The University of North Florida puts its
money where its mouth is — by offering a college education to three deserving
community members.
The University put its mission to the
test when the popular ABC television program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
came knocking.
Without hesitation, UNF offered full,
four-year scholarships covering tuition, fees, and room and board to the Brewer
sisters, three Northeast Florida young women who were featured on the Mother’s
Day edition of the show. The students have to do their part by maintaining
their grades and standardized test scores.
“At UNF, the academic profile of our
freshman class rises each year making admission to the University more and more
competitive,” said Deborah Kaye, associate vice president for Enrollment
Services. “We are committed to providing an enriching educational opportunity
to all students who meet our entrance requirements, whether they enter at the
freshman or [associate degree] transfer level. We are excited to welcome the three
sisters to the UNF family and look forward to working with them to help them
achieve their dream of a college education.”
The scholarship recipients, who are residents
of Middleburg, live with Carrie “Coach” Prewitt, an award-winning volleyball
coach and physical education teacher at Middleburg High School for the past 25
years. The coach has become a beloved member of her community by serving as a
mentor, counselor, confidante and sometimes a second mom to some of her
students.
Two years ago, that mothering role became
real when Prewitt took one of her players, Ashley Brewer (now 18) into her home
along with her two younger sisters, Taylor and Gina, after their parents died. Prewitt’s
former small, run-down house didn’t accommodate them and was unsafe, especially
during hurricane season.
The Prewitt-Brewer family (known
collectively as the “Brewitts”) took a vacation to the Virgin Islands in February
while the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” design team and local builders Ark
Remodeling and Construction, J.A. Long Design Builders and community volunteers
— including UNF students — built them a new home.
Though the family’s circumstances have
been far from ideal, the story has a happy ending — a home full of love and
laughter. Now, all three girls can reach their full potential with the
possibility of full scholarships from UNF. For Ashley, attending UNF has always
been her dream. Now, as long as she meets UNF admissions requirements, it can
come true.
The Emmy-award-winning reality program
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” now in its eighth season and airs Sundays
from 8 to 9 p.m. EST on ABC.
