Welcome

Dear Student,

Welcome to the Windermere Chamber of Commerce Student Leadership & Community Media Academy!

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Congratulations on becoming part of a program dedicated to developing future leaders through community service, leadership, journalism, media production, and professional development.

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The Academy is more than a volunteer program—it is a place where students discover their talents, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and make a meaningful difference throughout Central Florida.

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Whether you dream of becoming a journalist, entrepreneur, teacher, business leader, photographer, videographer, or simply want to give back to your community, there is a place for you here.

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We are excited to welcome you to our Academy family.

Sharda Seegolam
President
Windermere Chamber of Commerce

Our Mission

To inspire, educate, and empower students through leadership development, community service, media, journalism, and civic engagement while building stronger communities throughout Central Florida.

Our Vision

To become Central Florida's premier student leadership academy by preparing students to become confident leaders, responsible citizens, and positive ambassadors for their communities.

Academy Core Values

Leadership

Lead by example.

Integrity

Always be honest and respectful.

Service

Serve your community with compassion.

Excellence

Always do your best.

Professionalism

Represent the Chamber with pride.

Teamwork

Support one another.

Respect

Treat everyone with kindness and dignity.

Academy Opportunities

Students may participate in:

Community Service

• Toy Drive

• Back-to-School Drive

• Thanksgiving Outreach

• Community Festivals

• Chamber Events

• Ribbon Cuttings

• Volunteer Projects

Student Media Team

Students may become:

• Reporter

• Photographer

• Videographer

• Journalist

• Video Editor

• Social Media Creator

• Podcast Host

• News Anchor

Business Leadership

Students may assist with:

• Event Planning

• Sponsor Recognition

• Business Networking

• Community Outreach

• Leadership Projects

Academy Expectations

Students are expected to:

• Be respectful.

• Be honest.

• Arrive on time.

• Dress appropriately.

• Work as a team.

• Represent the Chamber professionally.

• Complete assigned responsibilities.

• Communicate respectfully with adults and fellow students.

• Follow all Academy policies.

Dress Code

During Chamber events students should wear:

• Academy polo shirt (when provided)

• Closed-toe shoes

• Name badge

• Comfortable professional attire

• Weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor events

Volunteer Hours

Students earn verified volunteer hours through approved Academy activities.

Examples include:

• Community service

• Event setup

• Photography

• Journalism

• Media production

• Interviews

• Business support

• Community outreach

All volunteer hours must be approved by a Chamber representative.

Student Code of Conduct

Every Academy Member agrees to:

• Respect fellow students.

• Respect volunteers.

• Respect Chamber members.

• Respect community partners.

• Use appropriate language.

• Maintain professionalism.

• Represent the Chamber positively on social media.

• Follow all event rules.

• Maintain confidentiality when appropriate.

Media Guidelines

Students may create:

• Photos

• Videos

• Interviews

• Articles

• Podcasts

• Social media content

All published content must be reviewed and approved by a Chamber advisor before being posted on official Academy channels.

Students should always:

• Ask permission before photographing individuals when appropriate.

• Respect privacy.

• Share accurate information.

• Be courteous and professional during interviews.

Academy Recognition

Students may earn:

🏅 Community Service Honor Cord

🏅 Leadership Certificates

🏅 Student Leadership Awards

🏅 Community Service Awards

🏅 Student Reporter Recognition

🏅 Media Excellence Awards

🏅 Outstanding Volunteer Awards

🏅 President's Leadership Award

Community Service Honor Cord Levels

25–49 Hours — Community Service Award

50–99 Hours — Community Leadership Award

100–199 Hours — Distinguished Community Service Award

200–299 Hours — Outstanding Community Leadership Award

300+ Hours — President's Distinguished Community Service Award

Academy Levels

Academy Member

New participant

Student Leader

Completed orientation and active participation

Community Correspondent

Active media team member

Leadership Ambassador

Leads projects and mentors peers

Senior Academy Fellow

Outstanding student leader recognized for exceptional service

Safety

Student safety is our highest priority.

Students should:

• Follow instructions from Academy advisors.

• Stay with their assigned team.

• Wear appropriate identification when provided.

• Immediately report any concerns to an Academy advisor.

• Never leave an event without notifying a supervisor.

Attendance

Students are encouraged to:

• Register for events in advance.

• Arrive on time.

• Notify Academy staff if unable to attend.

• Participate consistently throughout the year.

Parent Partnership

Parents are encouraged to:

• Support their student's participation.

• Attend Academy recognition events.

• Volunteer at community projects.

• Celebrate their student's accomplishments.

Academy Motto

Learn.

Develop new skills.

Lead.

Inspire others through your actions.

Create.

Tell positive stories that strengthen our community.

Serve.

Give back through meaningful volunteer service.

Inspire.

Become a leader who makes a lasting difference.

Student Pledge

As a member of the Windermere Chamber of Commerce Student Leadership & Community Media Academy, I pledge to serve my community with integrity, lead with respect, represent my Academy with professionalism, inspire others through positive action, and always strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around me.

Contact Information

Windermere Chamber of Commerce
Student Leadership & Community Media Academy

🌐 www.windermerechamberofcommerce.com

📞 321-689-6345

📧 wcoc2025@gmail.com

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