For eighteen years our Poinciana Council has offered an annual scholarship to graduating high school seniors who live in the Poinciana area. This year, the Poinciana Council Board of Directors once again offered this scholarship opportunity to worthy seniors as well as students already enrolled in post-secondary institutions to help them continue with their degree or certification program.
The Poinciana Council Scholarship is funded by contributions made to the Poinciana Council Scholarship Fund and proceeds from events produced by the Poinciana Council Board of Directors. Thanks to an Osceola County Community Betterment Grant from District 3 Commissioner Brandon Arrington, the Board was able to match their collected funds in order to award four $1000 scholarships. New this year, a business forward scholarship in the amount of $1000 sponsored by HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital was also presented. The Board also presented each student with a $100 Visa gift card.
After an application review process, the Poinciana Council Board chose four remarkable high school seniors from four different Osceola County School District schools and one student enrolled at Osceola Technical College. The decision was based on extracurricular and volunteer activity, recommendation from the students’ teachers and advisors, and, most importantly,the students’ essay response to the prompt “As a young adult/professional inthe Poinciana Community, please address the biggest challenges facing thecommunity and ways that you can address those challenges considering youreducational goals, life experiences, and any obstacles or hardships that youhave overcome.”
This year’s Poinciana Council Scholarship Award winners were Angelina Angervil of New Dimensions, Lorenzo Mag-aso of Osceola County School for the Arts, Eman Fatima of Celebration High School, Jade Sewram of Poinciana High School, and Melina Delgado of Osceola Technical College.
A lunch including favorites from around the world – from pulled pork to Swedish meatballs - was catered, as it is every year, by the Poinciana High School culinary students under the instruction of Chef Juan Alamo. Poinciana Council Board Chair Biance Belabre, owner of A Creative Station, served as emcee.
Guest speaker, and Osceola County School District Assistant Superintendent, High School Division , Dr. Chundra Evens, Spoke directly to the students and urged them to take the support they have received to get to this point and choose to become that support to someone else as they go forward. She also reminded them that they are the future of Poinciana and beyond. Community advocate and recent Osceola School District graduate Gabriella Brocal reminded them to accept the aid and advice of mentors and learn from them when the opportunity presents itself, and to not take the earned wisdom of their parents and others in their lives for granted.
What amazing students will be recognized next year? We can't wait to find out. The Poinciana Council scholarship fund is significantly supported by proceeds from the Poinciana Council's annual events like PoincianaFest, which this year will be held on November 14. Anyone can also contribute to the scholarship fund in any amount at any time.
Contributions to the Poinciana Council's scholarship fund may be made HERE.
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Experience Kissimmee: Telling the Story of a Destination with a Big, Bold Heart
Experience Kissimmee is the official tourism authority for Osceola County, Florida, charged with a responsibility that extends well beyond attracting visitors. At its core, the organization exists to tell the story of Kissimmee, a destination shaped by growth, cultural richness, and a community-first spirit that continues to define Central Florida.
Over the decades, Kissimmee has evolved from a collection of roadside attractions into one of the world’s most recognizable vacation destinations. Tourism and hospitality have long served as the backbone of the local economy, creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and generating revenue that benefits residents across Osceola County. Experience Kissimmee plays a central role in stewarding that growth thoughtfully, ensuring the destination’s success remains closely tied to community wellbeing.
Today, Experience Kissimmee leads strategic marketing efforts across leisure travel, meetings and conventions, and sports tourism, connecting domestic and international audiences with the experiences that make the destination distinct. From family vacations and group travel to large-scale sporting events and meetings, the organization works to inspire visitation that reflects the full breadth of what Kissimmee has to offer.
That work is made possible through close collaboration with more than 1,000 industry partners, including hotels, vacation home managers, attractions, restaurants, and local businesses. Together, these partnerships help elevate Kissimmee’s visibility in core international markets and emerging regions alike, while ensuring the economic impact of tourism is felt throughout the community.
Location has long been one of Kissimmee’s strengths. Just 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO), the destination offers convenient access to Central Florida’s most iconic attractions, including Walt DisneyWorld® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld® Parks and Resorts™, and LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. At the same time, Kissimmee stands apart with experiences that invite visitors to slow down and explore beyond the theme parks.
Outdoor adventures are woven into the destination’s identity, from airboat rides at the headwaters of the Everglades to drive-thru safaris, fishing excursions, zip lining, hot air balloon rides, and championship golf courses. A growing dining scene, vibrant entertainment districts, eclectic shopping, and restorative spas round out an experience that balances energy with ease.
As the destination continues to grow, Experience Kissimmee remains focused on sharing a story rooted in authenticity, inclusivity, and connection. By welcoming travelers from around the world while investing in the community that calls Kissimmee home, the organization helps ensure tourism remains a force for good, now and for years to come.
