A. Jean Battie Education Fund Honors High School Graduates

The A. Jean Battie Education Fund of the Light of the World International Church honored high school graduates with scholarships totaling $43,800 at their annual awards presentation on July 19.

In collaboration with youth nonprofits, award recipients included Amari Lopez (Greatness Beyond Measure); Quynh Tran (Truly Valued); Charlize Miller (Boys & Girls Club); and Marissa Von Bender (College for Every Student). "Shining Star" recipients—students who exemplify the best in academics, community involvement, extracurricular activities, and church involvement—were Bryson Day, Rachel Edwards, Paul Liggins Jr., and Usman Phillips.

The Black History essay award winners were Amari Lopez, first place; Usman Phillips, first runner-up; and Nazaria Dawkins, second runner-up. Light of the World scholarship awardees were Sariah Davis, Noah Edwards, Rachael Edwards, Eliana Fernandez, Jaelyn Jenkins, Craivonte Koonce, Paul Liggins Jr., Tessa Mazon, William Moragne, Elliott Parker, Usman Phillips, Mya Saffo, Jordyn Simon, and Gabriella Stafford.

A. Jean Battie taught in Sarasota County Schools for over 30 years before retiring and was a leading force in raising Black history awareness throughout the district. The fund was established in 2012 with $10,000 from the Battie family and is managed by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

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