2014 Largo High School Graduate and past LiveFree! Club Vice-President, Ms. Itzel Jahuey was recently awarded a $750 college scholarship from the NOPE Taskforce of Pinellas County (Narcotics Overdose Prevention Education). “It’s amazing knowing that I have just finished high school, which has made me the first one in my family” said Itzel.

NOPE offers scholarships to Pinellas County High School seniors who have been active participants in a LiveFree! Youth Club or a SADD Club (Students Against Destructive Decisions).  Itzel’s essay for the scholarship application focused on encouraging LiveFree! seniors to continue on to college and stay drug-free.  About the scholarship, Itzel said, “I was very surprised! I had thought that they were going to give a speech about NOPE and enjoy our celebration, so when they said that they had a scholarship for me, I had to rethink what just happened because I just couldn’t believe it! I felt so lucky and blessed!”

During her time at Largo High School, Itzel was a member of the LiveFree!/PMAC Club, Student Government Association, Science National Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Largo High School Science teacher, Ms. Milisav, made the biggest impact on Itzel during her senior year- encouraging her in all her extra-curricular activities and to succeed in college. She plans to major in nursing.

“I plan to ‘officially’ begin my studies at St. Petersburg College in the fall; however, I was chosen to participate in a scholarship program called Summer of Success, which starts June 16th at SPC,” stated Itzel.

The LiveFree! Coalition would like to thank Itzel for all of her enthusiasm and hard work as the Largo High School LiveFree! Club Vice President and wish her good luck in her college career.