Leon County Schools Celebrate Best & Brightest Awards

Ceremony recognizing high-achieving students at Best & Brightest Awards

Article Sponsored by:

SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORS!

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:

Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles
High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience
Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence

Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?

Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:

May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf

Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

Sponsor Our Articles

News Summary

The 20th anniversary of the Best & Brightest Awards was held at Florida State University, honoring exceptional high school seniors in Leon County. With scholarships totaling nearly $1.1 million awarded since its inception, the event highlighted the achievements of 139 seniors recognized for their academic excellence and community service. Mayor John Dailey proclaimed May 14 as ‘Best & Brightest Day’ and awards were presented, including the Spirit of the Best and Brightest award. The ceremony reinforced the community’s commitment to nurturing youth talent.

Tallahassee, FL – The 20th anniversary of the Best & Brightest Awards took place on May 14, 2025, at the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall at Florida State University, honoring exceptional high school seniors in Leon County. The event celebrated 139 seniors who showcased remarkable academic achievements and selfless community service. Scholarships totaling nearly $1.1 million have been awarded since the program’s inception in 2006, founded by Ron Sachs to recognize and uplift high-achieving youth.

Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey acknowledged the significant impact of the awards by proclaiming May 14 as “Best & Brightest Day” and presented the key to the city to Ron Sachs during the ceremony. The event, coordinated by World Class Schools of Leon County through the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, featured a rigorous selection process where students were nominated for one of fifteen categories covering various fields, including technology and art. Category winners were chosen based on interviews and evaluations.

Each finalist received awards and scholarships aimed at supporting their educational journeys. Winners in each category earned a $1,500 scholarship, while runners-up were awarded $750, and honorable mentions received $500. Additionally, Tallahassee State College announced new scholarship opportunities for winners and runners-up, presenting $3,000 for winners and $1,500 for runners-up, further emphasizing the program’s commitment to education.

Darius Jones II from Rickards High School was recognized as the recipient of the prestigious Spirit of the Best and Brightest award for his exceptional leadership and commitment to community service. The event also included an eighth-grade essay contest, where 47 middle school students were honored for their top essays, with monetary prizes awarded to the best submissions, highlighting the importance of encouraging young writers and thinkers in the local community.

According to the awards program, graduates are motivated to pursue opportunities and believe in themselves more strongly than ever, with past winners echoing the message of community involvement and self-belief as vital components for success. Alumni from the program have gone on to achieve significant milestones in various fields, showcasing the long-term impact of the Best & Brightest initiative.

The awards ceremony not only serves to recognize individual accomplishments but also reinforces the collective spirit of the Leon County community in encouraging and nurturing the talents of its youth. The upcoming graduation ceremonies for Leon County Schools are poised to further celebrate the achievements of the 2025 graduating class, culminating the academic year with pride and recognition of student perseverance and success.

The Best & Brightest Awards continue to inspire students to strive for excellence and contribute positively to their communities, ensuring that the legacy of academic achievement and service remains vibrant for future generations.