This Saturday 2/7/26 the UHS FFA horse evaluation team traveled to the Florida State fair in Tampa to compete against 50 other schools, with the top 15 teams earning a spot to the state finals in March. I am pleased to announce the Umatilla FFA horse evaluation team placed 2nd and will be advancing to the state finals. Congratulations to our teammembers Drew Parkinson, Megan Stephenson, Kate Tyree, and Charla Blake!
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Teen Dating Violence is a pattern of emotional, verbal, sexual, or physical abuse used by one person in a current or past dating relationship to exert power and control over another when one or both of the partners is a teenager. Abuse may include insults, coercion, social sabotage, sexual harassment, stalking, threats and/or acts of physical or sexual abuse. This month, we are bringing awareness to this issue, educating students about it, and helping them understand how to prevent it. Wednesday, Feb. 11, is Wear Orange Day. Wear your orange and show you support.
On Friday 2/6, the Umatilla FFA livestock team traveled to the Florida State Fair in Tampa to compete against 50 other schools to try and earn a top 20 spot to advance to the state finals in April. I'm excited to announce that the FFA livestock team finish 13th and will be moving on to the state finals in April.
Livestock evaluation involves evaluating beef, swine, goats, and lambs against ideal market standards to determine their form function and economic value.
Congratulations to Charla Blake, Justin Street, Drew Parkinson, and Hailyn Biller on their great work!
Livestock evaluation involves evaluating beef, swine, goats, and lambs against ideal market standards to determine their form function and economic value.
Congratulations to Charla Blake, Justin Street, Drew Parkinson, and Hailyn Biller on their great work!
The Lake County Schools Science and Engineering Fair continued today in Mount Dora as middle and high school students showcased their projects. From engineering solutions to scientific investigations, these students showed outstanding dedication and creativity. We are so proud of the thought and passion they put into their work. A huge thank‑you to the teachers, families, judges, and sponsors who helped make this event special. Stay tuned: We will share a list of all the winners soon!
📢Hey Seniors!!
💲Free Money for College!
💲Free Money for College!
UHS works closely with community businesses to make sure that our Bulldogs are preared for life after high school with Career Express. Learn more about this amazing program and how it works to make our senior Bulldogs stronger community members in the coming days as we celebrate Career Express Week!
Dream it. Build it. Own it with CTE Business programs at Lake County public schools! Did you know that careers in Entrepreneurship, Marketing, eCommerce, Finance, and Promotional Enterprise give you the skills to launch businesses, sell products, and reach customers all over the world? From creating marketing campaigns and managing online stores to designing promotions and growing your own business, CTE students learn real-world skills that make ideas profitable. This CTE Month, imagine turning your creativity into a career. Whether you dream of running your own business, leading a marketing team, or creating the next big online store, CTE Business programs at Lake County public schools give you the tools to build, promote, and succeed!
Families of students with disabilities are invited to attend one of two Transition Fairs at Lake-Sumter State College to learn more about independent living, job training, support services and more! Learn more: https://www.lssc.edu/sas/
Help us celebrate student success at Umatilla High School!
🎓 Scholarship Opportunity for Local Seniors!
The Leesburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is now accepting applications for their 2026 Scholarship Program! ❤️🤍
Eligible minority high school seniors in Lake and Sumter counties can receive $1,000 scholarships to support their postsecondary goals.
✔️ GPA of 2.5 or higher
✔️ Current high school senior (Lake or Sumter County)
✔️ Planning to attend college or postsecondary school
✔️ Submit transcript + recommendation letter(s)
🗓 Deadline: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
📲 Apply using the QR code on the flyer or visit www.lacdst.com
Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future — apply today! ✨
The Leesburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is now accepting applications for their 2026 Scholarship Program! ❤️🤍
Eligible minority high school seniors in Lake and Sumter counties can receive $1,000 scholarships to support their postsecondary goals.
✔️ GPA of 2.5 or higher
✔️ Current high school senior (Lake or Sumter County)
✔️ Planning to attend college or postsecondary school
✔️ Submit transcript + recommendation letter(s)
🗓 Deadline: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
📲 Apply using the QR code on the flyer or visit www.lacdst.com
Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future — apply today! ✨
Not sure what career path is right for you? No worries — CTE is the place to explore! Jump into your Xello tile in ClassLink to discover your interests, take career surveys, and explore careers you may have never considered.
Lake County Schools offers exciting CTE pathways in healthcare, information technology, agriculture, manufacturing, TV production, construction, culinary arts, and more—there’s something for everyone! This month is all about discovering your passions, building your future, and finding your path. Florida's Future: Powered by Public Schools.
Lake County Schools offers exciting CTE pathways in healthcare, information technology, agriculture, manufacturing, TV production, construction, culinary arts, and more—there’s something for everyone! This month is all about discovering your passions, building your future, and finding your path. Florida's Future: Powered by Public Schools.
🎓 Free Housing for College Students in Florida? Yes, really.
The Southern Scholarship Foundation (SSF) offers rent-free, dorm-style housing scholarships for students with financial need, strong academics, and great character.
✨ What you get:
• Save up to $18,000/year in housing • Built-in leadership development • Food & housing stability • Supportive peer community • Free mental health counseling
📍 Available for students attending select Florida colleges & universities including UF, FSU, FAMU, FGCU, Santa Fe College, and Tallahassee State College
📚 To qualify:
✔ 3.0+ GPA ✔ Demonstrated financial need (FAFSA) ✔ Letter of recommendation ✔ Ability to live cooperatively
🗓 Deadlines: Early: March 15 Final: April 1
SSF provides housing, not cash — but the savings are life-changing.
👉 Apply now: southernscholarship.org
The Southern Scholarship Foundation (SSF) offers rent-free, dorm-style housing scholarships for students with financial need, strong academics, and great character.
✨ What you get:
• Save up to $18,000/year in housing • Built-in leadership development • Food & housing stability • Supportive peer community • Free mental health counseling
📍 Available for students attending select Florida colleges & universities including UF, FSU, FAMU, FGCU, Santa Fe College, and Tallahassee State College
📚 To qualify:
✔ 3.0+ GPA ✔ Demonstrated financial need (FAFSA) ✔ Letter of recommendation ✔ Ability to live cooperatively
🗓 Deadlines: Early: March 15 Final: April 1
SSF provides housing, not cash — but the savings are life-changing.
👉 Apply now: southernscholarship.org
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. In Florida, school districts are required to adopt and implement a policy prohibiting dating violence and abuse by any student on school property, during a school-sponsored activity, or during school-sponsored transportation. In Lake, we are encouraging middle and high schools this month to use lessons and activities to educate students about what dating violence is and how to prevent it. Wednesday, Feb. 11, is Wear Orange Day. The color orange is used to create and spread awareness about teen dating violence. Wear your orange and show your support.
🥶 Cold Weather Shelter Open in Lake County – February 2
With cold temperatures expected, Lake County is opening an overnight cold weather shelter and providing FREE transportation for those who need a warm, safe place to stay.
🚌 Free Rides to the Shelter
Residents can ride LakeXpress buses for free by telling the driver they are going to the cold weather shelter. Shuttle pickups will run from multiple locations across the county.
📞 Need a ride but can’t reach a bus stop?
Call Lake County Connection at (352) 742-2612 before 2 PM to arrange transportation.
2-2-26 Cold Weather Overnight S…
📍 Shelter Location:
Lake County Agriculture Center (Tavares area)
⏰ Morning Departure:
The shelter closes at 7:00 AM, and buses will be available to return residents to their regular shuttle stops.
📱 Stay Updated:
Text COLD to 888-777 to receive cold weather updates and resource information.
With cold temperatures expected, Lake County is opening an overnight cold weather shelter and providing FREE transportation for those who need a warm, safe place to stay.
🚌 Free Rides to the Shelter
Residents can ride LakeXpress buses for free by telling the driver they are going to the cold weather shelter. Shuttle pickups will run from multiple locations across the county.
📞 Need a ride but can’t reach a bus stop?
Call Lake County Connection at (352) 742-2612 before 2 PM to arrange transportation.
2-2-26 Cold Weather Overnight S…
📍 Shelter Location:
Lake County Agriculture Center (Tavares area)
⏰ Morning Departure:
The shelter closes at 7:00 AM, and buses will be available to return residents to their regular shuttle stops.
📱 Stay Updated:
Text COLD to 888-777 to receive cold weather updates and resource information.
February is CTE Month! This week we start with a big idea: Career and Technical Education opens real career opportunities right here in Central Florida. Career & Technical Education (CTE) is more than a class—it’s your launchpad to the future! CTE is all about hands-on learning, real-world skills, and training for high-demand, high-wage careers that are shaping today’s workforce. From day one, you’re gaining experience that matters and skills employers are looking for right now. Review the Lake County Schools Career Guide at the link below and discover how CTE and other College and Career Readiness programs help students reach their goals. Florida's Future: Powered by Public Schools. https://online.fliphtml5.com/vvpnp/ciqu/
Over the past two days, Umatilla High School FFA members Drew Parkinson, Kate Tyree, Chloie Sebree, Lynzee Bowling, and Reese Garrison had the opportunity to experience the Florida Legislature firsthand. On Monday, January 26, 2026, members attended a legislative workshop hosted by Florida A&M University (FAMU), followed by a campus tour.
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, FFA members from across the state gathered at the Florida Capitol for Florida Farm Bureau Day. The day began with a briefing breakfast hosted by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. Members then toured the Capitol, where Umatilla FFA met with State Representative Nan Cobb and discussed the importance of Lake County agriculture and agricultural education.
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, FFA members from across the state gathered at the Florida Capitol for Florida Farm Bureau Day. The day began with a briefing breakfast hosted by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. Members then toured the Capitol, where Umatilla FFA met with State Representative Nan Cobb and discussed the importance of Lake County agriculture and agricultural education.
Big news, seniors! 🎉 Two new scholarship opportunities just dropped!
The MLK “Achieve the Dream” Scholarship and the Nick Faryna Memorial Scholarship are now available. If you’re planning for life after graduation, this is money you do not want to leave on the table.
📍 Grab an application from the scholarship wall
💻 Check UHS Senior Facebook, Google Classroom, or AVID Classroom
👩🏫 Or see Ms. Campbell for details
Deadlines sneak up fast — get started now and invest in your future! 🎓✨
The MLK “Achieve the Dream” Scholarship and the Nick Faryna Memorial Scholarship are now available. If you’re planning for life after graduation, this is money you do not want to leave on the table.
📍 Grab an application from the scholarship wall
💻 Check UHS Senior Facebook, Google Classroom, or AVID Classroom
👩🏫 Or see Ms. Campbell for details
Deadlines sneak up fast — get started now and invest in your future! 🎓✨
🔧 Skilled Trades Scholarship Opportunity! 🔧
Triangle Diesel & Machine Shop is proud to support the next generation of hardworking professionals by offering a $1,000 Skilled Trades Scholarship to students pursuing vocational or trade-based careers.
If your future includes welding, mechanics, construction, technical certifications, or another hands-on trade, this scholarship is for YOU!
📌 Apply here: https://mountdoracommunitytrust.com/student-scholarships/
Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future and get support for your career path! 💪🎓
Triangle Diesel & Machine Shop is proud to support the next generation of hardworking professionals by offering a $1,000 Skilled Trades Scholarship to students pursuing vocational or trade-based careers.
If your future includes welding, mechanics, construction, technical certifications, or another hands-on trade, this scholarship is for YOU!
📌 Apply here: https://mountdoracommunitytrust.com/student-scholarships/
Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future and get support for your career path! 💪🎓
Attention Bulldogs!!
Herff Jones will be on campus Thursday January 29 during lunch for letterman jacket orders. If you are interested in ordering a jacket, please bring a $100 deposit and your letter to order. If you have any questions please contact Coach Brunson BrunsonD@lake.k12.fl.us
Herff Jones will be on campus Thursday January 29 during lunch for letterman jacket orders. If you are interested in ordering a jacket, please bring a $100 deposit and your letter to order. If you have any questions please contact Coach Brunson BrunsonD@lake.k12.fl.us
Thank you Lake Sumter State College for presenting information on your CDL and Lineman program along with all your other programs.
