Approval of the Fort Pierce Youth Council's recommendations for the recipients of the City of Fort Pierce Youth Award: Hollice Fortune, Humanitarian Award; Jose Hernandez, Student Athlete Award; and Milan Taylor, Visionary Award - Students will be recognized at a future City Commission meeting.

In January 2025, a call for nominations was issued, accompanied by a news release distributed to the media. The information was also shared across the City's social media platforms and prominently featured on the homepage of the City's website until nominations closed on March 31, 2025. Additionally, the news release was circulated to local youth development organizations, social service agencies, non-profits, churches, and businesses.

The Youth Award Recognition Program celebrates young individuals for their exceptional achievements across various fields, including academics, community service, humanitarian efforts, innovation, and athletics. Open to middle and high school students residing in the City of Fort Pierce, the award honors those who maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher and demonstrate strong character.

A total of six candidates were nominated; however, three did not meet the residency requirement. The following nominees have successfully met all eligibility criteria and are recommended for recognition:

• Hollice Fortune is being recommended to receive the Humanitarian Award. Hollice is a sixth grader attending the Chester A Moore K-8. She is an outstanding school leader, academic achiever, role model, and dedicated community service volunteer in Fort Pierce. She actively engages in service initiatives such as preparing meals for the homeless, visiting nursing homes to spread cheer, and supporting sick children at Lawnwood Regional Hospital. At Chester A. Moore Elementary, she serves as Class President, Safety Patrol Officer, and Peer Mentor, advocating for student concerns and assisting peers in social and academic development. Hollice is also a dedicated member of Girl Scout Troop 42061, the Heroes of Jericho Royal Gems Youth Group, and her church choir. Despite facing adversity, including the loss of her biological parents and overcoming bullying and low self-esteem, she has demonstrated resilience and a determined will to succeed, making her an inspiring candidate for both the Humanitarian Award and the Role Model Award.
• Jose Hernandez is being recommended to receive the Student Athlete Award. Jose is a tenth grader attending Fort Pierce Central High School. He maintained a 3.5 GPA and earned Honor Roll recognition while excelling in Olympic-style amateur boxing with a record of 2-2. Over the past year, he has transformed from a nervous, soft-spoken teen into a confident competitor, persevering through early defeats to secure victories in his last two matches. He is now preparing to compete in this year's Silver Gloves advancing tournament. Beyond boxing, Jose is an active community member, assisting in major cleanup efforts at his local church and supporting the relocation of his training facility. He consistently demonstrates leadership, standing firm in his beliefs and acting as a role model among his peers both in and outside the ring.
• Milan Taylor is being recommended to receive the Visionary Award. Milan is a ninth grader at The Lindsay School of the Arts. She is a straight-A student who skipped from 7th to 9th grade, showcasing exceptional academic and entrepreneurial talents. She owns and operates Little Lemons, a sibling-run lemonade business that has won awards for its products, and she choreographs and performs her own dance shows at local venues. Milani dedicates over 30 hours a week to dance, traveling internationally to study both dance and business skills. She has completed CEO training, serves as Assistant Dance Captain for her team, and actively volunteers with local organizations such as the Fort Pierce Art Club, Garden Club, and Indian River Lagoon. As a participant in the Acton Children's Business Fair, she won the Highest Business Potential Award. Milani's leadership extends to inspiring her younger siblings, who have followed her footsteps in dance and entrepreneurship. This summer, she will travel with her school to Italy to study dance history, continuing her impressive journey of personal and professional growth.

Approve Youth Council recommendations. 

Staff will proceed as directed by the City Commission.

Audria Moore, Special Projects Coordinator

Fort Pierce Youth Council