Seventy-nine students from eight Sarasota County high schools were celebrated on Thursday during the 27th annual STRIVE Awards, a program that recognizes high school juniors and seniors who have demonstrated exceptional resilience and determination in the face of adversity. This year, 40 seniors and 39 juniors were honored during individual school ceremonies held at Booker High School, North Port High School, Pine View School, Riverview High School, Sarasota High School, Sarasota Military Academy, Suncoast Polytechnical High School, and Venice High School. The STRIVE Awards were created in honor of philanthropist H. Jack Hunkele, who believed in acknowledging the strength and perseverance of students who overcome significant personal challenges to succeed. Students were nominated by school counselors, teachers, and principals for their remarkable courage, grit, and growth. The Education Foundation of Sarasota County leads the STRIVE Awards program and coordinated celebration events at each school, where family members, educators, and community supporters gathered to recognize these inspiring young people.