Club members are trading their bookbags for graduation caps as they embark on their next chapter. For Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties’ (BGCSDC) Class of 2026, they are taking much more than good grades into this next chapter; they are taking the leadership skills, opportunities, mentors, and memories they made at the Club. To celebrate this milestone, families, mentors, and supporters joined our seniors on May 13 at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club for the annual Graduation & Scholarship Celebration. The evening recognized the accomplishments, growth, and the great futures that await the graduating Class of 2026.
Club juniors Jack L. and Maria M. served as co-hosts for the evening, guiding guests through a night dedicated to honoring the graduating seniors and recognizing scholarship recipients. Each Club member had their name called, and the opportunity to cross the stage as they were handed their scholarships or recognition of achievement. In addition to recognizing graduating seniors, a number of underclassmen were also awarded scholarships through the Steven and Marjolaine Townsend Scholarship program. These scholarships invest in students early, helping support and encourage future graduating classes as they continue working toward their educational and career goals.
Throughout their time at The Club, these seniors have grown far beyond the classroom. The slate of teen programs offered by BGCSDC are designed to develop positive character & leadership, instill a strong sense of civic engagement, enhance their leadership skills, and have a plan for after high school graduation. From taking part in youth-led advocacy initiatives through programs like Youth Council to attending career mixers and gaining insights on an array of potential careers through My Avenue to Professional Success, these graduates have the confidence, skills, and experiences to take on what lies ahead.
As the night came to a close, seniors celebrated not only the end of their high school journey but also the beginning of new opportunities ahead. As a departing piece of advice, Club member Jack L. shared, ”Stay connected, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to try things you’re not immediately good at. That’s usually where the good stuff happens anyway.”
Whether attending college, entering the workforce, serving in the military, or pursuing technical training, the Class of 2026 is ready to be the future leaders of our area. They are equipped with the tools to shape their own future, experiences that opened up paths to what can be possible, and memories that they will keep with them long after they leave. Stepping into the uncertainty may feel daunting; there will be moments that force resilience and courage, but The Club will always be there to remind them that they are capable of great things because: Once a Club Kid, Always a Club Kid.
Good luck to the Class of 2026!
2026 Robert and Patricia Gussin Endowed Scholarship at Duquesne University
Milordije C.
Thaliana R.
2026 National Youth Talent Scholarship & Bridges Scholarship
Isabel J.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties 2026 Youth of the Year Scholarship
Devdaan L.
2026 PEO Florida Scholarship
Carmen R.
2026 PEO STAR Scholarship
Mira C.
Esther N.
2026 Matthew A. Knight Foundation Scholarship
Yamileth S.
2026 A. Jean Battie Education Scholarship
Jaliyah L.
2026 Ferguson Foundation Scholarship
Samuel O.
2026 Ryan Thomas Stevens Memorial Scholarship
Savannah A.
2026 Post-Secondary Transition Scholarship
Alvin L.
Devdaan L.
Carmen R.
Milordije C.
Thaliana R.
Coke Florida Refreshing Minds Scholarship
Devon P.
Class of 2026 Steven & Marjolaine Townsend Scholarship
Domingo A.
Savannah A.
Taven A.
Jose A.
Jordin C.
Milordije C.
Michelle C.
Judeah D.
Issa D.
Brandon D.
Marysol E.
Vanessa G.
Simal K.
Jaliyah L.
Alvin L.
Samuel O.
Zamiyah P.
Nathan P.
Devon P.
Vanessa R.
Carmen R.
Thaliana R.
Malik T.
Class of 2027 Steven & Marjolaine Townsend Scholarship
Victor G.
Oleysa O.
Rhys H.
Mariah V.
Kayla W.
Nazariah S.
Elieninis G.
Maliyah L.
Aneassa A.
Micah T.
Class of 2028 Steven & Marjolaine Townsend Scholarship
Charlene C.
Noel K.
William C.
Pedro E.
Amir R.
Kymani H.
Class of 2029 Steven & Marjolaine Townsend Scholarship
Jacquelyn E.
Solaris E.
Ashly C.
Ziarre S.
Jayden L.
Kasson J.
Magali G.
Trinity T.
Jazmin H.
