Person of Interest

Person of Interest: Mariah Wallis

Founder of Clermont Compassion strives to give back. Photos: Anthony Rao Vital Stats 22 years old. Sixth-generation Clermont resident. Graduated from Valencia College with a degree in baking and pastry management. Tell me about Clermont Compassion: Every month, Clermont Compassion…

Person of Interest: Duke Jackson

Elections Support Director for Lake County Supervisor of Elections. Photo: Nicole Hamel Vital Stats Has worked 21 years at this job in his hometown of Tavares. Carmen, his wife of 33 years, also works in the Supervisor of Elections office.…

Person of Interest: Terri Kracht

Animal-lover is dedicated to serving her community Photos: Nicole Hamel Vital Stats: Originally from Orlando. Has lived in Clermont since 1988. December 2019 recipient of the Ann Dupee Gem of the Hills Award. What are you passionate about? I’m just…

Person of Interest: Patricia Kry

Executive director of the Faith Neighborhood Center in Groveland. Photo: Nicole Hamel Vital Stats: Has been a nurse for 30 years. Nominated to the Lake County Women’s Hall of Fame in 2018. Started South Lake High School’s Certified Nursing Assistant…

Person of Interest: Michaela McLean

Miss Florida 2019 is a homegrown, eighth-generation Floridian. Vital Stats: Hometown: Clermont. Won Miss Florida Outstanding Teen (2014), Miss Florida Citrus Queen (2019) and Miss Florida (2019). Finished in top 15 in 2019 Miss America pageant. Graduated in 2019 from…

Person of Interest: Michele Rigby Assad

Former undercover officer for the CIA. Vital Stats Childhood hometowns: Mount Plymouth, Mount Dora. Graduated from Tavares High School. Current hometown: Brevard County. Occupation: Author, inspirational speaker, international security consultant. What I hope readers glean from “Secret Cover,” my tell-all…

Person of Interest: Marie Rich

Realtor, animal lover—and hippie. Vital Stats Realtor with RE/MAX Premier Realty, Mount Dora. Founder of Rich Critter Foundation. Pets: One dog, seven cats. Waitressed for 28 years. Best part of job? I know this sounds so cliché, but it’s helping…

Person of Interest: Lyris Garcia

U.S. military veteran and teacher makes an impact at East Ridge H.S. Vital Stats Born in Brooklyn, New York. Attended Central Texas College, St. Leo University and University of Phoenix for bachelor of science degree in information technology. Joined military…

Person of Interest: Dr. Nitza Alvarez

Cardiologist and women’s health advocate. Vital stats Born in Puerto Rico, attended medical school there. Runs practice out of Tri County Heart Institute, The Villages. Author of “Heels Vs. Ties: Living with Your #1 Threat.” Favorite part of your job?…

Person of Interest: Kammy Chapman

2019 Teacher of the Year knows all the angles of education. Vital Stats Geometry teacher at Tavares High School. Taught math at Mount Dora Middle School. Born in Canandaigua, New York. Earned health education degree, Cortland State University; master’s in…