May 21, 2023 (Clermont, FL) – The Chamber was pleased to host a gathering of 160 prominent local business leaders at our monthly breakfast event, on Friday, May 19, 2023, in the Clermont City Center. This occasion was a highly anticipated opportunity for attendees to network and learn from one another. Our keynote presentation was delivered by Lake County Supervisor of Elections, Alan Hays who expressed the importance of voter integrity and security. He articulated his commitment to upholding all election laws and regulations by working closely with his team to ensure every aspect of the election process is administered fairly and transparently.

The 2023 Board Chair, Thom Kieft of Lake-Sumter State College, and our Chamber breakfast emcee presented two $1,000 Ray Goodgame Outstanding Student Leader Scholarships. The Ray Goodgame Award honors exceptional students in the South Lake area who serve as champions for our community.

Our first recipient, Diego Jose Bodden Gonzalez of East Ridge High School, has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership skills, and community involvement during his high school tenure. He participated in leadership roles such as Rho Kappa (National Social Studies Honor Society), National Honor Society, East Ridge High School Debate Club, East Ridge High School Academic Program, Dance Marathon, National English Honor Society, and National Science Honor Society! When Diego was not dominating the classroom, he participated in his cross-country and track-and-field teams. This outstanding student leader has given more than 220 total hours of volunteerism to local organizations such as the New Beginnings Thrift Store, Dream Catcher Horse Ranch, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hope Center, and Christmas Across South Lake. Diego was awarded an AP Scholar, and Latin Honors Award, and will graduate with a 4.86 GPA! He will attend UCF majoring in Biology with a focus on Pre-Health Professional, and later attending dental school to become a general dentist.

Amy Roman of South Lake High School was also awarded a $1,000 Ray Goodgame Outstanding Student Leader Scholarship. Amy has displayed exceptional academic achievement and leadership amongst her peers. She has earned the AP Scholar Award for her remarkable achievements in high school. Amy has shown a strong commitment to academic excellence through her membership in the National Honor Society. Additionally, her leadership role as a percussionist for the South Lake High School Screaming Eagle Band demonstrates a dedication to the arts and a willingness to take on important responsibilities. It’s clear that Amy is a well-rounded and motivated individual. This outstanding student leader spent more than 50 hours volunteering at Gray Middle School Band Program and assisting a local church with their electronics. Amy has worked at Mamma Rita’s Pizzeria & Italian Grill as a take-out cashier while earning a GPA of 3.94! She plans to attend the University of North Florida and pursue a career in nursing to help children in a pediatric office.

The South Lake Chamber of Commerce wishes both Diego and Amy the best of luck in all their future endeavors. If you are interested in contributing to our scholarship fund, please reach out to the Chamber at 352-394-4191 or email rsvp@southlakechamber-fl.com for help with the process or any inquiries you may have. We sincerely appreciate your consideration as we support the outstanding student leaders of South Lake.

This breakfast would not be possible without the support of our sponsors:

Main Event Sponsor: W.O.F.T

Co-Sponsor: Threadlink

Coffee Station & Coffee Cup Sponsor: Computer Business Consultants

Linen Sponsor: Hampton Inn

Water Sponsor: Addition Financial

Caterer: Cathy Brady Catering

Broadcast Partner: South Lake TV

If you missed breakfast, you can rewatch it on SouthLake.TV.