OSCEOLA COUNTY LODGE #2523 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT 2024-2025

he Order Sons and Daughters of Italy is proud to recognize Teya Ledbetter as a scholarship recipient, honoring her outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and dedication to her community. Throughout her four years at Harmony High School, Teya demonstrated remarkable diligence, maintaining an impressive 3.95 GPA, excelling in rigorous AP and honors courses, and completing dual enrollment studies, earning  half of her Associate of Arts degree before graduation.

Beyond academics, Teya embraced leadership as a Soprano Section Leader in the advanced choir, earning superior ratings in Music Performance Assessments and serving as a role model for fellow students. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom, as she actively volunteered at Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, earning praise for her compassion and dedication to healthcare service.

Educators and mentors commend Teya’s discipline, determination, and limitless potential, highlighting her natural leadership and passion for helping others. As she embarks on her next academic chapter at the University of Central Florida, majoring in Psychology, she carries with her the values of hard work, commitment, and community service that make her truly deserving of this prestigious scholarship.

To honor her achievements, the Sons and Daughters of Italy proudly award Teya the Dante Medal, a symbol of scholarship and intellectual pursuit. We celebrate her success and wish her continued excellence in all her future endeavors.

Congratulations, Teya!

Hannah Marie Santiago graduated on May 23, 2024 from Bishop Moore Catholic High School heading to the University of South Florida in early July to start her internship for a career in nursing. Hannah was extremely activate during high school and was part of Best Buddies, the Art Club, Chess Club, Competition and Sideliner Cheerleading, the Hippocratic Society and the Bishop Moore Leadership Team. In the community she was with Orlando Health Volunteer Program, Give Kids the World, Coalition for the Homeless, and the Orlando Mission Office – spending a week in the Dominican Republic teaching English during her senior year. In addition to volunteering she has also worked at SeaWorld Aquatica as a lifeguard and as a Gymnastics Camp Counselor giving her experience outside of school activities. Hannah loves traveling, competitive cheerleading, music and helping others. She graduated with a 3.71 grade point average with high  scores on her SAT and ACT composite.

Hannah’s heritage is very important to her as she explained to the lodge members her great grandmother, Rosalie DeGennaro was born in Italy. She received family values from her parents that were instilled in her at an early age. Hannah believes Italian homes are friendly, with open doors, always ready to greet with hugs and food.  Lastly, she believes communication is vital in our society. Italians love to speak around the dinner table and this strengthens bonds and creates understanding among family members.

Our lodge was delighted to meet Hannah and enjoyed her sharing pictures and her experience in the Dominican Republic. We wish Hannah continued success!