Montverde Eagles Fly High

As I looked up from my chair by the pool, I saw a sky filled with clouds. I was not sure whether my first opportunity of the year under a hot sun would result in a good tan. It was only a few hours later as I approached Montverde High School that I realized I under estimated the Florida sun, my face a bright red, my thighs tingling against my suit pants. I grossly underestimated the strength of the sun that day much like the competition underestimated the strength and skill of the Montverde Eagles this season.

The Montverde Eagles finished a remarkable 30-0, the first undefeated season in school history. The Eagles were led this year by fourth year coach Kevin Sutton and a Nigeria native, Joseph Tatuka, who also took home the Max Preps Player of the Year trophy. Joseph Tatuka catapulted a little known school into a national powerhouse this past year and we should be seeing much more of him as he enters George Washington next year and competes in the NCAA basketball season.

Montverde did what few other teams did this year. The Eagles won five in season tournaments and beat two eventual state champions including powerhouse national contenders in Florida, Maryland, Georgia, and California. The rise to greatness of a private institution that educates just 200 students is an example of an enduring faith and a brilliant courage that we should all look to emulate.

Thank You Montverde for welcoming us into your beautiful campus. I wish you continued success in your academic and athletic pursuits in 2007 and beyond.

The Ambassador,

Peter DeRogatis