Eltavious' Tuition at Rollins College 2023-2024

Happy Update: 10/09/2023

"Eltavious is flourishing! Now in his first semester as a sophomore, we're excited to update you on his remarkable journey, made possible by your generous support.

This semester, Eltavious has taken on a formidable academic challenge with 26 credits, a testament to his unwavering dedication and determination. He continues to pursue his dual degree in Music and Communication, along with a minor in Education.

Beyond his 8am classes, Eltavious is an integral part of the Rollins community. He wears multiple hats, serving as a Resident Assistant, Tour Guide, and Peer Tutor. His leadership and guidance have left an indelible mark on his peers.

In Student Government, Eltavious holds the position of President Pro-Tempore. His exceptional leadership skills and profound understanding of student needs and parliamentary procedure make him an invaluable asset to the Rollins campus.

Eltavious is not just a scholar; he's a talented musician too. He's a member of three on-campus choirs: Rollins Choir, Rollins Singers, and the Bach Festival Choir, where he had the privilege of performing with the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. These experiences have deepened his musical knowledge, improved his sightreading abilities, and enriched his overall musicality.

As if that wasn't enough, Eltavious also manages the Men's Tennis Team, both on and off the court. His passion for fostering success, school spirit, and character development amongst the team, is truly commendable. He takes charge of their social media presence and assists with practice sessions.

Adding to his impressive list of achievements, Eltavious contributes to the community by teaching at Humes House, a Child Development center affiliated with the Psychology program. His dedication to community engagement is truly inspiring.

Your support has played a pivotal role in nurturing Eltavious' exceptional talent. It has provided him with the opportunity of a lifetime, and he is embracing every step of this transformative journey. While he diligently supports himself through on-campus jobs, we recognize that it's not enough. We kindly ask for your continued support in his educational pursuit. Your time, and investment in his future are greatly appreciated!"

https://www.rollins.edu/college-of-liberal-arts/news/a-rollins-record/

https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2023/01/15/sunday-service-at-rollins-college-honors-martin-luther-king-jr/

http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/bis-news-updates/Youth_in_Parliament_initiative_returns_printer.shtml

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2022/11/17/a-timely-search-for-connection-in-water-by-the-spoonful-review/

January - 2023 -

“The chance to continue this partially funded college opportunity is exciting, but just not enough. And if this Youth Speaker of the House of Assembly isn’t able to fulfill his next obvious step, it is no hyperbole to say that he, his community and country will miss an amazing chance to reach their full potential.Eltavious has received a promise of $36,000 annually to attend the Central Florida institution, along with $5,000 he’ll earn from working 3 on campus jobs: in Admission, WPRK, the college's Radio Station, and the school's cafeteria. But he needs to raise $35,000 additional each academic year to secure his student visa and pay for the rest of his scholastic and living needs. As he’s consistently earned over a 3.5 GPA in high school, he’ll have no problem meeting the required 2.0 GPA to keep the scholarship.” - 

“You are loved, you are cared for, you are enough!”

This is Eltavious Johnson’s daily affirmation, one he’s repeated since he was in the seventh grade. The fifth of seven children, Eltavious grew up in some of the most underdeveloped communities of Nassau, Montel Heights and Fox Hill, with no father, and a stressed single mother who had to navigate life despite the many difficulties that she faced, made for a challenging upbringing few adults could navigate, much-less a teenage Eltavious. Nevertheless, he continued the fight for a better life, telling himself, “You are loved. You are cared for. You are enough!”

It wasn't until he received a full academic scholarship to St. Andrew’s International School that he realized the trauma to which he’d become accustomed. Having attended government institutions that were packed with children who also had absent fathers and single mothers, and lived in abusive households made his story commonplace. Then attending an international baccalaureate school marked by parental involvement, keeping up was hard — leaving for school early in the morning only to return late at night for fear of going home, having to walk long distances when the bus didn’t show, and watching parents cheer on their kids when he had no family present. He continued to repeat: “You are loved. You are cared for. You are enough!” Growing up in a disenfranchised home, Eltavious had always been told to be silent. Speaking out was the only way Eltavious could negotiate his position in a world growing around him. He first found his voice expressing his opinion at St. Andrews, weighing in on topics he considered vital matters in school and in the public square. His voice—and his impact—grew and he was soon not only an academic star and a youth radio personality on Global 99.5 FM, but had the largest tenor chops of his Bahamian Peers. Having kept a smile and entertained those around him, in Fall 2020 Windsor School recruited Eltavious to join the Class of 2022 on an academic and Performing Arts Scholarship. Moving into the boarding facility, also known as The Lodge, was a huge step in the right direction for Eltavious as he finally had stability and security. He quickly grew into leadership positions in the Music Academy band, as well as on campus as: House Captain, Campus Tour Guide, Student Ambassador, founder and host of the Windsor Table News YouTube channel and the list goes on.

As the founder of the ELJ music trio, he has continued mentoring other students and delighting audiences while proving himself the leader he was born to be. He has forged his own way through the Windsor community and now teachers, administrators and parents tell him, “You are loved. You are cared for. You are enough!”

As senior year approached, it was no surprise that colleges and universities wanted Eltavious to join their ranks. Without any parental support, Eltavious has shown over and over again that a lack of financial resources would not deter him. Now at Rollins College, he has led a play - Water By the Spoonful, contributed to two ensembles/choirs, the Rollins Choir, serving leadership positions in Student Government and CRU and the renowned Bach Choir, he has obtained a music scholarship in his second week at the instituion, taken seven classes instead of the minimum three and has left a positive lasting impact on everyone he interacts with on campus.

The chance to continue this partially funded college opportunity is exciting, but just not enough. And if this Youth Speaker of the House of Assembly isn’t able to fulfill his next obvious step, it is no hyperbole to say that he, his community and country will miss an amazing chance to reach their full potential.

Eltavious has received a promise of $36,000 annually to attend the Central Florida institution, along with $5,000 he’ll earn from working 3 on campus jobs: in Admission, WPRK, the college's Radio Station, and the school's cafeteria. But he needs to raise $35,000 additional each academic year to secure his student visa and pay for the rest of his scholastic and living needs. As he’s consistently earned over a 3.5 GPA in high school, he’ll have no problem meeting the required 2.0 GPA to keep the scholarship.

He needs help from those who care about him while he continues to help himself. Eltavious holds a part-time position at BahaMar’s mini-golf course this summer, whilst tutoring students in English and performing in weekend gigs when in The Bahamas, the funds he earns has, and will go directly to his tuition and living expenses, but unfortunately this still isn’t enough.

Despite the losses, challenges and setbacks he’s endured, he’s evolved into a confident, persistent and driven young man, overflowing with passion and problem- solving. Your contribution to his college fund will be a clear, tangible message he can hold onto: Eltavious Johnson, you are indeed loved, cared for and more than enough!