On Friday, the Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens held a ceremony to recognize thirteen student‑athletes who have earned college scholarships. The event celebrated not only the athletes’ hard work but also the school’s commitment to nurturing faith‑based families and strong community values.
College destinations span the nation
Students received offers from a variety of institutions, reflecting the breadth of the school’s athletic programs. Soccer standout Phoebe Apple will join the University of Georgia, while lacrosse star Jack Kelleher heads to Yale. Swimmer Rachel Nussbaum earned a spot at Johns Hopkins University, and golfer Charlie Woods—son of Tiger Woods—committed to Florida State University, where he hopes to add a third state championship for the Buccaneers golf team.
Quotes from the honored athletes
“It’s definitely a dream come true. All the kids put in the hard work throughout the years,” said lacrosse player Jack Kelleher, who will play at Yale. “I’m super excited. I’m proud of everyone and myself for getting here and excited for the future for not only myself but everyone here,” added soccer player Phoebe Apple, bound for Georgia. Swimmer Rachel Nussbaum noted, “I think this school has prepared us well both academically and athletically and taught us to be a community and good teammates.”
Full list of commitments
- Phoebe Apple – Women’s Soccer – University of Georgia
- Gray Bunting – Football & Men’s Lacrosse – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
- Corinne de’Nigris – Women’s Golf – Queens University of Charlotte
- Isabella Downey – Women’s Track & Field – Washington and Lee University
- Joe Kamp – Men’s Lacrosse – Tufts University
- Jack Kelleher – Boys Lacrosse – Yale
- Maria Navarro – Girls Tennis – Ohio State University
- Rachel Nussbaum – Women’s Swimming – Johns Hopkins University
- Matthew Null – Boys Lacrosse – Lehigh
- Myles Reid – Baseball – U.S. Coast Guard Academy
- Milana Ronert – Women’s Tennis – Lehigh University
- Violet Waxman – Women’s Lacrosse – University of New Haven
- Charlie Woods – Men’s Golf – Florida State University
The ceremony underscored the school’s emphasis on both academic excellence and athletic achievement, rooted in Christian values and a supportive family environment. Parents, coaches, and faculty gathered to applaud the students, many of whom have been part of the Buccaneers program for years.
Looking ahead
As the athletes prepare for the next chapter, the Benjamin School community will continue to foster a culture of dedication, teamwork, and faith. The school plans to host additional events throughout the year to celebrate future milestones and to encourage younger students to pursue both scholastic and athletic goals.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
