Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Bishop Moore High School's head football coach, Matt Hedrick, has been recognized as one of six recipients of the Double-Goal Coach Award. This award, given by the Positive Coach Alliance of Tampa Bay, honors coaches who emphasize both winning and teaching life lessons through sports. "Coach Hedrick’s leadership style, a unique blend of patience, kindness, and assertiveness, has consistently set him apart," said Denyi Canario Ascencio, parent of current player Lance J. "Over the past year, I have witnessed his unwavering dedication to nurturing athletic excellence and our children’s personal growth." Hedrick has led the team for 23 seasons with a current record of 10-3.

In another development in Orlando, Cristo Rey Orlando High School marked an important milestone on February 11 with the blessing of its chapel. Bishop John Noonan officiated at this event that signifies the completion of major renovations at the school. The chapel is intended to support both spiritual and academic growth for students. Cristo Rey Orlando focuses on providing under-resourced students with an education that combines rigorous academics with corporate work experience grounded in Catholic faith values.

Meanwhile, parishioners at St. Margaret Mary in Winter Park held a candlelight prayer vigil on February 12 for James Ford who was executed on February 13 at Florida State Prison in Starke. The gathering also prayed for Ford's victims Gregory and Kimberly Malnory and their family as well as all victims of violent crimes. They called for an end to the death penalty citing teachings from the Catechism of the Catholic Church which state that “the dignity of the person is not lost even after very serious crimes” and highlight alternative detention systems that protect citizens without removing chances for redemption.