News

The Leadership Orlando program is more than learning about our community, it's about building relationships with classmates and providing support and encouragement.  Take a look at what the members of Class 82 are saying.

"LOOK AT THIS!  So, I am walking through the Orlando Airport last night coming home from a business trip and what do I see over by US AIR baggage claim...this picture of our one and only Renee Burke!  So, of course, I had to take a picture and send it on.  I am SO PROUD to know you Renee!  Best to everyone!" 
Susan Scofield
Gas Turbine Engineering Manager
Siemens Energy, Inc.

Renee Burke is the Orange County Public Schools ‘Teacher of the Year' and is a member of Leadership Orlando Class 82.  For more than twenty years, The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools has sponsored Teachers of the Year as participants in Leadership Orlando bringing their classroom expertise to the business community, while Leadership Orlando provides unique exposure on real world community issues to these select educators.

The electronic billboard at Orlando International Airport says, "Thanks to teachers like Renee, the Washington Post named 13 Orange County public schools among America's best high schools."  - Renee Burke, OCPS Teacher of the Year.

Response from Renee's classmates has been encouraging and heartfelt.  Take a look:

Wow!  We are all so proud of you Renee!  Great picture too!
Tiffany Hughes, University of Central Florida

Awesome!!!!
Marie E. Ioime, Florida Hospital

Wow!!!  What an honor to "greet" everyone arriving at Orlando International!!  Congratulations, Renee!!  We already knew you were a winner!!
Linda K. Rimmer, Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, Inc.

Incredibly well deserved recognition for an amazing lady! Congrats Renee!  Proud to know you.
Patrick Skiffington, Keller Williams Classic Realty

This is great Renee! 
Gina Costa, Victim Service Center of Central Florida, Inc.

Congratulations Renee!  You are making the most significant impact one can have on student achievement and the future of our community!
Karla Radka, Public Allies Central Florida

What an honor Renee!  Thank you for all you do to ensure our kids have a bright future.
Lourdes M. Mola, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

So what does Renee have to say about all of this attention? 

"This year has been simply amazing. I have been blessed to teach for 17 years at the same school and, hopefully, touch lives. I have been showered with congratulations and thanks from so many people in a wide variety of areas. It has touched me how many people, whose kids I have not taught, have taken the time to write me kind words."

Renee continues, "I am honored to represent OCPS as its 2012 Teacher of the Year, especially since I am a product of its schools. I hope that I can continue to meet and exceed the expectations of the community. I wish everyone had the opportunity to go to a job where they feel inspired and challenged daily. There is nothing more transformative than an education. I believe teachers learn as much from our students as they do from us."

Trey Carlson, Master Planner for NASA Kennedy Space Center, who serves as the Chair of Leadership Orlando Class 82, adds, "Renee - our Class 82 resident rock star!!  You add so much to our Class and the Orlando community. Thanks for your hard work and passion!!"

If you have been looking for the "right" time to participate in Leadership Orlando, or know someone who should be in the room for these discussions, now is indeed the perfect time to be a part of America's largest Community Leadership program, Leadership Orlando.  Preparing for the future of our region is up to each of us.  Now is the time to learn about the issues, participate in the difficult conversations and help in guiding our future. 

Class 83 begins in April, with Yolanda Cade, Managing Director of Public Relations for the American Automobile Association (AAA) serving as Class Chair.  The online enrollment form and the full schedule may be accessed at www.LeadershipOrlando.org.  Should you have questions, contact Kathy Panter at 407.835.2499 or via email at Kathy.Panter@ideastoresults.org.

About Leadership Orlando
Developing regional leaders is important to the future success of the Central Florida Region. That is why "Regional Leadership" is a primary line of business for the Central Florida Partnership.  With over thirty years of proven success, Leadership Orlando, America's largest "Community Leadership Program," continues to recruit, cultivate and encourage emerging leaders to better serve the Central Florida Region. 

Working together with Orlando, Inc., (Regional Entrepreneurship), BusinessForce (Public Policy Advocacy), and myregion.org (Regional Research & Resolves), the Central Florida Partnership is moving "Ideas to Results."

Click here to learn more about Leadership Orlando
Click here for a listing of the 2012 Leadership Team