Grace Place Awards Four Full-ride Scholarships
Thanks to our wonderful donors, Grace Place is thrilled to once again award full-ride Florida scholarships to four deserving students. Congratulations to Marisol, Sofia, Ilse, and Laury! These scholarships will pave the way for their bright futures as they embark on their college journey this fall.
Marisol
L. Maynard Oss Scholarship
Marisol has been part of Grace Place for 11 years, alongside her mother and siblings. Engaged in sports, she’s played varsity lacrosse and contributed to the band’s flag line. Marisol holds leadership roles such as vice president of the senior class, student government member, and treasurer in the Junior Civitans. She works as a teacher aide in Grace Place’s elementary after-school program, balancing her time with volunteering. Marisol’s academic achievements, including certification as a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant and acceptance to multiple colleges, underscore her dedication. She encourages newcomers to embrace the opportunities for growth and education at Grace Place. Post-graduation, Marisol plans to pursue nursing, giving back to her community while honoring her family’s support.
Sofia
Opportunity Scholarship
Sofia joined Grace Place in October 2022 as a volunteer, later becoming a teacher’s aide in our Middle School after-school program. Over a year and a half later, she’s deeply involved in our high school program, benefiting from its college and career access aid. At Golden Gate High School, Sofia excels in varsity debate and founded the Wildlife Conservation Club, showcasing her leadership. Committed to community service, she tutors students and spearheads fundraising efforts, and is pursuing an international diploma. Her advice to incoming students stresses seizing opportunities. Post-graduation, she plans to work a tour summer program before pursuing sociology and eventually law school, specializing in immigration law, inspired by her family’s journey.
Ilse
L. Maynard Oss Scholarship
Ilse, hailing from a Grace Place family, joined our programs in 2015, following in the footsteps of her mom and siblings. Juggling work as a server, volunteering, and involvement in school clubs, she prioritizes her education. Ilse’s most notable academic accomplishment is her dual enrollment at Lorenzo Walker, where
she’s pursuing a nursing license while completing high school ahead of schedule. Her advice to incoming Grace Place students emphasizes the importance of balancing academics and self-care. Post-graduation, Ilse intends to attend college, gain hospital experience as a PRN nurse, and explore career paths in the medical or psychology fields. Her dedication to both her studies and community sets an inspiring example for her peers.
Laury
Opportunity Scholarship
Laury joined Grace Place two years ago, alongside her older brother who graduated from the program last year. Originally from Haiti, Laury moved to the US three years ago, adapting swiftly by learning English. She’s extensively involved in extracurricular activities like College Reach-Out Program, National Honor Society, Book Buddies OnLine, and Key Club. She also volunteers at the Grace Place food pantry and is employed as an intern in our middle school after-school program. Laury excels academically, notably passing her FSA as an English learner. Her advice to new students is to step out of your comfort zone and be curious. Post-graduation, Laury aims to pursue nursing, alongside certifications in TEFL teaching and Music Therapy.
Additional Scholarships
In addition to the four scholarships offered by Grace Place, three of our students have earned full-ride scholarships. We are incredibly proud and excited to follow their journeys.
Diane
University of Florida
Diane’s journey with Grace Place began in second grade, and she’s remained enrolled ever since. Her siblings have all benefited from its programs, and her mother and youngest sister are still active participants. Balancing a part-time job with leadership roles in various clubs and sports, including serving as president of her senior class, the National Honor Society, and Junior Civitans, Diane exemplifies dedication to both work and extracurricular activities. She takes pride in earning an international degree and encourages incoming students to embrace all that Grace Place offers. Post-graduation, Diane plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business at University of Florida, aiming to give back to the supportive community that has shaped her.
Jelton
Saint John’s University
Jelton enrolled at Grace Place in 2022, having moved to the US from Haiti in August 2021. He is actively engaged in school clubs like College Reach-Out Program, National Honor Society, Media Club, and Engineering Club, as well as participating in track. Additionally, Jelton works at the Grace Place middle-school after-school program and volunteers at the food pantry as well. His proudest academic accomplishments include passing his FL Standard Assessment and math End of Course assessment in his first year in the US. Jelton advises new students to be active in Grace Place, show interest in your personal success, and seek help when needed. After graduation, he aspires to attend college, with ambitions of becoming an architect.
Marlah
The College of Saint Benedict
Marlah joined Grace Place last summer in July. Her siblings are active in the Grace Place after-school programs, while her mother volunteers in the Bright Beginnings program. Originally from Haiti, Marlah moved to the US in the summer of 2018. She participates in color guard, orchestra, and the College Reach-out Program. Though she doesn’t have a job yet, Marlah volunteers in the Grace Place food pantry and tutors students in the Grace Place middle school program. Her proudest academic achievement is graduating high school, aspiring to fulfill her parents’ dreams by attending college. After graduation, she plans to major in music composition and performance with a minor in business, aiming to live life to the fullest.
