The Jeannett Slesnick Community Spirit Scholarship provides up to four years of college tuition assistance to a graduating senior from Coral Gables High School, Miami Senior High School or International Studies Preparatory Academy (ISPA) who has demonstrated an interest in communications, journalism, leadership and/or historic preservation. Special attention will be given to applicants who are applying to the University of Florida, Florida International University, the University of Virginia, the University of Mary Washington, or St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens).
The Jeannett Slesnick Community Spirit Scholarship was established in 2022 by Jeannett and Don Slesnick to support educational opportunities for deserving local high school graduates. As a Past Chair of the Board of the Coral Gables Community Foundation, Jeannett dedicated her life to being involved in her community. In addition to her successful real estate career, Jeannett served as a City Commissioner in Coral Gables and served on numerous boards of non-profit organizations including the South Florida Red Cross, Coral Gables Museum, Actors’ Playhouse, Junior League of Miami and St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church. She passed away in August 2023 following a battle with cancer, and Jeannett will always be remembered as a proud mother, a grandmother and a devoted wife to former Gables Mayor Don Slesnick.
ELIGIBLE STUDENTS
- Coral Gables Senior High School
- International Studies Preparatory Academy (ISPA)
- Miami Senior High School
REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0
- Possess a desire to study communications, journalism, leadership and/or historic preservation
- Possess a financial need (provide a FAFSA score report).
- Letter of Recommendation from a teacher, counselor, mentor, coach or supervisor on a job/project
YOU MUST APPLY TO AT LEAST ONE:
- University of Florida (Gainesville)
- University of Virginia (Charlottesville)
- University of Mary Washington (Virginia)
- St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens)
SUBJECT AREA: The student may use this award to study communications, journalism, leadership and/or historic preservation.
VALUE: This is a one-year award. Recent awards were made ranging from $500 to $2,500 in 2026.
FOCUS: Journalism, Communications, Government, Historic Preservation
Recent Awards History (39 awards since 2019)
- 2026: Adriana Garcia, Linus Boettcher, Ian Edmonson, Joshua Markowitz, Lucas Martinez-Miro, Levi Mbadiwe, Gabriella Roa, Catalina Valdes
- 2025: Lucas Arriaza, Helen Duarte, Maria Gonzalez Alvarez, Genesis Lopez, Carlos Miranda, Kamaryia Dekle, Oscar Santos, Isabella Montes.
- 2024: Robert Capetillo, Bailey S. Knight, Gabriela McGrath Moreira, Isabella Montagner, Ylitanie Prosper, Juan Subero, Ava Volman.
- 2023: Ariana S. Alvarez, Marina C. Devine Guzman, Brianna Duardo, Avery Felix, Isabella Morales, Alejandro Sandelis.
- 2022: Benjamin Sanchez Pla, Deeanne Montero, Melissa Elmhorst, Isabel Perez, Grace Rodriguez
- 2019: Andres Velazco, Victor Pena, Maria Estrada, Pablo Hanono.
YOU MUST APPLY TO AT LEAST ONE:
- University of Florida (Gainesville)
- University of Virginia (Charlottesville)
- University of Mary Washington (Virginia)
- St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens)