Two Sarasota-Manatee County high school students have been selected as Bank of America Student Leaders. Selection for this prestigious, paid internship is due to the work each of them have done for their community. More information on them and their achievements is included below.

• Maria Alonzo, a recent grad of Manatee High School: Maria moved to the U.S. only three years ago from Venezuela but has already shown dedication to her community and peers. As senior director of operations at Your Advance, a student-led nonprofit, she serves as a mentor and tutor to help young students succeed. She has dedicated her time to helping immigrant families learn English and has led translation teams at UnidosNow community programs, directed FAFSA workshops, and volunteered to distribute food to the people in need.

• Chloe Bernal, a recent grad of Booker High School: Chloe Bernal saw how the pandemic and online learning was affecting young students. A recent graduate of Booker High School in Sarasota, Chloe and her peers stepped up to tutor elementary school students virtually during the Summer of 2020 to ease the stress and provide academic support for those struggling to learn through a computer screen. She was also part of a program where she supported the translation of crucial school and college readiness information for ESOL students at her school.

As Student Leaders, they will participate in virtual sessions that will expose the vital role nonprofits play in the community and work closely with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. The program, which started in 2004, recognizes 300 community-focused juniors and seniors from across the U.S. annually.