Mentorship Awards, Scholarships Announced

Scholarship Recipients with
Yvette Acevedo and Alexcia Cox
(Coastal Click Photography)

(Press Release) West Palm Beach, Fla. (Friday, June 13, 2025) – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties recently held their annual Mentorship Award Ceremony on Saturday, May 31st at PGA National.

Friends, family, and supporters of Big Brothers Big Sisters gathered at PGA National to celebrate and learn more about the charity and the impact mentorship has in the community. The awards luncheon was held to honor the successes of the Bigs and Littles of the Year, as well as those who support their potential. Additionally, high school students were awarded scholarships for college or vocational school. The ceremony was sponsored by Sandra J. Bailey, Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

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The emcee was news reporter Angela Rozier from WPBF 25 News. The keynote speaker was State Attorney Alexcia Cox of the 15th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Alexcia shared a firsthand story about her relationship with her little sister and how they have remained in each other’s lives, as well as the importance of mentorship.

The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program, powered by Florida Power & Light, offered high school students the opportunity to receive a two-year Florida College Plan Scholarship. Eligible students must meet all the criteria, including being an active member in the mentoring program through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

During the scholarship presentation, twenty students received the scholarships. The awards portion of the program honored 8 Big/Littles of the Year, and they each gave personal, heartfelt accounts about the difference the program has meant to their lives because of the ‘matches’ and the life-mentor experiences enjoyed throughout the past year.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported this event. Their generosity helps our agency connect hundreds of young people with caring mentors,” said Yvette Flores Acevedo, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
 
Among the top awards for service and commitment to Big Brothers, Big Sisters Palm Beach, and Martin Counties in 2025 are:
Big Brother of the Year- Gary Kaufman
Little Brother of the Year- Richard Kohser
Big Sister of the Year- Megan Widdig-Jean
Little Sister of the Year- Maddie Castro
High School Big of the Year- Micaela Cristoforo
Little Sister of the Year- Lara Amaral
New this year:
College and Career Big and Little of the Year
Jessalyn Taker and Nathea Masse
Partner in Potential-Sandra Bailey

Scholarship winners include:
Acsa Adrien, Brina Massena, Charlasia Johnson, Destiny Bivens, Emmaneulla Ferdinand, Garbrielle Mejia, Jenea Dieujuste, Jessica Bureau, Jordan Cesar, Katelyn Smith, Kendra Morvan, Kevin Wallace, Michele Sabido, Rishon Riggon, Shaida Sonon, Shamaelle Milce, Shanaya Montrose, Shayanne Thelus, Vanessa Cardenas Morales, and Vistanya St. George.
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