On The Rise

by Jeannine Gage

Every year, the Rising Achievers Program (RAP) shines a spotlight on a group of Seminole County seniors whose accomplishments prove that success is about far more than grades and test scores. Two students are honored from every high school in the Seminole County Public Schools district.

Founded in 2001 by the Rotary Club of Seminole County South and now carried forward by the Rotary Club of Lake Mary, RAP recognizes graduating students who have overcome significant adversity while remaining committed to their education and future goals. 

Since its inception, more than 450 students have been honored for demonstrating resilience, determination, and perseverance in the face of challenges ranging from family loss and homelessness to illness and financial hardship. RAP recipients each receive $1,000, and those who attend Seminole State College are eligible for additional assistance with books and tuition.

For Karen Almond, who chairs the RAP committee, the program serves as a reminder of the strength young people possess.

“There is a lesson to be learned from these students for their perseverance,” she says. “They have dealt with so much more than most of us, yet they don’t complain. They simply push forward with tenacity and grace. They are graduating, many with honors, and going on to pursue their dreams.”

Karen has been involved with Rising Achievers for 18 years and understands the significance of preserving a program now entering its 27th year. Planning begins six months before the annual banquet and involves coordinating with schools, students, sponsors, and volunteers.

“RAP is truly a labor of love,” says Karen.

Beyond celebrating the students, the program also serves as a call to action for the community. Karen encourages residents to mentor students, offer internships, or provide employment opportunities through local schools. Financial support through donations and corporate sponsorships also helps ensure the program’s future.

“Just knowing that someone cares can have a big impact on a student’s future success,” says Karen.

The 2026 Rising Achievers from our community include:

Lake Brantley High School

Marli Mankarious

Marli Mankarious entered high school facing both personal and academic challenges. She often found herself working to recover credits and improve her Grade Point Average while navigating difficult circumstances. Rather than becoming discouraged, Marli consistently advocated for herself, sought out resources, and remained focused on her goals. Counselors describe her as tenacious and determined, noting her willingness to overcome obstacles through persistence and hard work. Marli’s journey reflects a commitment to growth and self-improvement. She plans to pursue a nursing degree at Seminole State College.

Giselle Torres

For much of her high school career, Giselle Torres faced instability that most students never experience. Concerns about where she would sleep, how she would get to school, and whether there would be food on the table often overshadowed academics. Yet despite those hardships, Giselle never stopped trying. This year, with the support of a stable home environment and caring adults, she dramatically improved her grades and regained confidence in her future. Giselle plans to attend Seminole State College and pursue nursing.

Crooms Academy of Information Technology

Gabriel “Gabe” Mejias

When Gabriel Mejias arrived in the United States in 2021, he faced a daunting challenge. Adjusting to a new country while speaking limited English made both academics and social interactions difficult. Instead of allowing those obstacles to discourage him, Gabriel viewed them as motivation. Inspired by the sacrifices his parents made to create a better future, he set an ambitious goal: become valedictorian. Through determination, discipline, and countless hours of hard work, he achieved that dream and was named valedictorian of his class. He plans to attend the University of Central Florida to study computer science and cybersecurity.

Melani Barker

Melani Barker’s resilience was shaped through years of personal challenges. As a child, an illness left her struggling with self-confidence and self-doubt. With the encouragement of a supportive teacher, she learned that asking questions and facing difficulties did not mean failure. Those lessons became even more important when a hurricane forced her family to relocate with little time to prepare. Amid upheaval, Melani stepped up to help her family navigate the crisis. The experience taught her that resilience often means quietly supporting others during difficult times. Inspired by those experiences, she hopes to become an educator who helps students overcome their own challenges.

Lyman High School

Natalie “Red” Fonteboa

Natalie “Red” Fonteboa has spent years overcoming severe anxiety and mental health challenges. Through counseling, determination, and the unwavering support of her mother, she developed the confidence and resilience needed to thrive academically and personally. Today, she excels in the classroom while participating in leadership programs, volunteer activities, and creative pursuits. Red’s experiences have fueled her curiosity and passion for science. She plans to continue her education at Seminole State College before pursuing her dream career as a forensic scientist. 

Arwen Brodeur

Arwen Brodeur’s greatest challenge came at a young age when she survived a traumatic assault. The experience left her struggling with depression and damaged self-esteem, requiring years of healing and personal growth. Rather than allowing that trauma to define her, Arwen transformed her experiences into a passion for helping others. She became deeply involved in school organizations focused on leadership and mental health advocacy, determined to ensure others feel safe, supported, and heard. Arwen plans to attend Seminole State College and pursue a career as an elementary school teacher.

Lake Howell High School

Nyla Trice

Nyla Trice learned responsibility at an early age. With her mother facing significant health challenges and her father largely absent from her life, Nyla assumed additional family responsibilities while maintaining her academic focus. Rather than allowing those pressures to limit her ambitions, she used them as motivation to excel. Her dedication helped her become one of the top 10 students in her class while remaining active in numerous school and community organizations. She hopes to become an architect and create lasting impacts on the communities she serves.

Noel Rodriguez

Noel Rodriguez has spent much of his life adapting to change. After moving from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States, he faced the challenges of learning a new language, adjusting to a different culture, and repeatedly relocating between states. Each move meant leaving behind friends, routines, and familiar surroundings. Despite those disruptions, Noel remained focused on his education and future. His determination helped him build strong academic standing while staying involved in leadership and creative pursuits. His ambition is to become a neurosurgeon.

Seminole High School

Kaiden Rim

Following his parents’ divorce, Kaiden Rim often found himself taking on adult responsibilities while helping care for his younger brother. With both parents working long hours, he learned independence and accountability at an early age. Rather than becoming overwhelmed, Kaiden embraced those responsibilities while excelling academically and staying active in school and work. Maintaining strong grades and involvement in multiple activities, Kaiden has demonstrated maturity and resilience. He hopes to use those qualities in a future career as a psychologist.

Zoey Martin

The recent loss of her mother profoundly changed Zoey Martin’s perspective on life. Faced with grief and uncertainty, she chose to honor her mother’s memory by living with purpose and determination. The experience motivated Zoey to work harder in school, become more involved in service activities, and seek opportunities for personal growth. Through mentoring younger students, volunteering in her community, and staying focused on her education, Zoey has transformed heartbreak into motivation. She plans to pursue a career in anesthesiology.

Lake Mary High School

Brenden Wilick

At his young age, Brenden Wilick has faced more loss than many people experience in a lifetime. After enduring the absence of both parents, he suffered another devastating blow with the loss of his 

grandmother, who had been his legal guardian. Despite these emotional challenges, Brenden chose to focus on stability, responsibility, and personal growth. He maintained strong academic performance while balancing the realities of life without traditional family support. Teachers describe him as humble, optimistic, and determined. He plans to attend Seminole State College and pursue a bachelor’s degree.

O’Shea Faison

O’Shea Faison’s life has been shaped by adversity since middle school. Despite facing difficult personal circumstances, he has consistently demonstrated leadership, integrity, and a commitment to helping others. Rather than allowing hardship to define him, O’Shea has relied on his faith, strong work ethic, and positive attitude to stay focused on his goals. His willingness to serve others, whether through church activities or everyday acts of leadership, reflects a maturity beyond his years. He plans to continue his education at Seminole State College.

Oviedo High School

Patrick Woideck

Patrick Woideck’s life has been shaped by family challenges, including helping care for his father, who sustained serious injuries, and navigating the emotional impact of his parents’ divorce. Despite these hardships, Patrick remained committed to academic excellence and personal growth. He challenged himself with rigorous coursework, including a demanding programming academy, while continuing to serve as a leader in Scouting and NJROTC. Teachers praise his resilience, strong character, and determination to succeed. He plans to pursue a degree in engineering.

Kaley Nunez

Kaley Nunez has balanced responsibilities that extend far beyond those of a typical high school student. While maintaining her education, she worked more than 30 hours a week and helped care for her father and support her family. Rather than allowing the pressures of work and caregiving to interfere with her future, Kaley used them to develop discipline, empathy, and determination. Her ability to manage family responsibilities while staying focused on school reflects exceptional strength of character. Inspired by her experiences helping others, Kaley plans to pursue a nursing career.

Winter Springs High School

Aaliyah Barker 

Aaliyah Barker has faced significant family and financial hardships while also serving as a caregiver for her mother, who received an early cancer diagnosis. Despite those challenges, Aaliyah remained committed to her academics, her award-winning color guard team, and her community. Balancing long rehearsal schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and schoolwork required discipline and perseverance. Through those experiences, Aaliyah developed a deep sense of empathy and resilience. She plans to attend Seminole State College and study nursing with a focus on sonography.

Lil’Enzie McKenzie

Growing up with deaf parents, Lil’Enzie McKenzie learned responsibility and advocacy at an early age. He frequently helped his parents communicate in situations that required skills beyond what most children are expected to handle. These experiences taught him patience, independence, and problem-solving. While balancing family responsibilities, Lil’Enzie also dedicated himself to basketball, where he learned teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. Despite the challenges he faced, Lil’Enzie remained focused on creating a successful future for himself. He plans to attend Seminole State College and pursue his dream of owning an HVAC business.

Hagerty High School

Jordan Lee

Jordan Lee’s path to graduation has been marked by loss. First, she lost her mother at a young age and then experienced the death of her father in 2024. Through those heartbreaking challenges, Jordan leaned on the support of her older sister and developed remarkable independence. Rather than allowing grief to derail her future, she focused on leadership and service, becoming a cheer captain and later volunteering as a youth cheer coach. Jordan’s experiences taught her responsibility, communication, and perseverance. She plans to attend Seminole State College and then pursue a law degree.

Zy’Kerria Walker

In recent years, Zy’Kerria Walker lost both her parents, a devastating experience that would test anyone’s resilience. She and her brothers moved in with their aunt, who became a source of support and stability. Determined to honor her parents’ memory, Zy’Kerria focused on helping others through volunteer service. Whether working with children at church, feeding the homeless, or supporting nursing home residents, she has transformed personal loss into compassion for others. Her experiences taught her strength, empathy, and perseverance. Inspired by the caregivers who helped her family, Zy’Kerria plans to attend Seminole State College and pursue a career as a registered nurse.