2016 

Corben Champoux left DeLand High School as an accomplished student, athlete, and artist.  She graduated in the top ten percent of her class while contemporaneously attending college courses.  President of the Senior Class, Corben made an impression on her fellow students and the school's administration through her service to the community.  She created the Sweet Heart Dance at DHS for students whose disabilities kept them from attending the annual homecoming celebration, calling it her "proudest work" because she had the opportunity to create a moment that impacted lives.  A competitive swimmer and tennis player, Corben also performed in the choir and is an avid guitar player.  Principal Mitch Moyer described Corben as "the entire package."  In her first year at the University of Florida, she has already become active in student government.  

William F. Taylor is devoted to his family as well as his studies.  His grade point average ranked an amazing eighth out of four hundred and eighty DHS graduates while completing the demanding International Baccalaureate program.  He captained the tennis team, played in the school band, and is an excellent pianist.  William plans to be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant following his graduation from the Air Force Academy.  His teachers described him as an "extraordinary" young man who has the rare ability to satisfy his intellectual curiosity through individual study while also working well with and inspiring his classmates.  William plans to pursue a degree in biology or meteorology.

Although we received many outstanding applications, Corben and William have continued to validate their selection as award winners and exemplary young people.  In an age of emojis and email, each of them have reached out through phone calls, handwritten notes, and Christmas cards to convey their gratitude for the support of the Foundation and the community at large.  We know that these two will continue to bring smiles to those around them as they make their marks. 

2017

Emma Garcia is a gifted equestrian and singer who competes at the highest level in all she does.  In the top five percent of her class despite choosing to take on the rigorous International Baccalaureate program, Emma combines intellect, athleticism, and talent with enthusiasm for life and a caring nature.  She acted as a mentor to freshman students, teaches horsemanship to younger children, and volunteers for several local charities.  Emma is enrolled in one of the country's premier animal science programs at Berry College as the first step toward her dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Noah Ryan is an intuitive and passionate student who plans on succeeding in the business world.  Dual enrollment allowed him to complete an entire year of college while maintaining a high grade point average at DeLand High School.  His career path will take him to the University of Central Florida for a degree in business management.  Noah's teachers described his insight during classroom discussions while marveling about his desire to grow intellectually and commitment to community service.

Emma and Noah have each continued to demonstrate unusual maturity following their selection, expressing their gratitude for the support of the Foundation through personal notes and cards.  We appreciate their thoughtfulness and look forward to watching them succeed.

2018

Julia Dundon has been described as a leader whose positive attitude is infectious. She finished in the top three percent of her class while completing the intensive International Baccalaureate curriculum. Julia also captained the varsity volleyball team for two years and maintained an impressive workload outside of the classroom through part-time employment and volunteer activities. She is seeking double majors in political science and Spanish at Florida State University on the way to fulfilling her dream of becoming an attorney.

Samantha Svare is a gifted musician, dedicated mentor, and accomplished scholar. She graduated near the top of her class with an International Baccalaureate diploma. Samantha also led the Bulldog marching band as its drum major while also performing outreach through her church. She is pursuing a music education degree at Butler University in the hopes of becoming the conductor of a symphony orchestra.