Florida Prepaid College Foundation Partnered with VyStar Credit Union to Award 22 Scholarships to Deserving High School Students

Through a new partnership with VyStar Credit Union valued at almost $90,000, the Florida Prepaid College Foundation has awarded college scholarships to 22 deserving Florida high school students.

The Florida Prepaid College Plan 2-Year College Scholarships were made possible through the Foundation matching the generous VyStar donation dollar-for-dollar. Each scholarship covers 60 credit hours at a Florida public college, or the equivalent funding at another qualified educational institution.

VyStar and their team share the Foundation’s commitment to supporting local communities and families’ financial wellness through educational initiatives for students. 

VyStar President/CEO Brian Wolfburg said “These scholarships represent our unwavering commitment to empowering young minds and investing in the future of our communities. As we celebrate their achievements, we are proud to support their educational journeys and look forward to witnessing the impact they will undoubtedly make as future leaders.” 

Eighteen students were chosen through the VyStar Academy of Business High School Branch, and four were chosen through the Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program. 

VyStar Academy of Business High School Branch Scholarship Recipients

Students enrolled in a VyStar Academy of Business High School Branch Program in eight school districts were eligible to apply for the scholarships. The program was established in 2006 and has provided 2,004 paid internship opportunities and delivered financial education training to more than 120,000 students. 

The Academy of Business winners were chosen from a pool of 56 outstanding candidates who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, dedication, and promise. The grading criteria included GPA, short essays, work experience, extracurricular activities, community service, and more. One student was selected from each high school program. Learn more about VyStar High School Program.

VyStar High School Branch Scholarship Recipients:

  1. Bartram Trail High School – Maria Rita Mankin
  2. Bradford High School – Teagan Bradley
  3. Belleview High School – Amy Fuentes Rodriguez
  4. Clay High School – Drew Boree
  5. Fernandina Beach High School – Jasmine Marie Benwell
  6. First Coast High School – Illyana Recinos
  7. Fleming Island High School – Khloe Lloyd
  8. Fletcher High School – Briana Thomas
  9. Mandarin High School – Kadyn Par
  10. Matanzas High School – Austin Weeks
  11. Middleburg High School – Makayla Marie Rathjen
  12. Orange Park High School – Emily Moore
  13. Palatka High School – Amaris Mack
  14. Pedro Menendez High School – Lindsey Shea Pacetti
  15. Ribault High School – Skye Andrews 
  16. West Nassau High School – Victoria Nichole McCormack (Brown)
  17. Wolfson High School – Amina Zelihic
  18. Yulee High School – Skylar Powell 

The four students chosen this year to be the VyStar Path to Prosperity Scholarship Recipients are:

  • Darrius Gradison, Jones High School, Orlando Florida
  • Jennicia Potter, Gainesville High School, Gainesville, Florida
  • Shahee Summerville, Jones High School, Orlando, Florida
  • Yaraliz, Pace Center for Girls, Ormond Beach, Florida

Learn more about the Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation at www.pathtoprosperityscholarship.com.

To learn more about VyStar, please visit vystarcu.org