Rays Baseball Foundation and Helios Education Foundation announce 2013 scholars

In 2012, the Rays Baseball Foundation and Helios Education Foundation teamed up to provide $1 million in college scholarships for students participating in Take Stock in Children in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee and Pasco counties over a five year period.

The partnership is aimed at giving students the financial resources and mentorship support they need to successfully achieve a postsecondary education at any Florida state college. On Saturday, August 24, the Rays and Helios will recognize the first class of Rays/Helios scholars during a pre-game presentation at Tropicana Field. 

The first class includes: T'shani Anderson, Tatyanna Bailey, Austin Bennett, Devin Bowers, Joshua Boyd, Julien Max Brinkley, Victoria Camara, Matthew Claxton, Tessa Delgo, Nicole Desrosiers, Sawyer Figlow, Moesha Foster, Giancarlo Gamboa-Barrios, Lisbeth Gorgonio, Azaria Green, Jacy Grimes, Diante Henry, Juan Leis-Pretto, Sarah Marin, Kareena Mathew, Elijah Mclaughlin, Julia Menke, Ariana Monzon, Stephanie Nicholas, Scarlett O'Hara, Gevauni Pal, Dante Pascarella, Niko Perrotta, Christian Phillips, Iyanna Reynolds, Lilybeth Ruiz-Vasquez, Idelisa Santana, Alyssa Sessions, Andres Soto, Lincee St. Amand, Faith Stinnett, Devontay Taylor, Henry Tillman, Kevin Townsend, Alexander Turner, Tyler Vining, Brian Watkins and Suha Zeinelabdin.

About the Rays Baseball Foundation

The Rays Baseball Foundation, the official charity of the Tampa Bay Rays, focuses primarily on youth and education programs in the Tampa Bay region that make a measurable difference in the community. Since 2008, the Rays Baseball Foundation has proudly invested more than $3 million in youth and education programs in the Tampa Bay area. Key contributors to the Foundation include Rays owners, players, sponsors, fans and employees. For more information visit raysbaseball.com/community.

About Helios Education Foundation

Helios Education Foundation is focused on creating a high-expectations, college-going culture in Arizona and Florida by investing in initiatives that create opportunities for postsecondary education success. As an engaged foundation, embedded in communities across both states, the Foundation is contributing its leadership, expertise and financial resources to better prepare students to succeed academically and to compete in a globally competitive economy. Since 2006, Helios has invested over $133 million in education-related programs and initiatives in Florida and Arizona. For more information about the Foundation, visit helios.org.

About Take Stock in Children

Take Stock in Children provides a unique opportunity for low-income and at-risk students, many from minority families, to escape the cycle of poverty through education. The program offers students college scholarships, mentorship and hope for a better life. The program's comprehensive services start in middle school, continue through high school and include helping students transition to college. Take Stock in Children's programs are based on the principle that given extensive support, motivation and accountability, children will work hard to ensure that they graduate from high school and attain a college degree. For more information, please visit takestockinchildren.org.