36 JUNE 2022 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition GRADUATES Did you know only half of youth in foster care graduate from high school? Less than 3% graduate from college. “We help our youth defy graduation statistics by breaking the barriers of insufficient support, lack of appropriate guidance and unmet financial needs,” said Coleen LaCosta, Executive Director of Speak Up for Kids of Palm Beach County. “When they do cross the finish line, we are there to recognize them with Gifts for Grads and our Celebrating YOUth Scholarship.” The Growing Grads campaign exists to rally the community in celebration of young adults who, despite involvement in the foster care system, are graduating from high school +GED, college, or vocational school. Created in partnership with Leadership Palm Beach County and sponsored by The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, the Celebrating YOUth Scholarship offers awards to graduates within the foster care system and Community Youth Volunteers of the Students Speak Up for Kids program. With a passion for volunteerism and bridging barriers, Scholarship Awardee Lauren Shiell of Suncoast High School, aspires to create affordable technology through a research career in biomedical engineering. “Students Speak Up for Kids has helped me to understand the daily hardships that many children just like me face. It helped me to be more conscious of my actions and to always have empathy,” said Lauren. “The organization also taught me that if I believe in something, I should fight for it.” Among the 2022 Celebrating YOUth Scholarship Awardees, a passion for advocacy and heart for servant leadership is evident as dreams sore from careers in pediatrics, equitable technology, law and social reform. These superstars have already impacted their community by creating awareness campaigns on school campuses and advocating for their peers in the foster care system. Learn more by visiting speakupforkidspbc.org or emailing [email protected] Speak Up For Kids Congratulates Celebrating YOUth Scholarship Awardees and Class of 2022 Saints of Florida Homeschool PE completes its 25th season, as Founder Coach Rick Andreassen and the awesome Saints staff present awards to over 500 homeschool students througåhout the state of Florida. SAINTS is a fully accredited PE program for homeschool students where children pray together, play together, and lift up the name of the Lord through games, sports and activities. As 6-year-old Malachi Doles proudly proudly receives his award at Abundant Living Ministries Church, all of the children are reminded Saints is the place “Where Jesus is Lord and every child is a Winner” Saints host weekly PE activities at nine different church locations throughout the state. For more information, visit saintsofflorida.com Scholarship Awardee Danielle Alexis, Seminole Ridge High School Homeschool Students Celebrate a Fun-Filled Season of Fitness SAINTS Homeschool P.E. participants at Abundant Living Ministries Church with coaches Joe Schallmo, Rick Andreassen and Bryce Johnson in blue. Malachi Doles and Coach Rick Andreassen
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