Scholarship Recipient: Lesley Valdez

“The scholarship gave me the opportunity to attend a college I had always hoped to go to, which I may not have been able to do otherwise. With the support I received, it truly opened doors for me and exposed me to new opportunities. It also helped guide me toward my future career path. Through this experience, I’ve met many people in the Tampa Bay area who have played a key role in helping me discover and shape what I want for my future.”

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What Are You Doing Now?

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“I am currently working as a Crewing Manager at Dann Ocean Towing, where I oversee 16 vessels and manage their personnel.”

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Where and When Did You Graduate High School?

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“I graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 2020. During my time there, I was enrolled in the maritime program, which led me to discover my passion for the industry.”

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