Take Stock in Children of Manatee 2021 Graduation

Sandy Haas-Martens, Secretary of Anna Maria Island Kiwanis Club, has been involved with Take Stock in Children for many years.  She has served as the Director for the past 11 years and has now been named a Director Emeritus. 

Take Stock in Children provides annual funding to assist economically disadvantaged youths with obtaining tuition for college/technical training.  Kiwanis members provide mentoring services while students are in high school to enhance their acceptance into college. 

Sandy attended the very first formal graduation this past Sunday.  The graduating class consisted of 34 students from seven high schools in Manatee County.  The graduation was held outside at LECOM Park; and it was a beautiful sunshiny day.

Two highlights of the morning were naming of the Student of the Year and the Mentor of the year.

Miss Jazlynn Stuart of Southeast High was named the Student of the year. Jazlynn started in the program in ninth grade and is a KEY CLUB member!

The Mentor of the Year is Sue LaMastro.  Sue has been involved as a mentor since 2011.  She has devoted many hours to the betterment of local students.  Her dedication, caring attitude & hard work have been instrumental in the success of many young people in Manatee County.  Sue is the wife of Anna Maria Island Kiwanis Club member Dr. Bob LeMastro.