Page 14 - Boca Exposure - December '21

Page 14, Boca Exposure
Sixth Annual Mayors Ball Presented By Rotary Club Downtown

Benefits Health And Wellness Needs Of Boca’s Nonprofits

The Sixth Annual Boca Raton Mayors Ball, the first The evening,
black-tie charity event held at The Boca Raton this season, presented by the Rotary
drew 450 guests to celebrate the city’s long, rich history and Club Downtown Boca,
legacy while raising monies for the Rotary Club’s Grant recognized Boca Raton’s
Program that serves the health and wellness needs of Boca mayors, city, business and
Raton’s nonprofits. community leaders who
have exemplified Rotary
International’s motto,
“Service Above Self,”
which serves as the theme
of the grant program. The
highlight of the evening was
the annual presentation of
the George Long Awards to
three visionaries who have
elevated the community.
The 2021 George E.
Long Awards – named for Florida Atlantic University was “in the house” with President Dr. John Kelly, seated left.
the City’s first appointed Photo by Jeffrey Tholl
mayor in 1924 – designed
by Tiffany & Co. and
George Long Award recipients – Arlene Herson, Mary Csar, sponsored by Florida Power
Alex Price. Photo by Gina Fontana & Light, were presented
by club members and
Cochairs Ingrid Fulmer
and Jonathan Whitney, and
Jon Kaye, whose firm Kaye
Communications PR &
Marketing produced the
Mayors Ball.
Several rounds of
applause filled the room
as the George Long Prism
Awards were presented
to those who have long
championed the tradition
of bringing visionary ideas

Marta and Jim Batmasian with Constance Scott. Photo by Sixth Annual Mayors Ball Jonathan and Nicole Whitney, Jessica and Alex Price, Joanna and Boca City Council Member
Jeffrey Tholl on page 15 Andy Thomson. Photo by Gina Fontana

Oxbridge Academy on the Move

What does an acclaimed co-educational, independent newly appointed athletic director Stan Ross, also the
school – known for instilling values, building boys’ lacrosse coach. “Oxbridge paused the football
character, emphasizing diversity, and creating a program in 2018 with some safety concerns with some
curriculum suited for individual choice – do when of the games on the schedule and other reorganization
it reaches its 10-year milestone? In the case of decisions.” Ross adds. “COVID-19 delayed our plans
Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach it adds a a little, however we feel we are ready for the return of
middle school for grades seven and eight and brings football as a junior varsity sport next fall and varsity
back one of its signature athletic programs, football competition in the years to come.”
along with a return of its cheerleading team. The
Kelly Smallridge, Rex Kirby, Constance Scott, Dr. Richard Oxbridge Academy Middle School opened its doors The athletic program also includes baseball,
and Alisa Cohen. Photo by Jeffrey Tholl in August and football is set to return to campus in basketball, cross-country, equestrian, golf, lacrosse,
the fall of 2022. sailing, soccer, softball, swimming, track & field,
tennis, girls volleyball, and girls flag football. Over
“When we began planning for our 10-year anniversary the years, many Oxbridge student-athletes have
and identified ways to build on our strong foundation, received scholarships to play at the next level in
a middle school and bringing back our football college.
program were a big part of the conversation,”
explained Oxbridge Head of School Ralph Maurer. Academically, Oxbridge boasts an average class
The school’s 10-year milestone also coincided with size of 14, a 9:1 student/faculty ratio, and a faculty
several other important factors: more families moving of which 77% have advanced degrees, including
into the area and an increasing demand for private 13% with doctorates. Oxbridge is also proud of its
school education. The timing is right, and so is the unique, signature programs: Artificial Intelligence
mission. (AI), Aviation, Cambridge (England) Scholars, and
Independent Research. The school’s Model U.N. and
Boca Raton’s Mayors: Bill T Smith, Jr.; Susan Whelchel; “Adding middle school grades means preparing debate teams and its theater students consistently
Scott Singer; Steve Abram. Photo by Gina Fontana students at a younger age to be world citizens receive statewide awards and recognition. The
and future leaders who are caring, confident, number of extra-curricular options grows as students
compassionate, critical thinkers,” Maurer continues. are encouraged to bring new ideas for clubs. Oxbridge
“It gives younger students from all walks of life the also emphasizes community service, which includes
opportunity to benefit from a culture that nurtures tutoring students, clothing and toy drives, and beach
and instills values such as integrity, honesty, respect, clean ups.
and gratitude. It will help them develop character and
discover their passions at an earlier age and prepare It’s your turn to discover Oxbridge.
them for a seamless transition to our high school.”
For more information about Oxbridge Academy,
“Bringing back our football program adds another e-mail admission@oapb.org or call (561) 972-9826.
fantastic athletic program and enhances opportunities
for our student body and school spirit,” explains

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Jonathan Whitney, Ingrid Fulmer, Jon Kaye