Avatar’s generosity helping to build a sense of pride and school spirit at Bellalago Academy

November 01, 2005

When intramural teams at Bellalago Academy show up sporting new blue and green uniforms with “Mariners” emblazoned across the front, they can thank Avatar Properties Inc. Dr. Cecille Diez, principal of the K-8 charter school, already has.

“We are so amazed at the generosity of Avatar’s donation,” said Dr. Diez after accepting a check for $10,000 which was raised by the 5^th annual Avatar-Solivita Golf Tournament.

Because the money was raised by a sporting event, Dr. Diez felt it would be appropriate to initially earmark funds for the physical education department, with monies first allocated for the purchase of equipment and uniforms for boys and girls track, cross country, soccer and flag football teams.

“We’re the only district-managed charter school participating against other Osceola County schools (grades 6-8),” she explained.

The purchase of equipment and uniforms for a future cheerleading group and boys and girls basketball and softball teams also is being considered, she noted.

In addition, Dr. Diez said a teacher committee has been formed to look into possibly allocating available dollars toward programs in arts, music, expressive arts and extracurricular physical education.

“We’re branding our look and name and working very hard to establish a seamless K-8 program that exhibits a strong sense of community pride and school spirit,” said Dr. Diez. “This donation will go a long way toward helping us achieve those goals in our sports, academic and social behavioral programs.”

Located in Avatar’s residential community of Bellalago on Pleasant Hill Road, Bellalago Academy opened in August 2004 and is Florida’s first charter school to be managed by a school district (Osceola County). It’s also Osceola’s first Educational Facilities Benefit District (EFBD), a special taxing district established by the Florida Legislature to generate funds to build schools in new neighborhoods throughout Florida.

The Academy opened the 2005-2006 school year with 930 additional student stations, a new media center with enhanced computer technology, an expanded cafeteria, and a new multi-purpose gymnasium. The school now has a capacity of 1,640 student stations as well as a library, softball fields, tennis courts, and an oval running track.

For additional information, contact Dr. Cecille Diez, Bellalago Academy principal, at (407) 933-1690 or by e-mail at .

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