ocoee Lakeshore Center, 125 N. Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. Oakland native John Ward invites the public to attend a Memorial Day Service at 9 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Oakland Cemetery, corner of West Sadler Avenue and South Walker Street. Attendees will help place flags on the headstones of every veteran buried in Oakland. Following the flag placement, a Memorial Resolution will be read, and taps will be played. Winter Garden will host its Memorial Day Community Celebration 2025 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Veterans Memorial Park, 420 S. Park Ave., Winter Garden. This event is presented by the city and American Legion Post No. 63. Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home will host its 75th annual Memorial Day Service at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, at the cemetery, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha. In Windermere, the town will host a Memorial Day Observance at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Town Hall, 520 Main St. Windermere.
Horizon High senior Jamarie Pierre was among the many graduating members who enjoyed the senior walkout event. Top: Alison Baez, Cameron Baez, Daely Johnson and Carlos Baez were excited to celebrate Cameron Baez graduating from Windermere High. He is headed to the University of South Carolina Aiken, where he will play golf.
S
eniors at Horizon, Olympia and Windermere
capped off their high school careers with traditional walkouts and parades. All three classes will celebrate commenceWindermere High senior Marris Moore took a moment to hug her mom, Jessica Moore, who teaches at the school, during senior walkout.
ment in the coming days.
SEE PAGE 4A.
Photos by Sam Albuquerque and Liz Ramos
Future University of Florida Gator Riya Murugappan waved to those watching the parade.
ALSO INSIDE: THE FIRST ACADEMY PAGE 6B | FOUNDATION ACADEMY PAGE 7B
NXT GEN to play in Houston
The local flag football team qualified for the Junior Olympics. SEE PAGE 1B.
Winter Garden man faces calls for trial in Peabody abuse suit Dozens allege James Toltz abused them as students in Peabody, Massachusetts, schools. PAGE 5A.