You’re probably saying to yourself, “Sally Ride Elementary? Is that a new school in Lake Nona?” And the answer is yes – it’s a new school; and no – it’s not in Lake Nona. Yet, the hearts of Lake Nona residents encourage and lift student spirits at Sally Ride Elementary. Located minutes outside of Lake Nona, local children are in need.

As a Title I school, a majority of students come from families struggling to make ends meet. Breakfast and lunch is provided, and on Friday afternoon, food is sent home. An overwhelming majority of students go home to less-than-favorable conditions.

The new Sally Ride Elementary sits where Cypress Park Elementary once stood. Combining the student bodies of Cypress Park and Durrance elementaries, young leaders of tomorrow were welcomed on Monday, Aug. 13, 2018.

For more than two decades, Orlando has been the “home away from home” for Frank and Selena Nobilo. As a player on the PGA Tour, Frank (now a TV analyst) was involved in many charitable endeavors on the tour as was his wife, Selena, through the PGA Tour Wives Association. Frank explains, “When I retired from playing professional golf, it made sense to set up this foundation to raise money and reach as many charities as possible.” Selena, a volunteer of Orlando’s Hubbard House for more than a decade, adds, “Being able to give back to our community gives us a sense of purpose.”

The Nobilo Foundation has been a Partner in Education with Cypress Park Elementary for many years and continues the legacy with Sally Ride Elementary. The foundation takes every student and their siblings shopping at Christmas and also provides support throughout the year with varying donations. The Nobilo Foundation has provided each student with a school uniform shirt, funding for field trips, food for teacher appreciation, and helps stock inventory at the “Star Bucks Store,” where students shop with “money” they earn for reaching their goals.

Sally Ride Elementary and the Nobilo Foundation have also identified students “that need more one-to-one attention in academics. Some students need more help than just help academically, they need someone to talk to,” says Principal Raquel Flores.

Nobilo Foundation “Mustang Reading Mentors,” now in its fifth year, is a volunteer group made up of men and women from the Lake Nona community who mentor during the school day. “All students in the program have made amazing progress,” says Selena.

Lake Nona resident Marilyn Swan volunteers weekly. Swan is a retired senior vice president from Smith Barney and financial consultant of 34 years. “The teachers at this school really love these children,” says Swan. “Selena spends a tremendous amount of time thinking about ways their foundation can add to the improvement of the school. I am happy and proud to be part of their team of mentors.”

The Nobilo Foundation views Christmas as a time for family and giving generously. Each year, Frank, Selena, the foundation directors, and hundreds of volunteers accompany as many underprivileged children as possible on a shopping extravaganza. Each child is chaperoned by a volunteer and has $100 to purchase gifts and essential supplies for themselves and family members. You can help as well!

If you would like to show your support, please feel free to make a donation. You can change a child’s Christmas by donating $100. For further information on the Nobilo Foundation and to make a donation, please go to www.thenobilofoundation.com, Facebook @TheNobiloFoundation, or contact Selena Nobilo at [email protected].

Sophia Rogers is a Lake Nona area resident and Realtor/founder of NonaHomeGuide.com. A wife and mom of four, family, relationships and real estate are her passions. She can be reached at [email protected].