Club Happenings

Fall 2013 Newsletter
Club Happenings
As the summer wanes and fall descends across the landscape, floatation devices are swapped for brand new
backpacks and flip flops are tossed in the back of the closet in exchange for sneakers. As the 2013-2014
school year begins, Club Esteem says farewell to 19 amazing seniors, 18 will begin classes at colleges across
the state in the coming days and one will start his career in the United States Army.
We are extremely proud of all of their remarkable accomplishments. Six graduated with honors, two received their certified nursing assistant certificates, and two received the International Baccalaureate diploma. Kudos also goes to Kayrol Leslie and Daisha Washington, recipients of the 2013 Congressional Medal of
Merit. Daisha Washington was the recipient of the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship. This award
(made possible by Bill and Melinda Gates) covers tuition, room and board, throughout the Master or PHD
programs. Ms. Washington was one of the 1,000 recipients chosen from 55,000 graduates! This was the second year a Club Esteem student received this esteemed award. All 19 seniors claimed numerous scholarships
and awards and each of them was accepted into college!
We appreciate the contributions made by each graduate while at Club Esteem and we know they will go on
to do incredible things with their intellect and talents.
Looking ahead, Club Esteem welcomes 130 students this year! We are looking forward to the achievements,
celebrations, and memories yet to come. We are thankful to have so many wonderful volunteers from Florida Tech National Society of Black Engineers, Eastern Florida State College, Melbourne Central Catholic, Harris
Corporation, Northrop Grumman, and several retired educators from the community. All are instrumental
in helping our student’s succeed. Local businesses and agencies like CHANGES Youth and Family Services,
Inc., Prudential Financial Advisors , Blue Note Academy, the Girl Scouts Citrus Council, Boy Scouts of America,
True TALENTS Inc. , TD Banks, the Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestra, the Balda Dance Centre, and Harris
African American Resource Group help to enhance Club Esteem’s STEM, Reading, Performing Arts, Character,
and Financial Education programs.
Club Esteem
Summer Programs
related opportunities .
Students were exposed to his/her field of interest, afforded opportunities to enhance work skills, and given the
opportunity to gain insight into STEM Careers, military
Summer 2013 was an absolute blast for Club Esteem par- options, and other professions through Career Exploration
ticipants. Members engaged in a plethora of workshops
workshops, presentations, and hands-on activities. Workand activities. Summer workshops included: Girl Scouts,
shops concentrated on interviewing skills , developing
Woodworking, Health & Beauty, Scrapbooking, Arts and
resumes , and character development. Students received
Crafts, Cooking, Dance, Team Sports, Music, Jewelry Mak- a stipend upon completion of the program
ing, Drama, Computer 101, Around the World and ManClub Esteem also took part in The Summer Feed and Read
ners & Etiquette. Field Trips
program sponwere always enjoyable and
sored by Project
the Club Esteem crew traveled
Hunger-Face of
all around town having fun at
Change, in partlocal attractions. Everyone
nership with Unitthat participated was exposed
ed Way of Brevard.
to new and exciting experiencIn efforts to prees and made lasting memovent reading loss
ries.
over the summer,
Club Esteem also partnered
community volunwith Brevard County Commu- teers and Club Esteem’s teen tutors conducted reading
nity Action Agency to provide sessions and instructional programs on nutrition were
Cheyenne enjoys her parfait made
a four week Summer Youth
in cooking class.
presented by the Department of Agriculture. Children
Employment and Training
who participated in the program received one reading
Program. The program provided a career-focused training level appropriate book per week. Food was also distributprogram that prepared at-risk youth aged 13-18 for emed to children 18 years old and under, twice a week. In
ployment through job readiness training, occupational
addition, nutritionally fortified packs of food were given
skills training, and other employment and educationto the participants to take home.
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Ralphalette Bartell, CE board member and retired HR manager captured during an employment training workshop and mock interview.
Executive Director, Ellena Little and Zachary Bell of
the United Way unload food for the Feed and Read
program.
Club Happenings| Fall 2013 Newsletter
Good Times!!!
Club Esteem seniors pose for a photo while on a campus visit in
Miami, Fl.
Club Esteem students at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Fl.
It’s all fun and games during “Kids in Motion” at Club Esteem!
Former student, Deboris Ellis makes a special trip to
present CE’s Longevity award to Zareena Shafi.
Club Esteem students enjoy a fun-filled day at Fun Town!
Club Happenings| Fall 2013 Newsletter
I love Club Esteem...yay!
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Student Spotlight
Marissa Jordan is a freshman at Palm Bay High School.
The cheery high school student’s first year is preceded by
an impressive winning streak. While in eighth grade at
Stone Middle School Marissa was in the Science and Research program. She conducted extensive experimentation testing the effects of pH levels on the heart rate of
Daphnia pulex. This experiment was conducted to determine how different pH levels in the foods we consume
everyday can affect our heart rate by adding stress on
our bodily functions. Marissa placed first at Brevard
County Regional Science Fair in February 2013. She qualified for state and represented Brevard county at The
State Science Fair in Lakeland where she won 3rd place!
Because of her success at the regional and state fairs she
was able to participate in the Broadcom MASTERS online
science competition. She was also extended an opportunity to be a teen advisor for some of Broadcom’s science television programming. She is currently participating in science research at Palm Bay High and aspires
to be either a marine biologist, a CPA or an engineer.
Our wonderful volunteers!!!
Club Esteem student with her mentor, Latonya Simmons of
CHANGES Youth and Family Services, Inc.
Both of Harris Corp. GCS, Kirsten Morrow, Sr.
Manager, Human Resources and Rhaumon Smith ,
HR Business Partner during a recent presentation.
Natasha Duran of Harris Corp. delivers an intriguing
presentation to our middle and high school students.
Tyrone Carter of Northrop Grumman tutors one of our seniors.
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All of Club Esteem’s programs are free. For additional information about Club
Esteem or to learn of the many volunteer opportunities available contact Executive Director, Ellena Little, at ellenalittle@clubesteem.org or 321-409-8942.
Jennifer Crumpler, Store Mgr., TD Banks
shares financial information.
Club Happenings| Fall 2013 Newsletter
Focused on Success!
Club Esteem has continued a tradition of academic excellence with each sequential group of students making
their mark and achieving unbelievable goals. For the
past decade, Club Esteem graduates have earned
prestigious scholarships and gained acceptance into
some of the nation’s top colleges. Here are a few success stories:
Taujihana Brown- Former Club Esteem member and
2010 Palm Bay High graduate earned her AA degree
while in high school. Taujihana graduated from the University of South Florida with her BS in Public Administration and is now pursuing a Master’s in Public Health, with a concentration in Health Administration.
Quick Facts

84% of our students made the honor roll.

95% of our high school students had a 3.0
GPA or higher.

90% of our students are on or above grade
level in math and reading (compared to the
State of Florida statistics for economically
disadvantaged students where only 27%
were on or above grade level in math and
only 45% were on or above grade level in
reading).

100% of our 19 graduating seniors received
scholarships and were accepted at the
University of South Florida, University of
Tampa, Florida Atlantic University, University of North Florida, and Jonson and
Whales. Two received a Congressional
Medal of Merit. One student was awarded
the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

In the past five years, Club Esteem has had
48 graduating seniors, 43 enrolled in college, 1 chose post high school employment, and 4 are serving in the United
States Military.
Scholarships included: Alexander Hamilton Citizenship Award; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Scholarship; Horatio Alger Scholarship; Dell Scholars;
Reginald E. Johnson Memorial Scholarship; The
Balda Family Scholarship; Bright Futures; Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Melbourne-Palm Bay
Alumnae Chapter Scholarship, and the prestigious
Gates Millennium Scholarship
Club Happenings| Fall 2013 Newsletter
2012-2013 School Year
Devin Coney- graduated with honors from Palm Bay High school in
2011. Devin is a political science major and has begun her junior year
at Howard University. Devin is on the dean’s list and was recently
elected 1st Vice President of Howard University’s National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
James Johnson- 2011 high school graduate and Eagle Scout will
graduate from Florida State University in December with a degree in
Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology. One of James’ dreams
is to become a police officer. Upon graduation James will join the
Hillsborough County Police department.
Aaron Jordan- graduated from Palm Bay High School in 2012 with
an impressive 4.2 weighted GPA. Aaron was named a 2012 National Achievement Scholar – receiving the National Merit Scholarship
Corporation Congressional Medal of Merit. He was the recipient of
over 15 scholarships, including Georgia Tech Provost's Scholarship,
a scholarship from the College of Materials Science & Engineering
(MSE) at Georgia Tech, and the prestigious Bill Gates Millennium
Scholarship. Aaron is in his sophomore year at Georgia Tech.
Daisha Washington- the 2013 Palm Bay High School graduate
served as the President of Club Esteem’s Future Professionals program for two consecutive years. Daisha ranked at the top 5% of her
class with an impressive 4.0 weighted GPA. She was a member of
the National Honor Society, as well as a founding member and vice
president of the AVID club at Palm Bay High. Daisha received the
2013 Congressional Medal of Merit and is the recipient of the Alexander Hamilton Citizenship Achievement Scholarship Award. She received numerous scholarships, including the prestigious
Gates Millennium scholarship. Daisha entered the nursing
program at Florida Atlantic University in August!
Club Happenings| Fall 2013 Newsletter
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Special Events
Community Events
Nearly sixty people gathered for Art Esteem at the Foosaner Art Museum. The evening included a private gallery
tour through the Art of Conservation(ism), by Museum Director, Carla Funk, complimentary hors d’oeuvres,
wine, and a brief presentation on Club Esteem’s programs, services, and outcomes shared by Executive director, Ellena Little. Many thanks goes to Sara Petrosky, Curator of Education, Carla Funk, and the wonderful staff
at the art museum.
15 of Club Esteem’s high school seniors (shown
right) are captured in a black and white photo at
their High School Appreciation Dinner. The
event took place at Club Esteem and featured
games, music, prizes and more!
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Club Esteem’s fall program culminated with its Tribute to
Excellence on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at Florida Institute of
Technology’s Gleason Center for the Performing Arts. This
year’s theme was “Live Out Loud”. One hundred and forty
five students boldly took to the stage and delivered delightful performances-- one after another. The show was absolutely riveting and many of the 350 attendees were on the
edge of their seats throughout the night. Students were also
recognized for their academic achievements, character development, and community involvement throughout the
year.
Club Happenings| Fall 2013 Newsletter
Club Esteem Thanks Our 2013 Rock the Casbah Sponsors!
Featuring a red carpet entrance with paparazzi, open bar,
a delicious array of gourmet foods, seated dining, decadent desserts,
cigar lounge, music by Blue Stone Circle of Universal City Walk,
dancing, live collage by Derek Gores, and much more.
Individual Tickets - $125 per person | for more info
visit our website at www.clubesteem.com
PRESENTING SPONSOR Matt's Casbah - Mr. Bud and Dr. Kim Deffebach
SCREENWRITERS: The Highland Mint, Mr. Ben & Mrs. Pam Jefferies, Mr. Bill & Mrs. Lisa Troner
CINEMATOGRAPHERS: Mr. David Cohen - Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Mr. Allen & Mrs. Becky Dukes, Dr. Nanialei Golden,
Mr. Don & Mrs. Catherine McGee, Mr. Scott & Mrs. Monica Mikuen, Miller & Hurt Financial Group, Mr. Pat & Mrs. Barbara Roth
CELEBRITIES: Dr. Stephen Badolato - Premier Sports Medicine, Bank of America, Dr. Mario Camps & Dr. Ric Gotay - Brevard Anesthesia Services, Dr. Harry & Mrs. Mary Deffebach, Dr. Gary & Dr. Patricia Ganiban, Dr. Clifford Gelman - Gelman Hair Restoration,
Mr. Gray & Mrs. Tami Hamilton - Hamilton Masonry, Health First, Mr. John & Mrs. Susan Hopkins, Dr. Milan & Dr. Dawn Jockovich, Mr. Robert & Mrs. Loran Morse - Morse Properties, Proctor Consulting, Dr. Ron and Mrs. Nan Richardson - Creating Beautiful Smiles, Mr. Edward Schnell & Mrs. Linda Lavelle, SCD.USA - Semi Conductor Devices USA, Ware Orthopaedics - Dr. Anthony
Ware & Mrs. Marcia Mejia Ware, Mr. Michael Welch, Jr. & Mrs. Cassandra Welch, Winslow Retina and Vision Center - Dr. Paul &
Mrs. Scottie Winslow
SUPPORTING CAST: BB&T, BankFIRST, Mr. Jim &Mrs. Pamela Bress, Mr. Jerry & Mrs. Kaye Cantrell, Clear Choice Health Care,
Community Credit Union of Florida, Dr. Bjorn Dimberg - Atlantis Urgent Care, Mr. Alan & Mrs. Laura Doshier, Mr. Dave & Mrs.
Penny Duthie, Ms. Bobbie Dyer - Dyer Mortgage Group, Dr. Frank Filiberto - Artful Awakenings, Gatto's Tires, Ms. Sheryne Glicksman- Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Mr. Andy Hament, Ford Harrison LLP, Dr. Allen & Mrs. Sandy Henry, Krasny & Dettmer,
Dr. Buck & Mrs. Jennie Kriete, Mr. Andrew Michalets, Militano Construction, Mr. Neil & Mrs. Nancy Murphy, Dr. Regine Pappas Pinnacle Eye Center, Mr. Jon & Mrs. Cathi Plahuta, Mr. John & Mrs. Judy Roach, Mr. Fred & Mrs. Michelle Robinson- Robinson
Insurance, Anita Saluja MD, Mr. Brett & Mrs. Cindy Schuster, Mr. Cory & Mrs. Erin Slavik, Dr. Michael & Mrs. Loretta Sorbello Downtown Divas, Renco Electronics Inc, Southeastern Honda, Mr. Scott Steele - JW Edens & Company Insurance, Mr. Denny &
Mrs. Katie Stewart, Mr. Bob & Mrs. Karen Sukolsky, Mr. Don & Mrs. Laurie Weiss
Major In-Kind Donors: Matt's Casbah and Casbah Wines Downtown, Paragon Printing and Graphics, Brevard Business News, Derek Gores, Elite Sweets of Brevard, Chris Maslow, FLORIDA TODAY, Firefly Photo Booth, Liz Cowie
Photography, Meredith Sanford, Trinity Fitness Kid's Facility Director, Classic Wood Flooring, Florida Eye Associates,
MH Williams Construction, Real Food Real Kitchens, and WFIT
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Financial support from our community enables Club Esteem
to expand its reach and enhance our program ensuring our
students are able to achieve the highest levels of academic
and personal success. Club Esteem would like to thank the
following foundations and organizations for their recent
financial contributions: Community Foundation for Brevard,
Harris Corporation Foundation, John & Mary Clare Ward
Foundation, TJX Foundation, Dollar General Literacy Foundation, Mr. Bud & Dr. Kim Deffebach, United Way of Brevard,
the Geraldine L. Cabic Charitable Fund, the
R. Patricia Wallburg Endowment Fund, and the Ruth
W. Gordon Benevolent Memorial Fund.
Board of Directors
Michael W. Welch, Jr., President
Richard P. Miller, Vice President
Pamela M. Bress, Secretary
Edward R. Davis, Treasurer
Scott T. Mikuen
Ralphalette Bartell
Scottie D. Winslow
Caroline Kempf
Brett D. Schuster
Brenda Marvin
An investment in children benefits the entire community. If
you are not currently contributing financially to Club Esteem's
Facebook.com/ClubEsteemInc
efforts, we welcome and appreciate all donations in any
increment. To make a charitable contribution and help fund
the success of our children, please visit
www.clubesteem.com and click on "donate". You may also
contact Fund Development Director, Jennifer Ottomanelli,
directly at funddevelopment@clubesteem.org.
United Way Partnering Agency
@ClubEsteemInc
www.clubesteem.org
All smiles at Club Esteem!
Melbourne, FL 32901
3316 S. Monroe Street
“challenging
Fund Development Update
youth–embracing excellence”