The scholarship is awarded to “highly motivated Take Stock in Children scholars who have demonstrated solid leadership skills, strong moral character, and academic success.” Asia’s scholarship provides full tuition, room and board, and other expenses to any Florida university of her choice, for four years.

Asia is active in many areas at school and in the local church. We all extend to Asia our heartiest congratulations. You can read the article that appeared in the local news regarding her award, reprinted by permission by the author, Carlos Medina. 

Published in the Daily Commercial newspaper of Leesburg, Florida, on Dec. 14, 2017.

MINNEOLA—Asia Lavender wiped away tears while lauded during this week’s Lake County School Board meeting.

The 17-year-old senior at Lake  Minneola High School has an impressive resume. She takes Advanced Placement classes, is dual-enrolled in college, is a member of the National Honor Society, volunteers at her church and in the community and on and on. It’s why she was a finalist for one of six statewide scholarships presented by the Leaders For Life fellowship program through Take Stock in Children.

Asia was overcome by the tribute, which made the tears flow.

But Carman Cullen, executive director of the Educational Foundation of Lake County, was running a con on the teen, who thought she was being recognized for making the finals.

“What Asia does not know is her invitation to the school board tonight is a ruse,” Cullen said. “Asia, it’s a great honor to share with you that not only are you a finalist, but you are the first student in Lake County to be selected as a winner.”

The award, sponsored by the Asofsky Family Foundation, is nothing to sneeze at either. It covers most of Asia’s college cost including housing, transportation, books, computer, supplies and even food.

After a standing ovation, Asia stood bewildered in front of the podium facing the school board members.

“Hi,” she said quietly.

Stephanie Luke, school board chairwoman, came to the rescue.

“We are all super impressed with your accomplishments. We are very proud of you and know you will represent Lake County well,” Luke said.

But what about tuition? Asia took care of that a long time ago. She got a two-year scholarship from Take Stock in Children when she was in the eighth grade. They doubled that last year.

“She’s pretty remarkable. I don’t mean to brag, but she is pretty remarkable,” said Joan Lavender, Asia’s mother.

She said the scholarship takes away most of the concerns they had for Asia’s higher education.

“As a parent, you really don’t know how you’re going to make it happen. You really don’t want them to go into major debt,” she said.

Asia was also overjoyed by the award.

“It definitely changes my life. I thought maybe I’ll have to work. I didn’t know what I was going to do except keep pushing,” she said.

Asia, along with the five other recipients, will travel to Tallahassee in January where she will meet Gov. Rick Scott and attend ceremonies in recognition of the award. She hopes to study psychology and earn a doctorate in business.

Carlos E. Medina, reprinted by permission.