The Sumter Schools Enhancement Foundation, in proud partnership with the Wildwood Wildcats Booster Club, announced the 2025 recipients of the Jump Start Scholarship.
Sixteen exceptional graduates each earned a 30-credit tuition and fee scholarship, opening doors to Florida colleges, universities and technical schools. These students have demonstrated outstanding commitment by completing a rigorous 3-Year Jump Start Plan, which included a focused high school course concentration (e.g., AVID or CTE), 25+ hours of community service or work experience, completion of the FAFSA to secure additional financial aid, and full-standing acceptance into a postsecondary institution.
The 2025 Jump Start Scholars:
- Harmony Bevelle – coached by Allen Phelps, studying business at Lake Sumter State College
- Narlecia Brown – coached by Josie Morello, studying education at University of North Florida
- Andrea Fitzgerald – coached by Woody High, studying business at Lake Sumter State College
- Savannah Flyte – coached by Kathleen Beinetti, studying history at Lake Sumter State College
- A’Deria Freeman – coached by Betty Callahan, studying health science at Central Florida College
- Jeremiah Harvard – coached by Richard Throckmorton, training to be a lineman at Lake Sumter State College
- Trinidy Harris – coached by Colleen Del Terzo, studying sports medicine at St. Petersburg College
- Sofia Hershberger – coached by Nikita Goodson, studying business at Lake Sumter State College
- Akeirra Jackson – coached by Debbie Wile, studying at University of North Florida
- Ke’nyjah Larris – coached by Jeannie Stahl, studying nursing at Lake Sumter State College
- Cheyenne Lea – coached by Kathleen Beinetti, studying psychology at Lake Sumter State College
- Alexia McCray – coached by Debbie Wile, studying exercise science at St. Thomas College
- Daisey Miranda-Alejo – coached by Donna Sinrud, studying international business at University of North Florida
- Ray Mosley – coached by Bruce Williams, studying electricity at Withlacoochee Technical College
- Adrianna Perez – coached by Josie Morello, studying education at University of North Florida
- Shaun’tia Williams – coached by Olivia Collins, studying nursing at Lake Technical College
These students are pursuing careers in high-demand fields such as nursing, education, business and technical trades. Their success is made possible by the generosity of local donors and the guidance of dedicated coaches.
The Jump Start program is also seeking volunteer coaches for the upcoming academic year. Coaches mentor one to three students over 18 to 24 months, helping them prepare for college and career success.
Volunteer coaches can help with resume and college application reviews, mock interviews and certification prep, organizing internships and job shadowing, supporting field trips and competitions, and advising on career paths in fields like health science, IT, education and more. The time commitment is just five to seven hours per month. Training is provided, and the impact is life changing.
Each Jump Start Scholarship requires $1,500 in pledges, matched 3-to-1 to provide $4,000 in tuition support. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made using pre-tax dollars or as charitable contributions.
To volunteer or donate, email Allen Phelps at [email protected] or call 608-469-4794. Donations can be mailed to the Sumter Schools Enhancement Foundation. Attn: WMHS Jump Start Scholarship Fund, 2680 West County Road 476, Bushnell, FL 33513.