Boys & Girls Clubs Members Awarded Scholarships

Two rising seniors at Franklin County High School are among three deserving members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend to be awarded four-year tuition scholarships to qualifying state universities this summer.
Earlier this year, the organization leveraged a $68,000 donation from Intuition Systems to encourage a match from the Stanley Tate Scholarship Tuition for At-Risk Students (STARS) Program, ultimately garnering $150,000 in pre-paid scholarships for local Boys & Girls Club members.
Chelsea Soderholm and Jami Giametta, each a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Carrabelle for four years, are the two Franklin County recipients, while Corey Perry, a recent graduate of Sneads High School is the third.
Soderholm, who comes from a single-parent home, holds a 3.5 grade point average and plans to attend Florida State University to study criminal justice. Once the victim of a violent crime, Chelsea eventually hopes to serve as a victim advocate and work specifically with young crime and abuse victims in Franklin County.
Giametta, one of three children, currently holds a 3.7 GPA and plans to attend FSU to pursue a Ph.D. in marine science. She will be the first in her family to attend college.
Perry, raised by his mother in Gretna, was an active member and volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club of Chattahoochee. He enjoys teaching younger Club members how to play the piano and hone their reading skills. After a stellar senior year, Perry graduated with a 2.7 cumulative GPA and is enrolled in Tallahassee Community College. He hopes to transfer to Florida A&M University to complete studies in computer technology.
"This is a very important investment in the future of our kids and our communities," said Buddy Streit, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend. "Boys and Girls Clubs across the country provide hope, opportunity, tutorial programs and positive adult role models for young people. But this gift provides real, tangible financial support so kids can continue their education through hard work and dedication."
The three scholarship recipients stood out above the pool of high school applicants as a result of academic achievements, leadership qualities, commitment to community service and involvement in their local Club. As part of their scholarship requirements, each must pair up with a mentor who will guide them through the college preparation process, which they must complete before receiving any funds. The students must also maintain contact with their mentor throughout their four years of college.
The Stanley Tate Scholarship Tuition for At-Risk Students (STARS) program is the primary and largest of the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, which provides college scholarships to low-income children and other children in need. For more information, visit www.floridaprepaidcollegefoundation.com.
Established in 1992 to help curb local youth crime and delinquency, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Big Bend offers kids ages 5 to 18 a "Positive Place to Go after school, where they can grow personally and academically in a safe and structured environment. To learn more, call (850) 656-8100 or visit www.bgcbb.org.