Take Stock in Children Names Bethany Lacey as New Chief Executive Officer

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For Immediate Release September 30, 2025 Contact: Ryan Duffy (863) 902-2159 Davie, FL – Take Stock in Children (TSIC), Florida’s leading nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through education and mentorship, today announced that Bethany Lacey has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Lacey succeeds CEO Jillian Hasner, who served as Take Stock’s CEO …

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Level Up your College Experience: Support, Resources, and Real Advice

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Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or beginning your very first semester, we’re here to help you navigate your college, career, and life journey. In this special episode, we chat with our Take Stock in College and Career team — Carrie Garcia, Gigi Graves, Difo Moore, and Julia Carter — to bring you essential resources and …

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Leaders 4 Life fellow EllaGrace Clinger: A Future Physician Leading with Compassion, Courage, and Purpose

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From Shalimar, Florida, EllaGrace Clinger is a standout senior at Niceville High School. Her academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service have made her a role model for her peers and a source of pride for the Take Stock in Children community. Graduating with a 3.88 GPA, EllaGrace has successfully balanced a demanding schedule of …

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Take Stock in College and Career Student Ambassadors Christina Beaver, Melissa Baxcajay, and McKenzie Simon

What’s Next? Navigating College Transitions as a Transfer, Senior, and Continuing Ed. Student

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One question that college students may look forward to or dread is “what’s next?”. The Take Stock in College and Career program equips our college scholars with a continuum of support and resources for the next steps in their academic journey and professional development. Since every student’s college journey is different, this episode of the …

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2025 Leaders 4 Life fellow Mithila "Mia" Paul

Leaders 4 Life: Mithila “Mia” Paul: Future Occupational Therapist Blending STEM, Art, and Compassion

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Mithila “Mia” Paul’s story begins with a foundation built by her parents, who immigrated to the United States from Bangladesh. They instilled in her a deep love for learning—but even more importantly, a love for humankind. “My parents honed in the importance of kindness to others in a world surrounded by unkind people,” Mia reflects. …

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Take Stock Seminole County staff with Cheryl Blakeney, TSIC Mentor of the Year, with TSIC CEO Jillian Hasner

The Vital Role of a Mentor

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Our 2025 Take Stock in Children Mentor of the Year, Cheryl Blakeney, has always been interested in mathematics and helping others. Both passions exponentially grew when Cheryl, also known as “Mrs. B,” joined the Take Stock in Children of Seminole County program in 2001. For nearly 24 years, Cheryl has been a committed volunteer mentor, helping students …

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Take Stock 2025 Leader 4 Life fellow Sophie Beltran

Leaders 4 Life: Crochet, Creativity, and Conservation: Sophie Beltran’s Path to Success

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Meet Sophie Beltran, a determined and passionate senior from Riverview High School in Sarasota County. Sophie’s academic journey has been nothing short of impressive, earning a 3.88 GPA while enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. Her dedication to her studies and extracurricular activities has set the foundation for a bright future, one that’s deeply …

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Take Stock Flagler County student Lindcoln with mentor

How After-School Tutoring and Mentorship Transformed One Student’s Confidence

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Every student faces challenges, but how they respond to those obstacles truly shapes their success. Take Stock Flagler County student Lindcoln J., who struggled with math during the first quarter, faced a significant hurdle. Despite his best efforts, he found the concepts difficult to grasp. However, his story didn’t end in frustration. Lindcoln could find …

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Leaders 4 Life 2025 fellow Mercinda Cabrera

Leaders 4 Life: Mercinda Cabrera: How Music Shapes Leadership and Success for This Future Educator

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Mercinda Cabrera, is a standout student of the Take Stock in Children program operated by the Public Education Foundation of Marion County. With an impressive 3.98 GPA, the graduating senior is not only excelling academically but also making a mark as a leader in her school and community. Mercinda balances time as a dually enrolled …

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