WEST PALM BEACH — Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County is thrilled to announce its top scholarship awards to five very special and unique seniors for exceptional achievement demonstrated throughout the nonprofit’s four-year program.

With smiles and pride, 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, taking place June 7 at the South Florida Fairgrounds, in West Palm Beach.

This year, the graduation of 111 seniors from Palm Beach County schools, Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County is once again celebrating a 100% 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, 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 G.P.A. Award; Ariel Betancourt, Glades Central Community High School – Most Improved Award; Woodarlie Toto, Glades Central Community High School – Persistence Award; Brianna Paniagua, Pahokee Middle-Senior High School – Outstanding Senior Award; and Osinachi Nwosu, Lake Worth Community 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 added. “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.”