(May 12, 2025- Naples, FL) This past Saturday, May 10th, at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Alico Arena, The Education Foundation of Collier County — Champions For Learning hosted its annual Countdown to Cap and Gown ceremony for the Class of 2025. As each of this year’s 82 seniors walked across the stage to celebrate their time spent in Champions For Learning’s Student Programs, they also proudly announced their plans after completing high school. Students, families, and volunteer mentors gathered to celebrate the Class of 2025’s milestones and achievements, recognize their hard work in and out of the classroom, and encourage their continued success as they advance in the next stage of their post-secondary journeys.
“Our Student Programs are designed to equip and prepare students for their future learning and career goals,” said Kristin Carolan, Director of Student Programs at Champions For Learning. “This year’s seniors have put in an enormous amount of time, dedication, and enthusiasm towards enhancing their future, even while facing barriers through the last four years. Each student has invested in themselves and made a conscious effort in participating in our programs to achieve their academic goals. We are so proud of their accomplishments so far and are excited to watch their futures unfold.”
To date, the Champions For Learning class of 2025 has accomplished the following:
• 100% graduation rate, with all seniors receiving at least one college acceptance
• Cumulatively received over 189 college acceptances
• Earned over 12,000 volunteer hours
• Over 20 students have met the eligibility criteria to receive a Florida Bright Futures scholarship
Dr. Aysegul Timur, President of Florida Gulf Coast University, was the ceremony’s featured speaker. As a first-generation college student, Dr. Timur shared inspiring works to encourage students as they advance to the next stage of their post-secondary journey. The class speaker, Zack Antamarian, credited Champions For Learning’s program and his mentor Sam Varsano with inspiring and supporting him on his path to attending University of Florida this fall to study engineering.
These 82 students’ relationship with Champions For Learning does not end at high school graduation. Champions For Learning provides continued support and resources to our students while they are enrolled in college, technical school, the military, and as they transition into their careers. Virtual workshops are offered throughout the academic year on topics like workforce readiness, personal finance, and scholarship. College students also have unique scholarship opportunities and support for when emergency/urgent needs arise that may otherwise prevent them from completing their coursework.
If you would like to join us in celebrating our 2025 senior class, please consider making a gift to Student Programs in their honor at: https://championsforlearning.org/donate-online/