Florida Commissioner of Education Gerard Robinson was the keynote speaker at a May 4 event recognizing Orange County Public Schools’ outstanding ADDitions School Volunteers, business Partners in Education and volunteer coordinators. This year more than 53,000 ADDitions School Volunteers and 2,000 business partnerships have donated more than $15 million in financial and in-kind contributions to OCPS. At the event, Robinson joined OSPS Superintendent Ron Blocker and School Board Chairman Bill Sublette in honoring the best of the best.

Blocker recognized Disney as an outstanding Partner in Education. “Known around the world, Walt Disney World Resort is a famous neighbor of Orange County Public Schools, and supports the district in many significant ways. From Disney employees hosting a massive school supply drive each summer, to the Dreamers & Doers program, to a donation each year of $50,000 to the superintendent’s discretionary fund and support of the Teacher of the Year Ceremony, Disney contributes to the success of students and staff. This year, in response to the crisis of homelessness in the area, Walt Disney World Resort gave and additional $7,500 to support the important work of OCPS Homeless Services” said Blocker. Betty Martinez Lowery and Angie Sola from Walt Disney World Community Relations accepted the award on behalf of the company.