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Royal Palm Beach presents 11 village scholarships and honors first-year youth civic leadership graduates
Summary
At its May 21 meeting the Village of Royal Palm Beach presented 11 scholarships recognizing academic achievement and community service, with seven awarded to Royal Palm Beach High School students, and acknowledged graduates of a new youth civic leadership program launched this year.
Mayor Jeff Amero presented 11 village scholarships at the Village of Royal Palm Beach council meeting on May 21, 2026, praising the recipients for academic achievement, leadership and community service. "These scholarships recognize academic excellence and leadership, character and community service," Amero said, and noted the awards are open to graduating seniors who are residents of Royal Palm Beach, not only Royal Palm Beach High School.
The mayor told the council that seven of this year’s 11 scholarships went to students from Royal Palm Beach High School, which he said is the largest number the village has awarded to date. He also highlighted an 11th award — the Richard Valentis scholarship — sponsored by a council member to support students based on their community service and personal experience with the value of financial aid.
Members of the Education Advisory Board read brief biographies for each recipient, describing extracurricular activities and college plans. Recipients mentioned in the record include Brooke Bloser (King’s Academy; plans to study biochemistry at the University of Florida), Sienna Collado (Seminole Ridge Community High School; Florida Gulf Coast University, communications), Zuri Dowdle (Royal Palm Beach High School; Florida A&M University, graphic communications), and other students planning studies in nursing, neuroscience, architecture, NJROTC, applied physiology and sports media. Several presenters noted scholarship winners’ volunteer roles in programs such as First Tee and the teen coalition in action.
Amero thanked the Education Advisory Board for dedicating time to review applications and interview finalists. He also described local fundraising that supports the awards, including proceeds from a July 4 golf tournament. The council invited recipients and school representatives to the dais for a group photograph; Mayor Amero singled out Royal Palm Beach High School Principal Dr. Shakika Robinson for her support of the students.
The council also recognized participants in the village’s first-year Youth Civic Leadership Program, a summer and year-long effort to introduce students to local government through council meetings, discussions with village staff and exposure to municipal services. Two students who fell one requirement short received honorable mention. Council members said they will seek feedback to improve accessibility and scheduling for future cohorts.
No formal action was required; the presentations were ceremonial and intended to congratulate recipients and publicize the village’s education outreach.
The council adjourned the recognition with further thanks to staff and volunteers who administer the scholarship and youth programs.
