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Board honors student Braille champion, Wheel Cats and names new Rolling Hills principal
Summary
The board recognized a Blankner third-grader who placed at the national Braille Challenge, the Wheel Cats wheelchair basketball team, and confirmed Charice Hertel as the new principal of Rolling Hills Elementary.
The Orange County School Board used part of its Jan. 14 meeting for ceremonial recognitions that included a student award, an adaptive athletics team and a personnel introduction.
Member Ferrant introduced third-grader Haley Barber of Blankner School, who won second place in the apprentice category of the 2024 Braille Challenge in Los Angeles. Ferrant described Haley's prior wins and upcoming participation in the 2025 competition and praised her resilience and determination. Meeting video and member remarks noted Haley is blind and described classroom and extracurricular supports she receives.
Member Gallo recognized the OCPS Wheel Cats, a wheelchair basketball team that practices at College Park Middle. Gallo said the program’s season begins Feb. 26 and credited coaches Susan Darty, Mark Randeo and volunteer Lori Chimeski. The member also noted district support that purchased discounted sports wheelchairs and linkage between some Wheel Cats and the Orlando Magic Dreamers program.
The board also introduced Charice Hertel, who was presented as the acting principal at Rolling Hills Elementary and officially transitioned into the principal role during the meeting. Hertel thanked the board and district leaders and acknowledged colleagues and family in brief remarks.
Ending
The recognitions highlighted student achievement, adaptive athletics and an internal principal appointment; there was no formal policy action connected to the presentations.
