Achievers Hold End Of Year Celebration; Present Scholarships

The Safe Children Coalition Achievers Program held the 2023 end of year celebration presenting scholarships to high school graduating seniors. The celebration was held at Michael’s on East on Saturday, June 3rd.

Scholarship recipients were Jaida Cunningham, Isven DeLaRosa, Leah DuBose, Amarah Higdon, Amiya Lloyd, Tatyanna Mitchell, Vivyan Pittman, Giovanni Roman, Anastasia Samedi, Ariel Samedi, Skye Williams and Jaylah Wilson. Renewal scholarships were also awarded to students who are continuing their education. Over 24 renewals were awarded.

        Sarasota Chief of Police Rex Troche’ shared words of encouragement with the students and was presented with the Above and Beyond Award.  The Achievers’ year in review was given by Dr. Tracy Goodman.  Dr. Priscilla Sosa and Madison Sosa, who are Achievers alumni served as mistresses of ceremony.  Kathleen Cowan, Vice President, Community Base Care, brought the welcome and acknowledgements and invocation was given by Rev. Izzy Laguerre.

The Tracy Ross Memorial Scholarship was presented by Ann and Wendy Ross to Jaylah Wilson and Jaida Cunningham. Organizations who collaborate with the Achievers also presented their scholarships: the A. Jean Battie Scholarship to Jaida Cunningham; the Sarasota County Branch NAACP scholarships to Ariel and Anastasia Samedi; and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarships to Giovani Roman, Tatyanna Mitchell, Simeon Glover and Leah DuBose.

The Achievers program supports Sarasota County students throughout their academic careers by emphasizing personal development, college preparation, community service, leadership, cultural enrichment and career opportunities and empowering students to set and achieve educational and personal goals. The program primarily serves underprivileged African American and Latino students, many of whom go on to become first-generation college students. Jone Williams is Achievers Director.

CAPTION: The Achievers’ 2023 scholarship recipients.