Student Spotlight: Carlos Toledo
Meet Four Counts president, Carlos Toledo. His journey with Dr. Phillips Center’s AdventHealth School of the Arts began in elementary school through Disney Musicals in Schools— an experience that sparked a lasting passion and introduced him to the art center’s education programs. Finding the performing arts at such a young age was a pivotal moment for him. "The performing arts is more than a creative outlet—it has given me community. Through every experience, I’ve learned to stay curious, keep growing and use art as a way to help every story feel represented,” Carlos says.
Over the years, he has remained deeply involved in Dr. Phillips Center’s AdventHealth School of the Arts, serving as a Teen Ambassador, participating in summer productions such as Mean Girls, Bring It On and Elf The Musical, and now leading Four Counts as president.
“Four Counts is my pride— we come to create art but we also create community. On top of that, we get amazing exposure to industry professionals and performance opportunities.” For Carlos, performing is more than the spotlight; it’s about connection and storytelling. “When I’m on stage, I feel complete,” he says. “My favorite thing is connecting with the audience and the people around me. I feel that same sense of connection and joy being shared with others.”
During the 2026 Applause Awards, Carlos played an important role behind the scenes as the student reporter— capturing all the excitement and hard work leading up to the event through social media. He was also the recipient of Spirit of the Applause Awards, a scholarship awarded to a student who embodies values of Dr. Phillips Center and everything that the Applause Awards stands for including hard work, dedication, integrity and compassion.
Meet your student reporter here.
Since his first day at AdventHealth School of the Arts, Carlos has felt supported by both his peers and mentors. “This group makes me feel so appreciated and so seen. Everyone is talented in their own different ways. We’re dedicated, driven and support one another— it’s a safe and inclusive environment.”
A memory that stands out from this year was the college decision process and the lasting impact the education made on him and his peers. “This faculty is more than just mentors. They are pivotal to our success,” Carlos says. “The thing I hold nearest to my heart is the dedication and support that the education team gave each one of us,” he recalls. “There was always guidance, someone to talk to and a drive to have you succeed.”
That support helped Carlos achieve his next goal: admission to Missouri State University, where he will pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre. Before he heads out to pursue his dreams, you can catch Carlos in the Florida Musical Theatre Intensive production of West Side Story.
Learn more about programs offered at AdventHealth School of the Arts or sign up for a class here.