$1 million in Simon Youth Scholarships includes award for local student

A local student will continue his education this fall with the help of Walt Whitman Shops and Simon Youth Foundation (SYF).

Gavin Sands of Northport, New York (center) has received a Simon Youth Foundation Community Scholarship valued at $1,500. The scholarship is awarded in partnership between Walt Whitman Shops and Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational and career development opportunities for youth. Walt Whitman Shops Director of Marketing and Business Development Kathleen Herrmann (left) and Assistant Director of Marketing and Business Development Tyler Andrews presented the oversized check and gifts to Sands during a special ceremony held at Roosevelt Field.

Sands exemplified himself through academic excellence, leadership skills and participation in community activities. During his high school years, in which he was home schooled, Sands maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average and completed 51 dual college credits. He has logged over 700 community service hours, aiding the homeless in NYC and traveling to Belize to help build a home for a family, and received the Gold Presidential Service Award each year of high school in recognition of his volunteerism. He has also reached the highest level in The Royal Rangers scouting organization, serving weekly as a Junior Commander teaching third graders about scouting and just returned from training camp.

Outside of his school and community service commitments, Sands has been working part-time for the past two years as a bookkeeper for a Certified Public Accountant. This fall, he plans to study accounting at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.

“We are very proud of the Simon Youth Scholarships program, because it has given us the opportunity to support the academic endeavors of promising youth right here in our community,” says Kathleen Herrmann, director of mall marketing and business development for Walt Whitman Shops.

Simon Youth Scholarships are awarded annually to at least one student in every U.S. community that is home to a Simon® property. This year, approximately $1.1 million will be awarded.

“Simon Youth Community Scholarships reward academic excellence across the country and help students to continue their education,” said J. Michael Durnil, President and CEO of SYF. “Financial concerns should never be the reason preventing a child from pursuing their dreams.”