Wilson Foundation Gala honors Volusia County School Board member Carl Persis

The gala, held by the Wanda and Janice Wilson Foundation, benefits the foundation's Wilson Scholars.

By Jarleene Almenas
| 3:00 p.m. January 30, 2023

Ormond Beach Observer
Your Town

District 4 Volusia County School Board member Carl Persis was honored at the annual Wilson Foundation Gala held on Saturday, Jan. 21.

The gala, held by the Wanda and Janice Wilson Foundation at the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona, serves to honor business and community leaders and benefits the foundation's Wilson Scholars by providing additional mentoring and academic support opportunities. The foundation provides support for high school students and teachers through enrichment activities, scholarships and mini-grants, according to its website.

Persis was recognized with a "Hall of Fame Class of 2023" membership plaque by the foundation for being an "ambassador for education, service, and a role model for future leaders to impact society in their chosen career paths," according to the plaque.

In addition to Persis, the gala also honored Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, Jojo O'Neal of Star 94.5, and Thomas Gordon, a former minor league baseball pitcher. Akilah Byron-Nisbett, former minister of health of St. Kurt's and Nevis, was the gala's special guest.