Take Stock in Children of Florida (State HQ)

Congratulations to the Class of 2024 in the Take Stock in Children program at Walton Education Foundation! Team Walton shared, "These five students have worked so hard to achieve their high school diploma AND be accepted into their university of choice. They each wore their university attire to inspire the current Take Stock, Walton students closing in on their college goals. Each program graduate will receive a 60 credit hour scholarship from Take Stock, Walton County." We're so excited for you, Grady, Alejandro, Mallory, Rilee, and Ollinca! Read where the students will be attending in the fall here: https://buff.ly/3VO4cWG #TakeStockinChildren #Classof2024 #collegebound #ShareYourTakeStockStory #TheirNextChapterStartsNow

We're highlighting more Take Stock alumni graduating from Florida Atlantic University and The Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program! Genesis Velasquez Hernandez, a Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County alum (2020), is a Delray Beach native whose parents immigrated from Honduras. Genesis was determined to show the family that anything is possible. Acceptance into the Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program helped make the scholar's dream of a college degree become a reality by supporting Genesis in earning a biological sciences degree with a criminal justice minor. At Florida Atlantic, Genesis thrived as the president of the Tri-Alpha First-Generation Honor Society. The scholar engaged in various organizations, including Girls Who Code, First and Proud, the Blood Pressure Association, and the National Women's Organization. Focused on academic pursuits, Genesis conducted biological research under the guidance of faculty members Drs. Frazier and Schuerle in the College of Science. Genesis contributed to data analysis for tortoise and iguana interactions with Dr. Frazier and collaborated with Dr. Schuerle on bacteriophage experiments targeting Xanthomonas euvesicatoria bacteria. Simultaneously, the scholar explored criminal justice through hands-on forensics experiences. A standout moment for Genesis was during an internship with the Disney College Program, where the scholar developed transferable skills and networked with industry leaders. Post-graduation, Genesis aims to pursue a master's degree in forensic science and work in a research lab. The Class of 2024 grad also dreams of traveling to Spain and fostering global connections. Congratulations, Genesis! We look forward to seeing where your passions for science, justice, and global collaboration will take you! #TakeStockinChildren #KellyStrulEmergingScholars #Classof2024 #TakeStockinCollege

Catherine Steinruck is our 2024 Outstanding Senior from the Take Stock program at the Futures Foundation for Volusia County. Graduating from Deltona High School, Catherine worked hard in school to achieve all A's senior year, and that dedication hasn't gone unnoticed. "From day one, Catherine has been a devoted Take Stock scholar," shared Liz Falero of the Futures Foundation for Volusia County Schools. "Catherine has consistently met with the student's mentor these past four years, taking challenging courses. Catherine participates in Take Stock activities and communicates well with the scholar's mentor and our Take Stock Volusia staff." Connection, Trust, and Bond are words that describe Catherine's connection to Take Stock mentor, Mrs. Calkins. "I always try my best, but my mentor taught me to cut myself some slack and not be so hard on myself." Catherine has been an active member of SETA (Society for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and is also an NHS (National Honor Society) officer. Pursuing a Pre-engineering/Biomedical Engineering track in the fall at Stetson University, Catherine desires to create prosthetics to help those in need in the future. Catherine, we believe in you and your future! Congratulations as you pursue this next chapter! #TakeStockinChildren #Classof2024 #TheirNextChapterStartsNow #ShareyourTakeStockStory

June is Responsible Fatherhood Month in Florida! This month, we collectively celebrate fathers! Fathers and father figures are pivotal to the lives of their children every day. In this episode of the Mentors & Milestones Podcast, we talk with Chris Sprowls, former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives and advocate for the Father First FL initiative. In this conversation, we discuss the importance of male role models and mentors in our lives and how men can help impact the lives of at-risk youth in their communities. Don't miss this special episode! Listen through your favorite podcast platform or click here: https://lnkd.in/eBgbyYNe #ResponsibleFatherhoodMonth #fatherhood #FatherFirst #TakeStockinChildren #MentoringChangesLives

Kevin Perez is Take Stock Seminole's 2024 Outstanding Senior! The future New York University Mathematics major is known in their program as one of the most motivated students, graduating from Crooms Academy of Information Technology with a 3.83 GPA. "Since joining Take Stock in Children, Kevin has displayed a strong desire to succeed throughout high school while focusing on the senior's career and educational goals," shared Stacy-Ann Moncrieffe of Take Stock Seminole. "Despite Kevin's personal challenges, the student demonstrates remarkable resiliency. Kevin's mother migrated to the U.S. from Cuba. Kevin grew up in a single-parent household. Despite having ADHD, Kevin continues to work hard each day, determined to achieve a college education as a first-generation college student." Kevin has reached this point with the help of a caring mentor. One valuable lesson the scholar will take into the next chapter is "To tell the truth regardless of the perceived consequences." Kevin's Take Stock story is an example of perseverance and innovation. The Outstanding Senior was very active in high school, including serving as Vice President of the Math Collegiate Society at the University of Central Florida, where he was dual enrolled. Kevin was also a Junior Board Executive of a tutoring website and a founder of an education math website that helps students find resources and lessons for recreational mathematics. Kevin has big dreams and ambitions to help others and make a difference in the scholar's community. "Mathematics, when taught in an engaging and enlightening way, can create a passion in students. In the future, I will apply my expertise in mathematics by developing lessons and educational resources. I will work on a math website offering education videos and regular live lessons in teaching recreational mathematics. Having started this year with a couple of peers of mine, I want to continue building on it with a unique focus on creating lessons that teach in an engaging and informative way." Kevin, we believe you're already off to a phenomenal start to a success that will benefit so many! Congratulations! #TakeStockinChildren #Classof2024 #TheirNextChapterStartsNow #ShareyourTakeStockStory

This #MentorMonday, we want to give a Take Stock shout-out to Sandi Dembinsky, aka "Grandma Sandi," to many at Spruce Creek High School and the Take Stock in Children Volusia County program. Sandi began mentoring two students several years ago and hasn't looked back. When those students successfully graduated and moved on to college in 2022, Sandi continued to be a Take Stock in Children mentor. Sandi feels the relationships built with the mentees are the secret to keeping this dynamic mentor young. Congratulations, Grandma Sandi, on being named Take Stock Volusia's Mentor of the Year! Your student mentees and the Volusia County community are grateful for you! #TakeStockinChildren #MentoringChangesLives

Hailey Garza is this year's Take Stock Outstanding Senior from the Take Stock in Children program of Alachua County! Graduating from Buchholz High School with a 3.98 GPA, the student's intrinsic motivation to excel in every endeavor opens doors to numerous opportunities and establishes a strong work ethic, which Hailey embraces wholeheartedly. "Hailey holds herself to very high standards, as all her work is the best," shared Kim Anderson of The Education Foundation of Alachua County. "The senior doesn't want to fall short in any area and gives 110% in everything. Hailey is resolutely persistent, so even when things become challenging, the scholar will power through it." Hailey is laser-focused on the future, starting the next chapter at the University of Florida to study Finance. And that's not all. Hailey plans to minor in accounting, earn a Master of Finance, and get a real estate license. "I plan to sit for the CPA exam and pass," Hailey declared. "With my degree and experience, the end goal in mind is to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a large business. In my time at the university, I would like to achieve some financial certifications and participate in finance programs." It is truly inspiring to see a student have such a clear outlook on their future goals. Hailey took a moment to share what Take Stock has done to help the student achieve success in college, career, and life. "I see Take Stock as a door that opened for me in a period where I needed to start thinking about my future," Hailey shared. "I honestly cannot begin to imagine not having a mentor and access to the resources I have been given through Take Stock. I have had the pleasure of creating a relationship with my mentor and college success coach and meeting other Take Stock students like me. Take Stock means so much as this program is kickstarting my commitment to college. I didn't come from a family with the means to provide me with an education. Take Stock allows me to give myself a better education institution and learning experience. This program has facilitated my academic ambitions and has been a beacon of hope, offering financial support." Thank you, Hailey, for being an inspiring student and representative of Take Stock. Continue to shine bright! #TakeStockinChildren #Classof2024 #TheirNextChapterStartsNow #ShareyourTakeStockStory

We're acknowledging several students who have graduated this semester from Florida Atlantic University in the Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars program! These Take Stock students can study and graduate from FAU debt-free through this opportunity! One of the first graduates we're sharing with you is Daunte Harris, a Take Stock Hillsborough grad (2020) whose goal is to have an auditing career in one of the "Big 4" accounting firms. Raised in a close-knit family as one of 10 siblings, Daunte was determined to pursue college and a lucrative career without imposing a financial strain on the student's family. The Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program gives first-generation college students financial support, academic training, and career advice. With these valuable services, Daunte secured two internships with PwC, one of the leading professional services networks in the world, and an internship at tax advisory and accounting firm CohnReznick LLP. Daunte's experiences on campus and at work have helped the scholar develop good communication, time management, and discipline, among other valuable skills for a successful future. Daunte credits the Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program for instilling these values and encouraging graduates to persevere during challenging situations. After graduation, Daunte will work as a tax associate at CohnReznick while pursuing a master's degree in sports administration at St. Thomas University. Congratulations, Daunte! #TakeStockinChildren #KellyStrulEmergingScholars #Classof2024 #TakeStockinCollege Hillsborough Education Foundation

Take Stock Citrus senior Ashley Trochez has a bright future ahead. Ashley is not only a 2024 Take Stock Leaders 4 Life fellow, but the scholar will attend the University of South Florida in the fall to major in Psychology. With help from The Florida Lottery Bright Futures and Take Stock scholarships, Ashley can have a less stressful college experience. "These resources will help take the monetary burden from my family and me and help me focus completely on my education, which will ultimately maximize my academic results." We're excited for you, Ashley, and all Take Stock in Children students who benefit from the Bright Futures Scholarship! #FloridaLottery #TakeStockinChildren #FundingFutures #2024

Take Stock Brevard grad Nathan Boonsanguan has been named their 2024 Outstanding Senior! Pursuing Computer Science in the fall at the United States Military Academy at West Point, Nathan's career goals include being an outstanding leader of character in the United States Armed Forces, serving as an officer, and leading our nation's men and women to greatness. Nathan's Take Stock story started in the seventh grade, coming suited and prepared for the student interview. Since then, Nathan has stood out in the Take Stock Brevard program for being prepared, exceeding expectations, and demonstrating a spirit of excellence. The West Shore High School grad served as a peer-to-peer "Study Buddy," offering math tutoring for Nathan's Take Stock peers in Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Pre-Calc, SAT Math Prep, and Middle School Math. "Nathan desired to help the senior's peers improve their math and SAT scores by providing the resources and creating an environment where everyone can succeed," shared Del Jordan of Take Stock Brevard. Nathan's drive to give back to others was cultivated during the student's time at Take Stock. "Take Stock has been a great community that taught me many life skills," Nathan shared. "Through my mentor, I learned what it means to be a leader and someone anyone can rely on. I met many people who are like-minded in our goals and make exceptional friends. Take Stock is more than a mentorship program; it's a family." This outstanding leader has a positive outlook on the future. "In 20 years, I see myself as a leader in the Armed Forces. I aspire to be a great example of a man and a leader to all those I lead. I also see myself being a heavy contributor to my home community. I hope to become a mentor in the Take Stock community to help uplift many more young kids as Take Stock did with me." Nathan, you're already paving your way as an outstanding leader and student! We are proud of you! #TakeStockinChildren #Classof2024 #TheirNextChapterStartsNow #ShareyourTakeStockStory