Knight named Champion of Education by Take Stock

By C.S. GILBERT

Key West’s Edward Knight was given a surprise award by Madeline Pumariega, president of Take Stock Florida, at the Monroe County Education Foundation’s annual donor forum, held at the Tennessee Williams Theatre last week.

The Take Stock in Children’s Champion of Education award is given to leaders who have advanced Take Stock across the state.  “Mr. Knight has traveled Florida, visited and generously contributed to several of our programs during the last 15 years,” said Pumariega, who traveled from Tallahassee for today’s event.  “Mr. Knight has worked tirelessly to foster the growth of Take Stock in Monroe County.  He has invested in TSIC scholars to ensure their dreams are realized, and has helped to change the lives of deserving low-income students across the state,” she said.

“Our theme this year is “Celebrate Excellence,” explained Steven Pribramsky, president of the foundation.  “This is our 15th year celebrating the achievements of our outstanding students, mentors, and donors, and leading this foundation is a special personal privilege. I couldn’t be prouder.” 

The forum also included testimony from students and mentors. Chuck Licis, TSIC Program Coordinator, described the mission of Take Stock in Children. “Our job is to break the cycle of poverty through education, one child at a time — and we’re doing it,” he said. 

“Take Stock is hugely successful in the Keys,” exclaimed Judge Ruth Becker, an enthusiastic mentor, who talked about the experiences she shared with her mentee, Sharon Rodriguez. “I always look forward to meeting Sharon weekly, and watching her progress as she prepares for college.”

Returning the compliment, Sharon said, “I couldn’t be luckier having Judge Becker as my mentor.  I can talk about anything and everything with her.”

“Monroe’s program is still the role model for the rest of the state,” explained the state president, who brought greetings from Take Stock Florida and saluted the work being done in Monroe. “You enroll 100 percent of the students who meet the criteria. No other county is close to that goal,” Pumariega said.

“It looks like 10% of the entire 2015 graduating class in Monroe will be Take Stock scholars,” Superintendent Mark Porter predicted.  “At the Key West High School, there are over 100 Take Stock students, more than on any other campus in the state.  I see them working with their mentors whenever I’m there.”

Sandy Higgs, the longest serving member, retires from the board after 18 years of service.  “I thank Sandy for her dedicated service,” said John Padget, who presented Sandy with her “Lifetime Achievement Award.” 

The local Take Stock in Children continues to report an unparalleled high school graduation rate of 96 percent, with 87 percent enrolling in college. Those numbers are significantly higher than the Florida state averages for at-risk students. Take Stock in Children currently serves nearly 8,200 low-income and minority students in grades 6-12 throughout 67 counties in Florida, local Executive Director Chuck Licis reported.

For more information about Take Stock in Children, call 305-293-1546 or email [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cutline: Edward Knight receives the Take Stock in Children Champion of Education Award, presented by TSIC President Madeline Pumariega.

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