Leon County’s most exceptional high school seniors have been chosen as the 134 finalists for the 2024 Best & Brightest Awards, now in its 19th year. This prestigious award recognizes and celebrates students from both public and private schools who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and a strong commitment to serving their school and community.
Following a rigorous selection process, the finalists from each school participated in interviews leading up to the highly anticipated Best & Brightest Awards Ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, May 15. During this event, countywide winners will be revealed, showcasing the remarkable talents of these exceptional students.
Laura Rogers, the program director of World Class Schools, a division of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and the organizing body behind the Best & Brightest Program, expressed admiration for the selected students. She highlighted their dedication to academics, community service, and overall excellence, emphasizing the profound impact they have on those around them.
The Best & Brightest Awards program, a longstanding initiative now in its 19th year, has provided nearly $900,000 in scholarships to over 2,700 deserving high school seniors since its inception in 2006. This program is made possible through the generous support of Envision Credit Union, in collaboration with various esteemed partners such as Leon County Schools, The Tallahassee Democrat, Sachs Media, and other community stakeholders.
Ron Sachs, chairman of Sachs Media and the visionary behind the Best & Brightest Awards, commended the exceptional achievements of these seniors. He noted their unwavering dedication to community service as a beacon of hope for the future, inspiring other young individuals to follow in their footsteps and make a positive impact on the world.
The finalists, who underwent a comprehensive evaluation based on academic performance, leadership qualities, and community involvement, will compete for scholarships in various categories. Winners, runners-up, and honorable mentions will be announced, with scholarships ranging from \(500 to \)1,500, recognizing their exceptional accomplishments.
In addition to honoring high school seniors, the Best & Brightest Awards program also recognizes outstanding younger students from the Leon County area through initiatives like the Eighth Grade Essay Contest. This contest aims to encourage middle school students to reflect on the importance of community engagement and academic excellence as they transition to high school.
Another notable aspect of the program is the Spirit of the Best & Brightest Award, which pays tribute to the late Brooks Rogers. This award, presented to a standout student who embodies a profound commitment to civic duty and service, includes a $2,500 scholarship in addition to their primary award winnings.
The diverse categories in which students excel include Art, Athletics, Business, Career/Technical, Drama & Performing Arts, English & Language Arts, Journalism & Media Production, Leadership, Mathematics, Music, Public Speaking, Science & Health, Social Science, Technology, and World Languages.
The Best & Brightest Awards program serves as a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of Leon County’s youth, fostering a spirit of excellence and service that will undoubtedly shape a brighter future for all.