Traducir esta página // Tradui paj sa a

You are here: Home > Congratulations to the 2011 Take Stock in Children Graduating Class! > News > Congratulations to the 2011 Take Stock in Children Graduating Class!

  • Click to adjust text size:
  • A A A

Congratulations to the 2011 Take Stock in Children Graduating Class!

TSIC 2011 Graduating Class and The Education Foundation of Collier CountyInvesting in our Future:

The Education Foundation of Collier County is proud to announce the 28 Take Stock in Children scholars graduating in the class of 2011.

On April 28th, the graduating students’ accomplishment was celebrated at a lovely dinner and ceremony at the Bower Chapel at Moorings Park.  The celebration was sponsored by Moorings Park and Florida Gulf Coast University.  This year’s graduating class was named for James and Debra Wallace, long-time champions for Take Stock in Children, and donors supporting 17 of this year’s graduating class.  In addition, this year, the Volunteer of the Year award recognized Joyce Heim, a committed mentor and long-time donor in the program.

This program identifies and selects economically challenged students in the eighth grade who would not otherwise afford college.  Students commit to staying drug and crime-free, maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and graduate high school, and meet with an adult mentor from the program weekly during the school year.  In eighth grade, these students are promised a scholarship to a Florida state college or university if they fulfill these obligations.

This opportunity for a scholarship inspires students to stay focused on their future and how they can become integral members of communities.  These 28 students in the 2011 graduating class have collectively earned more than $1,200,000 in grants and scholarships.

The Education Foundation of Collier County is able to purchase these scholarships for $7,500 through the Florida Prepaid Foundation’s Stanley Tate Project STARS Matching Fund.  We are already looking to the match opportunity for 2011-12, and are seeking contributions for next year.

The Education Foundation has been running the Collier County program since 1999, having served 362 students over the last 12 years.  126 are currently in the program, including this group of graduates.  We now have some very convincing data about the success of the program:

  • 90% of students complete the program and earn the 4-year scholarship
  • 95% graduate high school (Collier County average 80%)
  • 99% are accepted into a post-secondary educational institution of their choice
  • 85% earned post-secondary degree or are presently utilizing scholarships (national average is 63%)

In addition to the one-on-one mentoring program, The Education Foundation provides students with college preparatory activities, and the opportunities to practice life skills, employment skills and leadership skills, so that they will be successful in school and life.  The collaboration with Quest for Kids provides exemplary college preparation and is funded through the League Club.



Photo Credit:  Gail Rothenberg

Photo Caption:  Front Row (L-R):  Andrea Tanguma (Lely HS), Maria Reyes (Lely HS), Beatris Francisco (Lely HS), Jessica Blohm (Lely HS), Kiarra Curry (Golden Gate HS), Jessica Cetoute (Golden Gate HS), Stephanie Alvarado (Lely HS), Karen Aguirre-Lopez (Lely HS), Kendra Gleason (Barron Collier HS).  Middle Row (L-R):  Chase Falco (Gulf Coast High), Shauni Lynch (Lely HS), Amanda Weekes (Golden Gate HS), Breanna McLaughlin (Lely HS), Fabian Ortiz (Lorenzo Walker HS), Natalia Guarnizo (Golden Gate HS), Luisa Bravo (Barron Collier HS), Lisvet Luceno (Golden Gate HS), Oliver Cuevas-Salinas (Golden Gate HS).  Back Row (L-R):  Katherine Lopera (Naples HS), Kory Kohl (Barron Collier HS), James Whiting (Barron Collier HS), Kaitlin Ragen (Barron Collier HS) Josey Prior (Lely HS), Aaron Harris (Golden Gate HS), Itzel Lemus (Golden Gate HS), Wendy Lemus (Golden Gate HS), Spencer Stearns (Golden Gate HS).  Not pictured Shinetra Mixon (Golden Gate HS).