Press Release (April 23, 2024) St. Petersburg, Fla. – Twenty-three Pinellas County high school juniors and seniors competed in the Walker’s Rising Stars Scholarship Program held this evening at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg.

Walker’s Risings Stars is a year-long program designed to refine students’ audition, portfolio and performance abilities. Developed by St. Petersburg neurosurgeon Dr. Jeffrey Walker in partnership with Pinellas Education Foundation and Pinellas County Schools over two decades ago, the initiative offers students the opportunity to compete for college scholarships in culinary arts, dance, instrumental, theater, vocal performance and visual arts.

Since its establishment, the program has granted over $970,000 in scholarships. This year alone, Pinellas Education Foundation awarded $48,000 in scholarships, ranging in value from $500 to $5,000.

Scholarship recipients were announced by Emmy Award-winning journalist Dalia Colón and awarded to the finalists by Kim Jowell, Chief Executive Officer of Pinellas Education Foundation, Kevin Hendrick, Superintendent of Pinellas County Schools, and Dr. Jeffrey Walker.

“We are proud to partner with Pinellas County Schools to support students involved in the arts,” said Kim Jowell, Chief Executive Officer of Pinellas Education Foundation. “I am amazed at the extraordinary talent we have in Pinellas County. The scholarships earned tonight serve as more than just financial assistance; they are investments in students’ futures, fostering their artistic growth and contributing to the vibrancy of our community. Thank you to all our generous donors who supported tonight’s event and helped make it a success.”

Students placed as follows:

Dance:
1st Place – Jackson Beck, Gibbs High School
2nd Place – Tehya van Deutekom, Palm Harbor University High School
3rd Place – McKenna Koehler, Seminole High School
4th Place – Gianna Castellano, Palm Harbor University High School

Instrumental Music:
1st Place – Wesley McDaniel, Tarpon Springs High School
2nd Place – Cole Kountoupis, Seminole High School
3rd Place – Mason Derks, Seminole High School
4th Place – Anna Kirkland, Gibbs High School

Theater:
1st Place – Za’Naisha McGuire, Gibbs High School
2nd Place – Alana Hogan, Gibbs High School
3rd Place – Juliana Palmer, East Lake High School
4th Place – Steffen Robinson, East Lake High School

Visual Arts:
1st Place – Natalie Galán, Gibbs High School
2nd Place – Alina Liashchova, Gibbs High School
3rd Place – Micah Carwile, East Lake High School
4th Place – Aerron Eaton, Palm Harbor University High School

Vocal:
1st Place – Altea Ali, Largo High School
2nd Place – Aiden Bartholomew, Palm Harbor University High School
3rd Place – Mia Davis-Diaz, Gibbs High School
4th Place – Rebekah McCurtain, Gibbs High School

Culinary Arts: (Scholarships for culinary students are provided by The Ryan Wells Foundation.)
1st Place – Shane Conway, Tarpon Springs High School
2nd Place – Kryssia Galante, Tarpon Springs High School
3rd Place – Mackenzie Dunn, Osceola Fundamental High School

Walker’s Rising Stars is generously sponsored by Dr. Jeffrey Walker, Crown Automotive Charities, Publix Super Markets Charities, the City of Clearwater, ConnectOn, Elisa’s Greatest Wishes, Rowe Architects, Suncoast Credit Union and The Ryan Wells Foundation.

Special thanks are extended to Dalia Colón, the Mahaffey Theater, Pinellas County Schools Multimedia Team and Performing Arts Department, our Walker’s Rising Stars Volunteer Judges, the Tarpon Springs High School Jazz Ensemble, the Pipe and Drum Band of Dunedin Highland Middle School and Walker’s Rising Star alumni Ashley Kadau.

About the Pinellas Education Foundation:

Established in 1986, Pinellas Education Foundation is a nationally recognized, dynamic non-profit organization committed to transforming students’ lives, empowering them to achieve their full potential, and providing teachers with the resources they need to excel in the classroom. Through innovative initiatives, a strategic partnership with Pinellas County Schools, and collaboration with community partners, we work tirelessly to accelerate educational achievement for all students. With a comprehensive approach to education, our programs cover the bookends of learning, beginning with an emphasis on early literacy all the way through the intricate pathways of college and career readiness. Improving outcomes, especially for students with the greatest achievement gaps, is pivotal to our work. Our commitment to quality education spans the entire spectrum, and we are constantly evolving to address the ever-changing needs of students and teachers. To learn more, visit pinellaseducation.org.

CONTACTS:

Kate Smith, Senior Director of Communications
[email protected]
727-588-4816, ext. 2128

Isabel Mascareñas, Public Information Officer, Pinellas County Schools
[email protected]
727-588-6501