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Olympia Titan Tribute - Week of November 17, 2025

Posted Date: 11/17/25 (08:30 AM)
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Olympia Titan Tribute

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE OLYMPIA SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Principal's Message

Titan Families, 

As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reminded of how much we have to be thankful for at Olympia. Every day, I see students and staff doing extraordinary things, and this month has been filled with moments that truly reflect the heart of our Titan community. 

Olympia staffulty members wrecently featured in the District 4 School Board Spotlight. School Board Member Anne Douglas recognized Gloria Boisvert for being the only Florida educator selected for the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms Program and for creating “Zen Rooms” that promote wellness and collaboration. She also honored Edwina Forbes for fourteen years of dedicated service, ensuring a clean and welcoming environment for students and staff. 

Our Percussion Chamber Ensemble is currently in Indianapolis representing Olympia at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. This prestigious event brings together the finest percussion ensembles from around the world, and our students are showcasing their talent and dedication on an international stage. Their participation reflects the excellence and ambition that define our Titan community.  

Our Visual Arts Department was recently honored with the Teacher Impact Grant, a recognition of their creativity and commitment to student success. This grant will allow our art teachers to bring even more innovative experiences to the classroom, inspiring students to think boldly and express themselves in new ways. 

At the same time, our school continues to show its heart through service. The recent Blood Drive was an incredible example of students and staff coming together to help save lives, and the Toys for Tots campaign is already making an impact by ensuring children in need will experience joy this holiday season. These efforts are more than events; they represent the values that define Olympia: kindness, generosity, and a commitment to making a difference beyond our campus. When Titans give their time and energy to serve others, they remind us that leadership is not only about achievement, but also about compassion and responsibility to the community. 

Fall sports have wrapped up after an exciting season, and winter sports are now underway. Our athletes continue to demonstrate determination and teamwork, and we look forward to cheering them on throughout the season. In addition, our performing arts programs are preparing for winter concerts that will showcase the incredible talent of our students. These events are always a highlight of the year and a wonderful way to celebrate the arts in our school community. 
As we return from the Thanksgiving break, students will begin taking Progress Monitoring Assessments and CFES exams. These assessments provide valuable information that helps us support every student’s growth and success. Please encourage your student to be prepared and to give their best effort. 

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in creating a school where students thrive and community matters. I wish you and your loved ones a joyful and restful Thanksgiving holiday. 

With Titan Pride,

Christy Gorberg
Principal, Olympia High
The Olympia High Principal smiles between two university mascot characters in knight costumes.
 
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Visual Arts Department

A modern building with a unique glass dome reflects the sky and surrounding trees.
A group of people pose with a large check, likely for a school grant.
Three women pose with a large check for Olympia High School, smiling at the camera.
The Olympia High School Visual Arts Department has been awarded the 2025 Teacher Impact Grant from Foundation OCPS supported by Universal Orlando Foundation Arts & Culture. Students will have the incredible opportunity to spend an entire day at the Dali Museum and experience the Van Gogh Dome 360.
 

District 4 School Board Spotlight

Two people smile for the camera in a large auditorium.
Two women shake hands in a formal setting, smiling at each other.
A group of people pose for a photo in a formal setting, some holding certificates.
A group of people pose for a photo at an official event.
Member Anne Douglas recognized two outstanding staff members from Olympia High School for their dedication and service. Gloria Boisvert, an AP Environmental Science teacher with 13 years at OCPS, was honored for being the only Florida educator selected to participate in the prestigious Fullbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program. During her own personal time, she also transformed staff planning rooms into calming “Zen Rooms,” fostering wellness and collaboration among teachers.

Member Douglas also recognized Edwina Forbes, a school custodian who has served at OCPS for 14 years. Ms. Forbes plays an essential role in maintaining a clean and welcoming environment, ensuring every classroom is ready for learning each day. Her willingness to be a good listener and offer thoughtful advice supports the positive atmosphere that makes Olympia High a great place to be. 
 

MLK Humanitarian Award - Allyson Williams, Junior

A student receives an award, posing with two adults in a classroom.
The "MLK Humanitarian Award" refers to various awards that honor individuals and groups for embodying the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through humanitarian work like promoting justice, equality, and social good.
 

Olympia Percussion Chamber Ensemble

Our fabulous Olympia Percussion Chamber Ensemble is attending an International Percussion Convention known as PASIC. The PASIC is incredibly selective with who is invited to participate. Students are flying out to Indianapolis. This is the highest honor our percussion studio has ever received, just to be invited, and I know they will represent Olympia and OCPS well.

This is an amazing opportunity these students have earned. Please congratulate them and send them your well wishes!

Performing Roster:
Alex Diez
Kristophe Dyer
Courtney Gower
Owen Lucia
Charlotte Robinson
Luke Slatter
Oliver Soares
 

Blood Drive

Two people sit at a table in a hallway, reviewing paperwork.
Four students smile at the camera, sitting behind a table in a school hallway.
On November 11, Olympia held a blood drive open to all students who were at least 16 and to all faculty and staff. Olympia’s SGA partnered with One Blood, which brought three buses to hold the event as large as ours. One Blood provided snacks and drinks to give the donors before and after their donation. As a whole, Olympia had over seventy donors. Each unit of blood donated saves three lives. Thank you to Olympia’s SGA, who helped check in the donors before their donation. Olympia’s SGA plans to host the next blood drive on January 13.
 

Orange Technical College Dual Enrollment

Informational flyer for dual enrollment at Orange Technical College, for 10th and 11th graders.
The application process for Orange Technical College Dual Enrollment has opened. Please sign up to attend an information session.
 

Toys for Tots

A colorful poster announces a Holiday Toy Drive, benefiting Toys for Tots.
Our SGA is hosting a toy drive benefitting Toys for Tots. Students can bring in toys to the front office, College and Career Room, and room 427. Students can also bring a toy to the Boys basketball game on November 18th for an exclusive t-shirt! The donated toys go to economically disadvantaged children to send a message of hope and bring them the joy of Christmas.
 

Winter Clothing Drive

A flyer announces a Winter Clothes Drive, seeking donations for those in need.
 

Teacher Spotlight - Donna Benefiel, College and Career Specialist

A teacher assists a student with a laptop in a classroom setting.
1.    How long have you been teaching?
18 Years

2.    What do you teach and have you taught anything else?
I am the proud College & Career Specialist at Olympia High School. Prior to this role, I was a classroom educator, teaching AP World History and AP European History. My teaching background began in middle school, where I taught 6th Grade World History and Cambridge, and also includes experience leading the AVID Elective course.

3.    If so, what else did you teach?
Before this role, I was a classroom educator, teaching AP World History and AP European History. My teaching background began in middle school, where I taught 6th Grade World History and Cambridge, and also includes experience leading the AVID Elective course.

4.    What schools have you taught at previously?
Evans High School, Freedom High School & Liberty Middle School

5.    What is your favorite thing about teaching?
The best part of teaching is watching students learn to be their own advocates. I love opening their eyes to new concepts and ideas that empower them to take charge of their education and their futures.

6.    What made you want to come teach at Olympia?
There are only one to two College & Career Specialist positions per high school, making them highly selective opportunities. I was drawn to Olympia because it offered the chance to focus exclusively on post-secondary planning and work with a student population deeply committed to future success.

7.    What is something fun you did over the summer?
The highlight of my summer is always taking a group of students to the University of the U.S. Virgin Islands in July. Since the campus has its own beach, I get the amazing chance to swim every single day!

8.    A fun fact about you!
 I absolutely love being a Mom to my three grown children, and I'm currently holding out for my first grandchild! In the meantime, the real boss of the house is my 8-lb Morkie Poo, Thibodeaux Tennessee Crawford (Tibby), who keeps life fun and busy.
 

Athlete Spotlight - Leila Chiddister

A soccer player in a black jersey with the number 4 walks on the field.
A soccer player kicks the ball on a green field at night.
  1. What sport do you play? I play soccer.
  2. How long have you been playing this sport? I started playing when I was 3 or 4 years old, but I started playing competitively 5 years ago. I have been a part of the high school team all 4 years.
  3. What’s your favorite memory? My favorite memory was last season when we won districts and then went to regionals. We had so much fun all season and worked so hard together, and the trophy was just the cherry on top.
  4. What is one word you would use to describe this season, and why? So far, I would use the word growth. We are getting back to playing together and have to get used to everyone’s playing style. We have a lot of potential to go far this year, but the road ahead is not easy.
  5. What impact have others, like teammates or coaches, had on you this year? A tremendous amount! Without my teammates and coaches, I wouldn’t enjoy it as much as I do. My teammates are so supportive, and we are like one big family. I have already learned so much from the coaches, and we are only a month in!
  6. What is the most important thing you’ve learned from this season that you will carry forward? To keep working hard.
  7. What do you like most about playing your sport? I love being a part of a team and just the game itself. It is so much fun in the good and bad. It is also very rewarding!
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4301 S Apopka Vineland Rd | Orlando, FL 32835-3115

Phone +1 407-905-6400 I olympia_hs@ocps.net

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