Spotlight on Education: Rays Honor Local Take Stock in Children Students

BRADENTON – Last Saturday evening, prior to the Tampa Bay Rays game against the New York Yankees, five Manatee District Take Stock In Children  scholars, their mentors and families were recognized and honored on the field before the first pitch. The presentation and game took place at Tropicana Field,, Saturday, August 24, 2013. 

The students are recipients of a wonderful partnership between The Rays Baseball Foundation, the Helios Education Foundation and Take Stock in Children. The initiative – “Doubling Up for Education” – results in a $600 donation being made by the Helios Foundation and the Rays Foundation every time a Rays player hits a double during the season. 

This exciting partnership is expected to produce a cash total of approximately $200,000 for Take Stock in Children during the 2013 season, and more than $1 million over the past five years. The funds help Take Stock in Children programs in Manatee, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota and Pasco counties.

The Manatee District and Students to be honored were:

Giancarlo Gamboa-Barrios, 8th grader at Nolan Middle, and mentor, Rob Hendrickson

Lisbeth Gorgonio, 8th grader at Harllee Middle, and mentor Dr. Robin Thompson

Scarlett O’Hara, 8th grader at Nolan Middle, and mentor Violet Huesman

Kevin Townsend, 8th grader at Sugg Middle, and mentor Dr. Dwight Fitch

Alexander Turner, 8th grader at Nolan Middle, and mentor Dr. Chuck Fradley

Take Stock in Children provides opportunities for low-income and at-risk students to escape the cycle of poverty through education. The program offers students college scholarships, mentorship and hope for a better life. 

The program's comprehensive services start in middle school, continue through high school and include helping students transition to college. Take Stock in Children's programs are based on the principal that given extensive support, motivation and accountability, children will work hard to ensure that they graduate from high school and attain a college degree.