Journey Williams, a senior at South Lake High School, is one of 12 finalists for the prestigious Leaders for Life Fellowship.
The Leaders for Life (L4L) fellowship was created by the Asofsky Family Foundation in partnership with Take Stock in Children, a nonprofit organization that provides mentors and college scholarships to financially at-risk students in Florida to help students graduate and successfully enter a career.
Each year, Take Stock in Children’s top students from across Florida apply for the L4L fellowship program which involves a rigorous application process that requires essays on education and leadership, as well as letters of recommendation.
The six students selected for the L4L Fellowship receive their tuition scholarship from Take Stock in Children, plus up to $10,000 per year for four years in additional scholarship funds, along with educational and networking opportunities.
The L4L Fellows will be announced in December 2021. Williams and the other L4L finalists each received a MacBook Pro.
Williams is an honor student and has been a leader on the Eagle Nation track and field team for the last three years. She has worked part-time while going to school.
Williams was surprised with the news of her honor at a small gathering at South Lake High School that included her mother, Devadah King, her mentor, Alison Hector, South Lake High School Principal Steven Benson and members of the Take Stock in Children of Lake and Sumter program.
“We are so excited for Journey to advance as a finalist in the Leaders for Life Fellowship program. Her dedication to academic success and to her community makes her an exceptional candidate,” said Carman Cullen, Executive Director of the Education Foundation of Lake County, which oversees Take Stock in Children of Lake and Sumter Counties. “Journey’s accomplishment is also another feather in our cap as she is fifth student from Lake and Sumter counties to be named a finalist in the last five years. In fact, three of the last five finalists were awarded the fellowship.”
The Asofsky Family Foundation started the L4L Fellowship because they believe that every child has the right to develop to their fullest potential regardless of socio-economic or family circumstances; and education is one of the most effective tools to create opportunities and break the cycle of poverty.
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About Take Stock in Children of Lake & Sumter Counties
Take Stock in Children of Lake & Sumter Counties’ mission is to break the cycle of poverty for low-income, academically qualified students by providing opportunities for a post-secondary education. We offer college scholarships to students, provide caring volunteer mentors, and instill hope for a better life. Our comprehensive services begin in high school, continue through high school, and include students’ transition into college and career. To learn more about becoming a mentor, sponsor or to join our community Advisory Council, please visitEdFoundationLake.com/TSICLakeSumter.
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About the Education Foundation of Lake County
Established in 1987, the Education Foundation of Lake County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and designated direct support organization for Lake County Schools. Our mission is to serve as the connection between our community and public education, evaluating needs and securing resources to enhance the quality of education. The Education Foundation of Lake County operates for the benefit of students and teachers in Lake County Public Schools. The Education Foundation of Lake County is ranked among the Top 50 Education Foundations in the United States by the Caruthers Institute. For more info, please visit EdFoundationLake.com.
