Take Stock in Children 2020 Graduation Celebration

KEY WEST, FL, May 26, 2020 – The Coronavirus pandemic quickly changed all facets of our lives. For Take Stock in Children, we had to adapt how we coach, support, and mentor our scholars, as well as how celebrate milestones. Unable to have our traditional graduation ceremony at Marathon High School, Take Stock is particularly proud to have accomplished a real first for our program, a virtual graduation ceremony.

The Monroe County Education Foundation celebrated the accomplishments of its 20th class of Take Stock in Children college bound scholars during an online, virtual graduation celebration Thursday evening. Fifty-five Take Stock scholars, their parents, mentors foundation board members, TSIC success coaches, and administrators gathered together via their computers, tablets, or phones to congratulate the Take Stock in Children Class of 2020. 

The Take Stock Class of 2020 represents a diverse group of students from Coral Shores High School, Marathon High School, and Key West High School who are ready to take the next step in their educational career.

With over 220 advanced placement courses and nearly 60 dual enrollment courses behind them, the 55 TSIC scholars have collectively earned a 3.74 weighted grade point average. Fifteen will receive Florida Bright Futures scholarships in addition to their Take Stock in Children scholarship. In total, the TSIC Class of 2020 represents $2.2 million in Florida Prepaid tuition scholarships! 

“We couldn’t be more proud of this group of scholars,” said Monroe County Education Foundation President Bryan Green. “The Foundation enthusiastically congratulates these 55 students and wishes them much success in their pursuit of a college degree or career certification.”

Over half of the TSIC Class of 2020 will attend a Florida university in the fall. Some have looked beyond the state’s border. Take Stock scholar Ms. Divya Navani will join the Harvard Class of 2024! “It has been a joy working with this amazing group of students, said Take Stock in Children Program Coordinator Chuck Licis-Masson, “I couldn’t be happier for them as they pursue their college and career goals.” 

The 20th Take Stock in Children graduation ceremony highlighted three students who spoke about the importance of this unique scholarship opportunity, the value of having a mentor guide and support them during middle and high school, and the hope of a better future this program provides.

Superintendent Porter also congratulated the students and thanked the mentors during the ceremony, adding “I hope you appreciate and understand that this unique format of recognizing you does absolutely nothing to diminish your outstanding accomplishments.”

The mission of Take Stock in Children is to provide opportunities for a post-secondary education to its financially and academically eligible students. Additionally, the Monroe County Education Foundation provides the TSIC Monroe students with the tools and skills necessary to complete a degree, diploma, or industry certification. 

The Monroe County Education Foundation, established in 1996, is a Florida not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing and improving the educational experiences of students within Monroe County. In addition to the MCEF flagship program, Take Stock in Children, the foundation provides leadership development opportunities and international travel experiences for qualified Monroe County students. Over 700 students from Monroe County have received scholarships since the program was founded.  For more information about MCEF or to donate, please visit http://www.monroecountyedfound.org or contact Chuck Licis, program director for TSIC Monroe at [email protected]

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