Club Member Awarded Prestigious Coke Florida Refreshing Minds Scholarship

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County is proud to celebrate one of our own—Jamarr W.—as a 2025 recipient of the Coke Florida Refreshing Minds Scholarship℠.

A Life-Changing Moment

Jamarr, a standout Club member and Southeast High School graduate, was awarded the scholarship during a surprise ceremony at his school on April 16. Theodore “Teddy” Mejeur, Territory General Manager for Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, delivered the exciting news in front of an audience that included Jamarr’s mother, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County staff, and proud school faculty.

This unforgettable moment was followed by a formal celebration on June 7 at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando, where Jamarr was recognized alongside 24 other deserving scholarship recipients from across the state.

Investing in Futures

The Coke Florida Refreshing Minds Scholarship℠ program—launched in 2023 through a $2.8 million investment by Coca-Cola Beverages Florida in partnership with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation—will fund 250 scholarships over the next ten years. It provides tuition and most fees for students to attend the Florida college, university, or vocational/technical school of their choice.

Jamarr plans to begin his college journey at Tallahassee Community College before transferring to Florida State University, where he will pursue a degree in engineering.

A Proud Partnership

We are grateful to the Florida Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, a key partner in this initiative, for working closely with Coke Florida and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation to connect young people like Jamarr with life-changing opportunities.

This scholarship program also aligns with the Florida Chamber Foundation’s Path to Prosperity, an effort to tackle generational poverty in underserved communities—reinforcing the transformative power of education and mentorship.

Congratulations, Jamarr!

We are incredibly proud of Jamarr and all he has achieved. His dedication, resilience, and bright future reflect the very best of what our Clubs strive to nurture. Your Boys & Girls Club family is cheering you on every step of the way!