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STRIVE Awards celebrate Sarasota County students’ grit and perseverance

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
Super STRIVER Award recipient Morgan Centeno of Riverview High with Sarah Harding of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County and Erin Del Castillo, principal. For a list of all award recipients, including photos, visit EdFoundationSRQ.org/strive-awards.
Super STRIVER Award recipient Morgan Centeno of Riverview High with Sarah Harding of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County and Erin Del Castillo, principal. For a list of all award recipients, including photos, visit EdFoundationSRQ.org/strive-awards.

Thirty-five high school seniors and 26 juniors were honored on April 7 at the 24th STRIVE Awards hosted by the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.

The annual ceremony celebrates juniors and seniors who have demonstrated resilience and determination in overcoming academic and personal challenges to make significant improvements and stay focused on their goals.

Students were nominated by counselors, teachers, and principals at Sarasota County Schools’ seven district high schools, and seniors completed interviews with an Education Foundation selection committee.

The community can watch the streamed event and see a list of all 2022 STRIVE seniors and juniors, including photos, at EdFoundationSRQ.org/strive-awards.

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“Often, we find great leaders are those who demonstrate resolve, perseverance, endurance, and personal agency," said Jennifer Vigne, president and CEO of the Education Foundation. "STRIVE honorees have formed these inner strengths and we believe they are poised for greatness.”

Booker High STRIVE Award recipients, from left, Jonathan Demarini Porras, Jenna Logan, Raven Peterson, Giacomo Mutti and Kayla Chapa with Thomas Williams of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County and Dr. Rachel Shelley, principal. For a list of all award recipients, including photos, visit EdFoundationSRQ.org/strive-awards.
Booker High STRIVE Award recipients, from left, Jonathan Demarini Porras, Jenna Logan, Raven Peterson, Giacomo Mutti and Kayla Chapa with Thomas Williams of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County and Dr. Rachel Shelley, principal. For a list of all award recipients, including photos, visit EdFoundationSRQ.org/strive-awards.

During the interviews, seniors selected as STRIVE Award recipients provided clear and compelling answers about how they are applying lessons learned after overcoming obstacles, and they demonstrated a drive, passion, and plan to complete their educational journey.

Each senior STRIVE Award recipient will receive a $1,000 cash award to help pursue their educational journeys. One senior from each high school will receive $2,500 Super STRIVER Award. Junior STRIVE Award recipients will receive certificates and an invitation to join the Education Foundation Mentoring Program.

“These students inspire us, motivate us, and humble us, and we can learn a lot from them about grace and grit,” Vigne said.

Participants in the award celebration included Vigne; Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen; and high school principals Dr. Rachel Shelley (Booker), David Jones (Sarasota), Shannon Fusco (North Port), Dr. Steven Covert (Pine View), Zoltan Kerestely (Venice), Erin del Castillo (Riverview), and Jack Turgeon (Suncoast Polytechnical).

Venice High STRIVE Award recipients, from left, Leah Sizemore, Minglu Zhang, Makenna Spina, Morgan Butler, Drake Burns and Eduard Hoxha with Zoltan Kerestely, principal, and Tom Edwards of the Sarasota County School Board. For a list of all award recipients, including photos, visit EdFoundationSRQ.org/strive-awards.
Venice High STRIVE Award recipients, from left, Leah Sizemore, Minglu Zhang, Makenna Spina, Morgan Butler, Drake Burns and Eduard Hoxha with Zoltan Kerestely, principal, and Tom Edwards of the Sarasota County School Board. For a list of all award recipients, including photos, visit EdFoundationSRQ.org/strive-awards.

Hundreds of inspiring students have been recognized through the STRIVE program since its beginning 24 years ago as the Most Improved Student award. Established by the late community member, philanthropist, and education supporter Jack Hunkele, the awards event now includes students from all seven district high schools with cash awards.

The STRIVE Awards are made possible through the H. Jack Hunkele Charitable Foundation with additional support this year from the Harold & Jacqueline Bladel Charitable Trust, Florida Blue, Bruce J. Heim Foundation, Freeman Orthodontics and Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors.

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County is an independent, philanthropic partner of Sarasota County Schools with a mission to enhance the potential of all students.

Submitted by Tracy Spalsbury

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: STRIVE Awards salute Sarasota County students’ grit and perseverance