McDonald’s Golden Grants fuel education programs
TAMPA – Applications are open for the 2025 McDonald’s Golden Grants program.
McDonald’s owner/operators will be selecting programs that fuel the imagination, education and growth of students in Central Florida, including Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Hillsborough counties.
The grant program has awarded $400,000 in its first four years. This year, grants will be awarded in the amounts of $10,000, $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 based on creativity and hands-on application of projects.
Qualifying activities include after-school, arts, community service, education, empowerment, mentorship, sports and technology.
Recipients will be announced in November.
Apply through Oct. 10 at https://mcdgoldengrants.com/florida/.
Student Achievements
- Jillian Abarca, of Odessa, made the spring dean’s list at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- David Alejandro, of Land O’ Lakes, made the dean’s honor roll at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas for earning a GPA of 3.6 or higher.
- Alexa J. Astete, of Tampa, made the spring dean’s list at Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Anthony Becht, of Wesley Chapel, made the spring dean’s list at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa for earning a GPA from 3.5 to 4.0. Becht majors in communication studies.
- Alyssa Bongiovann,i of Lutz, made the spring honor roll at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee fo earning a GPA of 3.85 or higher.
- Caitlyn Culpepper, of Odessa, made the spring chancellor’s honor roll at University of Mississippi for earning a GPA from 3.75 to 4.0. Culpepper majors in biochemistry.
- Lyla Gardner, of Lutz, made the spring dean’s honor roll at University of Mississippi for earning a GPA from 3.5 to 3.74. Gardner majors in allied health studies
- Isabella Gurau, of Dade City, made the spring dean’s list at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa for earning a GPA from 3.5 to 4.0. Gurau majors in animal science.
- Jessica Loyal, of Egypt Lake, graduated with a degree from Des Moines Area Community College in Des Moines, Iowa. Loyal studied homeland security.
- Trevor Mayberry, of Odessa, made the spring president’s list at Mississippi State for earning a GPA of 3.8 or higher.
- JoAna Mucklow, of Odessa, made the spring chancellor’s honor roll at University of Mississippi for earning a GPA from 3.75 to 4.0. Mucklow majors in finance.
- Gennaro Scarfogliero, of Odessa, ,made the spring dean’s list at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, Georgia for earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Brady Stauffer, of Land O’ Lakes, made the spring semester dean’s list at Des Moines Area Community College in Des Moines, Iowa for earning a GPA from 3.5 to 3.99. Stauffer studies exercise science.
- Adia Symmonds, of Lutz, made the spring president’s list at Mississippi State for earning a GPA of 3.8 or higher.
- Kelli White, of Odessa, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from SUNY Canton in Canton, New York.
Quick Hits
- Pasco County Schools is registering people through July 22 for its Citizens’ Academy, an eight-session program that shows what goes on at the district.
- Fred K. Marchman Technical College students Nina Austin and Dallas Raymond were among medalists at the National SkillsUSA Championships, according to Pasco County Schools.
- Victory High Schools is looking for players and sponsors for its annual charity golf tournament Nov. 17 at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club in Palm Harbor.
