Sixteen Local Students Awarded 2025 Jump Start Scholarships!

Callahan, Florida, USA - The Sumter Schools Enhancement Foundation and Wildwood Wildcats Booster Club have announced winners of the highly acclaimed 2025 Jump Start Scholarships. A total of sixteen graduates have earned a 30-credit tuition and fee scholarship, paving the way for their educational journeys in Florida’s colleges, universities, and technical schools. These young scholars have distinguished themselves through a rigorous 3-Year Jump Start Plan that underscores the commitment needed to succeed in higher education.

As detailed by Villages News, recipients of this scholarship have gone above and beyond, completing focused high school coursework, dedicating over 25 hours to community service or work experience, and maintaining full-standing acceptance into various postsecondary institutions. This level of dedication exemplifies the values of hard work and civic responsibility that the Jump Start program champions.

Meet the Scholars

Among this year’s impressive cohort are:

• Harmony Bevelle – Business at Lake Sumter State College
• Narlecia Brown – Education at University of North Florida
• Andrea Fitzgerald – Business at Lake Sumter State College
• Savannah Flyte – History at Lake Sumter State College
• A’Deria Freeman – Health Science at Central Florida College
• Jeremiah Harvard – Lineman training at Lake Sumter State College
• Trinidy Harris – Sports Medicine at St. Petersburg College
• Sofia Hershberger – Business at Lake Sumter State College
• Akeirra Jackson – University of North Florida
• Ke’nyjah Larris – Nursing at Lake Sumter State College
• Cheyenne Lea – Psychology at Lake Sumter State College
• Alexia McCray – Exercise Science at St. Thomas College
• Daisey Miranda-Alejo – International Business at University of North Florida
• Ray Mosley – Electricity at Withlacoochee Technical College
• Adrianna Perez – Education at University of North Florida
• Shaun’tia Williams – Nursing at Lake Technical College

The fields these students are entering, including nursing, education, and various technical trades, are in high demand, signaling a promising future not just for them, but for Florida’s workforce as well. The Jump Start program, meanwhile, is actively seeking volunteer coaches to guide more students through their paths to success.

The Role of Community Service

Engagement in community service is more than just a requirement for a scholarship; it plays a significant role in shaping well-rounded individuals. As highlighted by Florida’s Community Service Guidelines, many academic scholarships, including the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, necessitate completion of a minimum of 75 community service hours. These experiences allow students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom and fulfill their civic duties.

Students are encouraged to select volunteer activities that resonate with their interests, whether it’s working with youth, aiding the elderly, or supporting local libraries. Such commitments not only enhance college applications but also foster a lifelong passion for helping others.

Mentoring and Support Initiatives

The push for enhanced mentoring in Florida’s educational landscape aligns with the state’s broader goals to improve the performance of at-risk students. According to the Florida Department of Education, various initiatives are already in place, such as the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and the YMCA READS! initiative, aiming to provide vital support for students navigating their academic careers.

These programs focus on encouraging community involvement and offer structured academic assistance to students who need it most. Volunteer coaches with the Jump Start program can contribute similarly, guiding students through the complexities of college applications, mock interviews, and career exploration.

As we witness the strength and determination of these scholars, it becomes clear that community support plays a pivotal role in shaping Florida’s future. Whether through donations or volunteering, individuals looking to make a difference can certainly find a rewarding avenue to do so.