Hillsborough superintendent awards Florida Prepaid scholarship to student ahead of graduations

Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Dan Ayers announced during a district event that he has awarded a Florida Prepaid scholarship covering two years — up to $8,000 — to a student identified as Clover and reminded the audience that senior graduations at the fairgrounds are approaching.

Ayers, who said he selects three recipients for the superintendent scholarship each year, described the award as intended for students who have "overcome obstacles" and shown perseverance. "One of the best parts of my job as superintendent is I get to choose three people, with a scholarship," Ayers said. He said he has already presented two scholarships and that the final one in this ceremony would go to Clover.

Ayers also told attendees that the district expects close to 15,000 students to graduate in ceremonies at the fairgrounds over the next three to four weeks. He introduced three school board members who were present at the event, naming Mister Washington, Miss Gray and Miss Rendon.

The announcement was presented as an in-person recognition rather than a formal board action; Ayers framed the scholarship as a discretionary selection he makes as superintendent. No board vote or district policy change was recorded in the event transcript. The district did not provide additional details in the transcript about Clover (such as last name, school, or next steps for the scholarship transfer).