Caring was a way of life for Kari Schmitz. She was co-founder of Bears Who Care, a charity established in 2008 that directly supports children in Central Florida who have been affected by an illness, injury, disaster or financial hardship. In difficult situations, children miss simple things in life, like school and bedtime routines. Kari's organization lifts spirits and provides comfort by delivering books and teddy bears to a diverse youth community. Their primary fundraiser, OktoBEARfest 5K Fun Run & Festival has become a HW tradition. 2023's sixth annual event raised a record-setting $32K and saw over 600 participants. 

We are honored to recognize Kari posthumously. While she is no longer with us, her legacy will long be remembered for her outstanding contributions that have inspired many and improved lives via a purpose we can all participate in year after year as Bears Who Care lives on.

What started as a family affair has shifted gears into a cherished community event. Eric Jacky is the co-founder of Horizon West Car Fest along with his son Alex and daughter Anna. When he was growing up, Eric found inspiration in going to car-focused events. Wanting to share that experience with his family, Eric created a family-friendly "celebration of cars" open to all types of vehicles. Local car enthusiasts have come out in force, demonstrating the value niche community events provide to enhance residents' lives. The October 2023 event had more than 200 entries. 

Kudos to Eric for spearheading HW Car Fest, bringing together people with shared interests and strengthening community belonging.

Completing a triathlon takes discipline, endurance and the passion for tackling a challenge. Melanie Johnson uses those skills on race days and every day that she leads young athletes in triathlon training. When Melanie's daughter took an interest in her sport, she knew she needed a way to bring training closer to home. She created Horizon West Kids Tri Club to share her skills and passion with aspiring athletes in HW. After three years, the club has grown into a co-ed group of nearly twenty training for two races per year. 

Congratulations, Melanie. Your leadership and dedication show young people they can create their own opportunities to shine.

Some say home is not a place, but a state of belonging. Though a newcomer to HW, Jess Makin has found belonging by creating it for others. A founding member of the new HW American Legion Post 419, Jess immediately took on positions of Second Vice Commander and Public Relations Representative. In her roles, she forwards the American Legion's mission locally, but it's her innate talent for bringing people together that earns her recognition. Jess organizes volunteer and social opportunities for Veterans, and she was instrumental in Horizon West's First Annual Veteran's Day Walk/Ruck event. 

We honor Jess for serving her community while creating camaraderie among local Veterans.

Doing what you love often fuels the most meaningful work. Jessica Villegas founded Hi-Lite Coaching and Consulting out of her love for helping others, specifically young people. Jessica passionately guides the next generation toward self-awareness and goal orientation, helping them unlock their potential and create a path to a fulfilling and purposeful life. Her vision extends beyond guidance since she actively paves the way for educational opportunities through scholarships that make higher education accessible through her role with local nonprofit Legacy Events for Education. 

We celebrate Jessica for her dedication to helping individuals navigate their personal and academic journeys to create their own fulfilled life in HW.

Lead by example is what Jennifer Benton does best. As a dedicated member of PTSO organizations throughout her children's elementary and middle school years, she has contributed countless hours to the betterment of Horizon West schools. Going above and beyond is what sets her apart! Even after her own children have graduated, Jennifer continues to work diligently with volunteers, vendors, and sponsors, serving as a board member for the non-profit organization Legacy Events for Education, ensuring that money is raised to provide scholarships to local students. Jennifer Benton is a shining example of parent involvement in the school system. We are proud to recognize her for over 13 years of tireless service to the students of Horizon West!

All it takes is one person to begin something truly great. In this case, that one person is Deanna Snitko! Deanna is the founder of Horizon West Cares - a local group helping others in Horizon West and surrounding communities. For four years running, she has paved the way for locals to come together for good causes and charitable giving, all without the assistance and funding of a large organization. Her powerful presence has created numerous opportunities for Horizon Westers to donate their time, talent, and treasures to people in need. Deanna is a testament to what one person can achieve if they put their mind (and their heart!) to it. We are humbled by her service and proud to honor her as a Who's Who of Horizon West!

Community building can often look like a “hole” lot of fun! And that's exactly what Albert Dukes envisioned when we he created the Horizon West Cornhole group. He took a personal passion and created what he wanted to be a part of – a fun, friendly competition for guys and gals right here in our own back yard. Albert didn't stop there. He went above and beyond to build HW Cornhole into our community by hosting events at local businesses, parks, and recreational areas. He also takes the time to teach the game to newcomers, host and organize monthly tournaments, and make sure everyone is having a good time. For his friendly approach to having fun while community building, we are thrilled to recognize him as a Who's Who in 2023!

Serving with a smile is the M.O. of this Who's Who! Stephanie Fairchild is the founder of Home State Run Club - a casual group that meets up for a weekly walk/run and welcomes participants of all experience levels. Members of the club unanimously describe Stephanie as warm, friendly, kind, and inclusive. She goes out of her way to greet every attendee with her signature smile, making her commitment to community building evident to everyone who meets her. Stephanie provides bottled water to every runner at her own expense, organizes giveaways, and hosts guest speakers and sponsors, all while mentoring runners who are looking to grow. Stephanie found a way to turn a personal passion that she developed as a result of going from using a wheelchair to running a marathon into a common thread, creating an opportunity for Horizon Westers to build bonds with each other while pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle. We are proud to award Stephanie as a Who's Who of Horizon West!

They say that sports don't build character, rather they reveal it. And character is the name of the game for this nominee. Nick Torani is the embodiment of character in athleticism for local youth. When he saw a gap in our community with no existing programs to serve young football players. Horizon West Wolves was formed, and it remains committed to the development of lifelong import-ant attributes such as hard work, self-discipline, family values, fair play, team collaboration, sportsmanship, and a commitment to excellence. What started 4 years ago as a free clinic has led the Horizon West Wolves to multiple Central Florida Football Championships! Now playing at the national level, the sky is the limit for these young football players. For his outstanding dedication to young athletes, we honor Nick Torani as a Who's Who of Horizon West!

Angie is the embodiment of bridging the gap between generations. 

Her professional career stands on its own merit, but it's her personal drive to connect residents of all ages to seniors that sets her apart. Angie knows that seniors are an invaluable part of our community and with them comes immeasurable wisdom, cherished relationships, and, quite frankly, a whole lot of fun! Angie has led the charge by building out community-wide events at The Blake, opening their doors to share what life is like for her seniors, and by showing up tirelessly throughout Horizon West in countless capacities to ensure that all Horizon Westers have an opportunity to welcome our growing senior community members. For her foresight and tenacity, Angie is widely recognized and respected by her peers in the professional community, and it is our honor to recognize her as a Who's Who of Horizon West. 

Horizon West is home to countless Disney Cast Members, both present and past. Being one of them, Maxine saw a need borne of the pandemic to build a community where furloughed or laid-off Cast Members could connect with each other and create new futures for themselves. Ear for Each Other is an online group that showcases the side-hustles-turned-careers that carried thousands of cast members through the hard times. Her mission has reached international proportions but that doesn't stop her from keeping her passion close to home. In addition to the wide-reaching group, she organizes events right in her own neighborhood for residents to come together in positivity. Maxine Wild is a shining example of what it means to be a community builder and we are proud to honor her as a Who's Who in 2022!

Rotary Civic Chair & Windermere High Interact Leader "Service above self" is the theme that encompasses members of the Rotary Club of Horizon West. Francisco Nieves-Taranto not only embodies this principle, but he also pays it forward to future generations through his leadership of the Interact Club at Windermere High School. As a founding member of Rotary Club of Horizon West, he took the reins and hit the ground running. In July 2022, Francisco will become the President-Elect of Rotary Club, prior to becoming the President in July 2023. For his unwavering commitment to community service and his leadership of the young people in Horizon West toward becoming future community builders, we honor Francisco as a Who's Who of 2022! 

A Horizon West newcomer who wasted no time in creating something altogether new and wholly needed, Casey Brown is a stand-out community builder. She is recognized by fellow residents for founding the Horizon West Veterans group which not only serves as a platform for local veterans and service members to connect with each other, but also as a place where they can find much-needed support navigating the complexities of the Veteran Administration system. She organizes socials to enhance the lives and relationships of fellow service members. She is a proud advocate for veterans and their families right here in our community and for that, it is our privilege to honor Casey Brown as a 2022 Who's Who in Horizon West! 

Countless parents in our community worry about how to figure out the finances of sending their kids off to college. David Terry recognized this - not only in his own family but in the families of his neighbors and friends. Acting on the acknowledgement of this shared worry, David became the driving force for Legacy Events for Education, a non-profit that provides much needed scholarships for students, but it doesn't stop there. Legacy Events also provides funding for needs within our local high schools to offset the deficits in state funding. His mission has been to create events where the community can come together, have fun and raise money in the process. His role as Executive Director and President of Legacy Events for Education and his tireless dedication to our students and teachers has earned him a spot among this year's Who's Who!

A champion of connection, Dawn's willingness and ability to partner with the community has been instrumental in fulfilling needs in Horizon West.

In her role as Community Relations Manager with Orlando Health, Dawn is the first to reach out when there is a need in our community. Whether it's stocking a food pantry, sponsoring a group or an event to bolster our community, providing space for organizations to meet and connect, or delivering holiday baskets to local students, Dawn is there. She's always willing to pitch in and offer support and does so with enthusiasm, grace and diplomacy. 

A true professional and relationship builder, Dawn creates meaningful partnerships that foster trust and growth in our community.

Julie Sanchez is on a mission to empower all to live their most extraordinary life. She's using her vast knowledge, experience and expertise to take yoga off the mat, out of the studio and into real lives. Creating a safe place for members of the LGBTQ+ community, offering community classes in exchange for food donations to feed the hungry, creating free classes for our seniors, teachers and student athletes, and offering free daily meditation classes to all in a time of stress and uncertainty, 

Julie embraces you with love and light and is using the power of yoga as a tool to connect, heal and support. Her compassion and energy are rippling throughout our community.

If the comminuty has a need for help, whether it's for a family, group or organization, this is where you'll likely find Tamara. Her servant's heart defines her, and her relentless efforts to spread goodwill inspire everyone around her. Tamara is the co-founder of BRAVO and HOPE, both middle school clubs encouraging our youth to serve in their community. 

She serves in our schools, collects provisions for Matthew's Hope and families living in undesirable conditions, dotes on our seniors, and volunteers at community events. Her passion for people is shaping future generations. Over the past year, as many felt hopeless, Tamara showed up to offer the things money can't buy: kindness, generosity and support. Tamara is a light in our community, encouraging and inspiring the altruism in all of us.

Emily's positive energy is palpable, and it spread like wildfire last year through her creation of the Cast Member Pantry. After Disney Cast Members began to experience the devastating financial aspects of furlough and layoffs, Emily swept in to sustain her fellow theme park workers. Her fast-thinking, forward mindedness and compassion are remarkable. 

With her leadership, volunteers have delivered more than 8,000 bags of food to local Cast Members in need. She is - quite literally - keeping food on the table for many families. Emily's dedication to the initiative and her impeccable organization of the project in its infancy has resulted in a bi-coastal effort serving thousands and ensuring no cast member goes hungry.

Being in the shadow of the castle was a dream come true, but Melissa noticed that something was missing in our community. Theater! Powered with shared passion, she and fellow art lovers formed what is now known as the Horizon West Theater Company. Melissa took the lead in early 2020 as President of the theater company after having served as VP since its inception. 

From plan to production, dream to direction, Melissa has led the company through each pivot. Her passion shines through in creating awareness for the arts and the chance for Horizon Westers to shine on or off stage. She sees the theater as a safe and accessible place for people of all ages. Her countless hours of fundraising, producing, directing and rallying have resulted in the arts having a permanent place in our community.

Horizon West is home to one of the biggest hearts in Central Florida. Whether she's organizing a holiday cookie exchange in her neighborhood or volunteering countless hours to build the Rotary Club of Horizon West from the ground up, Terri's heart for service is contagious. 

Professionally she's a force to be reckoned with as a top producing loan originator with Certified Mortgage Planners where she embraces her entrepreneurial spirit and natural leadership skills to educate and empower first time home buyers. She isn't afraid to do the hard work, and puts forward excellence in every role she fills. It's Terri's relentless drive and passion to serve that has made her a pillar of the community.

Opening a new school is no small feat and through the process, Principal Klaber's inspiring leadership is impossible to miss! 

She works side by side with families and teachers every step of the way; hers is the face you see on the first day to make sure

students find their way through unfamiliar halls, creating programs that enrich the lives of her school family and leading by example. 

This principal is everywhere, from social media to feeder schools, to hosting meetings and sharing school pride at local businesses. Living in a dynamic community where rezoning is a temporary part of life, it can be uncomfortable for parents and students. Because of this, Principal Klaber makes every effort to connect, ease the transitions and create community spirit.

As a family man, neighbor, friend and lead pastor of Citrus Church, Brian brings passion and spirit to Horizon West. Intent on building a strong community, he strives  to make being part of a church something families want to do, not struggle to do. Brian instills the feeling that we are all extended family with his all-inclusive sermons that address the needs of Horizon West directly. 

Brian serves as a charter member of the Rotary Club of Horizon West, spearheads food and supply drives for local schools, and is one of the

first to raise his hand to help when a need arises in our community.

Community building is hard work! No stranger to getting the job done is Chris Demetriou, Executive Director of the YMCA. His tireless efforts to bring youth sports and recreation to Horizon West have earned him a spot on this year's Who's Who. 

He's the guy you'll find with a smile on his face and his sleeves rolled up meeting the critical needs of the Horizon West community through healthy living, social responsibility and youth development. A member of Rotary  Club, active HOA participant, and family man, Chris is working every day to create the thriving hometown that Horizon West is meant to be.

Julie is not one to be idle on the sidelines. She's the one you'll find filling water bottles for the band during blistering hot practice days, raising funds for new uniforms, and acting as chauffeur for ANY child who needs a ride to and from a practice or meeting. Understanding that each child is an individual that needs to see their adult leaders standing side-by-side with them, even when things are hard, no one cheers louder or works harder for our kids than Julie. 

Formally, Julie is the Cofounder of Mothers Opposing Violence in Education, creator of the Windermere Parents Club and an instrumental influence in bringing Young Life to Horizon West.

Growing up in Winter Garden, principal Andrew Jackson, M.Ed., witnessed firsthand the Horizon West area shift from orange groves and pasture land to a thriving community. He is grateful to have the chance to serve our students as the area evolves.

“We are big, and I know that shocks some people,” Jackson reflects. “But our school vision is to be the top producer of high school-ready students in the state of Florida. Because of our size, we have been able to offer an unprecedented variety of electives not typical for many middle schools.” Students can enjoy dance, digital photography, digital art, French, agricultural science and many more unique learning opportunities at BWMS.

Jackson points to the community and parents who care about the students as one of the main drivers of the school’s success: “The parental involvement through the PTSO, SAC and the community as a whole is far greater than I have ever experienced,” he writes, “and has been a catalyst for the positive culture and climate we have here at Bridgewater.”

The growing pains of this rapidly developing area do not deter this principal from his mission to create a positive experience for his students. Jackson is excited for the relief middle school to open and looks forward to sharing in the growth of Horizon West. 

Bryan Fifer was born and raised in Central Florida and is now, alongside his wife Angie, raising his own children right here in Horizon West. He credits the family friendly atmosphere of Horizon West as well as the great school system and the new home communities as the reasons he is proud to call this area home.  

Fifer is a driving force in our community. He's a successful State Farm agent,  the creator of All Pro Dad at Keene's Crossing Elementary and is spearheading the establishment of the Rotary Club of Horizon West. 

It was 2016 when Fifer first learned about All Pro Dad and was inspired to bring the program to Horizon West. "I heard about the All Pro Dad Experience, an event at the Citrus Bowl designed with activity stations for dads and their children to interact,” he writes. “My children and I attended and had an amazing time.” Once he learned that All Pro Dad aimed to start a chapter in every elementary school,  Fifer sprang into action.  He reached out to the administration of Keene's Crossing Elementary, the school both of his children attend, and  his neighbor Jason Diehl for help. "The program is simple – dads come to school once a month to eat breakfast with their children and discuss one important character trait" Fifer says. In 2018  All Pro Dads was officially launched at KCE kicking off the first breakfast meeting with 125 dads in attendance. 

Continuing his efforts to create a positive impact in the community, Bryan Fifer relied on his past experience as a Rotarian to fill the need for a local service organization in Horizon West. He's working closely with a team of founding members and the Rotary Club of Winter Garden to learn the structure and standards of Rotary International.  The Rotary Club of Horizon West will officially launch in July of this year.   

In Bryan Fifer's words “I firmly believe if you have the ability to do something great for the community it is your responsibility to see it through."

With a new stand-alone ER and Medical Pavilion making its home in Horizon West, Rick Smith of Orlando Health made it his goal to inspire a culture of wellness in the community. He is guiding the team here to offer access to specialty care and innovative wellness programs. “We can meet the needs of the community with a diverse set of services and wellness concepts”, Smith shares.

Growing up in the Florida panhandle with humble beginnings and a close knit family, his passion for healthcare began in childhood. Smith's affinity for scouting equipped him with a  variety of skills in first aid and lifesaving. Though it's his desire to help his ill grandmother whom he shared a very strong connection with that eventually drove him into the healthcare field. Throughout his 34 year career, Rick has risen from an X-Ray tech through increasing levels of leadership that eventually resulted in his current position as COO of Health Central Hospital. 

Smith is passionate about providing the best possible patient care every single day. He believes that what makes Orlando Health unique is the team of people he works with every day that strive to make a difference in patient care. 

If he could give any advice to young people or community members it would be to follow your passion and your heart. He encourages everyone around him to do the right thing and pursue good in themselves and others.

A neuropsychologist and musical theater director, Ron Baumanis grew up in the northern tundra of the Midwest. He lived in both New York City and Ann Arbor, Michigan before settling in Horizon West.  Like so many other transplants, Baumanis was drawn to the area for the weather, its location proximity to Disney, and the opportunity to build a community with other like-minded people in a non-touristy part of Central Florida.

“I love community theater and I didn’t find anything regionally that satisfied my need for large-scale Broadway musicals in a large-scale venue of quality with all the components I was used to ‘up north,’” Baumanis writes. “It seemed a no-brainer that if you want art in your backyard, someone has to go out and organize it.”

The Horizon West Theater Company plans to open with The Music Man in the early fall and a youth-theater production of You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown in early winter at the Cypress Center for the Performing Arts at Windermere Prep.

“I can’t describe the excitement people express when they hear we are creating a large-scale community theatre company right here,” Baumanis notes. “Theater is a great connector—it brings people together to create something, and what better way to bring together a community that is itself growing and changing?” 

Along with her two daughters,  Tracey Forrester has called the Horizon West area home since relocating from New York in 2013. Her parents now live here as well of which she says it’s a family love affair. “I am so excited that I can live, work and play all in the same area,” Forrester writes. “I feel so blessed every day that I get to be a part of it! Horizon West has so much to offer.”

Forrester, who has a YouTube channel called “Whatcha Doing This Weekend?” began attending the Horizon West Community Lunch Group two years ago. “I met Cynthia Dailey and Stephanie Lang there,” Forrester writes. “We got to talking about the need for a networking group in Horizon West. They asked me if I would be interested in heading it, and I was more than happy to take on the role.”

Horizon West Professionals kicked off in November of 2017 with over 30 enthusiastic and driven local professionals of various industries. The group has continued to grow and thrive and has increased from monthly meetings to bi-monthly meetings and quarterly innovative networking events. Horizon West Professionals is a micro-local referral-based networking group  where business professionals can meet, share ideas, offer support, create lasting relationships and solid business alliances across Horizon West and beyond.

“At the end of every meeting, we give an opportunity for people to give a shout out or to thank someone that they have done business with from the group,” Forrester explains. “So many hands go up. It solidifies to me that this group is so valuable.”