The Best & Brightest Awards honors outstanding public and private high school students in Leon County for their academic excellence and community service.Now in its 19th year, the program has awarded nearly $900,000 in scholarships to over 2,700 seniors since 2006. The awards, sponsored by Envision Credit Union and other community partners, recognize finalists based on academic achievement, leadership, and service. Finalists undergo a rigorous interview process with a panel of community leaders, who evaluate them in areas such as public speaking, technology, and science. A winner, runner-up, and honorable mention recipient are named from each category. First-place winners in each category receive scholarships of $1,500; runners-up are awarded $750; and honorable mention recipients receive $500. All other finalists receive a $100 scholarship in recognition of their superlative accomplishments. 

A special Spirit of the Best & Brightest Award introduced 12 years ago in honor of the late Brooks Rogers grants a student an additional $2,500 scholarship, exemplifying exceptional civic commitment. These students’ dedication to service and leadership offers great hope for the future, inspiring others to follow their example and make a difference.