On May 2, 2024, the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) celebrated the Class of 2024 Take Stock in Children (TSIC) graduates at the Students Transitioning and Reaching Success (STARS) Ceremony.
A primary focus of OPSF, the TSIC Scholarship Program is a unique and innovative program that provides post-secondary scholarships to deserving youth who may not go on to college because of their families' financial situation. Students with good grades, good attendance, and good discipline records who meet the income eligibility requirement are invited to apply for these scholarships. Each student, along with his or her parents, who is selected by the Foundation signs a contract promising to maintain a good school record, to remain drug and crime free and to meet weekly with a community-based mentor. Students who maintain the terms of their contracts are awarded tuition scholarships to the post-secondary institutions of their choice.
The scholarships presented to the TSIC students have been funded by individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout Okaloosa County. Special thanks to our 2023-24 Two Year College Tuition Scholarship Donors:
David and Virginia Morgan
Florida Power & Light Northwest, FL
Mid-Bay Rotary Club
Panhandle Job Fair Foundation
Private Generous Donor
Additionally, we would like to thank the following for their contributions to the scholarship program:
Center for Lifelong Learning
OPSF Board Members
TSIC friends in Memory of Dort Baltes
The TSIC program would not be possible without our TSIC Mentors because of the major role they play:
Jamie Avery
Rachel Bliss
Robert Connell
Miranda Cook
Heather Demis
Robin Donlon
Marva Hills
D’Arcie Lennard
Bob McNeil
Mike McVay
Carlette Moore
Pam Ottesen
Christine Powell
Yvonne Shanklin
Incoming Class of Take Stock Scholars
We are pleased to announce our incoming class of Take Stock Scholars:
Tishelle Bowles, Meigs Middle School
Gabriel Della Sala, Fort Walton Beach High School, Pathway to Prosperity/FL Power and Light Scholar
Avyanna Hinojosa, Niceville High School, Meagan Campbell and ChristianTomhave Memorial Scholarship
Anthony Jackson, Bruner Middle School
Zajin Johnson, Davidson Middle School
McKenna Knowlton, Destin High School
Jayahna McTear, Davidson Middle School
William Nguyen, Davidson Middle School, Panhandle Job Fair Foundation Scholar
Bailey Reece, Bruner Middle School
Christopher Salas-Day, Shoal River Middle School
Trinity Smiley, Laurel Hill School, Hailey Thale Memorial Scholar
Anecia Stallworth, Fort Walton Beach High School
Kloey Voyek, Pryor Middle School, Panhandle Job Fair Foundation Scholar
Carlos White, Fort Walton Beach High School, Pathway to Prosperity/FL Power and Light Scholar
Michael White, Jr., Laurel Hill School
“Each of these students will be matched with a mentor in the upcoming school year,” said Lori Lipnicky, TSIC College Success Coach. “We look forward to working together in support of these students as they work towards their future educational goals”.
TSIC alumna, Thuyvi Hoadley, a 2012 graduate from Niceville High School, shared a few words about her Take Stock experience and what she is doing now via video. During her time at NHS, she served in student government, played soccer and track, and was a member of the Key Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She attended the University of Florida (UF) and graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. In 2018, she graduated from the University of North Florida with a Master of Public Health where she specialized in epidemiology and biostatistics. Currently, she is working part-time for UF Health Jacksonville as an infection control practitioner. She stated that the best part of her day is being a full-time mom at home with her family.
2024 Take Stock Graduates
Congratulations to our 2024 TSIC Graduates:
Brooke Adamec, Crestview High School
Keala O’Kalani Batiste, Niceville High School
Gloria Camargo Rebollo, Crestview High School
Kylie Drinnon, Niceville High School
Autumn Eller-Olsen, Niceville High School
Adajiah Jackson, Choctawhatchee High School
Jacen Jones, Laurel Hill School
Lazarius Parks, Crestview High School
Ja’kyla Peterson, Choctawhatchee High School
Angelina Romano, Fort Walton Beach High School, TSIC Outstanding Senior Award Winner
GraceLynn Villa, Baker School
Sean Walker, Choctawhatchee High School
Morgan Young, Choctawhatchee High School
Congratulations! We celebrate your accomplishments and look forward to your continued future success. We are grateful for the commitment of your family members, teachers, school administrators, mentors, and scholarship donors who have invested in your future and provided support for the attainment of your educational goals.
To learn more about the Take Stock in Children program or about mentoring a scholar, please contact (850) 833-9999. To learn more about the individual TSIC scholars, view the STARS Ceremony Presentation here!
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About the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation (OPSF)
The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation is a non-profit organization governed by a board of directors and is comprised of a diverse group of individuals from across the county, representing our community’s families, educators, and businesses. The purpose of the Foundation is to protect the future by supporting education and serving as a catalyst to enhance teaching and learning through community and private sector involvement. The Foundation works with community and private organizations as well as corporate donors to award Take Stock in Children scholarships to students, and grants to teachers in Okaloosa County. For more information about Take Stock in Children and the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, visit www.OkaloosaSchools.com/OPSF.
About Take Stock In Children (TSIC)
Take Stock in Children, Inc. is a nonprofit mentoring, college success, and college scholarship organization dedicated to transforming Florida one student at a time. Working statewide throughout Florida, our mission is to break the cycle of poverty for low-income, underrepresented, academically qualified students by providing opportunities for degree attainment through postsecondary education. We provide wraparound services to students through an innovative multi-year model from middle school through postsecondary completion. The reward for fulfilling these commitments is a scholarship to a Florida state college, university, or vocational school.