Here is a glimpse at Life at the Lakes in February.
Culture Fair
After exploring immigration in the classroom, our 3rd Grade brought their learning to life with a memorable Cultural Fair celebration.
Academy families shared their heritage through traditions, foods, games, music, and more — highlighting the rich diversity of our community.
Swimming with Manatees
Our 8th Grade students immersed themselves during their annual trip to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, where they experienced swimming with manatees.
Beyond the excitement, students connected the trip to their science studies by exploring manatee habitats, diets, migration patterns, and how these animals thrive in both fresh and salt water. It was a meaningful blend of hands-on learning and real-world experience!
College Fair
Academy students explored 50 colleges all under one roof as the college fair visited our McCormick Campus.
Freshmen and sophomores began learning how programs align with their interests, while juniors and undecided seniors explored academic offerings and scholarship opportunities from colleges across the country.
Students left with valuable insight and inspiration for the road ahead.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
Our cherished tradition continued as we celebrated Grandparents and Special Friends Day with a joyful, heartwarming event.
From hands-on science experiments and lava lamp building to trivia, art projects, and plenty of laughter, the day was filled with connection and fun.
The celebration concluded with an all-school assembly featuring student speakers and performances by our band, strings, and chorus.
MD Math Competition
Congratulations to our Academy math team for an outstanding performance at the MATHCOUNTS Tampa Chapter Competition, held at the University of South Florida.
Competing against top students in the region, our team demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and teamwork. Leading the way, 8th Grade student Azeem M. ’30 earned a top-five finish and secured a spot at the State Finals!
Chinese New Year Presentation
Through song, dance, and student-led presentations, our Middle and Upper Division students celebrated Chinese New Year in vibrant fashion.
From traditional performances to a lively dragon weaving through the crowd, the event was filled with energy and joy. It was a meaningful way to honor culture, community, and new beginnings as we welcomed the Year of the Horse.
MD State Robotics
Our Middle Division Robotics team earned a well-deserved trip to the State Finals following an outstanding performance at Regionals.
The team designed, built, and programmed robots to complete complex challenges while also developing an innovative solution to a real-world problem in archaeology. After months of research, they even collaborated with a professional archaeologist to strengthen their project.
Led by Robotics teacher Ben Shaw and parent coach Mansoor Mustafa, the team represented our school at the FIRST LEGO League Florida State Championships at Shorecrest Preparatory School.
We are proud of Julian A. ’30, Anderson H. ’30, Azeem M. ’30, Veera P. ’31, and Paxson V. ’30 for their hard work and achievement.
Moffitt Cancer Center Visit
Our Anatomy and Medical Seminar students visited Moffitt Cancer Center for a behind-the-scenes look at a leading medical facility.
They explored areas including pathology, radiology, interventional radiology, and the pharmacy, gaining insight into the many roles within healthcare. Students also learned from Moffitt’s Physician of the Year, Dr. Philippe Spiess, and saw firsthand the collaboration and innovation that drive the field.
Experiences like this help students discover the many paths within medicine and envision their own future.
Odyssey of the Mind
All three of our Odyssey of the Mind teams are headed to the State Tournament, and we couldn’t be more thrilled!
Our Technical Team and Performance Team each took 1st place, while our Classics Team finished 2nd and earned the OMER’s Award for an outstanding spontaneous performance — recognizing exceptional talent, sportsmanship, and teamwork.
Over the years, Academy’s Odyssey of the Mind teams have set the standard in Florida, and this season continues that tradition. Now, all eyes are on the State Tournament on April 4 at the Orange County Convention Center.
