Scholarships
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN CULTURAL GROUP DEEPENS SUPPORT FOR
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL. June 30, 2023. The Caribbean American Cultural Group (CACG), one of
Port St. Lucie’s premier philanthropic organizations, has completed its selection of outstanding
St. Lucie County high school graduates for this year’s awards.
Now in the 39th year of its history as a stalwart contributor to the cultural life of the Treasure
Coast, and the development of our young people, CACG took note of the changing needs of
students preparing for tertiary education, and determined that the best course of action would be
to increase its support by offering two-year scholarships, replacing the previous $1000
contributions.
Following a rigorous selection process, seven of twelve applicants were interviewed, and six
selected for the awards shown below:
Emmanuella Alix, graduate of Fort Pierce Central High School and recipient of a Keith Green
Scholarship, will pursue studies in criminal Justice and social work at the University of North
Florida.
Ashley Buchanan, graduate of Fort Pierce Central High School and recipient of a Thelma Lake
Scholarship will pursue studies in pharmacy at Florida Atlantic University.
Hayley Cummings-Henry, graduate of Treasure Coast High School and recipient of the CACG
Honorary Scholarship for relatives of CACG members, will pursue studies in biology/pre-med.
at Indian River State College.
Ariah Hill, graduate of Fort Pierce Central High School and recipient of a Keith Green
Scholarship, will pursue studies in biology/pre-dentistry at Jackson State University.
Kaylani Krigger, graduate of Port St. Lucie High School and recipient of the CACG Open
Scholarship, will pursue studies at Oakwood University.
Mia Morrison, graduate of Lincoln Park Academy and recipient of CACG’s Martin Luther King
Scholarship will pursue studies in Aerospace Engineering at Embry Riddle Aeronautical
University.
During a recent CACG general meeting, President Dawn Bloomfield proudly announced the new
awardees of the scholarship program. She emphasized the significance of the program, stating
that it is a fundamental aspect of CACG’s purpose. President Bloomfield expressed the
organization’s unwavering commitment to providing support in this area.
She expressed pride in sharing that in it its 39th year, CACG has expanded its support even
further. The total sum of scholarship offers now exceeds the impressive amount of $158,000.
This milestone is a testament to CACG’s dedication to empowering and assisting students
pursuing their educational goals.
CACG is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, located and operating in Port St. Lucie since
1984.
Well-wishers in and around PSL are welcome to contribute to the organization’s work by
becoming members, by supporting our annual events as sponsors and donors, and by turning
out and getting involved. Please save the dates for our upcoming events.
• Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 6:00 pm – CACG’s 39th Anniversary Ball; MIFLORIDA
Event Center, 9221 SE Event Center Place, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.
• Saturday, November 4, 2023 – Annual Caribbean Food and Music Festival;
MIDFLORIDA Event Center, 9221 SE Event Center Place, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952.
Scholarship Recipients
List of Services
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Keslande BarthelemyList Item 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Recipient
Keslande Barthelemy graduated from St. Lucie West Centennial High School with a GPA of 5.52 and will attend the University of Florida this fall, majoring in Biology (Premed). By watching her mother caring for her own parents, Keslande knew at an early age that she wanted to become a caregiver. She felt that the possibilities were endless upon entering high school and when she was presented with the opportunity to take a Health Science Course, it solidified her career path. She has completed an extensive amount of community volunteer services in healthcare and her overall experiences have inspired her to eventually use her platform to become a voice for others through health and literacy. She has been a Principal’s Honor Roll student for several years.
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Stacey LouimaList Item 4
Thelma Lake Scholarships Recipient
Stacey Louima graduated from St. Lucie West Centennial High School with a GPA of 5.56 and will attend Florida State University this fall, majoring in Biology (Premed). A member of the national Honor Society, Stacey believes her interest in living things (including humans) has inspired her to prepare for a future in which she can nurture others in their worst moments. She believes a career in medicine with a focus on either obstetrics and gynecology or neonatology will be a perfect setting in which to fulfil this plan. Her voluntary work with “Safe Kids” and Port St. Lucie Hospital has reinforced her desire to help others, and through her record of hard work, commitment, and involvement in multiple activities, she has already demonstrated the potential to succeed.
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Jayla SouthallList Item 2
Thelma Lake Scholarships Recipient
Jayla Southall graduated from Fort Pierce Westwood High School with a GPA of 4.89 and will attend Alabama State University this fall, majoring in biology (Premed). From an early age Jayla’s focus has been to attend college, further her education in medicine and open her own Obstetrics & Gynecology practice and Birthing Center, focusing on women with low income and at-risk pregnancies. She volunteered in the community in various capacities, is an Honor roll student for the past four years and is a member of the National Honor Society. She has worked with the Early Learning Coalition of St. Lucie County and the Precious Pearls Youth Organization.
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Lorika CheryList Item 3
CACG Scholarship Recipient
Lorika Chery graduated from Fort Pierce Central High School with a GPA of 5.74 and will attend Georgia Institute of Technology this fall, majoring in mechanical engineering. Lorika has always been excited about science, and when she completes her degree, she plans to work on helping to drive funds to underserved schools so they can improve facilities for teaching science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) classes. She also wants to advocate for students and get them excited about STEM careers. Her leadership experiences as president of the Aerospace Student Association and member of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl have already laid the foundation that will help her achieve her goals.
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Rachel Gordon
Keith Green Scholarship Recipient
Rachel Gordon graduated from John Carroll High School with a GPA of 5.52 and will attend the University of Florida this fall, majoring in Business. She believes that skills learned while pursuing a business degree can be applied to a variety of jobs, making her more adaptable in the world of work. Rachel’s active involvement in student leadership and voluntary community activities has inspired her to prepare for a future of helping others less fortunate. She has been class president, student body president, and member of the Principal’s Honor Roll. She hopes the leadership and communication skills developed through her activities so far will equip her to be an inspiring and effective leader.
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Zoe Jarbath
Keith Green Scholarship Recipient
Zoe Jarbath graduated from Fort Pierce Central High School with a GPA of 4.72 and will attend Florida Atlantic University this fall to pursue a pre-business program with a view to studying law. Her observation of situations in which the criminal justice system has failed some communities and groups opened her eyes to the importance of improving the system and she hopes to contribute to this by becoming a defense or immigration attorney. An honor roll student, Zoe has received the Foundations of Leadership Certification from Indian River State College based on her performance in a rigorous leadership training program through the national Society of Leadership and Success. Her voluntary activities include working with Beacon for Hope Inc. and tutoring students involved in both online and face-to-face learning,
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Jerome Williams Jr.
Keith Green Scholarship Recipient
Jerome Williams Jr. graduated from Port St. Lucie High School with a GPA of 3.2 and plans to attend Indian River State College in St. Lucie County, Florida, in the fall, where he will begin business-related courses. He is certified in Emerging Technology and is a Pharmacy Technician Intern. Jerome’s extra-curricular activities include being captain of the varsity bowling team at his high school and participating in fundraising activities for the Youth Bowling Leagues in his community. He graduates as an Honor Roll Student.
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Daniel Bloomfield
CACG Honorary Scholarship Recipient
Daniel Bloomfield graduated from West Centennial High School with a GPA of 4.1 and will attend Eckerd College, in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he will major in marketing. His career goal is to become a marketing manager for a “Fortune 500” company. His objective is to achieve success and give back to his community by starting a non-profit organization to teach the younger generation the importance of education, while awarding scholarships to help them achieve their goals. One of the “children who grew up in CACG,” he has been involved in many of our activities and has been a Principal’s Honor Roll Student and a member of the National Honor Roll Society.
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Tyler Cummings-Henry
CACG Honorary Scholarship Recipient
Tyler Cummings-Henry graduated from Treasure Coast High School with a GPA of 3.1 and will attend the St. Lucie Beauty Academy this Fall to pursue qualifications in Master Barbering. He is also enrolled at Indian River State College, where he will take business-related courses. As a student athlete, Tyler has learned the value of team membership, including accountability and shared responsibility. One of the “children who grew up in CACG,” Tyler has volunteered for many CACG activities, as well as other community ventures in which he has helped to encourage and motivate others. His other interests are basketball and bowling.