2024 Scholarship Winners Honored

We’re thrilled to announce the 2024 Giovanni Vitrano Scholarship winners! Martina Silva earned the $6,000 grand prize for her stellar academics, soccer excellence, and community service. Meghan Roper and Lawre Bradley May each received $2,000 scholarships for their impressive achievements in academics, athletics, and leadership. The Giovanni Vitrano Scholarship Foundation empowers remarkable young people. Support our mission by donating today to help cultivate the next generation of leaders.

2024 Scholarship Winners

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2023 Gio Cup

2023 Scholarship Winners

Board of Directors

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Making an Impact

Martina Silva

2024 Scholarship Winner

“”It’s good to know that my hard work on and off the field has paid off and will help me in the future. This money is a big help for college.”

Lawre Bradley May

2024 Scholarship Winner

“Its means so much, soccer is such a huge part of my life…to know that out of this whole area, people have seen me as a significant part of the soccer culture means so much to me.””

Ethan Stewart

2022 Scholarship Winner

“When I first got the call to varsity my sophomore year Gio was the first person to come to me. He really taught me that in soccer, your team is family and you can’t really have anything like that so being able to receive a scholarship that’s in memory of Gio is awesome. It means I have a part of him that’s always going to be with me.”

Ron Vitrano

Gio’s Dad & Foundation President

“These are great high school students, athletes, pillars of the community. To be able to help out a little bit, I think that’s the key. It helps ease the pain of what happened. Giovanni died six and a half months ago, but to watch these young students and athletes walk away with these awards, it warms my heart.”

Jose Gonzalez

2023 Scholarship Winner

“I’m overwhelmingly happy with winning the scholarship. Thank you to the foundation for this experience, it’s been incredible.”

The Giovanni Vitrano Scholarship

Class of 2024 Winners

Martina Silva (Florida High) - $6,000 Scholarship Winner

Martina Silva, with a 4.65 GPA and leadership roles in prestigious societies like NHS, showcases a unique blend of academic brilliance and athletic talent. Born in Chile and a dynamo in Florida High’s soccer scene, Martina’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Her work volunteering at the Tom Brown Animal Shelter underscores her commitment to community service.

Lawre May (Maclay) - $2,000 Scholarship Winner

A Maclay School standout with a 4.52 GPA bound for Auburn, her academic and athletic prowess is just the beginning. Lawre shines across multiple disciplines, participating in National Art Society, Key Club, and more, while also excelling in lacrosse, tennis, and cheerleading. Her dedication has earned her multiple student of the year awards and a place on the Tallahassee Community College Dean’s List.

Meghan Roper (Leon) - $2,000 Scholarship Winner

Meghan Roper, heading to Auburn with a 3.6 GPA, exemplifies leadership as the President of the Dance Marathon and Anchor Club, significantly boosting fundraising efforts. Her role as Leon High School’s soccer team captain and participation in Rho Kappa and the Interact Club highlight her multifaceted involvement and dedication to service.

Class of 2024 Scholarship Information

Who is eligible to apply for our scholarship?

Giovanni Vitrano graduation photo in a red cap and gown on a covered bridge

All student-athletes who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

  • Played soccer at the Varsity High School or equivalent club level.
  • Is a graduating member of the Class of 2024.
  • Have a 3.2 GPA or higher as of January 31, 2024.
  • Reside in the Tallahassee, FL & Thomasville, GA media market.  This area includes Leon, Franklin, Gadsden, Wakulla, Jefferson, Jackson, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, Lafayette, Suwannee, and Hamilton counties in Florida and Seminole, Miller, Decatur, Grady, Thomas, Brooks, Lowndes, Lanier, and Echols counties in Georgia.

Scholarship applications for the Class of 2024 have closed. Criteria for the class of 2025 will be finalized this fall. Class of 2025 applications will open in November, 2024.

    The Giovanni Vitrano Foundation

    Board of Directors

    Ron Vitrano

    Gio’s Dad, President

    Emilee Copeland

    Gio’s Sister, Director

    Mike Fahmie

    Vice President

    Tom Block

    Director

    Chris Petley

    Director

    Support Those That Support Us

    THE GIOVANNI VITRANO FOUNDATION

    NEWS COVERAGE

    Our Foundation has been featured in the Tallahassee Democrat, WCTV (CBS Tallahassee), WTXL (ABC Tallahassee) and more. 

    Giovanni Vitrano Foundation Welcomes Renowned Figures Tom Block and Chris Petley to its Board of Directors

    Giovanni Vitrano Foundation Welcomes Renowned Figures Tom Block and Chris Petley to its Board of Directors

    The Giovanni Vitrano Foundation is excited to welcome Tom Block and Chris Petley to its Board of Directors for the 2023-24 academic year. Renowned FSU Football Sideline Reporter Tom Block joins as Director of Fundraising, and Tallahassee Soccer Club’s Chris Petley steps in as Director of Community Outreach. Their combined expertise promises to elevate the foundation’s mission of supporting high school student-athletes in Tallahassee. Read more about their contributions and the foundation’s ongoing impact.

    2023 Giovanni Vitrano Memorial Scholarship

    2023 Giovanni Vitrano Memorial Scholarship

    The Giovanni Vitrano Foundation proudly announced its annual scholarship winners in a heartwarming event at Southwood Community Center. Among the exceptional student-athletes recognized, Jose Gonzalez of Chiles High School clinched the $6,000 Giovanni Vitrano Memorial Scholarship and is set to attend Penn this fall. Betrice Drayton from Rickards High School and RJ Hosay from Maclay School both secured the $2,000 scholarship. Both have exhibited outstanding prowess in soccer and academics alike, with Betrice gearing up to join West Florida College and RJ set to embark on his journey at Florida. These scholarships, commemorating the inspiring Giovanni Vitrano of Leon High School’s Class of 2020, celebrate a legacy of dedication to education, soccer, and community service.

    How you can help

    Join over 300 of our friends, family and community neighbors who have helped raise $30,000 to fund our scholarships. All funds raised go directly to scholarships for graduating seniors.

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    100% of community donations go directly to scholarships and events to help celebrate the Tallahassee soccer community.

    Through three years, we're proud to award $27,000 in scholarships among 9 of Tallahassee's most deserving standout student athletes.