TAMPA, Fla.–Trax Credit Union has announced the recipients of its 2023 Trax Youth Scholarship.
“The Trax Youth Scholarship program provides critical financial assistance while promoting education, personal growth, community development, and a sense of social responsibility, the credit union said.
This year, Trax provided scholarships to six students. Applicants were required to submit an application and essay explaining what it means to be a youth member at Trax.
The recipients include:
- Kiera Taylor - Kiera graduated from Richard C. Spoto High School with a cumulative weighted GPA of 7.5. She plans to attend the University of California and study Biomedical Engineering. Kiera was a Collegiate Academy Ambassador and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She received various awards including the Anne Frank Humanitarian Award, College Board National African American Recognition Award, and the Award of Excellence for Science.
- Jamar Randolph Jr. - Jamar attends Florida State University where he will study Nursing. Jamar graduated from Jesuit High School where he was a member of the Italian Club, Spanish Club, Pre-Med Club, and the African American Club Vice President. Jamar was the running back for the Varsity Football Team, yet still volunteered at countless community organizations including Metropolitan Ministries, Humane Society, Special Olympics, Feeding Tampa Bay, and the Big Brothers & Big Sisters Program.
- Jamaal Harris - Jamaal graduated from Howard W. Blake High School with a cumulative 3.5 GPA. He will be attending Capital University in Ohio to play sports and study Music Technology. Jamaal was a member of the National Honor Society and received an internship at Patel Conservatory for Music Technology. He is an active Tampa Fire Rescue Cadet and was a leader in the nonprofit back-to-school haircut program. Jamaal also received the WeSeeU College Bound Senior Award.
- Emele Gaspar - Emele graduated from East Bay High School with a cumulative GPA of 5.95. She attends Hillsborough Community College where she is studying Mass Communications. Emele is the HCC Ybor SGA StudentMedia Coordinator, and the HCC Ybor Hawk Media Club Vice President and has received various awards. She received the HCC Student Excellence Award: Mass Communications, the HCC Student Excellence Award: Outstanding Club Leadership, and the HCC Student Excellence Award: English.
- Alyssa Ruiz - Alyssa graduated from Armwood High School with a cumulative 6.0 GPA. She plans to attend Southeastern University where she will study Business Management. Alyssa was a member of the Armwood Collegiate Program where she earned her Associate of Arts Degree before graduating High School. She was in the AVID Honors program, an Honor Roll student, and an active volunteer of Anointed Word Church.
- Avery Pena - Avery is a graduate of Wiregrass Ranch High School where she had a cumulative 3.5 GPA. She plans to attend Florida Atlantic University to study Film. Avery received the Sutton Foster Award, was deemed the Best Segment Editor, and was a member of the Theatre Club. She was a volunteer with PB&J Ministry, as well as the VBS Program at Bay Chapel.