On the Rise

Every year, the Rising Achievers Program (RAP) shines a spotlight on a group of Seminole County seniors whose accomplishments prove that success is about far more than grades and test scores. Two students are honored from every high school in the Seminole County Public Schools district.

Founded in 2001 by the Rotary Club of Seminole County South and now carried forward by the Rotary Club of Lake Mary, RAP recognizes graduating students who have overcome significant adversity while remaining committed to their education and future goals.

Since its inception, more than 450 students have been honored for demonstrating resilience, determination, and perseverance in the face of challenges ranging from family loss and homelessness to illness and financial hardship. RAP recipients each receive $1,000, and those who attend Seminole State College are eligible for additional assistance with books and tuition.

For Karen Almond, who chairs the RAP committee, the program serves as a reminder of the strength young people possess.

“There is a lesson to be learned from these students for their perseverance,” she says. “They have dealt with so much more than most of us, yet they don’t complain. They simply push forward with tenacity and grace. They are graduating, many with honors, and going on to pursue their dreams.”

Karen has been involved with Rising Achievers for 18 years and understands the significance of preserving a program now entering its 27th year. Planning begins six months before the annual banquet and involves coordinating with schools, students, sponsors, and volunteers.

“RAP is truly a labor of love,” says Karen.

Beyond celebrating the students, the program also serves as a call to action for the community. Karen encourages residents to mentor students, offer internships, or provide employment opportunities through local schools. Financial support through donations and corporate sponsorships also helps ensure the program’s future.

“Just knowing that someone cares can have a big impact on a student’s future success,” says Karen.

The 2026 Rising Achievers from our community include:

Lake Brantley High School

Marli Mankarious

Marli Mankarious entered high school facing both personal and academic challenges. She often found herself working to recover credits and improve her Grade Point Average while navigating difficult circumstances. Rather than becoming discouraged, Marli consistently advocated for herself, sought out resources, and remained focused on her goals. Counselors describe her as tenacious and determined, noting her willingness to overcome obstacles through persistence and hard work. Marli’s journey reflects a commitment to growth and self-improvement. She plans to pursue a nursing degree at Seminole State College.

Giselle Torres

For much of her high school career, Giselle Torres faced instability that most students never experience. Concerns about where she would sleep, how she would get to school, and whether there would be food on the table often overshadowed academics. Yet despite those hardships, Giselle never stopped trying. This year, with the support of a stable home environment and caring adults, she dramatically improved her grades and regained confidence in her future. Giselle plans to attend Seminole State College and pursue nursing.

Crooms Academy of Information Technology

Gabriel “Gabe” Mejias

When Gabriel Mejias arrived in the United States in 2021, he faced a daunting challenge. Adjusting to a new country while speaking limited English made both academics and social interactions difficult. Instead of allowing those obstacles to discourage him, Gabriel viewed them as motivation. Inspired by the sacrifices his parents made to create a better future, he set an ambitious goal: become valedictorian. Through determination, discipline, and countless hours of hard work, he achieved that dream and was named valedictorian of his class. He plans to attend the University of Central Florida to study computer science and cybersecurity.

Melani Barker

Melani Barker’s resilience was shaped through years of personal challenges. As a child, an illness left her struggling with self-confidence and self-doubt. With the encouragement of a supportive teacher, she learned that asking questions and facing difficulties did not mean failure. Those lessons became even more important when a hurricane forced her family to relocate with little time to prepare. Amid upheaval, Melani stepped up to help her family navigate the crisis. The experience taught her that resilience often means quietly supporting others during difficult times. Inspired by those experiences, she hopes to become an educator who helps students overcome their own challenges.

Lyman High School

Natalie “Red” Fonteboa

Natalie “Red” Fonteboa has spent years overcoming severe anxiety and mental health challenges. Through counseling, determination, and the unwavering support of her mother, she developed the confidence and resilience needed to thrive academically and personally. Today, she excels in the classroom while participating in leadership programs, volunteer activities, and creative pursuits. Red’s experiences have fueled her curiosity and passion for science. She plans to continue her education at Seminole State College before pursuing her dream career as a forensic scientist.

Arwen Brodeur

Arwen Brodeur’s greatest challenge came at a young age when she survived a traumatic assault. The experience left her struggling with depression and damaged self-esteem, requiring years of healing and personal growth. Rather than allowing that trauma to define her, Arwen transformed her experiences into a passion for helping others. She became deeply involved in school organizations focused on leadership and mental health advocacy, determined to ensure others feel safe, supported, and heard. Arwen plans to attend Seminole State College and pursue a career as an elementary school teacher.

Lake Howell High School

Noel Rodriguez

Noel Rodriguez has spent much of his life adapting to change. After moving from Puerto Rico to the mainland United States, he faced the challenges of learning a new language, adjusting to a different culture, and repeatedly relocating between states. Each move meant leaving behind friends, routines, and familiar surroundings. Despite those disruptions, Noel remained focused on his education and future. His determination helped him build strong academic standing while staying involved in leadership and creative pursuits. His ambition is to become a neurosurgeon.

Nyla Trice

Nyla Trice learned responsibility at an early age. With her mother facing significant health challenges and her father largely absent from her life, Nyla assumed additional family responsibilities while maintaining her academic focus. Rather than allowing those pressures to limit her ambitions, she used them as motivation to excel. Her dedication helped her become one of the top 10 students in her class while remaining active in numerous school and community organizations. She hopes to become an architect and create lasting impacts on the communities she serves.