Thousands of graduates will soon cross the stage in Palm Beach and Martin counties, but only 54 students will get the honor of calling themselves Pathfinders — talented leaders honored with a combined $117,000 in awards sponsored by The Palm Beach Post.
The Class of 2024 Pathfinders will be announced Friday, May 10, in an event to be broadcast both on palmbeachpost.com and played in downtown West Palm Beach via the Screen on the Green. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
The Pathfinders Scholarship Awards organization gives students $3,000, $2,000 and $1,500 for first, second, and third place finishes, respectively, across 18 categories.
Pathfinders honors excellence across Palm Beach and Martin counties and has awarded more than $4.3 million in scholarships to local students since 1984.
“In a complex and rapidly changing world, a good education is the best way to ensure a life of excellence, growth, and creativity. This basic tenet applies not only to the individual but also to the community,” according to the Pathfinders website.
“A community led by people with foresight and the ability to think through problems — the fruits of a good education — is one that will prosper through the best and worst of times.”
Students are honored across 18 categories, including:
Students from both public and private schools are eligible for a Pathfinders scholarship. Students don’t apply for the award: They are nominated by their schools.
Once nominated, students submit their materials to a three-judge panel based on the category in which they were nominated.
Students then meet with the judges for a 10-minute interview about their accomplishments. This year, the interviews took place in March.
Here’s what to know about the scholarship announcement and how to watch:
Katherine Kokal is a journalist covering education at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at kkokal@pbpost.com. Help support our work, subscribe today!
