Wellington Education

American Heritage Leads U.S. In STEM

American Heritage Leads U.S. In STEM Local Students Win Prestigious Science, Math And Engineering Awards

By Melanie Hoffman

As the world continues to advance technologically, American Heritage Schools keeps pace with the global shift by integrating a culture of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) into its comprehensive and rigorous curriculum.

Founded in 1965, American Heritage Schools (AHS) is a nationally ranked college preparatory school with two 40-acre campuses in South Florida serving grades Pre-K3 through 12. The 4,800 students represent more than 60 different countries, more than 70 percent of the faculty holds a postgraduate degree and the student-to-faculty ratio is 5-to-1.

AHS alumni are notable leaders in their fields who are generating positive differences in the world. Dylan Cahill graduated from the AHS Palm Beach campus in 2014, from Dartmouth College in 2018 and is attending Harvard Medical School.

“American Heritage prepared me for college academics,” Cahill said. “Though I didn’t realize it at the time, the study strategies I developed in challenging classes at AHS helped make my transition into the demands of college life much smoother.”

Ranked among the top private schools in the State of Florida in STEM according to Niche, the leader in digital searches for the best K-12 schools and colleges, the students at AHS recently earned high honors in STEM, including No. 1 in Florida at the state science fair, No. 1 and No. 2 private school in Florida in math competition, and No. 1 in Florida in robotics competition.

The American Heritage Science Research Institute for select students in grades six through 12 enables students to conduct research on real-world problems, and in turn, they have earned international recognition for their findings.

The range of equipment in the science lab is unlike any other high school — fluorescent and inverted microscopes, UV/Vis plate reader (a spectrophotometer), a carbon dioxide incubator, a minus 86-degree freezer, a liquid nitrogen cryogenic tank and a scanning electron microscope, just to name a few.

“When our students graduate, they are equipped with a level of research knowledge they would not normally have without the opportunities presented in our program,” said Dr. Iris Thompson, director of science research at the AHS Palm Beach campus. “This sets them apart from their peers when applying to college or graduate school.”

Nolan Wen, a senior at the Palm Beach campus, published his science research as first author, which is an unusual feat for a high school student. His research was titled, “Development and characterization of laponite-enhanced tannic acid-based hydrogels,” in the Materials Letters journal. Wen will be attending the University of Pennsylvania in the fall and was accepted to the school’s highly competitive seven-year bio-dental program.

“The rigorous course offerings and programs at American Heritage not only helped me get into Penn but have also prepared me well for life at Penn,” Wen said. “The BSL-2 level labs and incredible summer research program at American Heritage have provided me the platform to conduct graduate-level research and become an accomplished young researcher (published three times, Regeneron International Science and Engineering Finalist and Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalist). As vice president of Model UN, president of the TASSEL Cambodia Heritage branch, and a member of Education Rocks and various national honor societies, I have been able to both embrace the school community and make a positive difference on a global scale. I’ve had an incredible four years at American Heritage and cannot wait to continue my education at UPenn.”

The mathematics departments at both AHS campuses are equally strong. Starting in the Lower School, honors courses and honors math competition classes are offered for accelerated math students in fourth through sixth grades. This early learning enables the students to learn higher-level critical thinking and problem solving. The school earned the ranking of No. 1 elementary school in Florida and No. 2 private elementary school in the U.S. in math competition, and many of those students advance to the high school level with great success. Both the Broward and Palm Beach math teams at American Heritage ranked No. 1 and No. 2 private school at the Florida Association of Mu Alpha Theta (FAMAT) statewide math competition.

“The American Heritage Schools competitive math program has been an amazing place to foster my love for mathematics and meet other kids who enjoy the STEM fields as much as I do,” said Sharvaa Selvan, a senior at the AHS Broward campus and vice president for the state and national Mu Alpha Theta student delegates. “Our victory at the February statewide was a testament to the countless hours spent by both the students and our amazing coaches over the past few months.”

Selvan has been accepted to the prestigious universities MIT and Georgia Tech.

“Our win at the NSU statewide competition demonstrates the enormous collection of mathematical giftedness of the members of our math competition team,” said Dr. Radleigh Santos, competitive mathematics head coach and an MIT graduate. “I’m proud of all their hard work, and I’m looking forward to their future success.”

In the field of robotics and engineering, the AHS Wyld Stallyns team at the Palm Beach campus qualified for the World Robotics Championship in Houston. The team also won the Creativity Award sponsored by Rockwell Automation.

Senior Dylan McClish is a top student in the AHS pre-engineering program at the Palm Beach campus and was accepted to Princeton, Yale, the University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Cornell, Columbia, Michigan and the U.S. Naval Academy.

“I’ve been at American Heritage for seven years, and I am forever thankful for how much it has prepared me for college,” McClish said. “It has allowed me to take a vast array of college-level courses that other high schools don’t offer, such as multivariate calculus/differential equations, learning math that many don’t see until they are a few years into college. I have been part of the pre-engineering and science research programs, and it has been fantastic to pursue my interests in AI and robotics with the full support of the school’s amazing faculty and resources. It has been a lot of hard work, but I know that I will be well prepared for college, and I am grateful that American Heritage has given me the tools to succeed at the collegiate level.”

American Heritage Schools is ranked No. 1 in National Merit Scholars out of all schools in Florida and the No. 2 private school in the nation. The students from both campuses comprise 10 percent of all National Merit Scholarship semifinalists throughout the 2,227 public and private schools in Florida.

American Heritage Schools is open all year at both campuses. It also provides an extensive summer program from June to August for children and teens ages 3 to 17 from all over the world. The offerings include traditional day camps, specialty and sports camps, the Summer Institute, available in-person and online with more than 100 courses designed for every student’s interest, and 1-on-1 tutoring. The comprehensive summer enrichment ensures that students are prepared or ahead for the next school year and gives them a competitive advantage to succeed.

American Heritage Schools will continue to set high standards for growth and learning and prepare the next generation of global thinkers and problem solvers to succeed.

To learn more about American Heritage Schools, visit www.ahschool.com.

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Wellington Education

Get Your Nursing Degree Locally

Get Your Nursing Degree Locally NRI Institute Of Health Sciences Working To Reduce Nation’s Nursing Shortage

By Mike May

Residents of Palm Beach County, specifically those living in the western communities who want to work as a nurse, have a locally owned and operated school where they can acquire the necessary qualifications to get a job in the nursing profession. They can get their nursing degree from the NRI Institute of Health Sciences, based in Royal Palm Beach.

The NRI Institute is a fully licensed and accredited private degree-granting and post-secondary school that is qualified to prepare students for a career in registered and practical nursing, as a nursing assistant, a medical assistant, and in the field of diagnostic medical sonography. Starting next year, students will be able to get a four-year bachelor’s of science degree in nursing from the NRI Institute.

Located at 503 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. in the Royal Plaza at the corner of Royal Palm Beach and Southern Boulevards, the NRI Institute currently has a 12,500-square-foot facility it calls home. When it opened in 2012, it had just 1,000 square feet of space and eight students. Now, it has 125 students with room for as many as 150 students. Since 2012, more than 400 students have graduated from the NRI Institute of Health Sciences.

The owners of the NRI Institute are the husband-and-wife team of Dan Splain and Elizabeth Stolkowski. Splain is the chief administrative officer, and Stolkowski is in charge of operating the school as the president and director of the nursing programs.

Both Splain and Stolkowski are well qualified to operate the school due to their extensive experience in the healthcare field. This includes working in hospital administration, managed care, nursing education and the international recruitment of healthcare professionals. For a number of years, the two of them operated a managed care facility in the Midwest, where they recruited nurses from overseas.

Stolkowski, a native of The Philippines, has three master’s degrees and a law degree.

“She is well qualified to oversee the academic side of the NRI Institute of Health Sciences,” Splain said.

What’s really important about Stolkowski’s role at the NRI Institute is her ability to get the students to cross the “finish line,” so to speak.

“Elizabeth has a talent for coaching students and getting them to pass the Nursing Council Licensure Examination,” Splain said. “After passing the exam, our graduates can then start working as nurses, where their starting salaries can range between $75,000 and $100,000 a year.”

Splain noted that there’s a great need for more nurses across the United States. That’s especially the case in Florida because of the large number of residents who are over the age of 65. Here in Palm Beach County, the number of residents over 65 expands greatly during the winter months.

This need for more nurses seems more acute now, but it is not a recent issue.

“Even before the pandemic, there was a nationwide shortage in the U.S. of more than one million nurses,” Splain said. “We still have a nursing shortage in this country.”

Many of the graduates of the NRI Institute of Health Sciences find employment in the western communities at facilities such as Wellington Regional Medical Center and Palms West Hospital, as well as many smaller medical offices and facilities. A number of graduates also land jobs in other Florida cities. And, of course, many of the nursing graduates get hired in other parts of the U.S.

“A large number of our graduates get jobs at Wellington Regional Medical Center because that’s where they do their clinical rotations,” Splain said. “They do such a great job during their clinical rotations at Wellington Regional that some are offered jobs before they even graduate.”

According to Splain, some graduates actually return to the classroom as instructors.

“We even have some graduates teaching in fine institutions all over the U.S.,” Splain said. “The nursing shortage in the U.S. can also be attributed to a shortage of nursing instructors.”

Time wise, getting a degree from the NRI Institute will usually take two years. The clinical rotations are interspersed with the classroom work. There are 12 faculty members, and the classroom sizes are usually eight to 10 students per instructor.

“We like to keep it small and teach them well,” Splain said.

According to Stolkowski, many of the students at the NRI Institute are not what you normally expect.

“We have many non-traditional students enrolled,” Stolkowski said. “We have students in their teens, 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. Many have families, as well as being enrolled full-time in school. Roughly 85 percent of our students are female.”

In addition to a wide age-range of nursing candidates, they also come from all parts of Palm Beach County, as well as Broward, Martin and St. Lucie counties. “A handful of students travel here from as far away as Vero Beach,” she said.

One aspect of being a student at the NRI Institute is the in-person educational experience.

“We don’t have any online classes,” Splain said. “You really need to have the hands-on academic experience in our classrooms to learn how to be a nurse.”

The NRI Institute of Health Sciences will hold its 10th commencement exercises on Thursday, June 8 at 5 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Thirty nursing and diagnostic medical sonography graduates will receive their degrees. The guest speaker will be Dante Mitchell Tolbert, founder and CEO of Florence Technologies, which is an innovative edtech company that aims to combat the nursing shortage through solutions driven by artificial intelligence.

To learn more about the NRI Institute of Health Sciences, call (561) 688-5112 or visit www.nriinstitute.edu.

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Protect Yourself And Your Future

Protect Yourself And Your Future
Edward Jones Financial Advisor Lou LoFranco Enjoys Helping Local Residents With Investments And More

By Callie Sharkey

The world of finance and investing is constantly changing. Opportunities arise, and trends emerge and disappear without much warning. It can all be overwhelming. This is why finding the right financial advisor is worth the time and effort. Lou LoFranco, who works with the financial firm Edward Jones, enjoys investing his expertise as a financial advisor to help people in the Wellington area.

“The best thing about our office is we answer the phone,” LoFranco said. “We are a private company. We don’t sell a specific product or fiduciary, and it’s not about what we can make off our clients.”

LoFranco has worked in different sectors of the finance industry since the 1980s. He began working on the budget management side with UPS and shifted to a consultant role for GE, managing logistics for wind energy. Then he found FPL and took a position, also in wind industry management. After commuting from Fort Myers to Philadelphia, he realized that his family wasn’t happy, and they soon moved to South Florida permanently.

With six children being homeschooled by his wife Maria, LoFranco knew that there had to be a better way to take care of his family.

“I called my financial advisor, and he said that it’s time to come on board. I’ve been in Wellington since 2015, and what started as temporary work, well, it’s now nine years later,” LoFranco said. “It has been a great experience and a blessing to be working with the community and helping a lot of the elderly — that I really enjoy.”

He has a deep concern for senior care and quality of life, especially after being a caretaker for his own mother for more than four years. LoFranco worries when he learns of people taking advantage of the elderly.

“I just want to make sure they never run out of money and can live the life, have the lifestyle that they need, and they’ve worked all their life for,” he said. “I like to teach clients that it is more than just looking at the financial picture. We look at health insurance, life insurance or umbrella insurance. If we don’t have the whole picture, we can’t give a good plan for success. We try to do the deep dive; it’s building that relationship, personally getting to know their families, their kids, their grandkids. It’s a long-life process of legacy planning.”

Whether clients are looking for retirement and estate planning, or just trying to figure out where to begin, LoFranco and Edward Jones are there with research and data backing their plans. The company does not deal with any investments that are not federally approved, such as cryptocurrencies.

“I’m a faith-based advisor. We do everything ethically and morally,” he said. “I think we have a good client base that trusts us.”

LoFranco has clients who get more than just financial advice. He has helped them set up bill pay and is even helping a client get a new roof.

“It’s not about making money, it’s about comfort. We go car shopping with clients, too. ‘Can you help me find a boat?’ they’ll ask. We helped a client find a house,” LoFranco said. “So, that’s what I love about it — it’s more than the investments. Being a financial advisor has been a blessing because it gives you work-life balance. You can make all the money in the world, but if you don’t have time for family, it doesn’t matter. Now I’m living the dream of helping people.”

When asked his top advice on where to begin, LoFranco made it clear that it is important to tackle and manage debt. Clients may walk in with crippling credit card and student loan debt, but he has a strategy to help.

“I lay out a plan. If they have four or five credit cards, depending on the balance, we can help them pay it off within 24 to 36 months. If they don’t have debt, we look at their goals. What is important to you? We do a three-minute ‘priority’ quiz,” he said. “We’ve found that for clients, family is the most important, then travel and then retirement.”

LoFranco and his team of Yara Gonsalves and Tito Lopez have an office in Wellington that is open to walk-ins from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Gonsalves is also available to assist clients who speak Spanish. They are happy to work with clients and potential clients. Not only that, but the consultations are free.

“Appointments are an hour, and it usually takes two or three appointments because they might not be ready,” LoFranco explained. “There is no cost for the consultations, we don’t believe in that. We believe in finding out what’s important for them. It’s all about the long-term relationships because you become family. The trust factor is the most critical thing.”

Lou LoFranco’s Edward Jones office is located at 12020 South Shore Blvd., Suite 100, in Wellington. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call (561) 798-4106 or e-mail lou.lofranco@edwardjones.com.

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Staying Ahead Of The Storm

Staying Ahead Of The Storm Village Of Wellington Aims To Be Prepared As Hurricane Season Begins

By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager

Living in Wellington means enjoying the beautiful weather here in our vibrant community. However, our proximity to the Atlantic Ocean also exposes us to the risks of hurricane season. Officially starting on June 1, and lasting until Nov. 30, hurricane season for us means hoping for the best and planning for the worst.

Be Prepared For The Season
It’s not just a motto; “be prepared” is good advice. Florida residents can attest that they didn’t expect Hurricane Nicole to be as devastating as it was when it slammed into their neighborhoods last year, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. In cases of severe disasters, the modern conveniences that we often take for granted — such as cell phones, ATMs and the ability to pump gasoline — become obsolete. That is why it’s important to make advance plans to take care of yourself and your family and make sure you have supplies on hand in case of an emergency.

Simple things such as developing a safety plan, stocking up on extra pet supplies and refilling prescriptions a few days early are some of the measures you can take to be prepared. As emergency managers point out, in times of disaster, resources are limited, so it’s important to take personal responsibility to lessen the impact on yourself and your family. This month, as we continue to prepare here at the village, I want to share some essential tips and guidelines for Wellington residents to proactively prepare for hurricane season.

Develop An Emergency Plan
Preparing a detailed emergency plan is crucial to efficiently navigate through a hurricane. Designate a meeting point for your family members in case of separation and establish a communication plan. Create a checklist of essential items, such as non-perishable food, water, medications, batteries, flashlights and a first aid kit. Stock up on necessary supplies well in advance, as stores may run out quickly during emergencies.

Stay Informed
This applies both before and after the storm. Keeping up to date with the latest weather information is paramount during hurricane season. In the event of an emergency, you’ll be able to find information on the village’s web site at www.wellingtonfl.gov. Monitor local news channels, radio broadcasts and official web sites for updates from the National Hurricane Center. Sign up to receive emergency alerts through Alert Wellington at www.wellingtonfl.gov/alerts. While you’re at it, download the GoWellington app from your phone’s app store for quick access to resources and information. Stay connected through Wellington’s social media platforms to receive real-time updates and helpful resources during an emergency.

Protect Your Property
Safeguarding your home against potential hurricane damage is crucial. Remember, all yard work and tree-trimming projects should be completed at this time to avoid overwhelming our waste collection system when a storm is approaching. Planning on cleaning out unwanted items in your garage or storage areas around your house? Do not wait! Do this now, so you have the space to store items during a storm. Consider investing in impact-resistant windows and doors for enhanced protection. Inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles and repair them promptly. Review your property insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage for potential hurricane-related damages.

Evacuation & Sheltering
When authorities issue evacuation orders, it’s crucial to follow their instructions promptly. Prepare an evacuation route and share it with your family members. Identify local evacuation shelters and understand their policies, including accommodation for pets. Palm Beach County operates the Special Needs Shelter Program during emergencies for individuals with certain medical conditions. This special shelter is staffed with doctors and nurses, has backup power, and is in a wind-resistant building. To register for the special needs shelter, visit the county’s web site or call (561) 712-6400.

It’s also important at these times to look out for one another and check on friends and neighbors who may need assistance. Being prepared for hurricane season in Wellington is a responsibility shared by all residents. In the best of times and the worst of times, it’s good to be neighbors helping neighbors. It’s what brings us together as a community.

History teaches that a lack of awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. Wellington has been fortunate through the years to avoid the landfall of a major hurricane in our area. However, we should not be lulled into a false sense of security.

Preparedness is our best defense, and I encourage you to use this guide to assist you in keeping yourself and your family safe.

 

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Wellington Table - Signature Dish

Enjoy Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Enjoy Authentic Mexican Cuisine Casa Tequila Is Celebrating 10 Years Of Serving Taste-Tempting Mexican Favorites In Wellington

By Shannon Anastasio

Looking for authentic Mexican cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds? Be sure to visit Casa Tequila Mexican Cuisine in Wellington, which is now celebrating its 10th anniversary. This cozy restaurant has been serving up delicious Mexican fare since 2013 and has become a local favorite for its flavorful dishes, friendly staff and lively atmosphere.

Manager Mario Rodriguez takes great pride in the food and drinks served at Casa Tequila. “We offer exquisite Mexican cuisine that is truly one-of-a-kind,” he explained. “Our dishes are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and are full of flavor. We also offer a wide variety of margaritas, tequilas, beers and mojitos that perfectly complement our food.”

And the food at Casa Tequila certainly lives up to his high standards. The menu features classic Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos and fajitas, as well as unique creations that you will not find anywhere else. One standout dish is the Sizzling Fajitas, which come with your choice of chicken, steak, shrimp or a combination of all three. The fajitas are served on a hot skillet with sautéed onions and pepper. These tasty fajitas come with all the fixings you need to create your own perfect taco or burrito.

But it is not just the fajitas that keep customers coming back to Casa Tequila. The homemade salsa is made fresh daily and has just the right amount of kick, while the guacamole is made with fresh avocados and a blend of spices that give it a unique and delicious flavor.

The Ensalada de la Casa is another popular dish, with mixed greens, tomatoes, onions and avocado, topped with your choice of grilled chicken or steak. The Caldo de Pollo is a delicious, traditional Mexican soup made with tender shredded chicken, homemade Mexican rice, onions, bell peppers, cilantro, tomatoes and sliced avocado.

Other dishes to try are the Chicken Enchilada, served with refried beans, Mexican rice and fresh salad, and the Carne Asada, featuring thinly sliced skirt steak grilled to perfection, served with homemade Mexican rice, refried beans and garnished with fresh lettuce and pico de gallo.

What trip to a Mexican restaurant would be complete without a margarita? Casa Tequila has a wide selection of margaritas to choose from, including classic, fruit-infused and frozen options. All drinks are made with fresh ingredients and top-shelf tequila, making them the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

End your meal with a great Mexican dessert, such as the Cheesecake Chimichanga, a lightly fried, cheesecake-stuffed chimichanga drizzled with honey and chocolate syrup, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Another sweet treat is the delicious Churros, a lightly fried, thin dough pastry, drizzled with honey, cinnamon, sugar, chocolate syrup and caramel.

Beyond the food and drinks, the warm and welcoming atmosphere is another standout feature that makes Casa Tequila a must-visit restaurant. The restaurant is decorated with colorful paintings, bright red walls and traditional Mexican décor, creating an ambiance that makes patrons feel like they have stepped into a lively cantina south of the border.

Meanwhile, the staff is friendly and attentive, making sure you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.

“We want our customers to feel like they’re part of the family when they come to Casa Tequila,” Rodriguez said. “We take great care in providing excellent service, and we want everyone who visits us to have a great time.”

And that is exactly what you’ll have at Casa Tequila. The restaurant often hosts live music on weekends, and the bar area is a great spot to grab a drink and catch a game on one of the many TVs. The spacious outdoor patio is also a popular spot, with plenty of seating and a relaxed vibe that is perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family.

Also popular at Casa Tequila is Taco Tuesday. “It’s a chance for our customers to enjoy the flavorful adventure of authentic, home-cooked tacos at a great price,” Rodriguez said. “We want everyone to be able to try our delicious food and have a good time doing it.”

Casa Tequila is a must-visit restaurant for anyone in the Wellington area who loves Mexican food. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, delicious food and excellent service, it is no wonder that this restaurant has become a local favorite over the past 10 years. The next time you are in the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine, head over to Casa Tequila and get ready to indulge your taste buds.

The restaurant features lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and don’t miss happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Casa Tequila is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Delivery is available through DoorDash and Uber Eats, or you can call in an order and pick it up.

Casa Tequila is located at 12795 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Wellington Plaza. To view the complete menu, visit www.greatmexicancuisine.com, or call (561) 557-1378 to make a reservation or place an order.

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Wellington Real Estate

Mediterranean Marvel

Mediterranean Marvel Close To All Equestrian Venues, This Custom-Built Home Is Situated On One Of The Highest Lots In Palm Beach Point

Photos Courtesy Betsy Keiser/Keller Williams

This magnificent Mediterranean marvel sits on more than 10 acres in the exclusive Palm Beach Point community. The property features a nine-stall barn with an easy conversion for more, a tack room, a feed room, a laundry, a one-bedroom apartment, a large ring and 11 paddocks. The house and barn include a 45 KW generator, a reverse osmosis water system, and complete impact glass and doors. The adjoining five-plus acres is perfect to add an additional barn or housing, a covered arena, a grass field, paddocks and more. The main home is perfect for the family and entertaining. The home boasts cathedral ceilings, marble floors, Jerusalem stone and teakwood floors. The kitchen has custom wood cabinets with self-closing drawers, granite counters, a vegetable sink, GE Monogram appliances and a professional-grade gas range. The master suite offers beautiful onyx countertops, a Kohler spa tub, a walk-in shower, and a gas, quick-recovery water heater. Additional features include a gym and steam room with surround sound throughout. Two additional, large bedrooms each include a private bath. The family room features a built-in entertainment center, surround sound, a 55-inch television and a gas fireplace. The large, heated pool and spa includes a waterfall and is equipped with remote controls. The poolside summer kitchen has a GE barbecue and granite counters. There is also an exterior full cabana bath. The attached four-car garage provides ample room for vehicles. Meanwhile, the landscaping is impeccable, with a special touch of gorgeous purple and white orchids gracing the trees along the driveway, as well as in the pool and entertainment area.

Keller Williams Property Presented by Jennifer Drahan and Betsy Keiser

Meet Jennifer Drahan and Betsy Keiser

Jennifer Drahan and Betsy Keiser, along with the rest of their team, make up the Drahan-Keiser Team at Keller Williams Wellington. The team closed more than $25 million in 2021, and more than $40 million in 2022. This includes 68 seasonal leases, handling a minimum of 60 per year, farms and homes.

Drahan grew up in the Lone Star State and graduated from Texas A&M in 1995. Her love of horses and show jumping originally brought her to Wellington in 2002. She earned her real estate license in 2010 and has been working full time in the industry since 2012. Drahan specializes in equestrian, luxury and investment properties.

Keiser moved to Wellington with her family in 1984 as a high school student, coming from the Pittsburgh area. She has held a real estate license since 1996. She came to a career in real estate initially through family connections. Her family was involved in new home construction in Pennsylvania and Florida. After a career in property management, she has worked full time in the real estate industry since 2013.

Drahan-Keiser’s core values are simple: honesty and integrity in all things, unparalleled service regardless of price point, and creating a win-win environment for clients and staff.

Learn more about the Drahan-Keiser Team at www.drahankeiser.com

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HOLIDAY LUXE MOM-APPROVED GIFTS FROM The Mall at Wellington Green

HOLIDAY LUXE MOM-APPROVED GIFTS FROM The Mall at Wellington Green

Lifetime Kitchen ‘Woof’ Paper Towel Holder By Everyday Solutions  Show the dog-mom in your life some love and appreciation with Lifetime Kitchen’s ‘Woof’ Paper Towel Holder — the “pawfect” counter accessory. The metal spring tension tail keeps your towels neat and tidy. $29.99

Barefoot DreamsLuxe Knit Throw From Macy’s Cozy up with mom this Mother’s Day underneath a Barefoot Dreams Luxe Knit Throw from the Macy’s Hotel Collection that features a super soft and sumptuous lofty volume. These knits are comprised of two distinct looks; a series of neutral solid shades and a set of bold patterned skins. This gift is sure to bring another layer of comfort to your mom’s home. $68.24

Ella Bella Collection Massage Candles Give mom a relaxing, spa-like experience using Ella Bella’s Massage Candles. These candles are made from coconut oil, vitamin E and essential oils. Purchase in-store or online. Contact Ella Bella Collection at (561) 779-6287 or visit www.ellabellacollection.com. $45.00

Pandora Birthstone Charm Bracelet Sentimental is mom’s middle name, and nothing is more sentimental than a customizable birthstone charm bracelet from Pandora. Add the birthstones of the people she loves most onto the bracelet, and she’ll be sure to cherish this gift. $110.00

Tommy Bahamas Fiesta Bahama Tote Mom will be the life of the party with this Fiesta Bahama Tote. Large enough for your next weekend getaway and light enough to carry every day, this bag’s faux-leather bottom base, storage pockets and island-inspired embroidery make it work for the boardwalk and beyond. $138.00

Brighton Pebble Medali Dual Tone Sunglasses These Balinese-inspired pebble and dot detailed sunglasses from Brighton are the perfect and practical gift for mom. The roundness of this frame gives it a soft look, and the cat-eye feels fun and feminine. Blonde tortoise-color frames are flattering and on trend. Lenses offer 100 percent UV protection. $150.00

Chico’s Ribbon Trim Hat Escape the Florida sun with Chico’s Ribbon Trim Hat. This beautiful hat pairs well with anything, from dresses to swimsuits, and is perfect for mom’s mid-day adventures on Mother’s Day. Decorated with a satiny ribbon trim, she’s sure to look sleek. $59.50

Natubri Coffee & Art Woven Fans Beat the heat this Mother’s Day using Natubri Coffee & Art’s handmade Colombian Woven Fans. This gift is multi-functional, as it can be utilized as a fan, or displayed as a beautiful piece of décor. You can’t go wrong with this unique gift. $12.00 each

The Mall at Wellington Green is a 1.2-million-square-foot, two-level regional shopping destination that features more than 160 stores. Retail and restaurant favorites include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Helzberg Diamonds, Zales, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, Lemongrass, Cask + Shaker, the Palm Beach Museum of Natural History and more. For more information, visit www.shopwellingtongreen.com.

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American Superstar Polo Player Hope Arellano Will Rise To 10-Goal Status By The End Of 2023

American Superstar Polo Player Hope Arellano Will Rise To 10-Goal Status By The End Of 2023

Polo superstar Hope Arellano just completed a stellar season in Wellington that featured her being named Most Valuable Player of the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship held at the United States Polo Association’s National Polo Center-Wellington. It’s safe to say that the 20-year-old Arellano has taken the world of polo by storm — and she’s just getting started.

With a myriad of titles, championships and notable victories on her trophy shelf, Arellano’s dominance and dedication to the sport is an inspiration, especially for other young women.

The Arellano family has deep connections to Wellington, and she can often be found here when not at her home base in Aiken, South Carolina.

A fourth-generation polo player, Arellano knew at just nine years old that she wanted to be a polo professional like her father, Hall of Famer Julio Arellano. Her first adult tournament at the age of 11 served as the catalyst for her polo career, and since then, this phenom has yet to slow down.

“My dad was a professional polo player,” Arellano said. “So, ever since I can remember, I have been riding and been around the sport.”

At age 14, Arellano was rated as a 3-goaler in Women’s Outdoor. Now, six years later, she will achieve the ultimate mark of a professional with the coveted 10-goal handicap in both women’s outdoor and arena polo.

Set to rise to 9 goals in May and 10 goals in December, Arellano’s achievement also marks a significant accomplishment for American polo. She will be the first American woman to achieve a 10-goal Women’s Outdoor handicap since the legendary Sunny Hale, and the first American to achieve any 10-goal status since Polito Pieres in 2015. She is also the youngest American to reach a 10-goal women’s handicap.

It is an achievement that comes as a surprise, even to Arellano.

“I truly couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I definitely think I have a lot of work to do to be at that level.”

Arellano’s handicap raise comes fresh off her win in the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship. Competing with La Fe alongside Winifred Branscum, Pamela Flanagan and Hazel Jackson, Arellano’s stellar performance contributed six goals in the final and earned her recognition as the MVP.

“I was very fortunate to play with La Fe in this year’s Women’s Open,” she said. “They are a great organization. I loved every moment playing with Pam, Hazel and Winnie!”

That feeling was mutual. Praising Arellano’s skill after the match, Jackson noted, “For me right now, she’s the best player in the world. I feel like she’s got much more talent than myself. I think Nina [Clarkin]’s incredible, but I think Hope has got some things that I haven’t seen in other young girls. It’s amazing.”

Arellano was very proud of how her team worked together during the final.

“We really wanted to open it up,” Arellano said after their big victory. “It’s really kind of me and Hazel’s style to hit and run. So going into this game, we were like, ‘Let’s hit, let’s run, let’s spread the field.’ Playing on Field One, we really got to open it up — play our game. When we got our runs, the plan was for one of us to always stay back. We didn’t really do that so well in the first two [chukkers], but we got it together.”

She also thanked Flanagan’s efforts in organizing the team, and the La Fe organization’s continued support. “Pam has put so much work into this. Since last year, she has been working really, really hard,” Arellano said. “To win with Pam and this whole organization… to all the boys that helped out, it took a village! It all wouldn’t have been possible without the organization, so thank you to all of them.”

Aside from her own MVP honor, Arellano’s second chukker spare and sixth chukker horse, 9-year-old Macumba, got Best Playing Pony honors. Like any good polo player, it’s all about the horses for Arellano.

“Macumba is a mare that I purchased from Matias Magrini. He actually sent her to me to play her and sell her. I ended up falling in love with her,” Arellano said. “At the moment I bought her, she wasn’t one of my best horses, and now she has turned into one of my top five. Every time she goes onto the field, she gives me her whole heart and more. Anything I ask her, she goes into. She never second guesses me, even probably when I should be second guessed. I love her heart. She won me over with her heart.”

Arellano previously won the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship in 2017 with San Saba. Just age 14 at the time, she is still the youngest player to ever win the tournament.

Aside from the Women’s Polo Championship, Arellano played in a number of other tournaments in Wellington this season.

“I had a wonderful winter season in Wellington,” she said. “Fortunately, I was able to play in many mixed tournaments, including a few 6 goal, 8 goal, 12 goal and 18 goal.”

Arellano also made headlines last fall with her participation in the XII FIP World Polo Championship, also held at NPC in Wellington, making history as the first woman to compete for the United States in the international contest.

Her addition to the starting lineup continued Team USA’s forward momentum, allowing the red, white and blue to emerge with an electrifying 9-8 overtime win against defending champions and competition favorites, Argentina, to advance to the final. Hope’s contributions also helped Team USA put forth a strong effort in the final, forcing the game into overtime. While they fell in a narrow 11-10 loss to Spain, Team USA’s silver medal finish offered a great deal of hope for the future of American polo on the global scene.

From Wellington, Arellano heads west this spring and across the pond this summer.

“I will be playing in Santa Barbara this spring then head to England in the summer,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the upcoming seasons and focusing on just trying to improve as much as possible!”

Meanwhile, Arellano is also quickly becoming a mainstay in the Women’s Argentine Open, competing the last two years in that prestigious competition. In 2021, she played with La Irenita Libra Seguros, placing third and receiving the Revelation Award for her performance. In 2022, she played with La Irenita E-Movility and advanced to the final, falling to La Dolfina in a hard-fought match. This year, she will compete with El Overo Z7 UAE, one of the strongest women’s polo organizations in the world.

A shining beacon of hope for the advancement of American polo, Arellano’s accomplishments pave the way for many other young professionals, showing that hard work and determination can flourish into a successful career in the sport. Now, with her soon-to-be 10-goal handicap, Arellano is set to continue breaking barriers and records in the years to come.

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Feature Stories

Enjoy Dinner By The Bite

Enjoy Dinner By The Bite Wellington Chamber’s Flavors 2023 Will Return On Thursday, June 1

By Mike May

If you don’t have dinner plans for Thursday, June 1, then consider signing up for Flavors 2023, the annual event which provides attendees with a chance to sample some of the tasty and diverse food from a number of different restaurants in Wellington.

This will be the 20th edition of Flavors, which is an annual event organized by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

“We have 20 exhibiting restaurants on board, and each one will provide a sample of something sweet and savory, plus a beverage,” explained Michela Green, executive director of the Wellington Chamber. “There will also be a few surprises along the way. Plus, we have three after-hours parties scheduled that night.”

In addition to the food and drinks provided at each restaurant, some venues will have live entertainment. Green said that all Flavors attendees are sure to enjoy themselves.

“Flavors is a great way to learn about the incredible hospitality partners, eateries and venues we have right here in Wellington,” she said.

Flavors will start and end at the new host location, which is the National Polo Center-Wellington, located at 3667 120th Avenue South. Attendees will gather there, register for the event, receive their armband, mingle with others, enjoy a snack, have a drink and then board one of the luxury buses, which will take the passengers to each of the eight stops. With 20 restaurants participating in Flavors, most stops will feature multiple places to sample food and drinks.

“We have eight luxury buses for Flavors,” Green said. “Each bus will have room for 56 people. Each stop will last roughly 17 to 19 minutes.”

The luxury bus service is sponsored by 10 businesses: Florida Power & Light (FPL), K&E Travel/Celebrity Cruises, First National Bank Coastal Community (FNBCC) Wellington, Meghan Buser, Hack Tax & Accounting Services, the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, JH Massey Group, the Edison Group, My Community Pharmacy and Casas Law PA.

The National Polo Center is delighted to be the host location for Flavors 2023.

“We are a very community-minded organization and enjoy being involved in events like this,” said Denise Dixon, the director of catering at the National Polo Center. “In addition to hosting the registration, we’ll probably serve a small pasta dish and garlic bread. We are also hoping to distribute our 2024 polo schedule.”

According to Green, registration will start at 5 p.m. and conclude just after 6 p.m.,

“We will then start boarding people onto the buses so we can get people to the first stop by 6:30 p.m.,” Green said. “People will be returned to the National Polo Center around 10 p.m.”

There are two main presenting sponsors for Flavors 2023 — K&E Travel/Celebrity Cruises and Florida Power & Light (FPL). Both are longtime supporters of the chamber and are involved because it’s a great way to support the local business community in Wellington.

“I sponsor Flavors because it’s good for my business,” said Mark Elie, president of K&E Travel. “It’s a phenomenal return on my sponsorship investment. I also plan to participate in Flavors. It’s my favorite Wellington Chamber of Commerce event of the year.”

To fully enjoy Flavors, Green suggests that people utilize a ride service to arrive and depart from the event or get a neighbor to drop them off and then pick them up at the end.

“You will be able to get Lyft or Uber to drop you off and pick you up from the National Polo Center,” Green said. “People should also utilize Lyft or Uber to travel to any of the after-hours parties.”

In addition to sampling the food, desserts and drinks, participants will be asked to vote on their favorite Best Overall Taste, Best Cocktail, Best Dessert and the Best Stop.

To secure a ticket to Flavors, and a seat on one of those eight luxury buses, Green suggests that you quickly access the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s web site at www.wellingtonchamber.com.

“This event sells out, so we encourage those interested in attending to sign up as soon as possible,” Green said. “The charge is $50 for members of the Wellington Chamber and $65 for non-members. You must be at least 21 years old to attend, and there are no exceptions. We have had people as old as 90 participate in Flavors.”

To learn more about Flavors 2023, contact the Wellington Chamber of Commerce at info@wellingtonchamber.com or (561) 792-6525.

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Feature Stories, Wellington Education

Gaining The Competitive Edge

Gaining The Competitive Edge How Wellington Students Can Sow The Seeds Of Success Over The Summer

Story by Jaime Joshi Elder |  Photos by Matt De Santa

Living in South Florida means no shortage of summer activities for high school students. Beating the heat by spending time on the water or visiting one of the state’s numerous theme parks provide a great chance to unwind, but summertime can also mean opportunity for high school students seeking to gain a competitive edge and secure acceptance to their dream college.

“Colleges not only want to see that a student is committed to extracurriculars throughout the school year, but they also look for evidence that students are developing their interests and stretching themselves during the summer, as well,” said Dr. Sapneil Parikh, principal and founder of Sapneil Tutoring.

An ardent believer in lifelong learning, Parikh graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida with a degree in finance and business administration. He earned his first master’s degree in public health from Florida International University and a second master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Touro College. He then went on to earn his dental degree from the LECOM School of Dental Medicine and completed a two-year general practice residency specializing in oral medicine and surgery from East Carolina University and Cornell University.

Parikh is also fluent in reading, writing and speaking Spanish.

If there is one thing that Parikh understands, it’s education, and he knows that the time spent outside of the classroom is just as important as the time students spend in the classroom.

“High school freshmen, sophomores and juniors might want to introduce an advanced class using FLVS or take courses through Coursera or edX,” he suggested. “In addition to offering the chance to earn professional certificates, these sites offer courses in many subjects from data science to American poetry. Students can participate in real time or watch past lectures from professors at schools like Harvard, MIT, Stanford and Yale.”

Incoming sophomores and juniors should start thinking about the SAT and ACT and how to best prepare for success.

Research shows that students who participate in tutoring not only build a foundation for successful work habits that will guide them through their educational journey, but they also have a distinct academic advantage over their non-tutored peers.

A study conducted by San Bernardino Valley College showed that students who received one-on-one tutoring saw an average increase of 12 percent in their standardized test scores and outperformed non-tutored students in STEM courses such as biology, computer science, chemistry and math.

“Students in 10th grade may want to introduce themselves to SAT assessments to increase their comfort with the process of preparing for standardized exams,” Parikh said. “The SAT is going digital in 2024, and it would be a good idea for students to familiarize themselves with the changes for that. The test will be shorter, there will be two sections instead of four, and it is vital to note that students will not be able to see their battery percentage while in the digital testing app, and that test centers are not obligated to provide power to every student. Prepare accordingly and make sure your device is fully charged in advance. Preparation on all fronts.”

Academics aren’t the only avenues worth pursuing. Parikh strongly advocates that students diversify and look to community service, research, and business or entrepreneurship to flesh out their applications.

“Colleges look for evidence that students are developing their interests and stretching themselves during the summer,” he said. “Whether a student wants to explore a new activity or build on a current interest, there are so many options available.”

Jobs, internships and volunteer work serve as a chance to stand out as well as leave an indelible impression.

Getting a summer job or internship shows a level of maturity and responsibility as well as the willingness to be part of a team, while community service not only showcases a passion for a cause and a sense of civic duty, but also serves as a chance to grow personally, increase self-confidence and network with like-minded individuals.

For students interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, Parikh recommended contributing to a research project.

In addition to consulting with the school’s guidance counselor to see what opportunities are available, students should also reach out to local labs, universities and hospitals to see who is seeking student support.

“Participation in research projects can help advance chances for competitive colleges and universities,” Parikh said. “Research provides focus and showcases that the student is trying to be part of the problem-solving process. Who knows? You may even be the first or second author on a publication!”

While Parikh focuses heavily on academics, he is quick to note that learning is a lifelong process that is continually occurring. He encourages students to look beyond the borders of their comfort zone and travel if possible.

“In addition to being a great way to relax and detach, traveling with family and friends can help you become more well-rounded as an individual and can even serve you academically depending on where you go,” he said.

Summer is just around the corner, and with a little planning and balance, high school students can have it all — enjoying some well-deserved time off and preparing for the bright future ahead.

Learn more about Sapneil Tutoring at www.sapneiltutoring.com.

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