Debra & Charity

This month's student-mentor spotlight is mentor Debra Harris and her mentee, Charity Leung, from Hilliard Middle-Senior High School. The two have been matched since May 2020.

Debra Harris, Mentor

What do you consider to be your hometown? How long have you lived in Nassau County?

Hilliard is my hometown. I have lived here for about 45 years.

What made you decide to mentor with Take Stock?

I always wanted to do volunteer work and when I retired, the opportunity for Take Stock mentors became available.

How many students have you mentored?

Three.

What have you gained from mentoring Charity?

I feel I have gained a lot from Charity. She has always been a delightful person and has shown me a person can face their hardships and learn and grow from them even at a young age.

Charity Leung, Hilliard Middle-Senior High School

Why did you want to apply for Take Stock?

It seemed like an amazing opportunity and organization.

What have you learned from your relationship with your mentor, Debra?

I have learned so much from her including how to be resilient,

how to be a leader and so much more.

What is your favorite memory from TSIC?

Just spending time with Mrs. Debra and learning so much!

What are your plans after you graduate high school and TSIC?

To go off to college and hopefully excel.

TSICN Students Winning On and Off Court

While the Hilliard varsity boys may not have clinched the state basketball title this year, their journey is a testament to perseverance and dedication. This young team, featuring standout student-athletes and TSICN students DJ Alderman, Camauri Bolden, Carlton Hall (pictured here), and Justin Bennett, exemplifies what it means to be committed both on and off the court. Not only do they demonstrate remarkable athletic skills, but they also prioritize their academic achievements, maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Few Tickets Remaining- Secure Today!

There are less than 15 tickets remaining for the annual “Light Up a Life Gala” hosted by Take Stock in Children of Nassau County (TSICN) at the stunning Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island on Thursday, March 13, 2025! This spectacular event illuminates the path to higher education for local Nassau students, empowering them to achieve their college dreams through mentorship, preparation, and the promise of a four-year tuition scholarship upon graduation. The evening will be hosted by the charismatic duo Anthony Austin and Heather Crawford from First Coast News. Award-winning pianist, Julie Coucheron, will perform and her concert will undoubtedly elevate the atmosphere.

And let's not forget the thrilling silent and live auctions, where you can bid on one-of-a-kind experiences and items generously contributed by our local businesses. The online auction opens March 1. Follow Take Stock Nassau's social channels for the link to bid.

Join us for a night of inspiration, community, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of our future leaders!

Individual tickets are $250 per person. Purchase tickets and/or table of 10 on the link:

Purchase Tickets/Event Info

Nassau County Chamber of Commerce Gala & Awards

Take Stock Nassau Program Director and Executive Director, Jacque and Robin, attended the annual Chamber awards. TSICN was nominated for Non-profit of the Year, alongside other non-profits in Nassau that work closely with TSICN. The event was attended by many mentors, like Stephanie Triola (pictured above with TSICN staff) who was nominated for Young Business Leader of the Year. Samantha Nance, TSIC Alum from FBHS 2019, is the Communications and Marketing Coordinator at the Chamber. Samantha is close to completing her bachelor's degree in digital communications (pictured above with Robin Lentz, TSICN Executive Director). And the winner for the Non-profit of the Year was the Amelia Island Museum of History, represented by two outstanding mentors, Phyllis Davis and Thea Seagraves. Phyllis and Thea both mentor young ladies attending FBHS and have mentored with TSICN for over ten years. Congratulations to them for all the work over the last year helping to commemorate and celebrate Nassau County's bicentennial.

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