Historic milestone after 23 students receive prestigious MLK scholarships

Coral Springs, Florida – The renowned MLK Scholarship for the 2024–2025 academic year has been given to 23 local high school graduates by the Coral Springs Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Committee, marking a historic accomplishment.

In the history of the scholarship program, this represents the largest number of beneficiaries.
As the Commission Liaison for the MLK Committee, Coral Springs Commissioner Joshua Simmons expressed his excitement at the higher volume of applications.

“Seeing more applications this year is encouraging as it demonstrates that we have more students who are involved in their communities and who advocate for equality.”

This year, the MLK Scholarships gave a record-breaking sum of $48K to financially worthy students who embody Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s values of peace, racial harmony, community service, and bettering the lives of others.

This sum was made possible by the committee members’ and city employees’ fundraising efforts, as well as by Fiserv and Baptist Health’s generous contributions.

On Wednesday, May 15, at the Coral Springs City Commission Meeting, the scholarship recipients were recognized.

The recipients of this year’s scholarships

Coral Glades High School:

-Asaciah Tyler
-Zion Tomlin (sponsored by Fiserv)
-Huston Cadette
-Isabella Betancur

J.P. Taravella High School

-Emily Vivas
-Britney Carrasco
-Alay’jah Cox
-Christopher Cenoble
-Kaylee Chen
-Sarah Cox

Coral Springs Charter School

-Leyla Morris
-Adinna Merchant
-Kathryn Ponce De Leon
-Sajida Simrin
-Morlie Gabriel
-Gabrielle Taylor (sponsored by Baptist Health)

Coral Springs High School

-Julianne Thomas
-Ayana Johnson (sponsored by Fiserv)
-Maya Rowe
-Rachel Mitchell
-Ariadna Nava

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

-Kathryn Luong
-Jalaiyah Ramdas

The MLK Scholarship program was established in 2002 and has awarded $445,900 in scholarships to more than 360 students.

Every candidate must go through a rigorous application procedure. Those who have shown humanity or performed community service that has improved the lives of others are given preference. The scholarship money is transferred straight to the colleges the candidates intend to attend in 2024–2025.

Simmons said. “Although it was difficult to narrow down such a strong applicant pool, I am very proud of these young recipients, and I wish them continued success as they pursue higher education.”