The Ray Goodgame Scholarship honors exceptional students in the South Lake area who serve as true champions of their community. This year’s recipient is a young woman whose achievements reflect not only academic excellence, but also a deep commitment to leadership and service.
Jasmine Gaines of East Ridge High School has distinguished herself as an outstanding scholar, maintaining an impressive 5.2 GPA while earning numerous prestigious honors. She has been a three-time finalist at both the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida. At the Lake County Regional Science and Engineering Fair, she earned Best in Show and First Place for three consecutive years. Her academic accomplishments also include earning the AP Capstone Diploma, being named an AP Scholar with Honor, and receiving recognition from Oracle Academy and NASA Deep Space Logistics for her work in systems software and robotics.
Beyond the classroom, Jasmine has proven to be an exceptional leader. She has been actively involved in Student Government since 2022 and has served as Student Body President since her sophomore year. She is the founder and president of the East Ridge High School STEAM Club, where her leadership helped the school earn the Lake County Schools Gold STEAM School Award for two consecutive years. In addition, she serves as Vice President of the National Honor Society and is a member of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee.
Jasmine’s dedication to her community is equally impressive. She has completed more than 500 hours of community service, volunteering with organizations such as Hands of Hope Scouts America, Thrive Clermont, and her church’s summer camp. She has also given her time as a science fair judge for a local elementary school and contributed 183 hours at a neuroscience clinic, assisting elderly, disabled, and vulnerable patients.
Looking ahead, Jasmine plans to pursue a degree in neuroscience with the goal of becoming a neurologist. She hopes to combine innovation and technology to help advance treatments and ultimately find a cure for neurodegenerative diseases.
In recognition of her remarkable achievements and commitment to service, Jasmine Gaines of East Ridge High School has been awarded the $1,000 Ray Goodgame Outstanding Student Leader Scholarship.
