April 2023
Take Stock Nassau Welcomes 38 New Scholars
Yulee and Fernandina students sign their Take Stock contracts with their parents and meet their mentors March 30.
Take Stock Nassau warmly welcomes 38 new scholars to our program! The new Callahan and Hilliard students signed the Take Stock in Children contract on Tuesday, March 28 at West Nassau High School. The new Fernandina and Yulee students signed the contract on Thursday, March 30.

New Take Stock scholars commit to maintaining good grades, attending school regularly, participating in Take Stock events, meeting with their mentor weekly, and remaining drug and crime free. In return for meeting the program's requirements, they will receive a four-year college tuition scholarship. Their parents agree to support their child in their education and participation in Take Stock.

Both nights, the new students and their parent(s)/guardians were able to meet their new mentors.

Take a look at our class by the numbers:
TSIC Nassau's Board of Directors Member and long-time mentor, Lisa West, is matched with her new mentee, Zatie (FBHS, 9th grader.)
Hilliard Middle-Senior High's school counselor, Angie Jarret, meets her new mentee, Marley Head.
New mentor, Jay Roberston, meets YMS 7th grader, Jaxon McGee for the first time.
Long-time mentor, Kevin Webb, meets his new mentee, Hilliard 8th grader, DJ Alderman.
New mentor, Cliff Addy meets his new mentee, Gage Munyon, 7th grader at CMS.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Congratulations to TSIC FBHS junior Naserian McClurg and senior, Fernanda Rodriguez for being named 2023 National Medalists in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. Naserian won a Gold Medal for her entry, "Tired Feet." Fernanda was awarded a Gold Medal for her work, "Nopal En La Frente," and an American Vision Medal for "Esperanza." They will receive their awards in June during a star studded celebration at Carnegie Hall.
Congratulations to TSIC YHS senior, Tristny Ta for being selected as a Presidential Scholar at Florida State University! FSU received over 70,000 applications this year, and of the 12,000 freshmen, only 40 are awarded this prestigious honor. Tristny will have the opportunity to study abroad through the generosity of the scholarship. We are so proud of you Tristny!
TSIC FBHS senior, Andre Lucas set a new school record for the long jump. Andre also recently returned from Virginia for a football recruitment visit. In addition to being a 3 sport varsity athlete, Andre works nearly full-time hours and maintains a over a 3.0 GPA. Congratulations Andre!
Photo credit: Penny Glackin Photography
Newly inducted Yulee 9th grader, Kai Killmeyer (pictured above her new mentor, Montana Walker), was selected for the Vystar internship program. This program gives students real-life work experience in the banking industry, and Vystar is a Take Stock Nassau sponsor. Congratulations and welcome to Take Stock Kai!
CONGRATULATIONS TSIC NASSAU CLASS OF 2023!
Karen Rivera and Judith Ortega
This month's student-mentor spotlight is on West Nassau High School's Judith Ortega and Karen Rivera, matched since April of 2019.

Karen Rivera, Mentor
What do you consider to be your hometown? How long have you lived in Nassau County?
I lived most of my life in New York, but I now consider Callahan my hometown. I have been living in Nassau County for 17 years.

What made you decide to mentor with Take Stock? My son, Michael, was a mentee and when he graduated, I became a mentor to give another child the same opportunity that was given to my son.

How many students have you mentored?
I have mentored a total of three students.

What have you gained from mentoring Judith?
I have enjoyed mentoring Judith. She has showed me that when you stay positive, positive things happen. She has achieved everything that we have spoken about in the last five years I have been mentoring her. I am so proud of her. It was my honor to be her mentor.

Judith Ortega, West Nassau High School
Why did you want to apply for Take Stock?
I wanted to apply to Take Stock because it was a great opportunity for my family and me, allowing a chance to prosper in my future career. 

What have you learned from your relationship with your mentor, Mrs. Karen?
My mentor, Mrs. Karen, is a very peaceful and comprehensive person. Having her as my mentor has taught me that I can do anything that I put my mind to. Everyone has the power/ruling of their own life decisions.

What is your favorite memory from TSIC?
My favorite memories from TSIC have to be the field trips and the back-to-school field day of 8th to 9th grade. We spent a fun time together and made new friends.

What are your plans after you graduate high school and TSIC?
My plans after graduating high school and TSIC is to attend Florida State University and find my passion. That way I will excel in my future.