Name: Widnie-Rose Alixe
Hometown: Boynton Beach, Florida
High School: Atlantic High School
University: University of Central Florida
Major: Undecided (pending legal studies major with a political science minor)
Scholarship: Palm Beach County Estate Planning Council Scholarship
For Widnie-Rose Alixe, education is more than personal growth—it is a gateway to empowerment, justice, and advocacy. A freshman at the University of Central Florida (UCF), she is already making a lasting impact in her community.
Born and raised in Boynton Beach, Florida, the 19-year-old comes from a family of hard workers. As the youngest of five sisters and a first-generation Haitian-American, she has witnessed firsthand the sacrifices her parents made after immigrating to the U.S. 25 years ago. Both of her parents work multiple jobs to make ends meet, instilling in her a strong sense of resilience and determination.
“I’ve learned that with determination and support, anything is possible,” she said. “No matter the challenges, I refuse to let obstacles define my future.”
Widnie-Rose’s journey to higher education was not without obstacles. She recognized early on that financing college would be a challenge, prompting her to apply for over 20 scholarships during her senior year while enrolled in Atlantic High School’s IB program. Her diligence paid off—in addition to the Community Foundation scholarship, she earned Bright Futures, the Viner Scholarship, and a Rotary scholarship, among others, ensuring that she could pursue her dreams without the burden of debt.
“My financial need was the biggest barrier,” she said. “Without the support of my family, my high school counselor, and the Path to College program, I wouldn’t have had the motivation to apply to so many scholarships. Their guidance helped shape my future.”
Now at UCF, Widnie-Rose is adjusting to the social and academic transition of college life while maintaining a stellar 4.0 GPA. She made the President’s Honor Roll in her first semester, an achievement she credits to the financial peace of mind her scholarships have provided.
Outside the classroom, Widnie-Rose is committed to service. She is involved in Crown to Crown, a mentorship-based student organization where members visit local group homes to inspire and uplift young girls.
“When I heard about Crown to Crown, I immediately wanted to join,” she said. “It touched my heart. I wanted to be part of changing these girls’ lives by showing them that there is so much out there for them beyond the system.”
Her passion for service aligns with her career aspirations. She plans to attend law school, likely staying in Florida, to practice immigration law, family law, or criminal defense—fields where she can advocate for those without a voice.
“I want to practice law that genuinely helps people,” she said. “The whole point of my passion for law is to provide justice for others.”
Her drive to uplift others stems from personal experience. Growing up in a low-income household, she worked during high school to pay for extracurricular activities, refusing to let financial struggles limit her opportunities.
“Balancing work and academics was one of the hardest things I’ve done,” she said. “But I learned that with ambition, all things are possible.”
Widnie-Rose remains deeply grateful to the Community Foundation, particularly Dr. Elena McDonald, director of student success, who has supported her journey and helped her connect with other scholarship opportunities.
“Elena has been so intentional and helpful during my transition to college,” said Widnie-Rose. “We bonded over being Atlantic High IB graduates, and she has truly made an impact on my journey.”
For Widnie-Rose, higher education is not just about personal success—it is about paving the way for future generations. With a strong faith, an unyielding work ethic, and a heart for service, she is well on her way to becoming a force for change in her community and beyond.
