Posse Miami Hosts Annual Awards Ceremony Recognizing New Scholars

In January, Posse Miami held its 15th annual Awards Ceremony at Jungle Island. The event recognized the newest cohort of Posse Scholars and marked 15 years of the Foundation’s programming in South Florida.

Since 2009, Posse Miami has supported more than 850 students through full-tuition scholarships and leadership development. This year’s cohort earned more than $15.7 million in full-tuition scholarships from partner institutions: Davidson College, Franklin & Marshall College, Hamilton College, Mount Holyoke College, Pomona College, and Syracuse University.

The Scholars were selected from a pool of 1,089 nominees representing more than 140 high schools and 90 community-based organizations in South Florida. They will complete Pre-Collegiate Training from January through August before starting college in the fall.

The ceremony was attended by approximately 350 guests, including family members, friends, educators, community supporters, and representatives from partner colleges. Attendees participated in a reception and formal recognition program.

Remarks were delivered by Posse Miami Director Jeremy Rosenthal and partner college representatives. Chris Card, vice president and dean of students at Hamilton College, addressed the audience during the ceremony. Program Director Maydee Martinez introduced the recipient of the annual Ainslie Award, followed by a video tribute.

Each new Scholar was recognized on stage and received a white rose and certificate. Following the formal portion of the event, microphones were passed to guests for an “open mic” session, during which family members, friends, current Scholars, and alumni shared congratulatory remarks.

The event included photography by Syracuse Posse alumnus Bryan Cereijo. It was supported by the Posse Miami Advisory Board, event sponsors, and community members.