Article and Photos submitted by Larry Oskin,
The Caribbean American Association of Lake County successfully hosted their annual scholarship awards presentation to honor top achieving Lake County students. The Caribbean American Association of Lake County remains a premier organization focused on serving their entire community, while enhancing the lives and families of our young people.
CAALC’s President Mitchell Hill opened their May CAALC meeting and scholarship awards event by noting, “Thank you to our students, members, attendees, and supporters. We are pleased to extend our congratulations to our students and their families, knowing they will be taking the next steps to become great new leaders. While we awarded three valuable scholarships in past years, our goal and mission remain to share as many scholarships as possible each year. Last year we were able to provide ten scholarships and aspired to do the same this year. We give these scholarships with honor and pride as we recognize that these awarded students will help to successfully lead us into the future!”
2025 CAALC Scholarship Award Winners: CAALC Education Committee Chairperson Anne Winston welcomed everyone into the CAALC family. She named the following students as 2025 scholarship recipients:
- Marianela Ramos and Renata Del Tondo of East Ridge High School;
- Jaden Lyons of Hope Academy;
- Jeanelle Henderson and Kayla Nord of Leesburg High School
- Jadiel De Jesus-Cristobal of South Lake High School
Not Present:
- Cherlande Noelma, Leylani Rosier and Manuel Almonte from the Real Life Christian Academy
Over the course of the past 20 years, the CAALC has provided two to five $1,000 scholarships per year for young people of Caribbean heritage. This year was no different, yet better. They raised the bar and worked to diligently extend their reach and impact the lives of ten students this year by providing some financial relief with a scholarship as they look to college and furthering their education. Nine of the ten applicants met all the qualification criteria this year. CAALC is hoping to honor at least ten more students of Caribbean heritage again next year.
The Caribbean-American Association of Lake County awarded scholarships which may be used at any accredited vocational-technical school, community college, four-year college, or university. To be eligible for the CAALC Scholarship, applicants must be Seniors at Lake County High Schools. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. All applicants must be of Caribbean heritage. The CAALC Scholarship awards are based on academic record, involvement in community or extra-curricular activities, and good character. Now is the time to start researching and applying for the next round of 2026 scholarships.
Caribbean American Association of Lake County is a 501-C3 non-profit organization focused on giving back to the community while enhancing the lives of young people in our community. They promise to always grant annual scholarships to deserving young Lake County students. They remain involved in ongoing community and charitable projects to host many fun family events to raise funds while promoting the diverse Caribbean culture, including their Spring Tea Party, their annual Fall Banquet and more. CAALC encourages all Lake County students to also apply to participate in their Steel Drum Orchestra. CAALC’s Signature Annual Jerk Festival event is one of its main scholarship fundraisers. Visit: www.MarzEvents.com or call: 561-951-4035 to participate as a sponsor or vendor.
The Caribbean American Association of Lake County is always looking for new members, donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Monthly meetings are held at the South Lake Presbyterian Church, at 131 Chestnut Street in Clermont, FL 34711. Call 352-978-0813 or email: CAALC2004@GMail.com.
This year, the Clermont Caribbean Jerk Festival will be held on June 7, at Clermont Waterfront Park in Clermont. Visit: www.CAALC-FL,org and follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CAALC123.
