The Best and Brightest Awards recognized Leon County’s most noteworthy seniors from public and private high schools at this year’s eighth annual ceremony. The top 45 students – three winners in each of 15 categories – were recognized Wednesday night for their unparalleled dedication to both community service and academic excellence. In this eighth year of the program, over $350,000 in scholarships have been awarded to over 1,000 students and their schools.
“It takes many individuals a lifetime to learn the value of service. These remarkable students who make up Tallahassee’s Best and Brightest conduct their everyday lives with a wisdom and moral fortitude beyond their years,” said Ron Sachs, President of Sachs Media Group and founder of the scholarship program. “Congratulations to everyone. May you continue to inspire us all and a make lasting impressions on this community.”
On March 2, three-judge panels interviewed the school-based winners in the 15 categories to explore each student’s character and volunteer experience. The winner, runner-up and honorable mention honorees in each category were awarded with scholarships at last night’s ceremony.
Thanks to the generosity of the Best and Brightest sponsors, scholarship amounts awarded were $1,500 for winners, $750 for runners-up and $500 for honorable mention honorees. All of the school-based winners receive at least a $100 scholarship for their outstanding achievements, in addition to a Best and Brightest Awards medallion. It is also the third year for the Best and Brightest eighth-grade scholarship essay contest, aimed to encourage Leon County’s rising high school students to plan to be involved in service to school and community. The first-place winner of the essay contest was awarded $500, the runner up received $250 and the honorable mention honoree was awarded $100.
“Envision Credit Union is honored to continue sponsoring the Best and Brightest Awards for the eighth consecutive year,” said Darryl Worrell, president and CEO of Envision Credit Union. “This is an incredible program and these students inspire us all. They truly make a difference in our community.”
The Best and Brightest Awards program is grateful for major underwriting from Envision Credit Union, as well as the Tallahassee Democrat, Sachs Media Group, Credit Union 24, Ajax Building Corporation, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, Mainline Information Systems, Summit Group Commercial Properties, Core Message, Florida League of Cities, ITT Technical Institute and Target Copy. The Awards program also appreciates sponsorship by Publix Super Markets Charities, Awards4U, Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, Florida League of Cities, WFSU, Leon County Schools and World Class Schools of Leon County.
The Best and Brightest Awards was created in 2005 to recognize seniors from Leon County’s public and private high schools who have excelled in one of 15 academic proficiencies and have demonstrated a long-term commitment to service in their schools and community. For more information, please visit www.TheBestandBrightestAwards.com.