Sophisticated Gents Of Florida, The African American Club Distribute $62,000 At 10th Annual Scholarship Luncheon

BY LOUIS C. WARD

THE VILLAGES – The Sophisticated Gents of Florida (SGOF)and The African American Club (TAAC), both organizations operating out of The Villages, Florida, distributed more than $62,000.00 in college scholarships at their 10th annual “Education – The Foundation to Success” Scholarship Luncheon Saturday, June 3, 2023 at the Colony Recreation Center, 510 Colony Blvd., The Villages Florida 32162

Twenty-six students from Lake Weir H.S., Leesburg H.S., The Villages Charter H.S. and Wildwood Middle H.S. were awarded from $1000.00 to $3300.00 for the 2023 fall semester and ten more students already attending college received sustaining scholarships to continue their education.

Mike Napier, Chairman of the SGOF Scholarship Committee, and Clay Wilson, Chairman of the TAAC  Scholarship Committee, felt the scholarship luncheon overall was very successful.  “One of the best we ever had.”

This year’s luncheon focused on the students, who presented with some very high grade point averages (GPA) with many above 4.0, said Mike Napier.

Clay Wilson said it was good listening to the young people talk about how SGOF and TAAC were able to help them with their education.  And the smiles on their parent’s faces showed how proud they were of their kids beginning this milestone in their lives.

It was a nice luncheon, and I wholeheartedly want to thank the SGOF and TAAC for assisting me financially with my college education, said Kyra Miller, a Leesburg High School graduate with a 4.8 GPA, who received more than 19 different scholarships, and will attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU).

The Luncheon also recognized the parents and high school administrators. It was an outstanding event to culminate the just concluded 2022-2023 school year,” said Vernon Haley, SGOF President. “We gave out the largest number of scholarships in total dollars and number of students, and we look forward to continuing this trend. Much thanks to our sponsors and individual donors.”

SGOF is a social/civic club of 130 men who meet monthly for intellectual, spiritual and emotional fellowship.  Providing scholarships for high school students entering college and sustaining scholarships for students who continue to qualify for awards is one of the main programs of the organization. SGOF supports community events, charitable organizations, and its members.

With 400 members, TAAC promotes goodwill and friendship, presents social, educational, and cultural activities, and supports charitable and civic activities.

TAAC encourages members to show love towards one another, do good deeds, and give back to the community.