Laura Castanza, the Director of Education for the Team Horner Group, had a unique introduction to the pool industry at a young age. 
“My father has been an inventor and formulator of swimming pool surfaces for decades,” said Laura, “As a family, we spent most of our time in and around water.”
The South Florida native watched her dad become increasingly fascinated by cements and aggregates, and resolute in applying them as swimming pool finishes.  It was only a matter of time before she would contribute. 

Valerie Lyons is another academic star who has been making the FSPA Scholarship Program proud.  The senior from the University of Florida is a Telecommunications major who was made for the lights, camera and action.

Winning awards can be a great way for a business to stand out from the competition.

Think about it, when a potential customer sees the words “award-winning” on any brochure, ad, social media post, company truck, etc. they’re more likely to trust that company or employee because a third party organization endorsed and recognized that business or professional.  Those words “award-winning” automatically establish a sense of trust and credibility with current and potential consumers.  

Jessica Piercy, a four-year winner of the FSPA Scholarship award, hasn’t disappointed the association or the program one bit.    She has excelled in her academics since she entered UCF as a freshman a few years ago.

Her undergrad days are over now, but her days of learning and scholarship awards haven’t ended yet. She’s wrapping up her Pharmacy degree from UCF and has gained a great deal of experience working in the medical field.   

Ray Kurilavicius isn’t a stranger to blue collar work, he’s done it all.  He started off as an automotive technician and eventually worked as a marine repairman, diesel mechanic, propane technician and then a CDL driver.

That experience Ray was accumulating in his professional life would lead him to an opportunity to work on pools early on in the 90s.