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Sarasota News Leader April 26, 2013 Page 52 standing and rehabilitate his injuries, sever- The luncheon was more than just recognition al colleges are showing interest in recruiting of how these students had overcome hardhim to play football in the fall. ship. Each of them received a $1,000 check They are among 40 Sarasota County high to help fulfill the dream of higher education. school students who have been in foster care and shuffled between parents and grandparents — often with no one to help or care — who have persevered beyond trials and travails most people dare not imagine. From different schools with different backgrounds and differing dreams, they all were honored at the 15th Annual Most Improved Student Awards, held at Michael's on East on April 17. Even without the accolades and the money to mark their achievements, it is clear they all are winners. The sponsors of the Most Improved Student Award Program are Northern Trust, the Harold C. and Jacqueline F. Bladel Foundation, the Evalyn Sadlier Jones Foundation, the Annette J. Hagens Memorial Foundation, Each of them had been selected for the rec- the Hunkele Family Foundation, Eluned ognition by a principal or guidance counsel- and Edward Russell Charitable Foundation or at Booker, Riverview, Sarasota and Venice and Sarasota County School District Pupil Support Services. % high schools. (From left) Riverview High School Most Improved Students Alexis Romine, Elexis Ousley, Jayson Torreno, Maiyah Newsome, Jacquelyn Cavender stand with Principal Linda Nook to show off their $1,000 checks. Photo by Scott Proffitt