SHERRI VANDEBOE FUTURE IN EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
2026 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Elaine Feaster 

University of South Florida 

Awarded $1,500 

In the fall of 2026, Elaine Feaster will begin her senior year at the University of South Florida, where she is  studying Secondary Social Science Education. In the 3rd grade, Elaine was diagnosed with dyslexia, which shaped her passion for literacy and learning. Books and reading were intimidating, and through the Girl Scouts, she used the challenges she faced to create her Silver and Gold Award projects which focused on literacy awareness and getting books into the hands of children who didn’t have any. Elaine's motto was: “When you can read, you can learn anything!” This work strengthened her commitment to helping students build confidence and create opportunities, while shaping her desire to become a teacher. After graduation, she hopes to work as a Social Science teacher in a Hillsborough County high school while getting her Master's Degree in Education. 

Noemi Nina 

University of South Florida 

Awarded $1,000 

Noemi Nina is the mother of two terrific boys. Currently, she tutors a variety of students while finishing her degree in Elementary Education at the University of South Florida. When she finishes college she plans to substitute teach in Hillsborough County for half a year and then apply to work full-time at one of the county's Title 1 schools

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