Reach for Greatness Junior Board Program

The Reach for Greatness Junior Board empowers motivated high school students throughout the Florida Keys to develop leadership skills, serve their community, and help expand opportunities for local students.

Junior Board members act as ambassadors for Reach for Greatness by promoting scholarship opportunities, assisting with initiatives, events and fundraising, providing student perspectives, and helping identify unmet needs among Keys students.

Meet the Junior Board

  • Stone Turbeville

    President

    The Basilica School of St. Mary Star of the Sea

    Stone brings six years of leadership experience through the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. He has served as a cadet leader, mentoring and guiding younger cadets during intensive training programs. Stone joined the Reach for Greatness Junior Board because he believes camps and summer programs can help students discover new skills, confidence, and future career paths.

  • Meredith Barton

    Vice President

    Key West High School

    Meredith an 11th-grade student with leadership experience through the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. As a staff cadet at Camp Blanding, she helped lead about 20 cadets and broadened her perspective through an immersive, month-long program in Spain. Meredith brings an analytical, proactive, and collaborative approach to the Reach for Greatness Junior Board and is passionate about expanding opportunities for local students.

  • Elizabeth Perez

    Secretary

    Marathon High School

    Elizabeth is an 11th-grade student committed to helping young people feel supported, informed, and included. Through her school’s drug-prevention club, she stepped outside her comfort zone to teach CATCH My Breath lessons to eighth-grade students and discovered the impact of using her voice to educate others. Elizabeth brings strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills to the Junior Board and hopes to help create more opportunities for students throughout the Florida Keys.

  • Bailey Zepeda Wheaton

    Treasurer

    Coral Shores High School

    Bailey is a 9th-grade student who is eager to grow as a leader while serving her community. For a National Junior Honor Society service project, she created an herb garden at the Keys Children’s Shelter, secured a community sponsor, and helped residents learn about gardening and responsibility through hands-on experience. Bailey also has a strong interest in music and the arts and believes that hard work, kindness, and small positive actions can make a meaningful difference.

  • MacKenzie Haley

    Events Chair

    Key West High School

    MacKenzie is a 9th grader who is passionate about supporting students, creating opportunities, and making a positive difference in her community. She volunteers with the Autism Society of the Keys, where her personal experiences have inspired her to promote understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals with autism and their families. MacKenzie brings creativity, strong communication skills, and experience with social media and community outreach to the Reach for Greatness Junior Board, where she hopes to help more students learn about scholarship opportunities and get involved.

  • Jake Campanioni

    Social Media Chair

    Coral Shores High School

    Jake is an 11th-grade student who wants to encourage his peers to take advantage of every opportunity. He previously managed social media and created game videos for his school’s basketball team, helping showcase players and their accomplishments. Jake brings video production, editing, creativity, and leadership skills to the Junior Board and hopes to help Reach for Greatness connect with even more students and families.

  • Gage Jangraw

    Community Partnerships Chair - Lower Keys

    Key West High School

    Gage is a 9th-grade student who joined the Junior Board after attending two summer programs made possible through Reach for Greatness. Gage was selected as the honor graduate for the intense Sea Cadet Recruit Training. Gage enjoys bringing people together and hopes to use his communication, public-speaking, and team-building skills to help more students learn about life-changing opportunities.

  • Alyssa de la Torre

    Community Partnerships Chair - Middle Keys

    Marathon High School

    Alyssa is a 10th-grade student who is passionate about helping other students access meaningful opportunities. As freshman class president, she helped bring her class together to raise more than $6,000 for school activities. Alyssa brings determination, a positive attitude, and strong problem-solving skills to the Reach for Greatness Junior Board.

  • Genesis Garcia

    Community Partnerships Chair - Upper Keys

    Coral Shores High School

    Genesis is an 11th-grade student who is passionate about helping her peers find opportunities to reach their goals. Through dance, school activities, volunteering, and the Take Stock in Children scholarship program, she has developed strong communication, teamwork, organization, and time-management skills. Genesis hopes to use her creativity and event-planning strengths to help Reach for Greatness connect students with scholarships and build stronger community support.

  • Amanda Rodriguez Vazquez

    Member of the Board

    The Basilica School of St. Mary Star of the Sea

    Amanda is an 11th-grade student who is passionate about serving her community and helping students reach their goals. She volunteers with the SPCA, where she helps care for shelter animals, and brings strong customer-service, organization, and problem-solving skills. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Amanda hopes to help connect more local students with scholarships, camps, clubs, and other opportunities through Reach for Greatness.

  • Lilliana Valeus

    Member of the Board

    The Basilica School of St. Mary Star of the Sea

    Lilliana is a 10th-grade student who wants to strengthen her leadership skills while giving back to her community. As a ninth-grade class representative, she helped keep classmates informed about school events and updates. Lilliana brings a positive outlook to the Junior Board and hopes to encourage more students to participate in Reach for Greatness events and service opportunities.

  • David Gordillo Vera

    Member of the Board

    CFK Academy

    David is a 9th-grade student who has personally benefited from a Reach for Greatness scholarship-supported summer program. His experience inspired him to get more involved so other students can access similar opportunities. David enjoys design and hopes to use his creativity to support Junior Board events, promotions, and outreach.

Applications are closed for Junior Board Officers and Members

Term SEPTEMBER 2026 - MAY 2027

Please read all eligibility requirements and expectations below before applying.

Click here to apply for the JUNIOR BOARD

Membership

  • 12 student members annually

  • Students in grades 9–12 attending public, private, charter, or homeschool programs in Monroe County

  • Members serve one-year terms (August–May)

  • Seniors may serve through graduation

  • Members may reapply each year

  • Officers may serve no more than two consecutive terms in the same role.

The Junior Board should reflect diverse schools, grade levels, interests, and geographic areas across the Keys.

Selection Process

  • Students submit an application each May for the following school year. During the inaugural year, 2026 applications will be due August 30, 2026.

  • Applications are reviewed by a committee composed of Reach for Greatness board members.

  • Finalists may be invited for a brief interview.

Officer Selection

  • During the inaugural year, officers will be appointed by the Reach for Greatness Board of Directors.

  • Beginning in year two, Junior Board members will nominate and elect officer candidates, subject to approval by the Reach for Greatness Board.

  • This approach allows students to develop leadership skills while ensuring continuity and accountability.

Officer Responsibilities

President

  • Leads Junior Board meetings

  • Attends one adult board meeting each quarter.

  • Serves as the student representative to the Reach for Greatness Board of Directors

  • Coordinates projects with the Junior Board advisor

Vice President

  • Supports the President

  • Leads meetings in the President's absence

  • Oversees committees and special projects

Secretary

  • Records meeting minutes

  • Tracks attendance and service hours

  • Maintains meeting agendas and communications

Treasurer

  • Report fundraising progress at Junior Board Meetings

  • Help prepare simple event budgets and fundraising reports

  • Work with adult board treasurer to track fundraising totals and expenses

Events Chair

  • Coordinates student volunteers for events

  • Assists with fundraising activities

  • Leads event planning committees

Social Media Chair

  • Manage Reach For Greatness Social Media

  • Collect photos, short videos, and student stories for approved social posts

  • Maintain a simple content calendar and encourage board members to share RFG information through their schools

Community Partnerships Chair (Upper, Middle and Lower Keys)

  • Build relationships with businesses, schools, and civic groups

  • Make board approved sponsorship, donation, and in-kind support asks with adult guidance

  • Track leads and follow-ups and identify local partnership or fundraising opportunities

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be entering grades 9–12

  • Attend school in Monroe County (Public, Private, Charter or Homeschool)

  • Maintain a minimum 3.5 weighted GPA

  • Demonstrate leadership potential and community involvement

  • Commit to attending at least 80% of meetings and events

  • Uphold the values of Reach for Greatness

Scholarship Recipient Requirement

  • Students do not need to be Reach for Greatness scholarship recipients to apply.

  • Current or former scholarship recipients are encouraged to apply but will not receive preferential consideration.

  • The Junior Board should remain open to all students who are passionate about expanding opportunities for their peers.

Expectations

Junior Board members are expected to:

  • Attend monthly meetings

  • Participate in at least two fundraising events annually

  • Serve as ambassadors within their schools

  • Assist with scholarship promotion efforts

  • Complete a minimum of 20 service hours benefitting Reach For Greatness each year

  • Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and respect

Application questions:

  • Name, school, grade level, email, and phone number

  • Parent/guardian contact information

  • GPA (self-reported)

  • Extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, employment, or volunteer experience

  • Have you previously received a Reach for Greatness scholarship? (Yes/No)

  • Which officer position(s), if any, interest you?

  • Why do you want to serve on the Reach for Greatness Junior Board?

  • Describe a time you demonstrated leadership, overcame a challenge, or made a positive impact in your community.

  • What skills, experiences, or perspectives would you bring to the Junior Board?

  • How would you help promote Reach for Greatness within your school or community?

  • School counselor, teacher, coach, or community reference name and email