Photo courtesy of Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

On, Thursday, June 8th, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties celebrated 131 graduating seniors from area high schools at the organization’s annual Senior Night. The seniors have participated in a variety of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties’ leadership and service programs such as SRQVolunteen, STAR Leadership Training and Keystone. Guests, including the seniors’ friends and families as well as school board members and community partners, gathered in the gymnasium at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club for a memorable evening of celebration and recognition. Eight different awards and scholarships were presented to 29 seniors who have demonstrated excellence in academic success, outstanding character and a commitment to leadership and service. The scholarships included the EmpowerED Scholarship, the Shannon Staub Excellence in Leadership Award, The Club’s Post-Secondary Transition Scholarship, the Dick Vitale Scholarship, the Knight Foundation Scholarship, the Drs. Robert and Patricia Gussin Endowed Scholarship at Duquesne University, the Steven and Marjolaine Townsend Scholarship, and the Youth of the Year Scholarship. High School Senior Alex C., who was presented with the prestigious Drs Robert and Patricia Gussin Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties Endowed Scholarship at Duquesne University said, “This scholarship has opened a door in my life to reveal an opportunity that will bring monumental change. Most importantly, now my mom can see the person I have become as a direct result of her efforts in raising me. We are both truly grateful.” Established in 2014, the Gussin ​Endowed Scholarship is a unique opportunity for outstanding high school students to attend Duquesne University in Pittsburg​h, Pennsylvania completely free of cost. Alex will be an incoming freshman at Duquesne University in the fall and plans to major in Athletic Training. An impressive group of 16 members joined the existing 60 Steven and Marjolaine Townsend Scholars which provides a two-year Florida Pre-Paid Scholarship to the state community college, vocational school or four-year institution of their choice. Townsend Scholar recipient Daria T. shared, “This scholarship will mean that I will not have to worry about debt throughout my first year of college, as it allows me to spend more time on my studies.” Daria is a soon-to-be Freshman at Florida State University where she will study Computer Science and Political Science.

Photo courtesy of Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

To read more about the other scholarships and recipients, visit: