Dual enrollment student wins statewide essay contest with piece on Polk State alum
One Polk State College alumnus served as the inspiration for a dual enrollment student, which culminated in a tour of the governor’s mansion and a scholarship.
Tevay Berry, a ninth-grade dual enrolled student at Freedom Schools and Polk State, was recognized as the first-place winner for Volunteer Florida’s Black History Month essay contest. She was rewarded with a $200 Amazon gift card, a two-year Florida Prepaid Scholarship and a late-February trip to Tallahassee.
“I’ve always been a pretty good writer, but it was a shock,” Berry said. “Florida is a very big state and to win first place out of more than 500 kids who applied was incredible.”
Berry’s essay, Beyond the Headlines: One Floridian’s Impact on Foster Care, focused on Polk State alumnus Victor Sims. Sims, who graduated from Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School with his diploma and Associate in Arts degree, grew up in foster care. He has since served as an advocate for foster care and adoption.
“When I read the essay, I was honored and surprised,” Sims exclaimed. “When you think about Black History Month, you think about the Civil Rights leaders who are no longer here. To have someone recognize the contributions you’ve made to the community is incredibly humbling.”
An advocate since high school, Sims has also served as a crisis hotline counselor, worked on reform initiatives and started his own group home. He’s worked with at-risk youth and has spent the last three years as an Senior Associate with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a national nonprofit focused on the wellbeing of children.
“He’s a very good man at heart,” Berry said of Sims. “I love his strive and determination to make the world a better place.”
In her essay, Berry explained how Sims used his early hardships to become an advocate for those in similar situations. She noted how he goes above and beyond in his work. Through his efforts, Berry wrote, children in the foster system are able to overcome their circumstances – just as Sims has done.
“He has worked tirelessly to ensure that support systems respond to the real, human needs of the children they serve, not just administrative checkboxes,” Berry wrote. “He emphasizes dignity, respect and opportunity in every interaction, reminding the adults around him that behind every case file is a child with dreams, emotions and potential.”
While in Florida’s capital, she was presented with her award by Gov. Ron DeSantis while receiving a tour of the governor’s mansion and office. Accompanying her on the trip was Sims himself.
“This was a neat experience for me, too,” Sims added. “I’ve lived in Florida my whole life and had never been to the governor’s mansion.”
Berry moved from Michigan to Polk County over the summer. As a high school freshman in her first semester at Polk State, Berry has been impressed by the support she’s received from the College. She hopes to earn an associate degree in high school and a bachelor’s degree by the time she’s 19.
“I love how helpful everyone is at Polk State,” Berry reflected. “Someone is always there to listen, let you know your options and help you with whatever you need.”
Outside of school, Berry volunteers with her church, Greater Works Ministry in Winter Haven. Over the holidays, she took part in a toy drive. Berry also serves as a mentor to children in her neighborhood with autism.
“Tevay is a great role model for people her age,” Sims said. “She does volunteer work with kids with developmental needs. Her level of understanding and care for other people really stands out. She’s doing dual enrollment because she wants to get an early start on helping people. She has always been a go-getter.”
Berry hopes to earn a master’s degree and one day work as a child psychologist.
“I want to help students who are misunderstood or just need a little extra attention,” Berry concluded. “I’ve always had a unique way of caring for people. I want to be someone who makes a difference.”