Osceola County Students Receive $860K in Scholarships from Education Foundation

The Education Foundation of Osceola County marked a milestone moment at its annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony, awarding 574 scholarships to graduating seniors across the district. Presented by Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, the event celebrated not only student achievement but also the power of sustained community investment in education.

This year’s scholarships totaled more than $860,000, helping students take the next step toward higher education. With the addition of this year’s recipients, the Foundation has now awarded more than $12.96 million in scholarships since its founding, an achievement that reflects nearly 40 years of commitment to Osceola County students.

Established in 1985 by Tom Tompkins, the Education Foundation began with a focused mission: ensure that every graduating senior had access to financial support for their first year of college. Decades later, that mission remains intact, strengthened by partnerships with local businesses, healthcare leaders, and community donors who continue to invest in student success.

“This night is always a reminder of why this work matters,” said Kerry Avery, Executive Director of the Education Foundation. “These students have worked incredibly hard, and we are grateful to the donors and partners who make it possible to invest in their futures.”

Orlando Health St. Cloud Hospital, the event’s Title Sponsor, emphasized its commitment to supporting the broader community through education. “Supporting this scholarship program reflects our commitment to caring for this community beyond the walls of our hospital,” said Brian Wetzel, President of the hospital. “We are honored to invest in students across Osceola County, because their success strengthens the future health and well-being of the communities we serve.”

As the Foundation approaches four decades of impact, its continued growth signals a strong and unified belief in the value of education. Each scholarship represents not just financial assistance but a vote of confidence in the next generation of leaders, professionals, and change makers.

To learn more about the Education Foundation of Osceola County or to contribute to its mission, visit foundationosceola.org.

Ava McDonnell

Ava McDonnell is the Digital Content Creator/Editorial Manager for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine while also earning her bachelor's degree in English at the University of Central Florida. Her work has been featured in UCF's The Charge and Her Campus UCF. She also has experience in editing using AP Style and SEO guidelines. Located in Clermont, Ava has always had a passion for learning about people's lives and sharing accurate stories with the world. She is dedicated to getting the job done right while making content interesting for readers. Aside from writing, you can find her indulging in the great outdoors with the people she loves. Whether it is hiking, taking photographs, or trying new activities, she is up for almost anything.

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