$414,000 in Scholarships Awarded to More Than 60 High School Students

Ana G. Méndez University Representatives Academic Director Kerelyne Escobar Perez; Director of Admissions Kalinka Sotolongo; and Director of Student Affairs Vidal Lopez with AGMU Presidential Scholarship recipients Cesar Guifarro and Jerrine Benitez

From Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (May 28, 2026) — More than 60 high school students were presented with $414,000 in college scholarships during Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County’s (BBBSBC) BIG Futures Scholar Celebration, presented by Ana G. Méndez University. The seniors who completed BBBSBC’s mentoring programs also received the BBBS honor cord as a symbol of their dedication and milestone they can proudly wear at graduation.

“From the day each of these remarkable students were matched with their Bigs to now, I have witnessed so much growth and maturity in them personally and academically,” said Malena Mendez, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County. “Their accomplishments are a testament to the power of mentorship. I am so proud of them and look forward to seeing what the future has in store as they further their education with these scholarships. I am grateful to our community partners for investing in our youth and putting them on a path to career readiness.”

The following scholarships were awarded to mostly seniors, but to some juniors and sophomores as well: The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by Florida Power and Light; Coke Florida Refreshing Minds Scholarship; Women on the Verge Big Futures Scholarship; Schutt Family Scholarship; World Career Academy Scholarship; Charles Greenlee Scholarship Fund; Ana G. Méndez Presidential University Scholarship; Myrtle L. Maragh Scholarship; and Spirit of Opportunity Scholars Scholarship supported by the Spirit Charitable Foundation. The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity, Coke Florida Refreshing Minds, Women on the Verge Big Futures, Schutt Family and Spirit of Opportunity Scholars scholarships are matched dollar-for-dollar by Florida Prepaid.

One of the scholarship recipients is Hallandale Magnet High School senior Hammad Hazuri who received a Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship to use toward a two-year Florida College Plan. He plans to major in finance at Florida International University and continue on to law school to be the voice for those who feel no one stands up for them and to provide for his single mother who is raising him and his brothers. After his father passed away when Hammad was only 11 years old, he became a Little in the BBBSBC program. He greatly benefited from the mentorship he received from his Big, Victor Vasquez, who he credits for teaching him accountability and discipline and is someone he can confide in and look up to.

“My relationship with my Big has been something that I did not know I needed until I had it,” said Hammad. “Having someone outside of my family who is genuinely invested in my growth has helped me see things from a different perspective and stay focused on my goals. Mentorship has shown me that you do not have to figure everything out alone, and it has made me more intentional about the way I move and the way I plan for my future.”

Losing his dad was a turning point in Hammad’s life. He concentrated more seriously on his schoolwork, learned better time management skills and prioritized his family ahead of himself. Hammad is a top student in his graduating class with a 4.83 GPA and 1460 SAT score. He was recognized with the Cambridge Outstanding Learner Award for achieving some of the highest marks across the U.S. in multiple Cambridge A Level subjects, which reflects his commitment to academic excellence at a national level. Hammad serves as class president, vice president of National Honor Society and Regimental Commander for JROTC in Broward County, where he leads and represents cadets across multiple schools. He’s been involved in programs including 5000 Role Models of Excellence and TRIO Upward Bound, which continue to develop him as a student and leader.

The BIG Futures program provides college and career readiness to Broward County high school juniors and seniors through monthly four-to-five-hour sessions at a local business, where students are partnered with an employee of the business who serves as their Big or mentor. During each session, topics such as interview skills, resume writing and financial literacy are discussed. Bigs and Littles complete an activity that corresponds with the lesson, as well as a social-emotional learning exercise that is part of a mental health and wellness initiative called Little Steps, Big Strides. Littles are given the opportunity to explore the roles and responsibilities of their Bigs within the organization.

The BIG Futures Scholar Celebration is made possible thanks to presenting sponsor Ana G. Méndez University, Honor Roll sponsor Memorial Healthcare System and host Jay Shechter of the Carl Shechter SW Focal Point Community Center.

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIPS

Ana G. Méndez Presidential University Scholarship- Recipients receive a full scholarship to attend AGMU, along with mentorship from the university’s president. To be eligible, students must exhibit community involvement and volunteerism, submit two letters of recommendation, write an essay about how mentorship benefits their future goals, attend panel interviews and orientation, and maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Charles Greenlee Scholarship Fund- Established to honor the memory of Charles Greenlee, one of the accused and incarcerated men of the Groveland Four, this scholarship empowers select students within the BBBS program who have been impacted by incarceration and triumphed over immense adversity.

Coke Florida Refreshing Minds Scholarship- Two and four-year Florida College Plans are awarded to graduating high school seniors.

The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by Florida Power and Light- Open to high school juniors and seniors, 30 two-year Florida College Plans were awarded.

Myrtle L. Maragh Scholarship- Created in honor of educator Myrtle L. Maragh, the mother of board member Marlene Williams, it’s awarded to a senior who has participated in BBBS and has an interest in pursuing a career in education.  

Schutt Family Scholarship- The family of Cindy Schutt pledged to sponsor one student who received a Woman on the Verge Scholarship. This donation was used to purchase a 2-year Florida College Plan from the Florida Prepaid Foundation. 

Spirit of Opportunity Scholars Scholarship supported by the Spirit Charitable Foundation- Established by Spirit Charitable Foundation to honor seven McArthur High School seniors who exhibited perfect attendance throughout the Big Futures program for the 2025-2026 school year. This year, recipients will receive a 2-year Florida College Plan from the Florida Prepaid Foundation. 

Women on the Verge Big Futures Scholarship- Awarded to high school seniors enrolled in BBBSBC who maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

World Career Academy Scholarship- Two full ride scholarships for students interested in their HVAC training program.

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Blanche Ely High School

• Maniah Charleston, Women on the Verge Scholarship, Coral Springs resident, will attend Florida Memorial University
• Rubyana Civil, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, North Lauderdale resident
• Naima Jean, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, North Lauderdale resident
• Arshar’i McCalla, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Fort Lauderdale resident
• Saniece Parris, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Coral Springs resident, will attend Florida International University (FIU)
• Kharl Paul, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Deerfield Beach resident

Broward Virtual School

• Reandra Dwarika, Myrtle L. Maragh Scholarship, Davie resident, will attend University of Florida online

Cavalry Christian Academy

• Gianna Rice, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Oakland Park resident

Deerfield Beach High School

• Marie Laurore, World Career Academy Scholarship, Deerfield Beach resident

Hallandale Magnet High School

• Jerrine Benitez, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship and Ana G. Mendez Presidential Scholarship, West Park resident, will attend Ana G. Méndez University
• Hernandine Bernard, Women on the Verge Scholarship, West Park resident, will attend Miami Dade College
• Daniel Carazas, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, West Park resident, will attend Broward College
• Jannah Gedawy, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Hallandale Beach resident, will attend Broward College
• Pernell Hayes, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Miami Gardens resident, will attend Florida A&M University
• Hammad Hazuri, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Hallandale Beach resident, will attend FIU
• Lanny Pierre, Women on the Verge Scholarship, Hollywood resident, will attend Sherida Technical College
• Zoe Pierre, Women on the Verge Scholarship, West Park resident, will attend Florida A&M University
• Richard Randolph, Women on the Verge Scholarship, West Park resident, will attend FIU
• Samuel Vasquez, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, West Park resident, will attend Florida A&M University
• Larry Vila, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Hallandale Beach resident, will attend Nova Southeastern University (NSU)
• Khalya Tavares-White, Women on the Verge Scholarship, West Park resident, will attend University of Central Florida
• Kaleah White, Women on the Verge Scholarship, West Park resident, will attend Florida A&M University
• De’Ajah Williams, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, West Park resident, will attend Florida A&M University

Harvard International Academy

• Kazman Murray, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, North Lauderdale resident

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

• Josiah Ferguson, Women on the Verge Scholarship, Parkland resident, will attend Florida Atlantic University

McArthur High School

• Nadia Ali, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Hollywood resident
• Benzhion Seraphin, World Career Academy Scholarship, Miramar resident
• Isabella Bernos, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Hollywood resident
• John Blaise, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Miramar resident, will attend Manchester University
• Dario Cubilete, Spirit of Opportunity Scholars Scholarship, Pembroke Pines resident, will attend Broward College
• Soraya Exceus, Spirit of Opportunity Scholars Scholarship, Hollywood resident, will attend FIU
• Jurnee Harrell, Women on the Verge Scholarship and Spirit of Opportunity Scholars Scholarship, Hollywood resident, will attend Florida A&M University
• Kyndal Nelson, Women on the Verge Scholarship and Spirit of Opportunity Scholars Scholarship, Miami Gardens resident, will attend Florida A&M University
• Jade Robinson, Spirit of Opportunity Scholars Scholarship, Miramar resident, will attend Florida State University
• Nya Robinson, Spirit of Opportunity Scholars Scholarship, Miramar resident, will attend Florida A&M University
• Breanna Simpson, Women on the Verge Scholarship, Hollywood resident, will attend Tallahassee State College
• Kimora Victor, Women on the Verge Scholarship and Spirit of Opportunity Scholars Scholarship, Pembroke Pines resident, will attend FVI School of Nursing and Technology

Miramar High School

• Jordyn Lucas, Women on the Verge Scholarship, Pembroke Pines resident, will attend University of Tampa

Nova High School

• Nevaeh Farelus, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Hollywood resident, St. Thomas University
• Amaya Henry, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Lauderdale Lakes resident, will attend FIU
• Cory Loftman, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Hollywood resident, will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Adrianna Spencer, Women on the Verge Scholarship, Plantation resident

Plantation High School

• Amorie Phillips, Women on the Verge Scholarship, Plantation resident, will attend Florida A&M University
• Nathalia Santana-Shalwani, Women on the Verge Scholarship, Lauderhill resident, will attend Broward College in the Fall and plans to transfer to University of Central Florida in Spring 2027
• Elana Sookdeo, Charles Greenlee Scholarship Fund, Coral Springs resident, will attend University of South Florida

South Broward High School

• Abel Rivera-Stephens, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Dania Beach resident

South Plantation High School

• Angie Cordero, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Fort Lauderdale resident

Stranahan High School

• Whitney Beepath, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Fort Lauderdale resident
• Flor Cifuentes, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Fort Lauderdale resident, will attend NSU
• Kamora Corriette, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Fort Lauderdale resident, will attend Barry University
• Sammie Edwards, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Fort Lauderdale resident
• Terrence Edwards, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Lauderhill resident, will attend Florida A&M University
• Day’Shawn Jones, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Fort Lauderdale resident
• Anestesha Loriston, Women on the Verge Scholarship, Davie resident, will attend Livingstone College
• Ambriel Malcolm, The Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship powered by FPL Scholarship, Lauderhill resident, will attend Florida A&M University
• Jouvensley Stenor, Women on the Verge Scholarship, Fort Lauderdale resident, will attend Macalester College

*Some scholarship recipients have chosen to remain private. The Coke Florida Scholarship recipients will be announced at a later date.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County 

For more than 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County has offered unprecedented access to resources to empower youth to reach their full potential through meaningful mentoring relationships. These mentoring relationships build self-confidence and emotional well-being, encourage young people to stay on a path to graduation and higher education, and help them establish a plan for a successful future. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County is to ignite the power and promise of youth. For more information, visit bbbsbroward.org.