Three Local Student-Athletes Awarded $10,000 in College Scholarships
TALLAHASSEE, FL — March 25, 2025 — The Giovanni Vitrano Foundation has announced the three recipients of its 2025 Memorial Scholarship awards, totaling $10,000 in college scholarship funds. The foundation, established in memory of Giovanni Vitrano, a 2020 Leon High School graduate and soccer standout who passed away in November 2021, awards scholarships annually to exceptional student-athletes in the Tallahassee area.
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
- Uriel Carrillo (St. John Paul II Catholic School)
- Gray Burleson (Maclay School)
- Kyndal Smith (Lawton Chiles High School)
“These three students exemplify the qualities that Giovanni valued both on and off the field: excellence, resilience, leadership, and service to others,” said Ron Vitrano, President of the Giovanni Vitrano Foundation and Giovanni’s father. “From a competitive field of applicants, these students stood out for their exceptional achievements and commitment to making a difference in their communities.”
Uriel Carrillo, a first-generation Mexican-American student with a 4.7 GPA, will graduate as salutatorian with both a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree. Beyond academics, he devoted his summers to teaching migrant children to read and write, helping one student advance six grade levels in a single summer.
Gray Burleson maintains a 4.63 GPA while serving as Student Government President and captain of her soccer team. She founded “Center Forward,” an organization that donates sports equipment to disadvantaged children, and led her team with 15 goals this season.
Kyndal Smith, recognized as a First Team All-Big Bend Player and FACA All-State Team member, has signed to play Division II soccer at Valdosta State University. While maintaining a 4.1 GPA, she has excelled as team captain and defensive anchor for Chiles.
The distribution of the $6,000 top prize and two $2,000 awards will be announced at the foundation’s annual scholarship dinner on Tuesday, April 1 at 6:30 PM. The event will be streamed live on the foundation’s Facebook page.
Since its establishment in 2021, the Giovanni Vitrano Foundation has awarded over $27,000 in scholarships to Tallahassee area student-athletes. The foundation raises funds through its annual Gio Cup soccer tournament and other community events.
For more information about the Giovanni Vitrano Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.gvscholarship.org.
About the Giovanni Vitrano Foundation
The Giovanni Vitrano Foundation was established in 2021 in memory of Giovanni Vitrano, a Class of 2020 Leon High School graduate and leader on the nationally #1 ranked Leon High School Boys’ Soccer team. The foundation awards scholarships to deserving student-athletes in the Tallahassee area who exemplify the qualities that Giovanni embodied: excellence in academics and athletics, leadership, resilience, and community service.
Contact Information
Ron Vitrano
President, Giovanni Vitrano Foundation
[email protected]
www.gvscholarship.org