Take Stock in Children Okaloosa County has received the prestigious Luminary Award at the annual Take Stock in Children Conference in Orlando, in recognition of the program’s outstanding service and support for its 2025–2026 student cohort. The Luminary Award reflects the collective efforts of Take Stock in Children Okaloosa County staff, mentors, students, families, and community partners who work together to help students achieve their educational goals and prepare for success beyond high school. To earn Luminary status, an affiliate must achieve a perfect 100% score on Take Stock in Children’s Balanced Scorecard, which evaluates program performance across four key areas: Mentoring, College Readiness, Program Data, and Take Stock in Children Compliance Standards. Achieving a perfect score across all four categories demonstrates that Take Stock in Children Okaloosa County met or exceeded the organization’s highest standards for serving students. The recognition highlights the program’s commitment to high-quality mentoring, individualized student support, college and career readiness, and scholarship opportunities.
“Receiving the Luminary Award is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the dedication of everyone who supports Take Stock in Children students,” said John Spolski, Assistant Superintendent of the Okaloosa County School District. “This recognition demonstrates what is possible when our educators, mentors, families, community partners, and students work together toward a common goal. We are incredibly proud of our Take Stock in Children team and, most importantly, the students whose hard work and determination inspire us every day.” The award recognizes the program’s continued commitment to creating pathways for students to succeed in high school, pursue postsecondary education, and build successful futures.
Pictured above, L to R: John Locke, COO and President, Take Stock in Children; Lori Lipnicky, College Readiness Coach; Patrice Bobo-Miles, Student Services Coordinator; and Bethany Lacey, Chief Executive Officer, Take Stock in Children.