$10,000 WAS AWARDED TO 13 LOCAL SENIORS.
Plant City Champions for Youth handed out 13 scholarships to local high school seniors who are going on to further their educations at colleges and vocational schools. The awards were presented to the students at their senior awards ceremonies at their respective high schools.
The awardees for 2025 are:
Champions for Youth took in money for the scholarships through its annual Parks & Rec Golf Classic, and the Champions for Youth Christmas tree sale. Construction Technology Group and its president. Rick Baldwin, also funded awards.
To apply for the scholarships, students submitted applications including their grade point average, SAT/ACT scores, extracurricular activities, leadership positions they have held, community service hours, and an essay, “What My Participation In Parks & Rec/Champions Sponsored Activities Meant To Me.” Judges reviewed the applications, and graded and ranked them to determine the recipients.
“In addition to college-bound student assistance, we are excited to have six scholarships going to students that need further training, or tools, to head into the vocational work force and pursue their dream jobs,” Champions Board Member Jack Holland said. “Vocational jobs are extremely important to our community, and we are excited to help all of these youths in their futures.”
“Each of these students represents the heart of what our mission is all about—investing in the next generation of leaders, tradespeople, college bound students, and change-makers right here in Plant City,” said Robert Olszewski, 2024-2025 president of Plant City Champions for Youth. “Whether they’re heading to college or entering the workforce through vocational training, we’re proud to support their dreams and celebrate the role our community programs have played in shaping their futures.”
Plant City Champions for Youth is a Plant City-based, 501(c)3 non-profit that is hyper-focused on the youth of the Plant City area. The organization is carrying on the rich tradition of the Optimist Club of Plant City which ceased operations in 2024. Programs and service projects the club participates in include a Teen Talk Speech Contest, a Law Appreciation Dinner, Youth Excellence Awards, and selection of Plant City’s Citizen of the Year. Champions for Youth is also very active in its support of youth by working closely with the Plant City Parks & Recreation Department in their youth flag football, basketball, soccer programs, annual Easter Egg Hunt, Trunk or Treat, and various sport skills competitions.
