2024 Scholarship Winners!

Four of VAVF’s six scholarships were awarded to students at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. Here they are at their awards ceremony with their principal, Carol Bogue (left).and our VAVF President, Lynnette Taylor (right). The students from left to right are Niklas Ham, Addison Burgess, Kenneth-Christian Jacques, and Savannah Lindberg. Now that you are familiar with VAVF’s Florida‘s 2024 graduating class winners, I want you to continue to read so you can meet Justin Aucoin and Jasmine Santiago. They are our renewal scholarship winners. Renewal scholarships, like scholarships for the graduating class, are given to excelling students who are Florida residents enrolled in secondary programs. VAVF awards scholarships up to $2, 000.

Addison Burgess of Orlando is a senior at FSDB and places at the top of her class. She is enrolled in the dual enrollment program at St. Johns River State College and already has received 18 credits. “Incredible” was only one of the praises we received about Addison regarding her efforts, performance, and ability to work and communicate with others. Her positive and accepting manner allows her to connect with anyone regardless of their age or background. Addison remained active in many of the schools’ clubs and frequently held leadership roles. She often tutored other students and was a mentor. Addison plans on attending Valencia State College, with a desire to be a mental health counselor.

Justin Aucoin of Hialeah has been awarded his third scholarship as he continues to excel at Miami Dade College, having just completed his studies at Miami Dade with high honors. We have been told that Justin is very charismatic. References note that Justin is resilient, always fully prepared, and determined, emphasizing that Justin relishes research and studies issues in minute detail—so much so that when he discusses an issue, others are engaged and are able to share his insight. Justin has been accepted at Florida State University and has already settled in Tallahassee. He is working towards a law degree. While at Miami Dade, Justin has been active in student government and serves as an advocate for students—especially disabled students—as they navigate college life.

Niklas Ham of St Augustine is a senior at FSDB and plans to attend the University of Florida and pursue a degree in Public Health. While at FSDB, he was dually enrolled in St. Johns River College, where he earned 40 dual enrollment credits. He aspires to work for the Food and Drug Administration and is especially interested in the compliance sector, hoping to aid in designing, implementing, and managing protocols and procedures. He desires to participate in providing the best medical care possible for patients. He has played a leadership role in many organizations at FSDB and chaired a variety of committees.

Kenneth-Christian Jacques of Margate is a senior at FSDB and plans a career in fashion and design with an emphasis on clothing, shoes, and headwear. He would also like to pursue real estate and interior design. He will attend the University of North Florida. Kenneth was very active in a variety of clubs and activities. His teachers say he is considered a role model by his peers. He is already an entrepreneur, as he has been designing and selling shirts with his brother.

Savannah Lindberg of St. Augustine is also a senior at FSDB and places at the top of her class. She will be a freshman at Florida State University and will major in education, pursuing her dream of being a teacher of the visually impaired. Savannah has excelled at the Braille Challenge, representing FSDB and Florida five times at the nationals in California. The committee learned of this feat from one of her references, and several others shared her passion for teaching others. Savannah frequently tutored students in music, as she was only one of two music braille readers. She learned Latin on her own and took many other courses virtually. Taking classes virtually was not new to Savannah, as she has enrolled herself in courses since middle school. In her freshman year, she took her regular load of classes at FSDB, classes at St. Johns, and Virtual School classes for a total of 12 courses and continued to take virtual classes for the rest of her high school career. Upon entering FSU, she will have already earned 31 college credits.

Jasmine Santiago of Lake Mary attends Seminole Community College. Jasmine was a 2022 Scholarship winner, in addition to being one of this year's recipients. She is progressing towards a degree in education. According to her professors, she is eager to learn and very creative. In her extracurricular activities, she assumes a leadership role. One of her references made sure to include that Savannah takes full advantage of all the information she encounters and inspires others. Jasmine's dream is to be a teacher of the visually impaired.