Take Stock honors students, mentors and donors

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

Mentors, scholars and donors came together Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Flagler County Education Foundation annual celebration of Take Stock in Children participants.
The dinner, held at Matanzas High School, was catered on donation by Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
“We spend every dollar we can on scholarships, so having a donor like Carrabba’s is amazing,” said Deborah Williams, executive director of the education foundation.
Take Stock in Children
The Take Stock in Children program, founded in 1995, mentors at-risk and low-income students beginning in middle school, with the promise of college scholarships following graduation.
The celebration Thursday night honored the 53 Flagler County students in the scholarship program, including 12 seniors who will graduate with scholarships this year.
One of those seniors, who spoke at the dinner, is Julious Jackson. Jackson said that in ninth grade, a year after receiving his Take Stock Scholarship, he didn’t want to take honors classes because he thought it was extra work. His mentor, Joe Matthews, encouraged him to step up to the challenge and push himself academically.
“The honors classes were my caliber, I was falling asleep in the regular classes,” Jackson said. “I am academically fit.”
Other graduating seniors from the program are Sammi Cooper, Qiana Davis, Jessica Insua, Eljonai Jean-Baptiste, Jozefina Logu, Angel Martinez, Kyle McKibben, Shella Oleus, Caitlin Peterson, Chasity Vigo and Christina Vojtech.
“We believe that every student can and will graduate from Flagler County Schools if we get behind them and support them,” said School Board member Sue Dickinson.

Mardi Gras 2013

The Flagler County Education Foundation will host its 10th-annual Mardi Gras and Casino Night fundraiser Feb. 12, at Hammock Dunes Club.
In the true spirit of New Orleans, guests will don their finest festive attire, masks, and beads to celebrate. This year, guests will enjoy table seating and complimentary valet parking.
Tickets are $100 per person. Proceeds will benefit Flagler County Schools students. Students receive school supplies through the foundation’s S.T.U.F.F. Bus programs, enhanced classroom learning through Dell Trayer Teacher Grants and the opportunity to win four year college scholarships through Take Stock for Children.