Twenty-four local high school seniors from Coral Springs receive prestigious MLK Scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year
Coral Springs, Florida – In a celebration of community spirit, social justice, and academic achievement, 24 high school seniors in Coral Springs have been awarded the prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. This recognition, bestowed by the Coral Springs MLK Committee, highlights students who not only excel in their studies but also demonstrate a strong commitment to the values that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood for: social justice, community service, unity, and the pursuit of positive change.
The scholarship program, which has been running since 2002, continues to honor Dr. King’s legacy by supporting the next generation of leaders. The committee awarded a total of $40,000 in scholarships this year, thanks to the collective efforts of Coral Springs city staff, MLK Committee members, and the generous support of community partners, including Fiserv and Baptist Health.
The MLK Scholarship serves as a tribute to the qualities of compassion, dedication, and service that Dr. King embodied. The recipients, all of whom are graduating seniors, were selected through a competitive process that considered their academic performance, community involvement, and demonstrated leadership. This year, the recipients came from several local high schools, including Coral Glades High School, J.P. Taravella High School, Coral Springs Charter School, Coral Springs High School, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
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Commissioner Joshua Simmons, who serves as the City Commission’s liaison to the MLK Committee, took the opportunity to commend the efforts of the scholarship winners. He noted their passion and commitment to the causes that Dr. King advocated for, adding, “This new generation gives me hope. They’re not just dreaming about a better world—they’re actively working to create it. That’s the kind of legacy Dr. King stood for, and I’m proud to see it continue through our local students.”
The recipients of the 2025 MLK Scholarship include:
Coral Glades High School:
• Caleb Tomlin (provided by Fiserv)
• Lucas Betancur
• Vasthi Pierre
• Kenneth Dunn
• Reina Wong
• Thais Leon
J.P. Taravella High School:
• Raphaela Jarrin (provided by Baptist Health)
• Ashley Lewis (provided by Fiserv)
• Giovanni Espinal
Coral Springs Charter School:
• Abigail Gonzalez
• Natalia Gallo (provided by Fiserv)
Coral Springs High School:
• Steven Meek (provided by Fiserv)
• J’vier Romeus
• Marvin Kenton (provided by Fiserv)
• Amos Carty
• Cole Clapp (provided by Fiserv)
• Olivia Allen (provided by Fiserv)
• Virginia Ortega (provided by Fiserv)
• Aaron Pinsky
• Kaylee Belliard (provided by Fiserv)
• Trinety Dajuste
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School:
• Daniela Cifuentes
• David Ibrahim
• Ayira Alston (provided by Fiserv)
The scholarship funds will be directly applied to the recipients’ educational expenses for the 2025-2026 academic year. Since its inception, the MLK Scholarship has provided over $486,900 in funding, benefiting more than 385 deserving students. The scholarships continue to highlight the city’s commitment to supporting education, community service, and the development of future leaders.
As Coral Springs continues to invest in its youth, the MLK Scholarship program serves as a reminder that the work Dr. King began—fostering equality, community engagement, and social justice—remains ever relevant. The students recognized this year exemplify the values that will help shape the world in the years to come.
