March 29, 2024
The district recognized and celebrated the academic achievement of 120 outstanding African American students in north county at the 40th annual Dr. Joseph L. Carwise Awards on Tuesday at Clearwater High School.
As a part of the annual awards, each north county elementary school was invited to select its top two African American scholars and each middle and high school invited all eighth grade and 12th grade African American students with at least a 4.0 weighted GPA. Elementary school students received academic ribbons, middle school students received medallions and high school seniors received Kente Honor Chords to be worn at graduation.
Pinellas County Schools Chief Transformation Officer Donnika Jones served as the evening’s emcee. Chiquita Clark, the government and community relations liaison at Duke Energy Florida, gave the keynote speech. Clearwater High School MJROTC students presented the colors and led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance and vocalist Larry Jackson from Tarpon Springs High School performed.
“I never had the opportunity to work with Dr. Carwise, but I know our district and community were significantly and positively changed because of him,” said School Board member Carol Cook, who welcomed the audience. “I know that Dr. Carwise would be immensely proud of the scholars here tonight.”
In addition, eight PCS seniors were awarded more than $7,500 in scholarships to further their education after high school.
Congratulations to all of our 2024 Carwise fellows.
