Jake Debien Awarded Fifth $20,000 South Florida PGA Foundation Scholarship
Oftentimes, the hardest things in life bring about significant perspective. This is the case for 2022 South Florida PGA Foundation Scholarship recipient Jake Debien of Palm City.
Debien, a soon-to-be-graduate of Martin County High School is the fifth recipient of the SFPGA Foundation Scholarship which started in 2017. The SFPGA Foundation annually supports one high school senior through a $20,000 scholarship who is connected to the golf community that excels in academics, community service and leadership.
“It was a tremendous honor to be awarded this scholarship,” said Debien. “It is definitely the pride and feeling of accomplishment, I am very grateful for it.”
Diagnosed with type one diabetes nearly five years ago, Debien was uncertain on how it would affect his future as an athlete, student and what that meant for his ability to grow and mature as a young adult.
“Looking back now, I'm not going to say it was a good thing or that I am happy that I was diagnosed, but being diagnosed changed me for the better,” said Debien.
Not only did his diagnosis change the way Debien operated throughout his high school years, it also built the foundation for his future.
“Before my diagnosis, I had no intention of going into the medical field,” admitted Debien. “Over the years as I have been in many doctors offices, it has made me realize that this could be something to pursue for my future career.”
With the advice Debien was given by doctors and others with a similar condition to him, he was encouraged to return that lesson learned to others by volunteering his time to help make a difference.
“I started looking to help others by trying to show them that no matter what challenges you face ahead of you, you can still accomplish it through the right mindset.”
Shortly after being diagnosed, Debien began to work closely with JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) of Palm Beach as an advocate, student ambassador and youth mentor.
Debien will be attending the University of Florida in the Fall with aspirations of getting into the Pre-Med school with hopes to become an endocrinologist and continue helping others with type one diabetes.
As Debien sets his sights on the University of Florida, the first SFPGA Foundation scholarship recipient, Tyler Nagy is set to finish his MBA from Rollins College in May of 2023.
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