​Joshua D. Thomas is the son of Vanzetta Sailes and Ricky D. Thomas and a senior at Manatee High School. His extracurricular and community activities include Key Club, Touring Teens, and 2016 Beautillion. Secondary education plan is to major in business and accounting with an ultimate goal of owning a “top notch” accounting firm.

Essay Recipient

Maleesa Moore is the daughter of Tameka Moore and attends Manatee School for the Arts in Palmetto, Florida. She currently has a 4.0 GPA in all 8 of her honors courses. She is a member of her high school’s nationally ranked dance team MSA Heat. After high school she will be going to State College of Florida For her first two years, then transferring to Florida State University to pursue her business degree in accounting.

Essay Recipient, LOTW Member

Javaris T Williams Jr., is the son of Tangie Gillespie and Javaris Williams Sr. and is a senior at Booker High School. Extracurricular activities include football, wrestling, Cambridge AICE classes and a member of the YMCA’s Achievers program. Following high school, he is considering Brown University Florida State University or Florida A & M University to study business administration or political science science with an ultimate goal of attaining a law degree.

Essay Recipient, LOTW Member