Legacy in Motion: Over $10K Awarded at the 2025 Lucille Davis Burton Scholarship Banquet

Vincent Miller
Jul 15
3 min read

Winter Haven, FL , The energy was electric. The stories were powerful. And the impact? Unforgettable. On a warm evening at the AdventHealth Fieldhouse, Filling The Lane (FTL) hosted the 2025 Lucille Davis Burton Scholarship Banquet, an inspiring night where purpose, legacy, and the promise of young lives came together under one roof.

From the very beginning, it was clear this night was more than just a ceremony, it was a celebration of dreams, determination, and the incredible force of community.

A Night of Purpose and Passion

As families, students, mentors, and community leaders took their seats, a sense of anticipation filled the air. This wasn’t just another banquet, this was legacy in motion. With every round of applause, every tear shed, and every name called, the mission of Filling The Lane came alive: empowering youth, honoring legacy, and investing in future leaders.

This year’s Lucille Davis Burton Scholarship recipient, Princeton Wroy, stood out not only for his academic excellence but for his unwavering resilience and heart for service. As his name was announced, the room erupted in applause, a testament to his hard work and the bright future ahead of him. Princeton now carries a name that holds deep meaning, joining a lineage of leaders inspired by Lucille Davis Burton’s spirit of perseverance and compassion.

More Than Scholarships—A Full Circle of Support

In total, FTL awarded over $10,000 in scholarships, tech gear, and meaningful gifts. But this wasn’t just about financial support, it was about lifting students holistically. Scholarships were only the beginning. Laptops, mini refrigerators, smart TVs, Movado watches, and more were awarded to students recognized as Impact Players of the Season—those who consistently rise above, both on and off the court.

Additional honorees included:

Zachary White, awarded the Polk State College Scholarship
Tyler Anderson, recipient of the Brenden Birdsong Memorial Scholarship

Every recipient had a story worth celebrating, and every gift was a reminder: you are seen, supported, and believed in.

Words to Remember: George Tinsley’s Keynote

The evening reached a powerful high with the keynote message from the legendary George Tinsley—a man who knows a thing or two about perseverance, winning, and giving back. With heartfelt honesty and grit, Mr. Tinsley spoke about overcoming adversity, staying the course, and knowing when to adjust when life throws you a curve.

He didn’t just inspire with words—he led by example, donating 100% of his book sales that evening back to the Filling The Lane program. That’s leadership. That’s legacy.

A Community That Shows Up

Behind every success story is a village, and on this night, the village showed up. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partners who helped make this event not just possible, but exceptional:

The Bell-Barnett Family Fund (via GiveWell Community Foundation)
Jennifer and Scott Thornton
School Board Member Lisa Miller, the only board representative who attended the event in person, showing visible support for our youth and their future.

From the soulful spoken word by Ryan, to the live music of Liram and Davis, and the stunning decor by Milka Williams, every detail spoke to excellence. Every moment was a memory.

Looking Ahead with Heart

Dr. Vincent Miller, FTL’s Founder and Executive Director, summed it up best:

“We didn’t just celebrate students—we invested in their future. This is what legacy looks like. This is what community feels like.”

As the banquet came to a close, the smiles were wide, the hugs were real, and the hope in the room was undeniable. Filling The Lane isn’t just building leaders, we’re shaping futures. And with the continued support of our community, the best is still to come.

🎥 Watch the recap video and relive the moments