On the Rise

Every year, the Rising Achievers Program (RAP) shines a spotlight on a group of Seminole County seniors whose accomplishments prove that success is about far more than grades and test scores. Two students are honored from every high school in the Seminole County Public Schools district.

Founded in 2001 by the Rotary Club of Seminole County South and now carried forward by the Rotary Club of Lake Mary, RAP recognizes graduating students who have overcome significant adversity while remaining committed to their education and future goals.

Since its inception, more than 450 students have been honored for demonstrating resilience, determination, and perseverance in the face of challenges ranging from family loss and homelessness to illness and financial hardship. RAP recipients each receive $1,000, and those who attend Seminole State College are eligible for additional assistance with books and tuition.

For Karen Almond, who chairs the RAP committee, the program serves as a reminder of the strength young people possess.

“There is a lesson to be learned from these students for their perseverance,” she says. “They have dealt with so much more than most of us, yet they don’t complain. They simply push forward with tenacity and grace. They are graduating, many with honors, and going on to pursue their dreams.”

Karen has been involved with Rising Achievers for 18 years and understands the significance of preserving a program now entering its 27th year. Planning begins six months before the annual banquet and involves coordinating with schools, students, sponsors, and volunteers.

“RAP is truly a labor of love,” says Karen.

Beyond celebrating the students, the program also serves as a call to action for the community. Karen encourages residents to mentor students, offer internships, or provide employment opportunities through local schools. Financial support through donations and corporate sponsorships also helps ensure the program’s future.

“Just knowing that someone cares can have a big impact on a student’s future success,” says Karen.

The 2026 Rising Achievers from our community include:

Oviedo High School

Kaley Nunez

Kaley Nunez has balanced responsibilities that extend far beyond those of a typical high school student. While maintaining her education, she worked more than 30 hours a week and helped care for her father and support her family. Rather than allowing the pressures of work and caregiving to interfere with her future, Kaley used them to develop discipline, empathy, and determination. Her ability to manage family responsibilities while staying focused on school reflects exceptional strength of character. Inspired by her experiences helping others, Kaley plans to pursue a nursing career.

Patrick Woideck

Patrick Woideck’s life has been shaped by family challenges, including helping care for his father, who sustained serious injuries, and navigating the emotional impact of his parents’ divorce. Despite these hardships, Patrick remained committed to academic excellence and personal growth. He challenged himself with rigorous coursework, including a demanding programming academy, while continuing to serve as a leader in Scouting and NJROTC. Teachers praise his resilience, strong character, and determination to succeed. He plans to pursue a degree in engineering.

Winter Springs High School

Aaliyah Barker

Aaliyah Barker has faced significant family and financial hardships while also serving as a caregiver for her mother, who received an early cancer diagnosis. Despite those challenges, Aaliyah remained committed to her academics, her award-winning color guard team, and her community. Balancing long rehearsal schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and schoolwork required discipline and perseverance. Through those experiences, Aaliyah developed a deep sense of empathy and resilience. She plans to attend Seminole State College and study nursing with a focus on sonography.

Lil’enzie McKenzie

Growing up with deaf parents, Lil’Enzie McKenzie learned responsibility and advocacy at an early age. He frequently helped his parents communicate in situations that required skills beyond what most children are expected to handle. These experiences taught him patience, independence, and problem-solving. While balancing family responsibilities, Lil’Enzie also dedicated himself to basketball, where he learned teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Despite the challenges he faced, Lil’Enzie remained focused on creating a successful future for himself. He plans to attend Seminole State College and pursue his dream of owning an HVAC business.

Hagerty High School

Jordan Lee

Jordan Lee’s path to graduation has been marked by loss. First, she lost her mother at a young age and then experienced the death of her father in 2024. Through those heartbreaking challenges, Jordan leaned on the support of her older sister and developed remarkable independence. Rather than allowing grief to derail her future, she focused on leadership and service, becoming a cheer captain and later volunteering as a youth cheer coach. Jordan’s experiences taught her responsibility, communication, and perseverance. She plans to attend Seminole State College and then pursue a law degree.

Zy’kerria Walker

In recent years, Zy’Kerria Walker lost both her parents, a devastating experience that would test anyone’s resilience. She and her brothers moved in with their aunt, who became a source of support and stability. Determined to honor her parents’ memory, Zy’Kerria focused on helping others through volunteer service. Whether working with children at church, feeding the homeless, or supporting nursing home residents, she has transformed personal loss into compassion for others. Her experiences taught her strength, empathy, and perseverance. Inspired by the caregivers who helped her family, Zy’Kerria plans to attend Seminole State College and pursue a career as a registered nurse.