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Speaker 1: Welcome to Mondays with Maria, brought to you by The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools. Here's OCPS Superintendent, Dr. Maria Vazquez.
Dr. Maria Vazquez: Hi everyone. I'm here with a new guest, meet Greg Dotson. He's the Board Chair of The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools and Manager of group sales for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. As Superintendent, I am so appreciative of all of the investment The Foundation has had to our schools and our children. The Foundation helps secure the time, talent, and treasure our schools and teachers need to help each student succeed. That includes millions of dollars in grants for Arts, STEM, Mentors, internships, scholarships, classroom projects, gardens, and horticulture. The list goes on and on, and we can't forget the Read to Succeed program, which supports our kindergarten, first, and second grade students on their reading journey. Orange County Public Schools has really seen the incredible impact of this program. Addition volunteers, Partners in Education, Community Outreach, online, giving to schools and departments, the Faith-Based Alliance, the alumni network, and so much more. So, Greg, what do we have to look forward to with the upcoming events from the Foundation?
Greg Dotson: Yes. Well, thank you for having me here, Dr. Vazquez. It's my pleasure. The Foundation hosts three major events. The Four our school's golf tournament, sponsored by SGM Engineering, will be taking place at Champions Gate on October 20th. The School Spirit Run, powered by Delta Dental at SeaWorld, February 17th. And then Top Talent sponsored by the Orlando Regional Realtors Association and taking place at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on May 4th.
Dr. Maria Vazquez: I love attending all of the events. There's so much fun. If others would like to participate and get involved, how would they go about doing that?
Greg Dotson: Yes, of course. Thank you for asking. Community members and businesses can sponsor any of our events or just join the fun as participants. Foursomes are still available for the golf tournament, and individual tickets will be on sale for the School Spirit run and Top Talent very soon to learn more. They can call The Foundation or they can check our website.
Dr. Maria Vazquez: Those are great events. I'm so looking forward to them.
Greg Dotson: Our events are friendraisers too. They put a spotlight on OCPS success and increase awareness of what our students, teachers and schools are doing well together.
Dr. Maria Vazquez: You've been on the Foundation for quite a while now, so this may be a difficult question to ask, but I'm going to ask it anyway. What's your favorite event?
Greg Dotson: Oh you're right. It is a difficult question because I do enjoy participating in all of the events and find something exciting at every event. However, I would have to say Top Talent is very near and dear to my heart. I've been with it since we brought it back, and this will be our sixth year. It brings me such great joy that it's at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. That's wonderful. But just to watch the students have a chance to be showcased and perform on a professional stage, the smiles on their faces as they come off of their performance. It's just, it melts my heart.
Dr. Maria Vazquez: Well. I love top talent, but my favorite really is the Fun Run. I love seeing all of the schools come out and each year it ha they've become more animated. We've got our mascots, we've got matching outfits, and they are so filled with energy at such an early time of day. So I love, I love that. Thank you, Greg, for being with us today and for all the work that you're doing on behalf of the Foundation for our students. And don't forget, if you want more information about the Foundation, go to their website. Thank you for watching and I'll see you next Monday.
Speaker 1: Mondays with Maria has been brought to you by The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, investing in our children today to strengthen our community tomorrow. For more OCPS news and information, visit theslice.ocps.net.