by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
One hundred foster care children in northeast Florida were honored last Saturday for their academic achievements at the 7th annual Stars of Tomorrow luncheon.
The event held at the Main Library drew about 300 people including City Council President Michael Corrigan and United States Rep. Ander Crenshaw. The Stars of Tomorrow luncheon was hosted by Family Support Services of Northeast Florida and the Northeast Florida Foster/Adoptive Parents Association.
“We have this program to recognize those children in foster care who have excelled in the education arena,” said Jim Adams, CEO of Family Support Services of Northeast Florida. “It helps build up the self esteem of those children.”
Adams said in the last three years the event has grown larger and larger.
“When we started this, it was just foster children and their families who came to the event,” he said. “By far, this year was one of the biggest turnouts from the community.
“It is very exciting.”
Each year about one hundred foster care children are honored for their academic performance, but there are 3,000 children in northeast Florida who are receiving care.
“We hope that each year we can expand and recognize more children,” said Adams.
The children received trophies for the following categories:
• AB honor roll achievers
• Most improved academic progress
• Good citizenship award
• Perfect attendance
• Best essay
Winners are decided after a foster parent nominates a child. The child must then write an essagy and their grades must be verified.
“I saw a couple repeat faces from prevoius years,” said Adams. “It is just a good opportunity for families to come together to recognize the children’s hard work.”