Daniel Webster

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Apopka.

For the past century, the Rotary Club of Apopka has served as a cornerstone of service and leadership in Northwest Orange County. Through the dedication of its members, the Club has promoted personal growth, fostered professional relationships, supported local and international service projects, and invested in future generations through scholarships and youth programs. Throughout its history, the Club has exemplified Rotary's Four-Way Test and its guiding principle ``Service Above Self.''

On June 25, 2026, the centennial celebration will begin with the Rotary Club of Apopka Officer Installation Banquet. During the event, my friend and longtime public servant, Bryan Nelson, will be specially recognized for his eight years of service as Mayor of Apopka, from 2018 to 2026.

The Rotary Club of Apopka's 100-year commitment to serving others has strengthened the community and enriched countless lives. As the Club celebrates this remarkable milestone, it is my pleasure to honor its legacy of service, leadership, and civic engagement and to congratulate its members on a century of meaningful contributions to Apopka and our community.

Mr. Speaker, due to airline schedules, my flight was delayed. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 138, and YEA on Roll Call No. 139.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my friend, Mrs. Carol Grosshans, for her remarkable 45 years of service in education, including her exceptional devotion and leadership over the past decade at Foundation Academy in Winter Garden, Florida.

Carol's commitment to education is reflected in her extensive academic achievements, She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a specialty in Learning Disorders from Dickinson State in 1997. She completed coursework in Educational from Capella University in 2003, obtained a Master's degree in K-12 Studies in Education from Capella University in 2015, and most recently received a Certificate in Biblical Counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2022.

Carol began her distinguished career in 1980 as a Behavior Disorders Teacher for grades K-8 at Lucy Wortham James Elementary School in St. James, Missouri. Over the years, she has served in numerous roles, including teacher, principal, Director of Mom's Morning Out, and literacy instructor for K-12 students. She also served as Vice President of Education for Junior Achievement from October 2014 to January 2016.

In January 2016, Carol joined Foundation academy as Vice President of Education and most recently served as Interim President. Her leadership has had a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the community.

Carol and her husband, Tim Grosshans, are active members of First Baptist Church of Winter Garden, where Tim faithfully served as pastor for nearly 17 years before his recent retirement. Together, they now look forward to enjoying this new season of life.

I join her family, friends, and the Foundation Academy community in celebrating her well-deserved retirement and in thanking her for a lifetime of faithful service to students and education.