Students who participated in city R.E.A.D. program rewarded

The city of Kissimmee recently congratulated the elementary and middle school students who participated in the city’s R.E.A.D. program, which stands for Read Every-day And Discover.
Students from nine schools within the city limits were recognized during the City Commission meeting on May 15.
As the top reader of their school, the students received the Naomi Winbush Memorial Reading Award, a voucher for a free kid’s meal at Chef John’s Dockside Inn, and a summer pass for free admission to the Makinson Aquatic Center.
Additionally, backpacks were presented to each student, containing a variety of city promotional items.
The 2012 Naomi Winbush Memorial Reading Award Recipients are as follows:
• Kissimmee Charter Academy: Ahmed Alaoui, sixth grade.
Central Avenue Elementary: Anthony Lopez, fifth grade
• Kissimmee Middle School: Vi Huynh, seventh grade.
• Denn John Middle: Kobee Raveendran, eighth grade.
• Thacker Avenue Elementary School: Emily O’Sullivan, third grade.
• Mill Creek Elementary: Austin Jacob, fourth grade.
• Cypress Elementary: Colin Lyle, fifth grade.
• Kissimmee Elementary: Calvin Tanudjaja, fourth grade.
• Highlands Elementary:  Juliana Centeio, fifth grade.
About the Naomi Winbush Memorial Reading Award
The Naomi Winbush Memorial Reading Award was established in 2004 in honor of Naomi Winbush, the first female and first African American elected to the Kissimmee City Commission. This award is a memorial to her legacy as a former educator who was a staunch supporter of literacy programs.
For more information, contact the Public Information Office at 407-518-2314.
City accepting registration for variety of specialty summer camps
The city of Kissimmee Parks, Recreation & Public Facilities Department is currently accepting registration for a variety of specialty summer camps that will be hosted during the month of June. They are:
• Girls volleyball camp at the Kissimmee Civic Center for ages 8 to 16 from June 12-15 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The fee is $65. The instructor is Ettie Singleton. The registration deadline is Friday. Code: 231001
• Boys Baseball Camp at the Oak Street Ball Fields from June 18-22 from 9 a.m. to noon. The fee is $55. The instructor is Scott Birchler. The registration deadline is June 8. Code: 231002
• Clay Camp at the Oak Street Community Center June 18 – 22 from 9 a.m. to noon The fee is $80. The instructor is Jamie Moorehead. Code: 250331
• Baton Twirling Camp at the Berlinsky Community House for ages 6 to 18 June 18-22. The morning Session is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The afternoon session is from 1 to p.m.  Code: 251020
The fee: $50 for a morning or afternoon session or  $75 for both sessions (child care from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.)
The instructor is Tessah Ceballos Code: 251019
• Painting Camp at the Oak Street Community Center for ages 5 – 12 June 25 – 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. The fee is $80. The instructor is Jamie Moorehead. Code: 251042
• Golf Camp at the Kissimmee Golf Club for ages 8 – 17 June 25 – 29 from 9 a.m. to noon. The registration deadline is June 15. The fee is $95. The instructor is the Kissimmee Golf Course professional staff. Code: 231000.
• Gymnastics Camp at Berlinsky Community House for ages 6-16 June 26-29 from 9 a.m. to noon. The fee is $90. The instructor is Judi Frazier. Code: 251021.
• Ultimate Camp: Does your child want to participate in a half-day camp but you need care for the entire day?  Add the Ultimate Camp experience to your morning for a full day of fun.  The Ultimate Camp picks up your child at their day camp (Camp Discovery or Teen Extreme) and provides lunch and an afternoon full of activities and fun until 6 p.m.
The Ultimate Camp experience can be added to the following camps:
June 12-15: Volleyball
June 18-22): Baseball, Clay
June 25-29): Golf, Gymnastics, Painting
It’s at Lakeside Recreation Center.  The age varies. The fee is $40/week, plus the cost of day camp.
Start Smart Soccer at the Mark Durbin Park at Lakeside for ages 3 to 5 June 26 to July 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. The fee is $55. The registration deadline is June 19. Code: 220104.
For more information about these or other Kissimmee Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities programs, call 407-518-2360.
City kicks off summer pool season
The Makinson Aquatic Center has opened its doors for regular business and will remain open for the entire summer until Sept. 3.
The Aquatic Center schedule is as follows:
Until June 10 (Open weekends only): Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
June 11 to Aug. 19 (Open Monday through Sunday): Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Aug. 19 to Sept. 2 (Open weekends only): Saturday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Daily admission to the Makinson Aquatic Center is $5 per person. Ages 2 and younger are admitted free.
For more information, call 407-870-POOL or visit the website at www.kissimmeeparks.org