Success Stories

Take Stock in Children is committed to the success of each and every student. Local program partners across the state work side by side with mentors, school officials, and parents to ensure that each student receives the highest quality of service throughout their middle and high school career. Take Stock in Children students excel academically and become leaders amongst their peers and in their communities.

Our Students

India White

India White’s path has led her from living in a homeless shelter to becoming a leader, motivator and mentor. Born the 9th of ten children to an alcohol addicted mother, India faced physical and emotional abuse at home and the daily uncertainty of living in poverty. India left her home while in high school and moved to a homeless shelter. India continued to persist in her high school endeavors, graduated, attended the University of Florida and, against all odds, received her college degree. She now teaches algebra and geometry in Alachua County. “Without my mentor and Take Stock in Children, I would probably be on welfare for the rest of my life. I would have become a statistic,” said India. “I went from being homeless to being a teacher. There is just no way to say thank you for all that the Take Stock in Children program has done for me.”

Jared Torres

In the 6th grade, Jared Torres participated in the Annual Rally in Tally, an annual student event in Tallahassee. Traveling with other students from Broward County, Jared toured the State Capitol and met with Government leaders. It was during these meetings that Jared developed his interest in working in State Government and serving the public. Being awarded a Take Stock in Children scholarship gave him the resources he needed to go to college and make this dream a reality. He was paired with his mentor, Judy Jacobson, a long-time volunteer and leader with the Broward county program. Judy helped Jared develop the skills necessary to get good grades, succeed in college and begin a career path in Government. Jared excelled in high school serving as a student body president. He attended Florida Atlantic University where he became active in Student Government and was the president of his fraternity. He received his bachelors in pre-law and now works in the Governor’s office.

Chris Perez

When Christopher first moved to Fernandina Beach from Miami in 1996, he was the only Hispanic student in his 5th grade class. Even though this transition was difficult, Christopher managed to overcome the cultural barriers and worked hard at school where his efforts were recognized by his middle school guidance counselor. Christopher was recommended for the Take Stock in Children Program and entered the program in 7th grade. After graduating from high school in 2004, he attended Florida Community College in Jacksonville where he received his A.A. with honors and was on the president’s list. He is a recent graduate of The University of North Florida and is pursuing a graduate degree while making time to be a volunteer alumnus speaker on behalf of Take Stock in Children.

Jeannette Hernandez

Jeanette Hernandez is a Cuban-American who was educated in Monroe County Schools. She was offered the Take Stock in Children scholarship opportunity as a 9th grader while attending Key West High School. She successfully completed the mentoring program and graduated from high school. Upon graduation, Jeanette attended Florida Keys Community College and earned her A.A. degree. She continued her education at the University of South Florida in Tampa, and earned her bachelors degree in finance. Jeanette has returned to her hometown of Key West and is employed as an Assistant Branch Manager for First State Bank. She recently joined the Take Stock in Children program as a mentor for a 7th grader, fully completing the cycle of her success.

In their own words

Wilkine Brutus

In the late 1990’s, there was a Take Stock In Children TV commercial, which illustrated a group of black students at a school bus stop being profiled by authorities. Though I cannot recall what the voiceover said, it was clear to the viewer that the image of an educational seeker, comes in many colors. I was one of the viewers and my image also matched the canvas, as I stood at my school bus stop, contemplating my attempts at defy the odds. It was ironic that a fictional commercial that didn’t sell a product, touched more lives than any physical commodity. In non-fiction, two lives profited (my mentor and I) and through the connection of our love and understanding, a miraculous journey began. Law of attraction? Perhaps. It was understood, at least for me, that authorities had a tough job on their hands due to the proximity of that bus stop; however, the undermining of innocent youth was relevant and certainly unacceptable.

Indeed, the stench of foul conditions coated my neighborhood of Dyson Circle, where the aroma of thug life pinched my nostril and I inhaled the influence of failure. The daily gunshots made my vulnerable ears twitch like drug addicts, listening to the inevitable sounds of death. My single, Haitian mother of four diverted those sounds into cooking oil, popping--a dinner at 8pm eased the irritable feelings of danger and hopelessness. At 7am, education tasted better than breakfast, because the anticipation of learning was sweeter than cornflakes. Despite our circumstances, I became my mothers’ foreseeable vision of success. It took a man, from another realm, to compliment that vision. He was my mentor from that non-profit scholarship program, Take Stock In Children. His name was Frank Bobo.

During the scholarship contract signing, my colleagues had their newfound mentor present. Frank Bobo was in the military and couldn’t make the inauguration. I can still feel the photo and post card he sent me and how thankful I was, despite his absence. He went on to never be absent again and we escaped the world for the first time under the school pavilion. We often discussed the writings of a soul searcher, (Boys to Men) studied my homework, and researched ways to uphold my steady climb. Mr.Bobo dissected my deep, inner feelings and examined it with precision. I allowed him too, because despite my optimistic view of life, I was still lacking a father figure and role model that would maintain the balance between the will to contribute to society and the loneliness as a black, bastard child.

Furthermore, we were of two different worlds. He was a young white male with a solid family background, married, and was planning on attending Harvard Law School. I fit the stereotypical black adolescent, writing lyrics and excelling in athletics with no clear idea for a “plan b.” Yet, that was the environment I was in and assimilation was key for every Haitian child trying to find his/her identity. Fortunately, I was naturally mature and sociable and by some means found my identity at an early age. Yet, it was Frank who managed to push my potential to a higher level. It was Frank, who read books with me, played pick-up basketball before clocking into work, took me into his sweaty arms and sacrificed both shoulders. I leaned on them, like the cold side of a pillow, comfortable, after a hot day of feeling forlorn and confused. I loved him, like an older brother that never existed and a father I never had.

In the late 2000s, a mentor named Frank Bobo graduated from Harvard Business School, is happily married, and is now a successful father of 2 gorgeous girls. His student of life, Wilkine Brutus, graduated with his Bachelors degree in Film, is engaged, and will forever remember how a boy and a man, of two distinct cultural backgrounds, managed to create a long life friendship and brotherly love.

My mother has made the biggest impact of my life and Frank was the other hand, extending it as far as he could. My thanks go to him, his wife Ashley, and both of their families that chipped in their support. Frank and I are the living testament to that 90’s TV commercial and perhaps my background in film will lead to a sequel. Onelove! –Wilkine Brutus