Take Stock in Children is a statewide scholarship program for at-risk students that provides a unique opportunity for deserving students from low-income homes to escape the cycle of poverty through education. The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is the local administrator of the program. We offer our students college scholarships, caring volunteer mentors and hope for a better life. When these students are accepted into our program, they sign a contract to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA; stay crime and drug free; and meet with their mentor regularly. When they graduate from high school, having kept this commitment, they are guaranteed a four-year tuition scholarship to college.
Students may apply in sixth grade or ninth grades. The applications are reviewed by our Take Stock in Children Selection Committee and ranked, based on several criteria. We are happy to accept 30 students in to the Take Stock in Children program this school year. Students were notified at their schools and recognized by their teachers, administration, and peers. Because of the tremendous gift these students are receiving, Foundation staff chose to surprise and congratulate these deserving students in a manner similar to how we notify our Golden Apple Teacher Finalists. Foundation staff, school administrators, and in some instances, the media interrupted these students’ classes with the good news. The reactions varied from stunned silence to shouts of joy and tears of happiness.
This year, The Foundation was able to partner with The Boston Red Sox for the middle school surprises. Wally, the team mascot, joined Foundation staff members in surprising the five new recipients in their classrooms. He also stayed to take pictures and meet and greet the other students in the classes.
The 8 New Lehigh Acres Scholars for 2014-15 are:
Karinna Chaluisant, East Lee County High
Shayra Delgrado, Lehigh Senior High
Rahkeem Jacques, Lehigh Senior High
Annie Leon, East Lee County High
Jovani Ocampo, Varsity Lakes Middle
Jennifer Oxier, East Lee County High
Breana Vega, Lehigh Senior High
Tasya Wallace, Lehigh Senior High