Our 2022-23 Central Florida Branch events have officially begun!

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Please save the date for the following gatherings. Come celebrate and learn with us!

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Drey Scholars Reunion 2022

News – September 21, 2022

University CLub Library
September 21, 2022
4:30-6:30 P.M.

After two years in a COVID holding pattern, we finally have new scholar adventures to celebrate!

Please come catch up with friends, delight in a nibble or two, and share the stories that refuel teacher spirits as only the purest of professional development can!

Be sure to bring a friend or anyone interested in the $7000 Teachers Learning Abroad (tLab) Scholarship Program. You can also learn all about the English-Speaking Union. A reception with light supper will follow the program.

Winter Park University Club Library
841 N. Park Avenue
Winter Park, FL. 32789 

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Shakespeare Competition 2022 Results

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On February 21, sixteen students from the tri-county area arrived at Orlando Shakes to participate in The English-Speaking Union's annual Shakespeare competition. Contestants were vying for the opportunity to win $1,000.00, and a chance to represent the Central Florida Branch of the ESU in this year's National hybrid format.

The semi-finals, as in 2020 and 2021, will remain virtual via a recorded performance from our branch champion. However, the national finals will be held during a live competition in New York City on the weekend of April 23-26, 2022. Only the top 10 finalists will travel to New York City for an exclusive and fun-filled weekend. On the panel of judges this year, deciding who would represent our branch, were Anne Hering: Director of Education at Orlando Shakes, Donna Miller: former Program Coordinator for Orange County's Language Arts, and Dr. Maurice "Socky" O'Sullivan: Professor Emeritus at Rollins College.

The Winners

Left to right: Raina Grabowski, Kaylin Aguirre, and Laila Mahler

Raina Grabowski from University High School took First Place in the Shakespeare competition with her portrayal of Juliet from Romeo and Juliet and Sonnet 46 under the direction of her teacher, Mr. Keith Traver. Second Place went to Kaylin Aguirre from Freedom High School. Kaylin was coached by her teacher, Mrs. Angela Kahn, on her depiction of Julia from The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Sonnet 12. In Third Place was Laila Mahler who was trained by her teacher, Ms. Susan Lilley, at Trinity Preparatory School.

Other Honors

Ms. Susan Lilley was also the recipient of the Richard Burbage Award. Named after one of the most famous actors at The Globe Theatre, this award celebrates the work and dedication of teacher sponsors who have managed year after year to keep their students engaged, their involvement in our competition ongoing, and our audiences enriched. The final award of the day was The Love of the Bard Award. This award requires a teacher nomination and is an award given annually to one student who, "Exhibits determination, grit, fortitude, and a true passion for Shakespeare's works." Kaylin Aguirre from Freedom High School was the recipient of this $100.00 award.

We wish Raina Grabowski the best of luck as she advances to perform in the national competition this March.

Left to right: Ginger Bryant, VP Shakespeare Competition; Raina Grabowski, 2022 Shakespeare Competition First Place Winner; Barbara Hughes, Central Florida ESU President.

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Save The Date!

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Please join us on Monday, February 21, for the annual English-Speaking Union's Shakespeare Competition. This year we are returning to a live format for competition with events beginning promptly at 4:00 p.m. Our venue for the event is Orlando Shakes, and we will be complying with their COVID protocol. Face masks are required for all of those who enter the building, regardless of vaccination status.

This year, 20 competitors will present their memorized monologues and sonnets as they compete for an opportunity to represent the Central Florida ESU Branch in New York. For 2022, the National Competition in New York will be held in a hybrid format. The semi-finals, as in 2020 and 2021, will remain virtual via recorded performance from our branch champions. However, the national finals will be held during a live competition in New York City on the weekend of April 23-26, 2022. Only the top 10 finalists will travel to New York City for an exclusive and fun-filled weekend.

The Central Florida ESU panel of judges for this year will be Anne Hering: Director of Education at Orlando Shakes, Donna Miller: former Program Coordinator for Orange County's Language Arts, and Dr. Maurice "Socky" O'Sullivan: former Professor at Rollins College. Come rank your personal favorites and see how your votes compare with the judges' deliberation. Refreshments will be served in the lovely outdoor Darden Courtyard on the property, under an air-conditioned tent. We wish our 20 contestants from three counties the best of luck!

-       Ginger Bryant, VP Shakespeare Competition

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