May 1, 2025
Osceola Window and Doors
A panoramic view of the 2025 Education Foundation Awards recipients. (Photo/Education Foundation Osceola)
Wednesday, April 23 was a special night at Osceola Heritage Park.
The annual Education Foundation Scholarship Awards Ceremony is usually a must-see, with hundreds of Osceola County’s brightest and best graduating seniors gathered, and numerous local families, groups and charity offering scholarships. The amount of college aid given out last year topped the $1 million mark.
But this year, the Education Foundation even topped itself, marking its 40th anniversary of supporting students county-wide. As the lead-off act to the ceremony, the Foundation introduced the “40 for 40 Scholarship” in honor of the anniversary. Forty seniors were chosen to receive a special scholarship, each one a symbol of the foundation’s mission and a community that makes it possible.
The Foundation of Osceola County was founded by Tommy Tompkins in 1985, with the initial goal of providing first-year college tuition for all graduating seniors in Osceola County. His dedication has led to numerous opportunities for students and families in the community.—and the awarding of over $12 million in scholarships over the years.
“We’re already planning the next 40 years,” Thompkins said at the event.
“This celebration is about more than financial awards,” said Education Foundation Executive Director Kerry Avery. “It’s about investing in the next generation of leaders. What better way to celebrate our 40th anniversary than by honoring the goal that started it all—investing in scholarships that create opportunities and transform lives. These students are the future of our community, and we’re honored to support their journey.”
The honored students received scholarships Wednesday—and a bit of life advice as they move on to college, military or professional stages of their lives. For instance, Osceola County School Superintendent Dr. Mark
See Education Foundation, Page 5 Shanoff reminded students that this stage of their lives is just a new beginning coming from some other beginning’s end.
“Today is about how special you are as individuals,” he said. “You have this amazing opportunity to share your gifts with so many people. What makes all of you special is that you did it here, in Osceola County.”
Valencia College President Kathleen Plinske relayed stories of being in the Class of 2025’s shoes when she was a new college student, “In the late nineteen-hundreds,” she noted, getting a chuckle from many.
“Take a moment to rejoice in what you have already achieved,” she said. “But, please, stay hungry to accomplish more. The best is yet to come.”
She then shared pieces of advice about going to college— words of wisdom we’ll keep special for the Class of 2025.
Because, after all, the Foundation’s been doing this for 40 … going on 41 … years, with millions to offer to Osceola County’s best and brightest graduates next year.
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