Three Palm Beach State Students Receive League of Women Voters Scholarships at Election Expo

Three Palm Beach State College students — Christian Holmes, Wilguere Choisilme and Yasmir McCleod — each received a $2,500 scholarship from the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County's inaugural scholarship program during the 2026 Election Expo at Palm Beach State College’s Lake Worth campus.

The scholarship presentation was part of a successful community event that drew more than 300 community members including PBSC students, faculty and staff. Hosted by Palm Beach State College in partnership with Leadership Palm Beach County and the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County, the free, nonpartisan Election Expo brought together community members, PBSC students, staff and faculty for an opportunity to engage with candidates and learn more about the upcoming election.   

The strong turnout highlighted PBSC’s role as a community resource and gathering place, bringing people across the county together on campus for civic engagement and community connection.  

The League’s inaugural scholarship program attracted 50 applications from students who submitted information about their academic and career goals and how financial support would help them continue their education. A five-member committee reviewed the applications using a scoring rubric, narrowing the pool to 15 finalists before selecting the three recipients. 

“We had far more applications than we expected,” said Debbie Chandler, a member of the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County who served on the scholarship selection committee. “It was a very difficult decision, but they were the excellent choice.” 

For Holmes, the scholarship represents both recognition for her academic achievements and support for a demanding path that combines education, work and caregiving.  

A west Palm Beach native, Holmes is in her final-year student at PBSC pursuing a bachelor’s degree in supervision and management with a concentration in health management. She has a 3.69 cumulative GPA, has been named to the President’s and Dean’s lists and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. 

Her commitment to service began at home, where she cared for her grandmother from a young age. Today, she balances college, work and community service while serving as her mother’s primary caregiver.

“It feels great to be chosen as one of the winners,” Holmes said. “As a caregiver to my mother, who has multiple sclerosis, it was good to have her here and be able to see me receive the scholarship. It’s really good to know that I’m able to be rewarded for my dedication to my education.” 

Holmes, said her mother, a nurse and Palm Beach State graduate, helped inspire her interest in pursuing a career in pharmacy. 

“We have a high allergy to medications, and I wanted to do research on medications that don’t cause side effects,” she said. 

After graduating from PBSC, Holmes plans to transfer to Florida A&M University to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a Master of Business Administration. She hopes to combine health care leadership, patient advocacy and community service to improve the lives of patients, families and underserved communities. 

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that does not endorse candidates or political parties. It promotes informed civic participation through voter education and advocacy on public policy issues. 

The scholarship program and Election Expo reflect the League’s commitment to civic engagement and Palm Beach State College's role in providing opportunities for students and community members to learn, connect and participate in civic life.