In 2025, 20 bright minds from eight different high schools across Sarasota and Manatee Counties were selected after an application and interview process to go on a Civil Rights journey that would change their lives. This is the second cohort of BTA.
Scholar Voices
Listen as students share their immediate reactions after their week in Alabama. Their authentic reflections reveal how this experience deepened their understanding of both past struggles and present opportunities for change.
Lillian Williamson Returns from Alabama!
Hunter Returns from Alabama!
Leomy Returns from Alabama!
Sharing Their Stories
Students concluded their BTA journey by creating personal projects that reflected on their transformative experiences and evolving perspectives. At a community showcase, the students presented short films, speeches, artwork, and photo essays that captured how walking through Civil Rights history changed their understanding of themselves and their role in creating change.
Shanthi Marmash
Founders of Democracy
Isabella Santiago
Echoes of Justice
Trasandra Simmons
Still Walking, Still Rising
Ambar Galva Perez
Through My Lens
Impact
The transformation in our first cohort was remarkable. Students developed leadership skills and confidence through their engagement with renowned historians and authors, gaining a deep understanding of civil rights history through firsthand experience. They formed lasting friendships across diverse backgrounds and schools, discovering tools for connecting historical lessons to contemporary action while building college and career readiness through intensive academic engagement. These students didn’t just learn about the past—they began to see themselves as part of the ongoing story of justice and change.
The 2025-26 BTA Scholars
The Inaugural 2024-25 BTA Scholars
The transformation in our first cohort was remarkable. Students developed leadership skills and confidence through their engagement with renowned historians and authors, gaining a deep understanding of civil rights history through firsthand experience. They formed lasting friendships across diverse backgrounds and schools, discovering tools for connecting historical lessons to contemporary action while building college and career readiness through intensive academic engagement. These students didn’t just learn about the past—they began to see themselves as part of the ongoing story of justice and change.
Aahyanna Gibson, Booker High School ’27
Hunter Gipson, Booker High School ’26
Sophia Haakman, Pine View School ’27
Noah Hamilton, Sarasota Military Academy ’27
Kylie Holstine, North Port High School ’26
Anicie Joseph, Venice High School ’26
Destiny Jose Pascual, Southeast High School ’25
Asia Jones, Booker High School ’25
Jalil Campbell, Lighthouse Preparatory Christian School ’27
Avery Cole, Booker High School ’27
Kennedy Cole, Booker High School ’27
Sloan Cox, Sarasota High School ’26
Mehmet Akif Cemek, Braden River High School ’27
Aaralynn Rodriguez-Green, Booker High School ’26
Amari Lopez, Sarasota Military Academy ’25
Sarah Louis, Booker High School ’27
Araiya McClymonds, Booker High School ’26
Leomy Tran, Booker High School ’25
Chloe Truewell, Booker High School ’27
Lillian Williamson, Booker High School ’27
