Leadership Activities: Editor-in-Chief of her school’s newspaper; Captain of the varsity track and field and cross country teams; President of the Quill and Scroll Journalism Honor Society; Spokesperson for the International Baccalaureate program at Cape Coral High School; Founding member of her school’s National English Honor Society (NEHS)
Service Activities: Regular altar server and teacher at church; Started Book of the Month within NEHS to increase literature accessibility to school and community members; Organizing and managing community baby showers for those in need and identifying underdeveloped children and working to increase their access to developmental scans and resources through Southwest Florida’s Healthy Start
Future aspirations: To attend medical school and pursue a career in psychiatry or neurosurgery
2024 Lee County Awards Banquet
On May 11th, scholars and their guests gathered in Fort Myers, FL for the 15th annual Lee County awards banquet. A longtime friend of the CSF and one of America’s most endearing and beloved iconic entertainers, Tony Orlando, was honored with the Generous Heart Award in recognition of his career spanning six decades, and his spirit of giving back to the community and those in need. Tony spoke about focusing on the important people in your life and how they can help you in both times of need and success. View photos from the banquet.
2023 Lee County Awards Banquet
Carson Scholars had a big surprise waiting for them at the Lee County Awards Banquet. Navy Seal Commander Rorke T. Denver opened the program with an activity where scholars had to break free from duct tape that bound their hands together. His words regarding safety and vigilance struck a chord with all of the adults in the room. Commander Denver spoke about leadership, faith and service. He encouraged scholars to pursue their God-given talents and share them with others. It was an honor gleaning wisdom from such an accomplished individual! View photos from the banquet.
2019 Florida Awards Banquet
On Tuesday, April 23, over 500 guests attended the 10th Annual Florida Carson Scholars Awards Banquet in Bonita Springs, Florida. This year, 46 new Carson Scholars and 141 recognized Carson Scholars were honored throughout the evening. Morning news anchor Greg Parker from ABC-7 was on hand to emcee the event.
Two-time Carson Scholar Alexander Mankin delivered the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a benevolent invocation by longtime supporter of the CSF, Johnny Sheppard. 2019 Carson Scholar Sophia Salamanca delivered her scholar essay encouraging fellow scholars to strive for social change and never give up on their dreams. Dinner was served as a slideshow of past and present Carson Scholars was shown on two large viewing screens.
Dual recipients of the Generous Heart Award, Cissie Graham Lynch and Corey Lynch, shared inspiring stories from their work with the international relief fund, Samaritan’s Purse. They emboldened scholars to be advocates for the world’s weakest citizens and give generously to those in deepest need.
Maya Allione, a six-time Carson Scholar from Ft. Myers, introduced Dr. Ben Carson for his keynote address. Dr. Carson imparted words of wisdom to the future leaders highlighting the importance of setting goals and using your God-given gifts to accomplish them. View photos from the banquet.
2018 Lee County Awards Banquet: View photos from the 2018 Lee County Awards Banquet.
2017 Lee County, Florida Awards Banquet:
View photos from the 2017 Florida Awards Banquet.
2016 Lee County, FL Awards Banquet:
2015 Lee County, FL Awards Banquet:
The soothing, oceanic aquamarine waves rolling in to caress the sand captured the sights of the guests through the long bank of windows spanning one entire side of the Harborside Convention Center of Fort Myers, Florida. This gorgeous vista, witnessed by all as they checked in to attend the 7th annual Florida Carson Scholars Banquet, is a very tangible representation of the limitless possibilities open to the newest Carson scholars! Read more.
Photos from the 2015 Lee County, FL Awards Banquet
2014 Lee County Banquet Highlights
Around 600 academic enthusiasts gathered in Bonita Springs, Florida at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa for the Annual Carson Scholars Awards Ceremony in the state! This is the largest assemblage of scholars ever in Florida! And it is the first time “repeat scholars” were honored. Read more.
66 Carson Scholars honored in Bonita Springs
NBC 2 News, May 2016
Carson Scholars, new and previous, were awarded at the 2016 Florida Awards Banquet in at Hyatt Place Coconut Pointe in Bonita Springs, FL.
Jexton Taveras
Jexton is a motivated leader and learner who takes his education very seriously and serves as a role model for his peers. At school, he plays bucket drums with a music group and is an integral part of the News Crew, as he can take on a multitude of positions to help the production run smoothly. Not only has he served as lead anchor, but he has also mentored fellow students on how to do various news-related jobs. Jexton’s dedication to academics earned him membership to the National Elementary Honor Society, enrollment in the Gifted Program and multiple awards for his outstanding grades and behavior. He often participates in various clean-up efforts to help keep his community beautiful. Outside of school, Jexton enjoys playing basketball, attending an occasional art class and building Legos. He aspires to become an accountant when he gets older.