Destin High School graduate Tyrus Grimes has been selected as one of only 12 students statewide to receive a 2026 Dr. Carlo Rodriguez Scholarship, a prestigious award presented by the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools.
The merit-based scholarship recognizes graduating charter school seniors who have demonstrated strong academic achievement while also showing financial need. Each recipient receives a $1,500 scholarship that may be used toward college or technical school expenses, including tuition, textbooks, supplies and computer equipment.
Grimes joins an elite group of students from charter schools across Florida chosen for the honor.
“Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 Dr. Carlo Rodriguez Scholarships,” said Robert Haag, president of FCPCS. “The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools salutes their accomplishments and dedication. We expect even more great things as they continue with their education.”
The scholarship is named in memory of Dr. Carlo Rodriguez, a longtime education advocate who worked to expand quality school choice opportunities for Florida students. Rodriguez served as head of the charter school office for Miami-Dade Public Schools and later led the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Independent Education and Parental Choice before his untimely passing in 2007.
The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools, with support from EGIS Insurance & Risk Advisors of Boca Raton awards the scholarships annually to outstanding students pursuing higher education.
The 2026 scholarship recipients include Dana Aljubouri of River City Science Academy Middle-High in Jacksonville, Kezia Alvin of State College of Florida Collegiate School in Bradenton, D’Jorn Cox of Odyssey Charter School in Palm Bay, Alisha Drake of Babcock High School in Babcock Ranch, Andrea Gatson-Saintil of Somerset Preparatory Charter High School in North Lauderdale, Tyrus Grimes of Destin High School in Destin, Abigail King of Clark Advanced Learning Center in Stuart, James Mohan of State College of Florida Collegiate School Venice in Venice, Andres Mosquera of SLAM North in North Miami Beach, Daschle Nelson of Pensacola State College Charter Academy in Pensacola, Anthony Rivas of Pepin Academy in Tampa and Mateo Suarez of Manatee School for the Arts in Palmetto.
Founded in 1999, the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools is the state’s leading charter school membership organization, providing advocacy, training and support to public charter schools throughout Florida.
For Destin High School and the local community, Grimes’ selection highlights the achievements of the school’s graduating class and places him among a distinguished group of students recognized for their academic success and future potential.
