STRIVE Awards

Recognition and financial awards given annually to high school juniors and seniors in Sarasota County High Schools who have overcome tremendous challenges to succeed academically and personally. The awards celebrate resilience, grit, and perseverance.

Purpose

• Mission: Recognize students who have overcome tremendous challenges to succeed in life
• Vision: Born from H. Jack Hunkele's vision to honor student resilience and perseverance

Award Recipients

• Eligible Students: High school juniors and seniors in Sarasota County High Schools
• Selection Criteria:
  • Demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity
  • Academic improvement and success
  • Overcoming significant personal challenges
  • Persistence and determination
  • Potential for future success

Award Components

1. Financial Awards: Cash gifts designated for education after high school
2. Recognition: Award ceremony at recipient's high school
3. Leadership Opportunities: Invited to serve as student leaders promoting resilience and persistence
4. Resource Connection: Linked to Education Foundation support services

Support Services Available to Recipients

• Student success coaching
• Mentoring relationships
• Workshops and training
• College preparation resources
• Testing fee assistance ($50 vouchers for SAT/ACT or college application fees)
• Transportation support for college visits

Funding Sources

• Primary Donor: H. Jack Hunkele Charitable Foundation
• Additional Support: Bruce J. Heim Foundation and other generous donors

Geographic Scope

• Service Area: Sarasota County, Florida
• Coverage: All Sarasota County High Schools

Contact Information

• Phone: (941) 927-0965
• Address: 2000 Webber St, Ste 130, Sarasota, FL 34239
• Website: edfoundationsrq.org/STRIVE2023

Selection and Nomination Process

1. Nomination Method:
   • Students are nominated by school staff or community members
   • Teachers, counselors, and administrators can submit nominations
   • Based on demonstrated resilience and overcoming challenges
2. Selection Timeline:
   • Nominations accepted throughout the school year
   • Final selections made in spring
   • Award ceremonies held at participating high schools
3. Selection Committee:
   • Education Foundation staff review nominations
   • Assessment of resilience, grit, and potential
   • Evaluation of academic improvement

Post-Award Requirements

• Recipients recognized at high school award ceremonies
• Participation in Education Foundation workshops and events
• Engagement with mentoring and student success coaching
• Connection to additional support resources
• Potential service as student leader promoting resilience

Key Facts

• Recognition: Public celebration of achievement
• Community Impact: Stories shared to inspire others
• Ongoing Support: Access to Education Foundation resources throughout college planning and beyond