TSIC 2023 Graduation & Induction Ceremony |
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The 2023 Take Stock in Children Graduation was held at Wildlight Elementary on May 11, 2023, honoring this year’s 31 graduating seniors. The evening began with welcoming remarks from Robin Lentz, Executive Director. Special guests for the ceremony included Natasha Drake, Director of Secondary Education for Nassau County School District. She was on hand to introduce the newly inducted 2023 scholars and lead them in the commitment ceremony and oath. Regina Lee, Chair, Take Stock in Children Board of Directors, recognized mentors and their dedication to their students. The highlight of the evening was the senior and alumni remarks. One graduate from each high school was selected by the staff to address the incoming scholars. Michael Bolt, FBHS; Ashazi Scott, HMSH; Judith Ortega, WNHS; and Tristny Ta, YHS, each provided their own unique take on being a Take Stock scholar, offering up tidbits of wisdom and advice. During the Alumni Remarks, Ty Calvert, UF, BS 2022, spoke openly and honestly to the graduates about how to make the most of their college experience. He encouraged them to get involved on campus, study abroad and utilize office hours from professors to ensure their success. Mentors were on hand to place the Take Stock medal around their mentee’s neck, culminating the ceremony and leading to a standing ovation for the graduating seniors. Following the ceremony, students participated in the tradition of having a slice of graduation cake with their name scrolled in icing.
Our 31 Take Stock grads have been accepted to a variety of post-secondary schools, including UF, FSU, UNF, UCF, USF, FAMU, Georgetown, Georgia Southern University, Savannah College of Art & Design, and FSCJ. Lyle Bennett and Andre Lucas will be continuing their football careers at Warner University and Southern Virginia University respectively. Karen Allen will continue her marching band career at Benedict College in South Carolina. 30 of 31 students will be starting college either this summer or in the fall (one student will begin a career in the military) and 81% of the graduates will be living on campus. Take Stock Nassau is thrilled to share the gratitude for generous donors this year who helped fund 19 dorm scholarships for students with a need. We are excited to see where the future takes them!
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Seniors Grace Stringer, HMSHS, and Haley Gonzalez, YHS, met in an online chat for UNF students and decided to be roommates. They discovered later that they are both TSIC students! |
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FBHS Senior Imani Liburd celebrates with her mother and sister, Hadeia. Imani plans to join Hadeia in Washington, D.C. in the fall. Imani will attend Georgetown, while Hadeia, Take Stock Class of 2021, will be s junior at Howard University. |
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Ty Calvert, University of Florida, BS (Engineering) 2022, was the Alumni speaker. He addressed the senior class, providing practical advice and encouragement. Ty graduated from TSIC Nassau in 2017. Ty is shown with his brother, Talon, a 2023 TSIC Nassau graduate, and their mother, Mia. |
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Take Stock Nassau 2023 College Graduates! |
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Alondra Vega, is joined by her former mentor, Kim Page, at her University of North Florida graduation. Alondra (FBHS, c/o 2019) received her BA in political science communication. She hopes to begin work at UNF and earn a master's degree. |
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Madison Edwards (Cook) graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in environmental science. Madison (FBHS, c/o 2019) has an interview at Kennedy Space Center. As a newly wed, she and her husband will be living on the Space Coast. |
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Jordan Felton graduated from Florida State University with a degree in human development & family science. Jordan (YHS, c/o 2019) has already begun teaching middle school science in Quincy, FL. |
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Zaria Robins (FBHS c/o 2019) graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of North Florida. She is moving to Hawaii to begin an engineering position with a small firm. |
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Niyanna Jeffcoat (FBHS c/o 2019) graduated from the University of Central Florida with a creative writing with a technical writing minor. She is currently job searching and plans to remain in the Orlando area unless her new job takes her to a new place. |
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Skylar Buford (Reeser) graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in business administration and a minor in marketing. Skyler (YHS c/o 2019) and her husband have a two year old and are expecting baby number two in July. |
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Joanne Nelson and Elizabeth Merritt |
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This month's student-mentor spotlight is on Yulee High School's Elizabeth Merritt and Joanne Nelson, matched since April of 2020.
Joanne Nelson, Mentor
What do you consider to be your hometown? How long have you lived in Nassau County?
I am a proud Pittsburgh, PA native. My husband, Ron, and I bought a condo on AIP in 1999, then bought a house and moved to Amelia Island full time in January 2016. We continue to be extremely supportive Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins fans.
What made you decide to mentor with Take Stock? I was a 7th through 12th grade English teacher in public school districts located in Harmony, PA, Mechanicsburg, PA, and Kentwood, MI for a total of 34 years. During my career, I was introduced to the Search Institute's Developmental Assets Framework which shows that the most successful students are those with a large number of positive adult relationships including three or more non-parent adults. When my AIP neighbor and then Take Stock mentor, Bill Moser, introduced me to the Take Stock program, I knew it was the perfect volunteer opportunity for me. After all I had witnessed during my teaching career, I wanted to continue in retirement to be one of the encouraging, caring adults in a student's life. Take Stock was the perfect vehicle for me to accomplish this.
How many students have you mentored?
I have mentored two students.
What have you gained from mentoring Elizabeth?
I have been invigorated by being Elizabeth's mentor. It has been a delight to watch her mature into a determined, hardworking, highly motivated young woman. She thoughtfully sets goals, establishes a plan of attack, and then follows through by doing whatever is necessary to accomplish them. She doesn't say "If I accomplish this," but rather "When I accomplish this." It has been an honor to be her mentor.
Elizabeth Merritt, Yulee High School
Why did you want to apply for Take Stock?
I applied to Take Stock because I wanted the financial opportunity to attend college. Although I was extremely academically inclined, the finances of going to a university were harder to manage.
What have you learned from your relationship with your mentor, Joanne?
Although I have learned many things from Joanne, my favorite part of our mentor- mentee relationship has been our communication. I must admit, I’m pretty tough to crack. She worked really hard at it but we eventually developed a bond. I appreciate her taking the time out of her busy schedule to see me. I cherish her words of advice. I would like to thank her for the last few years.
What is your favorite memory from TSIC?
My favorite memory from Take Stock was my induction ceremony. I watched the seniors walk across the stage, all with futures so bright. I was excited for my opportunity. Now that my time is coming near, I am definitely nervous but ready to close this chapter of my life. However, I’m looking forward to the senior river cruise.
What are your plans after you graduate high school and TSIC?
After I graduate I will be attending the University of Florida as a Machen scholar. I am majoring in political science and I hope to pursue law school at the University of Florida as well.
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TISC Seniors Gifted Sunset Cruise |
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Take Stock would like to thank the Weldon Family for their generous gift of a sunset cruise. Seniors and their mentors were invited to participate, along with friends of the family. Students were treated to sliders, chips and wonderful homemade cookies from Mrs. Weldon while they chatted and enjoyed the views from The Amelia River Cruise boat. Attendees were also provided a mini-tour as part of the hour long cruise, learning little known facts about the island from boat captain Kevin McCarthy. |
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On May 4, Take Stock Nassau participated in the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Parade. The theme was "Shrimp Gone Wild." Students, mentors, and staff donned their best safari themed attire, brought their jungle Jeep, and set off to tame (and cook up!) some shrimp gone wild! There were past and present Take Stock faces everywhere, from other entries to attendees out for an evening of fun. |
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CONGRATULATIONS TSIC NASSAU CLASS OF 2023! |
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Seniors & Parents Work Through Scenarios |
On April 20, TSIC seniors and their parents attended a mandatory workshop given by College Completion Coach, Chris Danbeck. Students and their parents gathered at Yulee High School and discussed what to expect during the first year of college and how to handle different situations. Students paired up in groups and were given a real-life scenario like how to handle a messy roommate. Parents worked in groups to discuss issues like how to handle home-sick students.
Students and parents were given valuable resources. The graduates and their families were reassured knowing they can always reach out to our office when issues arise.
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