HH&A Marks 25 Years at Community Celebration
- Intern Candidate
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
In 2026, Holiday HOOPS & ARTs proudly celebrates 25 years of serving the Central and South Florida communities. Surrounded by friends, families, partners, alumni, and volunteers, HH&A came together for a momentous and powerful 25th Anniversary Community Celebration, a time that reflected not only where we've been but also where we're going.
From the very start, the event was filled with energy, connection, and joy. One of the most memorable moments came as the entire community joined together to sing "Happy Birthday," capturing the spirit of togetherness that has defined HH&A for the past quarter of a century.
However, this celebration was more than just a milestone, but a living reflection of our pillars: HOOPS, ARTS, Life Skills, and Health.
HOOPS
During Co-CEO Faith Holiday's speech, she focused on understanding that success isn’t
limited to one path. She encouraged athletes to stay disciplined, be intentional about their goals, and remain mindful of how they present themselves, including their online presence, as opportunities can come from unexpected places.
Coach Holiday also shared her perspective through a featured interview, offering guidance to young athletes navigating their journeys.
As a three-time Florida Regional Championship Coach with Evans High School, Coach Holiday continues to mentor and lead by example, helping young people build confidence both on and off the court.
Throughout the day, youth athletes took the court, playing, learning, and supporting one another, reinforcing that the game is about more than competition.
Watch the HOOPS Spotlight: https://youtu.be/s79rcRxT16s
ARTS
ARTS specialist Kristal DeClou led an interactive activity that encouraged creativity and collaboration.
Participants began by painting individually, then rotated canvases and continued each other’s work. The activity created a space for expression, adaptability, and connection, while also showing how creativity can bring people together.
🎥 Watch the ARTS Spotlight: https://youtu.be/GqQy4i7a6Ks
Life Skills
Retired Apopka Fire Chief John Hightower spoke with youth about the importance of life skills and how the lessons learned through sports can carry into the future.
Drawing from his own journey, he emphasized that discipline, teamwork, and accountability are skills that extend far beyond the court. His message reinforced that even if an athlete’s path changes, the skills they develop will continue to open doors.
At HH&A, Life Skills remains a core part of preparing youth for what comes next.
🎥 Watch the Life Skills Spotlight: https://youtu.be/rvmYw5h_eQg
Health
Health speaker and Advisory Council member Jessica Barreto led an engaging session focused on movement and consistency.
Youth participated in drills centered on strength, endurance, and control, learning how important it is to build healthy habits early. Her message emphasized that taking care of your body is essential for both performance and long-term well-being.
🎥 Watch the Health Spotlight: https://youtu.be/QKgpL6MaIq4
Community and Impact
The celebration also highlighted the lasting impact of HH&A through its alumni and leadership. Founders Westley Holiday Sr. and Judy Holiday, along with returning alumni, continue to represent the foundation of the organization.
Among them is Lekita Logan Range, an HH&A alumna and successful CEO and author. As part of the event, attendees participated in a raffle featuring her books and other items, creating a moment of recognition and inspiration for the next generation.
🎥 Watch the Founders Spotlight: https://youtu.be/-dJXkARVIRs
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Coach Will at Drillz 2 Skillz for sponsoring the event space and helping make this celebration possible.
With thanks to Allstate volunteer Charlotte and Hooks Insurance Agency, this event was funded in part through support from The Allstate Foundation.
We are also grateful for our volunteers, coaches, staff, board members, and advisory council, whose time and dedication made this event a success.
🎥 Watch the Volunteer Spotlight: https://youtu.be/RyzjlvWag8I
Looking Ahead
As Holiday HOOPS & ARTS celebrates 25 years, the focus remains the same — continuing to support youth through HOOPS, ARTS, Life Skills, and Health.
Because at HH&A, it has always been about more than basketball.
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