Sarasota High Sailors Football Program Surprises With $20,000 Community Service Award

The Sarasota High School football program received a $20,000 contribution from Urban Edge Mentorship, Inc. today, September 18, 2026. The award recognized the team's extraordinary commitment to community service and leadership during the 2025–2026 school year.

Sailors athletes completed more than 350 hours of service, exceeding expectations set by Urban Edge Mentorship's 'Earned It Challenge.' This significant award, double the original $10,000 established for teams meeting volunteer goals, highlights the program's impact on developing young leaders within the Sarasota community.

The award presentation took place at approximately 7:10 p.m. during pre-game festivities before the Sarasota High School vs. Parrish Community High School football game. Dr. Megan Green, Chief of Secondary Schools for Sarasota County Schools, and Dr. Nate Francis, Executive Director of Secondary Schools, joined the check presentation at midfield.

Mitchel Ruzek, Ph.D., President of Urban Edge Mentorship, Inc., praised the team's efforts. "This is about much more than volunteer hours," Dr. Ruzek said. "We challenged these young men to take what they learned in the lecture series and put it into action in their community. Sarasota High didn't simply meet the challenge, they embraced it. What they demonstrated was leadership, compassion, service, and character. They showed us exactly why mentorship matters."

Urban Edge Mentorship, Inc. is a Sarasota-based nonprofit organization founded by Hall of Fame coach Urban Meyer. The organization dedicates itself to youth mentorship and the development of future leaders. The program operates in partnership with the Police Foundation of Sarasota and New College of Florida.

The recognition of the Sarasota High School football program underscores the value of community engagement and mentorship in fostering leadership qualities among local youth. Residents can continue to support these initiatives by attending local school events and learning more about community service opportunities.