WORKFORCE CENTRAL FLORIDA awarded 10 local High School graduates each a $5,000 college scholarship on Monday, June 17th. The scholarship winners were participants in our high school drop out prevention efforts, a program run by EXCEL Alternatives. The winners were chosen based on both their academic accomplishments and financial need.

The ten winners have aspirations of studying computer science, pre-med, registered nursing, political science, teaching, sports psychology and law. The students will receive the scholarships to attend a public educational institution of their choice in Florida.

“I was both surprised and excited to hear that I had won a scholarship. This will allow me to support myself while I work toward my dreams!” exclaims Deon McCoy, one of our scholarship winners. She participated in the drop out prevention program during summer school. Deon, a graduate of Evans High School, will study to become a pediatrician.

Other scholarship recipients included:

YUDELIS E. BELTRE
Colonial High School
COLLEGE: Valencia Community College
FIELD OF STUDY: Nursing
“This program helped me gain work experience…it taught me how to write a proper resume, a proper business letter, and how to do many work-related things that are pertinent to every day work life.”

ORLEENA BUDHAN
Colonial High School
COLLEGE: Florida A&M University
FIELD OF STUDY: Political Science

IMELDA CHARLES
Evans High School
COLLEGE: Valencia Community College
FIELD OF STUDY: Pre-Med

JANITZIA CIFUENTES
Jones High School
COLLEGE: Florida A&M University
FIELD OF STUDY: Pre-Med (Surgeon)

CAROLYN M. HUNT
Evans High School
COLLEGE: Valencia Community College
FIELD OF STUDY: Nursing

DEON MCCOY
Evans High School
COLLEGE: University of Florida
FIELD OF STUDY: Pre-Med (Pediatrician)
“I was both surprised and excited to hear that I had won a scholarship. This will allow me to support myself while I work toward my dreams!”

SAMANTHA M. MCKENNEY
Osceola High School
COLLEGE: Valencia Community College
FIELD OF STUDY: Sports Psychology

JAMALL L. MCKINNEY
Evans High School
COLLEGE: Valencia Community College
FIELD OF STUDY: Computer Science

SHEIDALISE RIOS
Osceola High School
COLLEGE: University of Central Florida
FIELD OF STUDY: ELEMENTARY Education

TERRENCE VERWAYNE
Osceola High School
COLLEGE: Valencia Community College
FIELD OF STUDY: Law/Attorney
“By participating in the program, I have learned the importance of choosing a career and the necessary steps needed to make it not only in the workforce, but in life as well.”