DR. KRISTINE BENNETT HONORARY SCHOLARSHIP
Since 1998, Dr. Kristine Bennett has been a dedicated educator who has impacted the lives of thousands of youth in the Tampa Bay area. In her leadership and mentoring roles, she has also impacted the lives of hundreds of teachers and other school professionals to improve the well-being of our youth. In recognition of her tremendous dedication to the future of our children, the Dr. Kristine Bennett Honorary Scholarship was developed by parents, teachers, colleagues, students, and others who are grateful for Dr. Bennett’s selfless service to helping students flourish. This scholarship will be used to help high school seniors in Hillsborough County to prosper beyond high school.
DR. KRISTINE BENNETT
Dr. Bennett earned her Bachelors degree in English Education and Masters degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida. She completed the Educational Specialist Degree from Liberty University where she also obtained her EdD in Educational Leadership and Administration.
From 1998 to 2007, Dr. Bennett taught English Language Arts and Math in schools in the Tampa Bay area. In addition, she coached tennis, volleyball and math league and frequently served as grade level leader. From 2007 to 2011, Dr. Bennett served as Building Level Administrator at Terrace Community Middle School, where she was responsible for daily operations of the school, including curriculum development, professional development of teachers, data analysis, compliance, observation, evaluation, and school safety. From 2011 to 2021, Dr. Bennett served as Principal at Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School, where she was instrumental in helping the school earn a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence award from the United States Department of Education. Under her leadership, the school earned ten consecutive “A” grades and was a high performing charter school in Hillsborough County. Since 2021, Dr. Bennett has served as the Director of Education Support for Metropolitan Ministries, a large non-profit organization that provides services for at-risk and homeless families in underserved and impoverished communities in Tampa Bay. Dr. Bennett provides leadership for the programs that serve the educational needs of children and families from early childhood to career advancement. She oversees educational programming and services for community based programs working with toddlers, school-age children, teen education, and adult education. These educational programs serve thousands of at-risk and homeless children and youth each year.
2023 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Khushi Mathur
Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School
Awarded: $1,000
Khushi Mathur, Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School Valedictorian 2023, is not only the top of her class, but she is also passionate about protecting the environment and has been actively working on innovative solutions to reduce automobile pollution. She plans to pursue an undergraduate education at the University of Florida in business administration and environmental sustainability and continue to earn a Master’s degree. Khushi has served in several student organizations and has 126 community service hours with a district GPA of 9.24.
Kieran Boodram
Riverview High School
Awarded: $1,000
Kieran Boodram, graduate of Riverview High School, has career aspirations to affect positive changes in sustainable farming practices and environmental issues. He plans to attend the University of Florida’s Innovation Academy. Kieran’s long-term goal is to preserve our local ecosystem and to have a well-rounded agricultural industry with increased awareness and focus on sustainability and natural farming practices. He has completed 155 community service hours.
Arshita Singh
King High School
Awarded: $1,000
Arshita Singh, King High School IB graduate, is an active volunteer in our community and aspires to enrich the lives of families as a Family Medical Physician for those most in need and experiencing health care disparities. She wants to build positive, trusting relationships with her patients and treat families holistically with psychological, financial, and cultural considerations. She plans to study biology at the University of South Florida and has completed 192 community service hours.
Neha Marzan
King High School
Awarded: $1,000
Neha Marzan graduated from King High School IB in the top 1% of her class. She wants to be equipped with the knowledge to help save lives. One of her career goals is to combine her interest in business, economics, and medicine to become an Emergency Medicine Physician and to open a free medical clinic. Neha is involved with several community service activities and leadership positions. Neha plans to attend the Princeton and has completed 106 community service hours.
PAST SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
DeAndrea Daughtry
2022 past winner
2022 scholarship winner DeAndrea Daughtry is attending Lehigh University double majoring in Biology and Health, Medicine, and Society on the pre-med track. She is currently doing research in a phage lab as a first year student. Additionally, she is part of Lehigh's Break the Silence organization, Minority Association for Pre-Medical Students, and their EMS. She is also taking a course this semester to become a certified EMT. DeAndrea is a 2022 graduate of Riverview High School.
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
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High school senior
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Hillsborough County student
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Good academic and behavior standing
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3.0 minimum unweighted GPA
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Minimum 75 verified community service hours
Award Amount
A minimum of $500 will be awarded to the scholarship recipient(s) on or before May 1, 2024.
Application Process
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Review eligibility criteria
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Complete online application
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Submit required 250-300 word essay
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Upload one letter of recommendation from a teacher, school support staff or administrator (**Alternatively, your reference can email his/her letter directly to peiranofamilyfoundation@gmail.com. Please make sure your name is clearly shown in the email message)​​
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Upload a current high school transcript or summary worksheet (**"Alternatively [for community service hours] upload a letter from your guidance counselor verifying your community service hours)
Application Deadline
Completed application and all supporting documents must be received no later than midnight on March 29, 2024
Disclaimer
Children of members of the Peirano Family Foundation Board of Directors are not eligible to apply. Children of donors to the Peirano Family Foundation are welcome to apply, but will receive no preferential rating. Scholarship applications will be subject to a blind review process by a panel of outside judges.
