Suits for Seniors celebrates student excellence, scholarships and community impact – The Palm Beach Post
More than 200 community leaders and supporters came together to honor the next generation of changemakers at the Suits for Seniors 4th Annual Scholarship and Awards Breakfast on July 26 at the West Palm Beach Marriott.
Founded in 2015, Suits for Seniors is the preeminent leadership development program for at-risk high school seniors in Palm Beach County. Through an immersive eight-week education and mentorship program, students in underserved communities develop leadership and interpersonal skills; explore college, career and entrepreneurship opportunities; learn about finance, wellness and more — thus setting (and “suiting”) up these leaders up for lifelong success.
To celebrate the completion of the program, each young man and woman is awarded a custom-tailored suit, and each woman, a strand of pearls. Suits for Seniors has graduated close to 2,500 students.
This year’s event celebrated the strength, promise and leadership of Suits for Seniors graduates as they prepare to embark on their post-graduation journeys. More than $15,000 in scholarships were awarded to outstanding students and partners who exemplify academic excellence, service, and commitment to personal growth.
Thanks to a partnership with Comcast, students also received brand-new laptops.
“We are passionate about helping close the digital divide through our Project UP initiative by providing laptops to graduating seniors and are honored to support Suits for Seniors’ vital work to ensure every scholar has access to the tools they need to succeed for the next chapter of their journey,” said Rachael Bonlarron, Director of Government & Regulatory Affairs for the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Region at Comcast.
“We are incredibly proud of our students — young leaders who continue to rise, lead and inspire,” said Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds, founder and CEO of Suits for Seniors. “Our annual breakfast is not just a celebration; it’s a reminder of what’s possible when we invest in youth. Because of our supporters and corporate partners, our students leave with more than just a suit — they leave with opportunity, access and belief in themselves.”
The event also featured a keynote by Ricky Wade, a renowned local McDonald’s franchisee and community advocate, who shared his journey and commitment to education, equity and empowerment.
In addition to celebrating student scholars, Suits for Seniors recognized a distinguished group of honorees whose work is helping build a brighter future for the next generation. They included the following: Alumni of the Year: West Palm Beach Officer Ralph Faustin; Champion for Youth Empowerment: HCA Healthcare, for transformative contributions to youth and building brighter futures; Lifetime Impact: Bill Robins, Leo Rosner Foundation, for a lifetime commitment to education and investing in the next generation; Impact Partner Award: Charles Keys, Valley National Bank, for being powerful partners and helping expand the charity’s reach; and Heart of Service: Keva Anderson-Konsker, for unmatched dedication to empowering Suits for Seniors students and the organization through volunteerism.
Krystian von Speidel is the editor of Notables at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him atkvonspeidel@pbpost.com or follow him on Instagram at@MrNotables. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
