Chicago, Illinois Jan 15, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - We are thrilled to announce that, through the Toler Velissaris Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which was established by James Velissaris in partnership with Breakthrough Atlanta has provided $10,000 each to four graduating seniors to pursue college education. Each of the scholars participated in Breakthrough Atlantas High School Readiness and College Prep Programs during high school. The scholarships were awarded through the generous charitable giving of Mr. Velissaris through the Toler Velissaris Charitable Fund.

Please join us in celebrating our scholars!

• Taylor Thomas graduated from Tri-Cities High School and is attending Berry College, where she is pursuing a degree in animal science. 
• Shawn David Freeman graduated from Sparkman High School in Alabama, where he participated in Breakthrough Atlanta virtually after his familys move from Atlanta. He is attending Alabama A&M University and will major in forestry or agribusiness. 
• Emmanuella Katz graduated from Maynard Jackson High School and is attending the University of Pennsylvania, where she is majoring in English with plans to pursue a career in film. 
• Kellsey Yarbrough graduated from Charles R. Drew Charter High School and is attending Alabama A&M University, where she is a pre-med major. 

In the past four years, the Toler Velissaris Scholarship for Academic Excellence has awarded $150,000 in scholarships to 15 Breakthrough students. These notable scholars were accepted into a four-year college or university with the intention to complete their degree.  

Highly qualified applicants for the scholarship showed academic merit, volunteer service, civic engagement, and financial need.

The Toler Velissaris Charitable Fund was created in 2018 by James Velissaris. Mr. Velissaris through his faith in God was led to donate a substantial portion of his income to charitable organizations. The Toler Velissaris Charitable Fund has donated millions of dollars to charitable organizations across education, healthcare, veteran assistance, anti-sex trafficking, medical debt reduction, and Christian churches. 

https://breakthroughatlanta.org/breakthrough-atlanta-awards-college-scholarships-to-four-students/