The Exchange Club of Sebastian recently celebrated its 2024 Youth of the Year and Accepting the Challenge of Excellence (A.C.E.) award winners for Sebastian River High School.
The Youth of the Year Scholarship recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, community engagement, and leadership qualities. Selected from the pool of Sebastian River High School seniors previously recognized in the Youth of the Month program during the academic year, recipients had to submit an essay highlighting their most significant achievement or accolade. This year, Ace McLain and Mia Harrel were honored as the recipients of this prestigious award.
Ace McLain
Ace McLain, ranked #3 in his senior class, stated that at around 15 years old, the piano became more than just a how-to guide of what to play, but rather the elements through which he should tell a story. When he sat at the piano, his thoughts rang clear through the keys.
Performing at Solo & Ensemble, he stayed faithful and performed to the best of his ability. After he performed, he received the adjudicator’s comments, which stated that he had “a beautiful gift.” Even though he spoke no more than ten words to her, the adjudicator understood the story he desired to tell through his music.
“Music is rewarding on its own, but when you can touch someone through it, that is an intangible accomplishment,” McLain told Sebastian Daily.
Ace will attend the University of Florida in their Honors Program and has been accepted to receive the highly esteemed Lombardi Scholarship.
Mia Harrel
Mia Harrel is the Sebastian River High School 2024 class Valedictorian. She feels that her most outstanding accomplishment was becoming an assistant karate instructor. She earned her black belt in 2018 and wanted to find a way to give back to a community that had given so much to her.
In turn, she decided to become an assistant karate instructor/mentor. This experience was enriching and eye-opening for her. Over the course of the year and a half that she was there, she learned a wealth of knowledge about herself and the youth of America (she taught children ages 4-6).
Mia’s experience as an assistant karate mentor gave her a glimpse of what it means to grow older, lifting the younger generation and helping them succeed. Her experience as a karate mentor was a reward and something that she will cherish for years to come. Mia’s experience enabled her to forge bonds with kids in the community, shaped her worldview, and influenced her decisions regarding her future.
Mia plans to attend Florida State University in the pre-med program and has received a Presidential Scholarship.
A.C.E. Youth of the Year
The A.C.E. Youth of the Year is a senior chosen by Sebastian River High School counselors and teachers for the ability to rise above circumstances and obstacles to achieve excellence.
Sebastian Ramos, a first-generation high school graduate attending Sebastian River High School, has been named the A.C.E. Youth of the Year for his outstanding ability to overcome challenges and excel. Facing academic difficulties, Sebastian boldly switched to full-time online education while working full-time, against his parents’ initial objections. Realizing the need for a change, he sought guidance from his advisor and embarked on a daunting journey to catch up on coursework and meet graduation requirements.
With determination and hard work, Sebastian completed all necessary classes, raised his GPA above 2.0, and earned a spot on the varsity soccer team. His perseverance and commitment demonstrate his unwavering dedication to achieving his goals. Sebastian acknowledges the support of his parents and plans to pursue his passion for golf by enrolling in the University of Florida’s Golf Course Management program. He looks forward to proudly walking across the stage at graduation.
SRHS Scholarship Awards Night
On April 17th the Scholarship Committee awarded $21,000 in scholarships to graduating students of Sebastian River High School. In addition, the Rappy Perez $1,000 Award was awarded. Exchange Club members Kim Prado and Fred Jones, along with Rappy Perez, attended to present the awards:
- $3,000 Mia Harrel
- $3,000 Zahra Qizilbash
- $3,000 Ava Rhea
- $2,000 Wiyana Michaud
- $2,000 Lidia Olivo
- $2,000 Jake Rincon
- $2,000 Ryleigh Spence
- $1,000 Maliyah Dillon
- $1,000 Payton Elward
- $1,000 Junabel Paciencia
- $1,000 Baylee Walker
- $1,000 Tate Jones (Rappy Perez Scholarship)
Front Row: Secretary Ron Smith, President Johnathan Rhodeback, Director Kathy Burns & President Elect Francis Papineau
Back Row: Directors Michelle Morris, Eva Chapman, Sherrie Matthews, Fred Jones, Karen McElveen, Kim Prado and Past President Susan Baran
2024/2025 Officers & Directors
On April 17th, the Exchange Club of Sebastian held its elections of the members for the coming year. Those elected will take office on July 1, 2024. Congratulations to all:
- President Johnathan Rhodeback
- President-Elect Francis Papineau
- Secretary Ron Smith
- Treasurer Diana Best
- Past President Susan Baran
Directors 2 Year Term:
- Kathy Burns
- Terry Gardner
- Kim Prado
- Fred Jones
Directors 1 Year Term:
- Eva Chapman
- Sherrie Matthews
- Karen McElveen
- Michelle Morris
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