Family Focus

Student Success
Empowering Dreams, Delivering Results

33 Students Recognized as Carson Scholars

We are proud to announce that 33 students have been named 2026 Carson Scholars, each earning a $1,000 college scholarship in recognition of their academic excellence and dedication to serving others.

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Cypress Lake Middle School Student Wins Lee County Spelling Bee

Congratulations to Cypress Lake Middle School 7th grader Nihal Gelli for winning the 2026 Lee County Spelling Bee. He will represent Lee County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May to compete for the Scripps Cup.

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Million Word Readers

Lee Schools TV student intern Sami Curls met up with five Cape Elementary School students who have each read over two million words this school year! Watch to learn more about these bookworms and why they're passionate about reading.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

—Nelson Mandela

Advanced Academics / STEAM

Our Advanced Academics / STEAM initiatives are designed to spark curiosity, challenge thinking, and ignite a lifelong love of learning. Through hands-on, inquiry-based experiences, students engage deeply with science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics—building both knowledge and confidence. These programs go beyond traditional academics, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Whether exploring complex concepts or tackling real-world challenges, students are empowered to lead their learning and reach their full potential.

Class / Program of the Month: History of the Olympics

Over the past few months, students in Phyllis Lampman’s classrooms at Rayma C. Page, J. Colin, and Tanglewood explored the History of the Olympics. They studied the Modern Games and the introduction of the Winter Games. With the Winter Games hosted in Italy this year, students had the chance to learn about Italy’s history, culture, and native animals. During presentation days attended by families and school leaders, students proudly shared what they learned. Their creativity and talent shone brightly as they went for the gold! 

Advanced Programs Showcase and Awards

The School District of Lee County recently celebrated its first annual High School Advanced Programs Showcase & Awards on April 14, 2026, highlighting the exceptional rigor and innovation of students across International Baccalaureate, Cambridge AICE, Advanced Placement, and Dual Enrollment programs.

The evening featured an interactive gallery of student research and portfolios, followed by a formal ceremony honoring those who exemplify the highest standards of academic excellence. We are proud to recognize our distinguished winners:

  • Distinguished Graduate in Advanced Programs: Nishini Fernando (Dunbar HS), Alena Augustine (Bonita Springs HS), Madelyn Spitzer (Gateway HS), and Chloe Dean (Cape Coral HS)
  • Advanced Scholar Award: Evan Mintz (Riverdale HS), Valeska Perez (Cypress Lake HS), Dulce Camacho (Lehigh Senior HS), and Janelle Bombino (Cape Coral HS)
  • Program Ambassador Award: Manuel Prieto Pupo (Riverdale HS), Anny Sanchez (Estero HS), Mon’Nariah Best-Means (Lehigh Senior HS), and Maverick Bailey (Cape Coral HS)
  • Innovation & Inquiry Award: Kellan Suriyasena (Dunbar HS), John Harris (Cypress Lake HS), Ethan Bedeaux (Gateway HS), and Julianna Schoeberlein (Cape Coral HS)
  • Advanced Showcase Excellence Award: Katherine Ortega-Servin (Fort Myers HS), Ava Yarosh (Cypress Lake HS), Maria Del Rio (Lehigh Senior HS), and Kadence Holcomb (Cape Coral HS)
  • Advanced Programs Excellence Award (Teachers): Joseph Skocik (North Fort Myers HS), Brittany Camp (Cypress Lake HS), Michele ‘Mickie’ Shaw (Gateway HS), and Leanne Olmstead (Ida S. Baker HS).