Life-Changing Fellowship Awarded to Exemplary Take Stock in Children Scholars

MIAMI, Jan. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As a result of their character, academics and leadership qualities, six mentored Florida high school student scholars were chosen as 2015 Take Stock in Children's Leaders for Life™ Fellows. Take Stock in Children is a statewide non-profit organization with a 20-year history of providing scholarships, mentors and hope for deserving, needs-based youth to help escape the cycle of poverty. The Leaders for Life™ Fellowship program was created in partnership with the Asofsky Family Foundation and each award is valued at $40,000. 

The 2015 Leaders for Life™ Fellows are Jessie King (Bay County), Paul Muo (Broward County), Christian Vallejo (Collier County), Keilly Pulgar (Hillsborough County), Gabriela Cruz (Marion County) and Alexis Smith (Sarasota County). These highly motivated scholars were selected based on their demonstration of strong leadership skills, moral character and academic success and are six of thousands of Florida high school students currently being mentored through Take Stock in Children.

Throughout the week, the 2015 Leaders for Life™ Fellows were surprised in their schools with the announcement and will be officially awarded their fellowships during Take Stock in Children's leadership conference at the DoubleTree Hotel in Tallahassee, Florida on February 10, 2015.

Take Stock in Children's Leaders for Life™ Fellowship program provides financial resources, services and support needed to ensure student success throughout college. The Asofsky Family Foundation provides each fellow with a Macintosh laptop, as well as funds for textbooks, supplies, food, housing, transportation and other college-related expenses. As recipients of these fellowships, these scholars will excel in a university environment with resources that empower them to develop their full potential. Cruz, King, Muo, Pulgar, Smith and Vallejo join 21 current Leaders for Life™ Fellows.

"Take Stock in Children's Leaders for Life™ Fellowship program is now in its fifth year," said Mark Asofsky of the Asofsky Family Foundation.  And each year, my family and the esteemed panel of judges are astonished when we see the determination, character and accomplishments these students have achieved despite their obstacles.  As they continue their educational journey, our Fellowship program will be right by their side to aid and support them."

"This significant investment in their post-secondary education by the Asofsky Family Foundation will inspire and mold our young scholars to become tomorrow's leaders," said Madeline Pumariega, Take Stock in Children President and CEO.

About Take Stock in Children
Take Stock in Children, a Florida 501(c)3 non-profit organization has been providing volunteer mentors, scholarships and hope to more than 24,000 of Florida's deserving at-risk, low-income students since 1995. Reporting an unparalleled 96% annual high school graduation rate and an 87% college enrollment rate, TSIC is Florida's flagship and most successful mentoring and scholarship program. In every Florida county, TSIC scholars in middle and high school pledge to meet regularly with their mentor, maintain academic standards, and remain drug and crime-free on the way to achieving a high school diploma. The reward for fulfilling these commitments is a scholarship to a Florida state college, university or vocational school. To donate, volunteer or learn more about Take Stock in Children, please call 888-322-4673 or visit www.takestockinchildren.org.

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SOURCE Take Stock in Children

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http://www.takestockinchildren.org