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By Space Coast Daily // June 7, 2025
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Michael Gonzalez, a rising senior at Viera High School, has been selected to attend the 2025 Global Youth Leadership Academy (GYLA) in Ireland this July, thanks to a full scholarship from Health First.
The GYLA program brings together high school students from around the world to explore leadership through heart-led values, global awareness and cultural immersion.
The $8,950 sponsorship covers all the costs for this leadership experience.
Gonzalez, a student leader with a 4.4 GPA and a history of academic and extracurricular excellence, was nominated through Brevard Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.
Health First partners closely with the CTE to provide internship opportunities in a variety of areas and to introduce students to health care careers. Michael credits his Academy Director, Kathleen Armstrong, for introducing him to the opportunity.
“Since I can remember, I’ve always been a natural leader,” Gonzalez said. “Whether it was organizing elementary school presentations or leading student advisory boards, I’ve always wanted to take charge and make a difference.”
Gonzalez described the moment he learned he was selected.
“I was at my grandmother’s watching a movie with my family when I got the email,” Gonzalez recounted. “I was so excited I didn’t know what to do with myself. I just remember thinking, ‘There’s no way!’ ”
Health First’s support was pivotal in making this opportunity a reality.
“Health First hasn’t played a role in my ability to have this experience — it has played the role,” Gonzalez said. “Without their support, this program wouldn’t have been financially possible for me or my family.”
Paula Just, Health First Chief Administrative Officer, emphasized the alignment between the organization’s mission and this sponsorship.
“Health First is a locally born organization that firmly believes in investing in our community and in developing great leaders,” Just said.
“It is our privilege to create opportunities for individuals to enrich their leadership experiences, whether a seasoned leader or someone just beginning their leadership journey. We are always working to become better leaders. Being able to sponsor Michael is an amazing opportunity for him — and us.”
Rachel Rutledge, Director of Career & Technical Education at Brevard Public Schools, added, “We’re incredibly proud of Michael and grateful to Health First for supporting his journey. This is a tremendous honor and a unique opportunity for him to grow as a global leader.”
Gonzalez is most excited about how the experience will shape his leadership style.
“I know this experience will teach me so much,” he said. “I pride myself on taking every opportunity and growing from it. I believe this will mark the next chapter in my life as I approach college.”
Impressive Academic and Extracurricular Résumé
Gonzalez’s academic and extracurricular résumé at Brevard Public Schools is as impressive as his leadership potential.
With a 4.4 GPA, dual enrollment credits, and a long list of leadership roles — including President of the Academy of Business and Finance and Student Government member — he exemplifies the kind of student the Global Youth Leadership Academy seeks.
He hopes to attend Florida State University as a Marketing major.
Gonzalez is no stranger to Health First. His grandmother, Mary Burger, is a retired nurse who worked as a Case Manager for Health First for over 15 years.
The Global Youth Leadership Academy was founded by New York Times best-selling author and leadership expert Tommy Spaulding and emphasizes servant leadership, authentic relationships and global citizenship.
For more information about the Global Youth Leadership Academy, visit globalyouthleadershipacademy.com. To learn more about Health First and the many ways the Brevard healthcare organization supports the community, visit hf.org.
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