DeSoto County Education Foundation

🎓 Scholarship Spotlight

Congratulations to Nataly Ramirez and Jessica Sanchez, recipients of the Anson G. & Bernice G. Raymond Jr. Scholarship.

Anson and Bernice Raymond believed deeply in the value of education, kindness, and service to others. Through this scholarship, their legacy continues by supporting students who demonstrate responsibility, compassion, and a commitment to their communities.

💙 A special thank you to the Raymond family for honoring Anson and Bernice through this scholarship. Your generosity helps students continue their education while carrying forward the values they lived each day.

Celebrating Excellence!🍎🍎💙💙

🎓 Scholarship Spotlight

Congratulations to Charlotte Howard and Jaiden Nelson, recipients of the Susie Brewer Memorial Scholarship.

Named in honor of longtime educator, administrator, and 4-H leader Susie Brewer, this scholarship celebrates the values of leadership, responsibility, and service that are at the heart of the 4-H program. It is made possible through the dedication of volunteers and supporters who believe in investing in young people.

💙 A special thank you to the many donors, volunteers, and 4-H supporters who continue to make this scholarship possible. Your commitment helps students grow into leaders while honoring Susie's lasting legacy.

Celebrating DeSoto County Schools💙💙

🎓 Scholarship Spotlight

Congratulations to Yarely Hidalgo-Ibarra and Brett Smith, recipients of the Suncoast Credit Union Scholars Scholarship.

For more than three decades, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has supported education initiatives and invested in the potential of students across Florida. This scholarship helps students pursue their educational goals while creating brighter opportunities for themselves and their families.

💙 A special thank you to Suncoast Credit Union for your continued investment in education. Your commitment to student success is creating lasting impact in communities throughout Florida, including right here in DeSoto County.

We’re so excited to see all the new faces coming to DeSoto this year!

🎓 Scholarship Spotlight

Congratulations to Anahi Padron and James Nedley, recipients of the Mann Family Scholarship.

Originally established to honor the wishes of beloved educator and community leader Cay Mann, this scholarship continues a family legacy of encouraging DeSoto County students to pursue higher education and skilled trades. Today, it honors the memory of Cay, Doug, Dutch, and Roberta Mann.

💙 A special thank you to the Mann family for continuing this meaningful tradition. Your generosity ensures that future generations of students have opportunities to pursue their goals and build successful futures.

🎨 Inspiring Creativity Through Art.

Thanks to a DeSoto County Education Foundation Educator Grant, Maxely Perez introduced students to new art materials that encouraged creativity, confidence, and artistic expression.

With access to materials they had never used before, students explored new techniques, took creative risks, and became more intentional in their artwork.

The impact was clear: student motivation and engagement in creating art increased from approximately 60% to 90%. 📈

By expanding students' access to new artistic tools and experiences, this project inspired creativity and helped students see new possibilities in their own work.

💡 Have an idea for your classroom? Applications for the 2026-2027 Fueling Innovation Educator Grant Program are open through August 29. Learn more and apply at desotoeducationfoundation.com/teachers/

💙 DeSoto County Education Foundation’s Educator Grant Program is made possible through the State of Florida’s School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program and the generous local match from The Mosaic Company and Suncoast Credit Union.

🎓 Scholarship Spotlight

Congratulations to Kara Blosser, recipient of the Leadership DeSoto Scholarship.

Since 2009, Leadership DeSoto has worked to educate, challenge, and develop emerging leaders throughout our community. This scholarship reflects the program's commitment to encouraging students who demonstrate leadership potential and a desire to make a positive impact.

💙 A special thank you to Leadership DeSoto for investing in the future of our community. Your support helps inspire the next generation of leaders and encourages students to serve, grow, and lead with purpose.

📚 Building Confident Readers.

Thanks to a DeSoto County Education Foundation Educator Grant, Mrs. Sarah Jurewicz introduced VersaTiles to give students a hands on, self checking way to practice phonics, vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension.

The impact was clear: reading proficiency increased from 13% to 58%, while reading fluency improved from 46 words per minute to 96 words per minute. 📈

By making literacy practice interactive and engaging, students built confidence while strengthening the foundational reading skills they need to succeed.

💡 Have an idea for your classroom? Applications for the 2026-2027 Fueling Innovation Educator Grant Program are open through August 29. Learn more and apply at desotoeducationfoundation.com/teachers/

💙 DeSoto County Education Foundation’s Educator Grant Program is made possible through the State of Florida’s School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program and the generous local match from The Mosaic Company and Suncoast Credit Union.