Celebrating the importance of Immokalee Foundation’s Class of 2024

TOP: The Immokalee Foundation recently honored 86 high school and postsecondary students at a Senior Celebration. THE IMMOKALEE FOUNDATION/COURTESY PHOTO

Caps, gowns, diplomas, sashes and impassioned commencement speeches — these classic, unforgettable elements define an often highly emotional graduation celebration.

Of course, for many, the act of graduating is a given. In Immokalee, graduation is never guaranteed — it’s often elevated to the status of “a dream come true.”

And that’s what happened for the 86 Immokalee Foundation high school and postsecondary students honored during The Immokalee Foundation’s recent Senior Celebration.

In addition to our students’ traditional graduation ceremonies nationwide, the year’s Foundation-focused event honored a historic accomplishment alongside those whose unwavering support helped these graduates cross the finish line — proud family and loyal friends.

For some of the students we support, graduation means being the first in their family to complete high school or college. For others, this ceremony marks the entrance into the elite group of Immokalee Foundation alumni — today, some 15,000 professionals strong.

But there’s more to celebrate. One hundred percent of our students graduate high school compared to 88 percent statewide.

Ninety-three percent earn a postsecondary degree or certificate compared to the statewide statistics of 41 percent for Hispanic students and 31 percent for black students — two groups proudly served by The Immokalee Foundation.

These powerful metrics reflect the significant effort made in preparing our students for tomorrow’s workforce, especially as labor economists predict that more than 60 percent of jobs will require a degree or credential beyond high school by 2030. Today, only 50 percent of working-age (ages 25-64) Floridians hold such a credential, leaving a considerable gap in workforce talent.

While the majority of our high school graduates will attend a college or university, three of our students plan to pursue a military career, and others will follow a professional path at Immokalee Technical College.

It is no secret that graduation is a collective effort. Because of the dedication and unwavering support from The Immokalee Foundation’s Board and Emeritus, donors, volunteers, community partners, staff and hardworking family members, our students are a step closer to realizing their dream of a successful career and financial independence.

Even before their first year in college, nine of our high school graduates already plan to continue their education after obtaining their bachelor’s degree. Their career choices include dentistry, law, veterinary medicine, laboratory sciences, physical therapy and sports medicine.

Most of our postsecondary graduates are entering the professional world in professions aligned with our Career Pathways Program, including careers in Business Management & Entrepreneurship, Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management and Healthcare. Still, others plan to continue their education:

¦ Finance Bonheur (Florida Atlantic University, BA in Management with a focus on Entrepreneurship and minor in Marketing) plans to pursue a master’s degree in international development.

¦ Meguine Duvert (University of Florida, BS in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation) is applying to veterinary schools.

¦ Angel Mateo-Mateo (University of Missouri, BS in Psychology/Neuroscience) is applying for research graduate positions with the long-term goal of attending medical school.

¦ Thianica Previlus (University of Florida, BS in Health Education and Behavior) plans to participate in the University of Florida’s accelerated nursing program.

We celebrate them all. Whether today or in the not-too-distant future, these talented young men and women will help to fulfill the workforce needs of our rapidly growing community.

As a community, we benefit from their collective success. ¦

Noemi Y. Perez is the president and CEO of The Immokalee Foundation. For more than 32 years, The Immokalee Foundation has been preparing the next generation of leaders through a 100 percent focus on education, career readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee — from kindergarten through postsecondary education. To learn more, become a mentor, volunteer as a career panel speaker or host, donate or include the Foundation in your will, call 239-430- 9122 or visit immokaleefoundation.org .

The post Celebrating the importance of Immokalee Foundation’s Class of 2024 first appeared on Bonita Springs Florida Weekly .