Stetson University freshman Ryan Rinaldo, a Bonner Scholar, is taking a lead role in organizing the second West Volusia Community Expo, to be held Thursday, March 24, at Deltona High School.

The high school campus at 100 Wolf Pack Run in Deltona will come alive from 4:30–7:30 p.m. for the Expo, which was created last year to highlight various services provided to area residents and celebrate the accomplishments of Deltona students. The expo is sponsored by AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a program designed to help underserved students achieve their academic dreams.

As a 2010 graduate of Deltona High School and organizer of last year’s expo, Rinaldo has made it a mission to ensure the event’s long-term success. The expo was created to showcase the area’s public schools’ outstanding students and their many positive activities and accomplishments. The idea grew into a showcase of community services, giving residents the opportunity to gather information about the various services and organizations that serve the West Volusia Region.

Rinaldo works with Deltona High as part of his community engagement through the Bonner Scholars program. Through a partnership with the philanthropic Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation of Princeton, N.J., Stetson supports an active Bonner Scholars program that involves undergraduates in service learning, community engagement and leadership training.

“The Foundation supports innovative programs that have the potential to serve as models for the field, meaning it sets an example for others to follow,” Rinaldo said. “Stetson University is the only university in the state of Florida to have this unique scholarship opportunity where students build long-term relationships with nonprofit organizations.

At the expo, from 4:30–7:15 p.m., a barbeque dinner will be available for purchase from the high school’s FFA organization.  Booths from many community groups will also be on display. The Volusia County Health Department will be providing flu vaccinations to those 18 and older “while supplies last,” and the Florida Blood Center will be collecting blood.

A variety of athletic events will be taking place, including baseball, flag football and tennis. In addition the following free performances will be presented in the gymnasium:

4:30 p.m.     Deltona High School Dance team

5:00 p.m.     Run-DMC “Deltona High School Marketing”

5:15 p.m.     Academy of Dance Arts

5:30 p.m.     STEP team from Heritage Middle

6:00 p.m.     Premier Martial Arts

6:30 p.m.     Belly Dance Etc

For more information, contact Ryan Rinaldo, West Volusia Community Expo organizer, at (407) 587-5353 or [email protected] or contact Rebecca Yurich, AVID sponsor, at (386) 575-4153 or [email protected].