MANATEE COUNTY -- On May 6, the law firm of Kallins, Little & Delgado held their annual banquet dinner at the IMG Golf and Country Club, where 10 graduating seniors, their parents, school counselors and special guests were to treated to a special evening.
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In front from Left to Right are: Medgine Auguste, Lilla Lukacs, Diana Nelson, Kayla Chesanek. Ruben Centeno, Alexis Foster, John Villotti, Matthew from left to right: Jim Delgado and Don Grieco. |
The firm donated $15,000 in scholarships to winners who were chosen from approximately 120 applicants. The 10 finalists were selected based on their G.P.A., community service, a written personal essay, and two recommendations.
The keynote speaker for this year was Judge Durand Adams, who delivered "one of the most inspiring speeches to date", said Amy Poole, an employee of Kallin, Little & Delgado.
"These annual scholarships are given to these kids to help further their education by helping to pay for tuition, books, dorm fees etc.," said Poole. "Scott Kallins, Melton Little and Jim Delgado believe in helping the
community in any way they can. Their hope is for these kids to obtain their education and come back to serve in our community; for them to be our future leaders."
The Kallins, Little & Delgado law firm has presented annual scholarhips to graduating seniors in Manatee County since 2006.
Ruben Centeno and Alexis Foster from Palmetto High School, Justin Thomas from Lakewood Ranch High School, Kayle Chesanek from Bradenton Preparatory Academy, Medgine Auguste from Bayshore High School, and John Villotti from Sarasota Military Academy were winners of the $1,000 scholarship.
Lilla Lukacs from Bayshore High School, Matthew Boles from Braden River High School, and Diana Nelson from Manatee High School all won the $2,000 scholarship. And the grand prize scholarship of $3,000 was awarded to Courtnei Smith from Southeast High School.