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Dear Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County Family,
Welcome to the April edition of the Take Stock Tribune! This is one of our favorite times of the year — a season of celebration and reflection. Our students have worked hard all year long, and now we’re counting down to two of the most memorable milestones in their journey: 2nd Annual College Decision Day and Graduation! These moments mark not only the culmination of their dedication but also the start of incredible new adventures.
With College Decision Day right around the corner, we can’t wait to cheer on our seniors as they announce their next chapter. From first-generation college students to future leaders in every field, their stories inspire us every day. As graduation approaches, we look forward to celebrating the perseverance, growth, and success of our Class of 2025. This is what Take Stock Palm Beach is all about — creating pathways to brighter futures, together.
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Thank you for being an essential part of the Take Stock Palm Beach family. Stay tuned for more updates by following our emails, newsletter and social media pages. Wishing you all a great month.
Warmly,
The Take Stock Palm Beach Team
| | | | Wrapping Up College Readiness Meetings: A Strong Finish for Our Seniors! | |
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As the school year winds down, we’re proud to share that our final round of College Readiness meetings has come to a successful close! These sessions have been an essential part of preparing our students, especially our graduating seniors; for the next big step in their journey.
Over the past several months, our students have worked hard maintaining their grades, polishing their resumes, submitting college applications, and exploring scholarship opportunities. These meetings have not only helped guide them through the process but have also built confidence and clarity around their post-secondary plans.
Now, we’re seeing the exciting results of that hard work: seniors are officially submitting their college commitments! From state universities to private institutions, community colleges, technical programs, and Military our students are boldly taking the next step toward a brighter future.
This momentum is helping us gear up for one of the most exciting events of the year—College Decision Day! We can’t wait to come together and celebrate the incredible achievements of our graduating class, recognizing where each student is headed and honoring all they’ve accomplished.
Stay tuned for highlights and celebrations from College Decision Day, we promise it’ll be a moment to remember!
| | | | New Weekly Student Sessions | | |
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Weekly Group Sessions—an initiative led by our dedicated College Readiness Coaches to equip students with essential life and career skills. These interactive sessions are designed to prepare our scholars for life beyond high school, focusing on practical topics that support both personal and professional growth.
We can’t wait to continue building on this momentum in the weeks to come!
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These sessions so far have covered essential life skills, including how to dress appropriately for various occasions and proper workplace etiquette as well as stress management. A total of over 150 students, parents, and mentors attended each event. Students left with valuable real-world insights.
Ana, a high school junior, shared how much the session helped her as she plans to apply the knowledge gained to prepare for her upcoming job interviews.
| | | 2nd Annual College Decision Day | |
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We are thrilled to announce our 2nd Annual College Decision Day on April 28th at 6:00 PM at the beautiful Hilton West Palm Beach!
College Decision Day is a special evening dedicated to recognizing our students' hard work, resilience, and bright futures. Surrounded by their families, mentors, and supporters, our seniors will proudly announce their college choices as they walk across stage. This event marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as they take the next step in their academic journeys.
Let’s come together to cheer on our students as they make their college dreams a reality! To sponsor or purchase tickets to the event, please click the link below.
**Please checkout as 'General Admission' for the general public. Mentors, students and parents who have not yet registered, please contact our office.**
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College Decision Day: Keynote Speaker
This year, we’re honored to welcome Lieutenant Commander Hector Delgado as our keynote speaker, a man who’s lived a life of courage, service, and relentless leadership.
Lieutenant Commander Hector Delgado is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL Officer with over 29 years of military and law enforcement service. From Navy SEAL missions in Iraq to federal law enforcement after 9/11, and now a mentor shaping tomorrow’s leaders, Mr. Delgado’s journey isn’t just inspiring - it’s proof that discipline, integrity, and heart still lead the way.
For students making one of the biggest decisions of their lives, there’s no better voice to guide them than someone who’s spent his life choosing service over self.
This isn’t just a speech, it’s a legacy moment.
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Catherine Martinez has had the great blessing of being involved with Take Stock Palm Beach for the past eight years. During that time, she has guided two young women to graduation and is looking forward to cheering on another as she walks across the stage this year.
“Mentoring is always a two-way street,” Catherine says. “I hope that my positive attitude and constant celebration of their successes have helped my mentees keep moving forward in spite of temporary setbacks or challenges that they need to overcome.”
She takes special pride in the growth of her current senior, who has evolved from a hesitant ninth grader into a confident, problem-solving leader. This student now serves as president of a prominent school club and competed in Orlando at a statewide event sponsored by HOSA. Catherine is continually impressed by her mentee’s courage to step outside her comfort zone and try new things.
Through Take Stock Palm Beach, Catherine also feels more connected to today’s youth—whether it’s through music, TV shows, or trending topics on social media. To her, the program exemplifies the timeless truth that “it takes a village to raise a child.” Catherine is proud to be part of that village, helping to guide the next generation and contribute to a lasting ripple of positive change.
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Current Take Stock Mentors, don't forget to check out the Mentor HUB for regular updates and info!
| | Take Stock Palm Beach Alumni 2024 | |
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Tatiana Ronelus, a proud alum of Take Stock Palm Beach and the Johnson Scholars program, is making waves at the University of Florida. A 2024 graduate of Forest Hill Community High School in West Palm Beach, Tatiana is now a first-year Business Marketing student at UF, where she was awarded a full-ride scholarship through the Machen Florida Opportunity and Promise UF programs.
As a first-generation college student, Tatiana has already embraced leadership opportunities on campus. She’s participated in Lead UF and will return in 2025 as a Peer Leader. She was also selected for the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) through UF’s Black Student Union and the Freshman Leadership Experience (FLEX) through Student Government.
This summer, Tatiana will serve as a Preview Staffer, welcoming over 10,000 incoming students to the Gator community. She also recently joined L.A.D.I.E.S., an organization focused on mentorship and service, and was accepted into the Florida Leadership Academy for the upcoming academic year.
Tatiana credits her success to determination, balance, and the support of our program. From high school to college, the program has provided her with guidance, mentorship, and encouragement. She’s proud to represent Take Stock Palm Beach and hopes to continue inspiring other students as she builds her future. Go Gators!
| | | | Help Sponsor a Student Today! | | |
At Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County, we believe in the power of education to break the cycle of poverty. Right now, 11 promising students are eagerly waiting to join our program —but they need your help.
Our Waitlist Campaign highlights these students’ inspiring stories and dreams. By sponsoring a student, you’ll not only provide them with educational opportunities but also help pave their way to a brighter future.
Each student requires funding to unlock their future. This provides vital program services, including mentorship and college readiness support.
Your generosity will change lives, ensuring these students receive the support and resources they need to succeed. Any contribution—big or small—moves us closer to our goal of transforming lives through education. Together, we can make a difference.
Click here to learn more and make your donation today: Donate Here.
Thank you for believing in the power of education and for being a part of our mission to create lasting change in our community.
P.S. Every dollar makes a difference. Let’s work together to ensure no student is left waiting.
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We appreciate your time and interest in our organization. Take Stock in Children's program model is rated “best in class” by the Florida Legislature, with 98% of our students graduating high school and 74% obtaining a post-secondary credential (compared to only 27% of their peer group). For low-income and minority students, education is the key to success and upward mobility. Take Stock in Children is the single-largest nonprofit purchaser of Florida Prepaid College Foundation Scholarships, with assets totaling more than $250M and over $20M awarded to Palm Beach County students. Our scholarship plans are purchased at half-price and matched $ for $ through our partnership with the Florida Prepaid Foundation, enabling us to serve twice as many students.
Join us, "take stock in a child today," and help us ensure that all students, no matter their background, have equitable access to quality education.
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