FUTURES Foundation Awards 4 James T. “Tom” Russell Memorial Scholarships

FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools awarded four $500 scholarships through its James T. “Tom” Russell Memorial Scholarship Fund to high school seniors seeking to become educators. Russell, a former Superintendent, was a passionate advocate for all students during his 28-year career in Volusia County Schools. After his death in December 2020, FUTURES and generous donors created the James T. “Tom” Russell Memorial Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships to public school seniors who want to become teachers.

The following students were selected to receive a $500 scholarship: Edward Wilkinson, Pine Ridge High; Hailey Pearson, Pine Ridge High; Isabelle Cahn, Atlantic High; and Samantha Jolley, New Smyrna Beach High. All four students were recognized at their high schools’ Senior Awards & Honors night as recipients of the scholarship.

Founded in 1985, FUTURES is a nonprofit, direct support organization for Volusia County Schools. Its mission is to engage business and civic leaders to promote and achieve educational excellence for Volusia County Public Schools. FUTURES’s 30-member board of directors consists of area business and civic leaders who direct and raise funds to facilitate a variety of programs in the school district. For additional information about FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools, please contact Executive Director Shimene Shepard at 386.255.6475, ext. 50730, or futuresfoundation@volusia.k12.fl.us, or visit its website at www.FUTURESVolusia.org.