Press Room
May 20, 2009 | Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend Awards Three College Scholarships
For Media Information:
Stacey Getz, APR
850-656-8100, ext. 322
sgetz@bgcbb.org
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend recently awarded four-year tuition scholarships to qualifying state universities to three deserving Jefferson County Club members. In 2007, the organization leveraged a $68,000 donation from Intuition Systems to encourage a match from the Stanley Tate Scholarship Tuition for At-Risk Students (STARS) Program, ultimately garnering $150,000 in pre-paid scholarships for local Boys & Girls Club members.
“This is a very important investment in the future of our kids and our communities,” said Buddy Streit, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend. “Boys and Girls Clubs provide hope, opportunity and positive adult role models for young people. But this gift provides real, tangible financial support so kids can continue their education through hard work and dedication.”
The three scholarship recipients stood out above the pool of high school applicants across four counties as a result of their academic achievements, leadership qualities, commitment to community service and involvement in their local Boys & Girls Club. It just so happened that all three recipients were from Jefferson County.
As part of their scholarship requirements, each of these ambitious students must pair up with a mentor who will guide them through the college preparation process, which they must complete before receiving any funds. The students must also maintain contact with their mentor throughout their four years of college.
Boys & Girls Club Scholarship Award Recipients
Janelle Bassa, Junior, Jefferson County Middle/High School
Janelle, an eight-year member of the Jefferson County Teen Center Boys & Girls Club, is a former Youth of the Month, former treasurer of the Keystone Club, current member of SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco), and eight-year member of the County 4-H Club, where she currently serves as president of the County Council. She is also a proud member of the Jefferson Middle/High School JROTC. Janelle aspires to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in business management and go on to acquire a Master’s Degree. Eventually she would like to establish an organization that assists low-income families.
Eric Evans, Junior, Jefferson County Middle/High School
Eric comes from a single-parent home and has been a Boys & Girls Club member for 13 years. He gives back to the organization and his community by serving as a junior staff member at the St. Phillip Club and volunteering at Bethel AME Church and Byrnwood Nursing Home. In 2008, he was selected from more than 7,000 Club members as the organization’s Youth of the Year. After graduating from college, Eric plans to pursue a career in social work.
Latoria James, Junior, Jefferson County Middle/High School
Latoria attends the Jefferson County Teen Center Boys & Girls Club, where she serves as a youth mentor through Project K.I.C.K. and participates in the SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) program. As a member of the 4-H Club, she gives back to the community through multiple service projects. A member of the Florida A&M Upward Bound program, she plans to study criminal justice and eventually earn a Ph.D.
The Jefferson County School Board will recognize these students at an upcoming meeting.
To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend, call (850) 656-8100 or visit www.ThePositivPlaceForKids.org.
ABOUT THE STANLEY TATE STARS PROGRAM
The Stanley Tate Scholarship Tuition for At-Risk Students (STARS) program is the primary and largest of the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, which provides college scholarships to low-income children and other children in need. For more information visit www.floridaprepaidcollegefoundation.com.
ABOUT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE BIG BEND
Established in 1992 to help curb local youth crime and delinquency, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend offers kids ages 5 to 18 a Positive Place to Go after school, where they can grow personally and academically in a safe and structured environment. Now operating 12 Clubs in Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson and Leon Counties and serving more than 7,000 members every year, the organization provides a compelling alternative to drugs, crime, gang activity and other negative influences affecting local youth today, and enables members to realize their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. As an independent affiliate of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend relies heavily on the generosity of local benefactors and direct support from public and private entities. To learn more, visit www.ThePositivePlaceForKids.org.
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