Weekly Community News for Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High School
Volume 112 - May 18, 2026
Weekly Community News for Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High School
Volume 112 - May 18, 2026
Calendar
May 18 – 8th grade practice 10:00 am / 8th grade stepping up 6:00 pm
May 19 – Jr/Sr Awards ceremony 10:00 am
EXAM SCHEDULE BELOW:
Volunteer Hours for Reading Newsletters
Each time you read a classroom, school, wellness, or system newsletter, your family will get 30 minutes toward the required 18 Parent Volunteer hours (for one student) or 25 hours (for more than one student). The process is simple. Each time you see this QR code, click on the link or log into the code for a quick survey about the article. Your name will be logged by the school office staff for 30 minutes of volunteer hours for each newsletter.
Log your hours: Link HERE
WELLNESS NEWS / CAFE MENU
Congratulations to our Class of 2026!
Valedictorian: Zakaria Elghazali
Salutatorian: Sarah Casten
Palm Bay Rotary Student of the Year: Haley Picon
SCHOOL HAPPENINGS
* Check back here later this week to see pics of 8th grade graduation and jr/sr awards.
Color Guard
Thank you to Mr. Ott for these photos of the Color Guard Showcase.
CTE Certifications
Congrats to all the students who received their industry standard certifications this year! Here are a few of Ms. Mora's business students proudly showing their certifications. We also had record numbers of Adobe and Unity passers this year. Way to go Titans!
Founders Awards - May 14th, 2026
OCS Jr./Sr. Founder’s Award – Teacher of The Year – Jose Carpio
Jose Carpio is a dedicated English teacher whose commitment to students and the school community extends far beyond the classroom.Mr. Carpio creates a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to think critically, grow confidently, and express themselves creatively. He is also a constant presence before and after school, supporting supervision, activities, and student programs.His reliability, professionalism, and heart for service make him truly deserving of this recognition.
OCS Jr./Sr. Founder’s Award – Staff – Deidre Comegys
Deidre Comegys has been a cornerstone of Odyssey Charter Schools, consistently demonstrating dedication to both students and staff throughout her years of service. Known for her dependability, compassion, and leadership, Ms. Comegys is always willing to support wherever needed. Students benefit from her advocacy and care, while staff value her calm guidance and positive outlook. Her impact is felt daily in the culture of respect, teamwork, and support that defines Odyssey Charter School.
OCS, Inc. Founder’s Award – Assistant Principal of the Year – Rebecca Irving
Rebecca Irving is a dedicated educator and leader whose more than 30 years of service have made a lasting impact on students, families, and staff. From mathematics teacher to ESE Coordinator to Assistant Principal of Student Services, Ms. Irving has consistently demonstrated compassion, leadership, and a deep commitment to student success. Her guidance has also played a significant role in strengthening Odyssey’s AP program and fostering a culture of high expectations paired with genuine care. We are deeply grateful for all she continues to do for our Odyssey community.
2026 Odyssey Charter Jr./Sr. High Valedictorian – Zakaria Elghazali!
Zakaria earned an outstanding 4.42 GPA and the honor of serving as this year’s Valedictorian. He will also graduate with the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma, an advanced academic distinction awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional skills in research, writing, critical thinking, and presentation through a rigorous college-level program.
Beyond academics, Zakaria has been actively involved in both theater and robotics, showcasing his creativity, leadership, and technical abilities. As a proud theater student, he recently took the stage one final time in his last performances this past weekend.
After graduation, Zakaria plans to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, and we have no doubt he will continue to accomplish great things. We are incredibly proud of all he has achieved and wish him continued success in the future.
2026 Odyssey Charter Jr./Sr. High Salutatorian – Sarah Casten
Sarah Casten is an exceptional student who has been a proud member of Odyssey Charter School Jr./Sr. for the past four years. Throughout her time at Odyssey, she has demonstrated dedication, leadership, and a strong commitment to academic excellence, earning an impressive 4.40 GPA.
Outside of the classroom, Sarah is also a passionate dancer, showing the same discipline, creativity, and perseverance in her art. Her selection as this year’s Salutatorian is a reflection of the hard work and determination she has shown throughout her high school journey.
Sarah plans to attend the University of South Florida to study pharmaceutics as she continues pursuing her future aspirations. We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and look forward to seeing all she will achieve in the years ahead.
Congratulations, Sarah, and best wishes for continued success in all your future endeavors!
Founder’s Student of the Year Award Recipients – Ariana Rivera and Nicholas Holpfer
Ariana Rivera has truly embodied our mission to educate the “whole child” throughout her four years at Odyssey. Her journey from a struggling student to a celebrated AP Scholar reflects her incredible determination, resilience, and heart. Whether performing with the band on her flute or tackling challenges in the classroom, Ariana gives her all in everything she does. Her teachers consistently speak of her grace, compassion, and ability to persevere through difficult circumstances with remarkable strength and maturity. Through the support of her family and our faculty, Ariana has grown into a thoughtful and inspiring leader who represents the very best of Odyssey.
Nicholas Holpfer has been a member of the Odyssey family since 3rd grade and is an exceptional all-around Titan Scholar. As a junior, Nicholas has earned an outstanding weighted GPA of 4.54 while simultaneously taking college coursework and working toward graduating as both a Double Titan and AP Capstone recipient. The prestigious AP Capstone Diploma is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional skills in research, writing, critical thinking, and presentation through a rigorous college-level program. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Nicholas is also a member of Odyssey’s award-winning Orchestra program and is highly respected by both his teachers and peers for his dedication, character, and commitment to excellence.
We are incredibly proud of Ariana and Nicholas for the example they set for others and for the bright futures ahead of them. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! See less
BULLETIN BOARD
Grievance Procedures
Step 1: Request Teacher conference to clarify issue
Step 2: Contact the Site Administrator if unresolved with the teacher
Step 3: **Contact Board Designated Parent Representative (Mrs. Amber Miller)
Step 4: Contact the President of the Governing Board
Step 5: Present issue at the next monthly Board Meeting if unresolved
Step 6: Seek mediation with the Sponsor
**Mrs. Amber Miller has been designated by the OCS Board of Directors as the Representative to Facilitate Parental Involvement, provide access to information, assist parents and others with questions and concerns, and resolve disputes according to charter requirements. Ms. Miller can be reached at millera@odysseycharterschool.com or 321-442-2742.