Welcome to the Academy

Dear Parents and Guardians,

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

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Thank you for allowing your student to become part of an exciting program that combines leadership, community service, journalism, media, business, and civic engagement.

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The Academy was created to give students opportunities beyond the classroom by allowing them to gain real-world experience while making a positive impact throughout Central Florida.

Whether your student dreams of becoming a business leader, journalist, photographer, entrepreneur, teacher, public servant, or simply wants to make a difference, our Academy provides a supportive environment where they can grow personally and professionally.

 

We look forward to partnering with your family.

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Sincerely,

Sharda Seegolam
President
Windermere Chamber of Commerce

Our Mission

The mission of the Student Leadership & Community Media Academy is to inspire, educate, and empower students through leadership development, community service, media production, journalism, and civic engagement while strengthening our community through meaningful service.

Our Vision

To become Central Florida's premier student leadership academy, preparing students to become confident leaders, ethical communicators, and engaged citizens who positively impact their schools, businesses, and communities.

Why Parents Choose Our Academy

Our Academy provides students with opportunities to:

• Develop leadership skills

• Build self-confidence

• Learn teamwork and responsibility

• Earn verified community service hours

• Explore career opportunities

• Gain hands-on media experience

• Meet local business leaders

• Strengthen college and scholarship applications

• Build a professional portfolio

• Give back to their community

What Students Will Experience

Students may participate in:

Leadership Development

• Leadership workshops

• Team-building activities

• Public speaking

• Event planning

Community Service

• Annual Toy Drive

• Back-to-School Drive

• Thanksgiving Outreach

• Chamber events

• Community festivals

• Volunteer projects

Community Media

• Photography

• Videography

• Journalism

• Podcasting

• Social media

• Interviewing business leaders

• Community news reporting

Professional Development

• Business etiquette

• Networking

• Resume building

• Career exploration

• Communication skills

Parent Partnership

Parents play an important role in the success of our Academy.

We encourage parents to:

• Attend orientation sessions

• Support their student's participation

• Volunteer at Academy events

• Encourage professionalism

• Celebrate achievements

• Maintain communication with Academy staff

Together, we can help students reach their full potential.

Safety Is Our Priority

The safety and well-being of every student is our highest priority.

The Academy is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.

Students are expected to:

• Follow Academy rules

• Remain with their assigned group

• Wear identification when provided

• Notify an advisor before leaving an event

• Treat everyone with respect

Adult advisors and volunteers will supervise Academy activities.

Media Participation

One of the unique features of our Academy is student involvement in community media.

Students may have opportunities to:

• Appear in photographs

• Participate in videos

• Conduct interviews

• Record podcasts

• Write community news articles

• Produce social media content

No student media will be published without the appropriate parent/guardian consent and Academy review.

Volunteer Hours

Students may earn verified volunteer hours through approved Academy activities, including:

• Community service

• Event support

• Photography

• Journalism

• Media production

• Community outreach

• Leadership projects

Volunteer hours are documented and verified by Academy staff.

Communication

Parents will receive updates regarding:

• Upcoming events

• Volunteer opportunities

• Academy news

• Training sessions

• Recognition ceremonies

• Important announcements

Communication may be shared through:

• Email

• Academy website

• Chamber newsletter

• Social media

• Parent meetings

Dress Code

Students should present themselves professionally during Academy activities.

Recommended attire includes:

• Academy polo shirt (when provided)

• Closed-toe shoes

• Comfortable professional clothing

• Name badge

• Weather-appropriate attire

Student Expectations

Academy members are expected to:

• Demonstrate integrity

• Respect others

• Arrive on time

• Communicate professionally

• Follow instructions

• Represent the Chamber positively

• Maintain a positive attitude

• Support fellow Academy members

Parent Code of Conduct

We ask parents to help us create a positive experience by:

• Treating volunteers and staff with respect

• Supporting Academy policies

• Encouraging professionalism

• Promoting positive communication

• Celebrating all student achievements

Recognition & Awards

Students may receive recognition through:

🏅 Community Service Honor Cord

🏅 Leadership Awards

🏅 Volunteer Recognition

🏅 Student Reporter Awards

🏅 Media Excellence Awards

🏅 Community Leadership Certificates

🏅 President's Leadership Award

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to participate?

Many Academy activities are offered at no cost. Some optional events or apparel may have associated fees, and those will always be communicated in advance.

Who supervises students?

Academy staff, Chamber representatives, and approved adult volunteers supervise all Academy-sponsored activities.

How are volunteer hours verified?

Volunteer hours are documented and verified by authorized Academy representatives.

Will students receive training?

Yes. Students receive orientation and guidance before participating in Academy activities.

Can parents volunteer?

Absolutely! Parents are encouraged to volunteer and become part of the Academy community.

Contact Information

Windermere Chamber of Commerce
Student Leadership & Community Media Academy

🌐 www.windermerechamberofcommerce.com

📞 321-689-6345

📧 (Academy Email Address)

Parent Acknowledgment

I have read the Parent Handbook for the Windermere Chamber of Commerce Student Leadership & Community Media Academy.

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I understand the expectations, policies, and opportunities available to my student and agree to support their participation in the Academy.

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Parent/Guardian Name: ___________________________

Student Name: _________________________________

Signature: _____________________________________

Date: _________________________________________

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❤️ A Note to Parents

At the Windermere Chamber of Commerce, we believe every student has the potential to become a leader. Our Academy is built on the belief that when young people are given meaningful opportunities to serve, learn, and grow, they develop the confidence, character, and skills to make a lasting difference in their communities.

We are honored to partner with your family and look forward to celebrating your student's journey as they learn, lead, create, serve, and inspire.