Nicole Phillips thought she was headed to meet her principal, Mrs. Upshaw, at Hillsborough Virtual K-12 to pick up tickets for her graduation ceremony next week, when, to her surprise, School Board Member Patti Rendon and Superintendent Ayres walked in and offered her a 2-year college scholarship from Florida Prepaid College Plans.
Thanks to a long-standing partnership with Florida Prepaid, she is one of four unique seniors in Hillsborough County Public Schools to receive a scholarship this year.
She joined Hillsborough Virtual K-12 in her sophomore year and excelled academically and athletically, even while facing the challenges of being displaced by Hurricane Helene for six months. Nicole is a passionate professional skimboarder who also finds time to teach water safety to young children, positively impacting her community.
Congratulations, Nicole! Keep riding that wave to success. We have no doubt that you'll make a meaningful difference in the lives of many with your nursing degree from Florida Atlantic University!