Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County recently announced its top scholarship awards to five special and unique seniors for exceptional achievement demonstrated throughout the nonprofit’s four-year program.
Each will be awarded and recognized with a short video presentation and introduction by their mentor when called to walk the stage at the School District of Palm Beach County’s graduation ceremonies this month.
This year, with the graduation of 111 seniors from Palm Beach County schools, Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County is once again celebrating a 100 percent success rate for the students it serves. Mentoring and college readiness programs are at work to further the nonprofit’s vision to help children break out of the cycle of poverty that surrounds them with higher education. The organization is awarding nearly $1 million in scholarships to Palm Beach County students in the graduating class of 2021.
“When our students cross the stage to receive their diplomas, scholarships and special awards, it is our proudest, most rewarding, celebrated moment,” said Nancy Stellway, executive director of Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County.
Students honored this year by Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County, in five special categories, are: Dustin LaPlatte, Jupiter High School, Highest GPA Award; Ariel Betancourt, Glades Central High School, Most Improved Award; Woodarlie Toto, Glades Central High School, Persistence Award; Brianna Paniagua, Pahokee Middle-Senior High School, Outstanding Senior Award; and Osinachi Nwosu, Lake Worth High School, Best Portfolio Award.
“We especially cheer this year’s graduates with the many, unplanned and added challenges these amazing kids have experienced this year,” Stellway said. “Throughout the course of four years, our dedicated, volunteer mentors spend valued time getting to know these students personally, and are there for them at every stage and turn, providing academic, and emotional support to foster each student’s educational success.”
Visit www.takestockpalmbeach.org to learn more about Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County’s programs.
