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Dear Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County Family,
Welcome to the May edition of the Take Stock Tribune! This month, we proudly celebrated the achievements of our graduating seniors, many of whom are the first in their families to graduate high school and pursue higher education. Watching them cross the stage, diplomas in hand, was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when students have access to support, mentorship, and opportunity.
We also hosted our 2nd Annual College Decision Day, honoring the hard work, determination, and bright futures of our seniors as they announced their next chapters. Whether heading to universities, state colleges, or technical programs, these students are proof that dreams backed by action—and your support—can lead to life-changing outcomes.
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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
| | | | 2nd Annual College Decision Day | | |
Our 2nd Annual College Decision Day was April 28th at the Hilton Downtown West Palm Beach. It was a powerful and emotional celebration, bringing together a total of 323 students, family members, mentors, school staff, and community supporters. The room was filled with excitement and pride as our seniors took the stage to announce their post-secondary plans.
This event is more than just a celebration—it's a recognition of the commitment these students have made to their education and future. From Florida’s top universities and colleges to trade schools, military service, and other career pathways, each decision reflected thoughtful planning and perseverance. Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college, making this milestone even more meaningful.
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The day included heartfelt speeches, scholarship recognitions, college swag, and lots of cheering. It was a reminder that when students are supported, empowered, and believed in, they rise to incredible heights.
Thank you to our guest speakers, Lieutenant Commander Hector Delgado, for delivering inspiring words to our scholars and our alumni Anith Benjamin for sharing your story. Also, a special thank you to Palm Beach County School District Superintendent Mike Burke, Take Stock Palm Beach board members Mack Perry and Dr. Keven Allen, and guest speaker FAU President, Adam Hassner. Your presence reminded our students that they are surrounded by a strong community that believes in their potential and is cheering them on every step of the way.
| | Graduation at South Florida Fairgrounds | | |
Our Take Stock in Children Graduation Ceremony was May 13th at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Of our 120 graduating seniors, 104 proudly crossed the stage, cheered on by their families, mentors, and the Take Stock Palm Beach staff who have supported them every step of the way.
This event was a deeply emotional moment, not only for the graduates but for everyone who has been part of their journey. Students were honored for their achievements, resilience, and commitment to completing the program, which includes maintaining good academic standing, meeting regularly with their mentors, and staying on track for college readiness.
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As each name was called, we saw not only graduates but future leaders, innovators, educators, and change-makers stepping into the next phase of their lives. Their success is a reflection of the power of opportunity and the unwavering support of a community that believes in their potential.
Thank you to our guest speakers, Superintendent Mike Burke, Take Stock Palm Beach board members Evan Bolinski and Dr. Keven Allen. Your words of encouragement, wisdom, and celebration made a lasting impact on our students as they prepare for the next chapter of their academic journeys.
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We recently hosted a powerful group session focused on reflection and the impact was incredible. A total of 179 students participated, each taking time to pause, look back on their school year, and consider what went well, what challenged them, and what they’d like to improve.
Reflection is a vital part of personal growth. It helps students recognize their strengths, learn from their experiences, and move forward with intention. During the session, our students shared meaningful insights about their academic journeys, celebrated their accomplishments, and honestly acknowledged areas where they could grow.
What made the session even more inspiring was watching them turn those reflections into actionable goals — setting the stage for continued success in the year ahead.
We’re proud of the maturity and motivation our students showed, and we can’t wait to see the progress they make. Here's to growth, self-awareness, and a strong finish to the school year!
| | | | What a Year! Thank you Mentors! | |
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This past year has been truly amazing! Thanks to your dedication, our mentors logged over 12,600 mentoring sessions—that’s nearly 378,000 minutes of meaningful conversations with our students. Your commitment has made a real difference, and we are so grateful for the positive impact you continue to have in their lives. Thank you for all that you do!
We know how much you care for our kids and we need more mentors like you to join Take Stock Palm Beach. We have a group of 75 kids that just joined the program and we need mentors to guide them. Summer is a perfect time for you to encourage your friends and family to become a mentor and change a life the way you do!
While we need mentors all throughout Palm Beach County, we’re especially looking for mentors in:
- The Glades area
- Lake Worth High School
- Royal Palm Beach High School
- Forest Hill High School
- Palm Beach Lakes High School
- Suncoast High School
- John I Leonard High School
Please help us spread the word about Take Stock Palm Beach and the vital need for mentors in Palm Beach County. If you know someone who might be interested or if you have a connection to a company or organization we should reach out to, contact Elissa at esorel@takestockpalmbeach.org.
Also, keep an eye out for an upcoming survey where you can share your plans for next school year. We can’t wait to partner with you again for another year of growth, connection, and impact!
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Current Take Stock Mentors, don't forget to check out the Mentor HUB for regular updates and info!
| | 17th Annual Target Back to School Shopping | |
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We’re excited to announce our 17th Annual Back to School Shopping events at Target, happening this August—and you’re invited to be part of the impact!
📍 Thursday, August 1st – Boynton Beach Target
📍 Sunday, August 4th – Palm Beach Lakes Target
Each year, Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County takes students shopping for school clothes, supplies, and essentials—helping them walk into the new year with confidence, dignity, and excitement. This year, we’re aiming to support more than 100 students, and we need your help.
You can sponsor a student with a $200 Target gift card donation, a gift that goes directly into the hands of a student preparing for success.
Your generosity makes a real difference for families who are working hard to make ends meet. For many of our students, this is the only time they get to pick out brand-new clothes and supplies, and the pride they carry with them on the first day of school is immeasurable.
Donate today and help a student start strong!
| | | | 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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