2025 Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award Recipient
Cayden Parker, Santa Fe High School
Cayden Zayne Parker is a dedicated student with a passion for biomedical sciences, driven by a deep curiosity about the human brain and a desire to make meaningful contributions to healthcare. His research experiences in becoming the first High School Intern in the Department of Neurology at the University of Florida in the Adam Micheal Rosen Neuro-Oncology Labs and participating in the 2023 Biomedical Sciences Research Exploration with the University of Florida’s Center for Precollegiate Education and Training, have solidified his ambition to become a neurosurgeon. These opportunities have allowed him to refine his skills in advanced laboratory techniques, such as immunofluorescence and cell culturing, while contributing to impactful research on cancer and neurological diseases.
Within his high school career, Cayden has maintained academic excellence through profound accomplishments such as becoming a 3x Certificate of Academic Excellence recipient, while holding the titles of being the Most Outstanding Underclassmen in Biotechnology (2023) and Language Arts (2024). He has also acquired the National AP Scholar with Distinction Award (2024) from College Board and the AP Capstone Diploma Candidacy for the 2024-2025 school year. Simultaneously, Cayden has enveloped himself in a wide variety of extracurricular activities; he serves as the President of the Institute of Biotechnology, Pre-Collegiate Club, and the Founder of the Black Student Union at Santa Fe High. These positions have allowed him to foster a strong sense of community among his peers and advocate educational equity. Additionally, he has been an active participant in community initiatives on a state level, such as becoming the Singular Florida Youth Leadership Council Representative for the National Rural Electric Cooperatives Association where he advocates for rural communities and member education. He also was a vital advocate for the One Mill campaign, where he served as the student speaker to support funding for Career Technical Education programs.
As Cayden prepares for college, his immediate goal is to select an institution that aligns with his academic pursuits and supports his growth as an individual. He is committed to taking his faith seriously, which he believes will guide him through the challenges of higher education and adulthood. His focus is not only on academic achievement but also on setting himself up for a well-rounded future, where he continues to develop resilience, responsibility, and empathy.
Looking ahead, Cayden’s long-term goal is to pursue a career in neurosurgery while maintaining a healthy work/life balance. Parker aspires to be involved in his community, particularly in youth education, while serving on a worship team at his church. His dedication to both science and service reflects his commitment to leaving a legacy that impacts lives beyond the lab and operating room. Ultimately, he seeks to combine his academic and personal values to build a future where he not only contributes to medical advancements but also inspires and uplifts those around him.
Cayden is extremely thankful for the values of selflessness and determination that his grandfather, George Trotman, instilled in him. Cayden expresses immense gratitude towards his extremely supportive and encouraging mother, his father, educators, mentors, church, family, friends, and community that have directly and indirectly forged his path for success. Through hard work, faith, and a deep sense of responsibility to his community, he is determined to make a lasting impact.
We proudly recognize and present the 2025 Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award to Cayden Parker Senior, Santa High School.
Edna M Hart Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award Guidelines and Application
Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Scholarship Award Guidelines To Receive Award
Past Recipients
Justice L. Alexander | 2024
Makayla A. Flanders | 2023
Gabrielle N. Gregory – P.K. Yonge | 2022
Taylor Hill-Miles – Eastside H.S. | 2021
Spencer Gregory – P.K. Yonge | 2020
Anthony Hardge – P.K. Yonge | 2019
Samuel Ray – Eastside H.S. | 2018
Adam Maxwell – P.K. Yonge | 2017
Nadia Thomas – Gainesville H.S. | 2016
Joni Perkins – Santa Fe H.S. | 2015
Raven Delk – Buchholz H.S. | 2014
Jenna Stafford – Eastside H.S. | 2013
Jennifer Kizza – Eastside H.S. | 2012
Taonga Leslie – Eastside H.S. | 2011
Benjamin Osoba – Eastside H.S. | 2010
Thashea Miles – Eastside H.S. | 2009
LeNora Walton – Buchholz H.S. | 2008
DeAdria Hilliard – Buchholz H.S. | 2007
Kendra Grimes – Eastside H.S. | 2006
Lashay Clayton – P.K. Yonge | 2005
Adria Green – Eastside H.S. | 2004
Wenona DeCestro – Hawthorne H.S. | 2003
Shaun Lovings – P.K. Yonge | 2002
Wantanisha Dawson – P.K. Yonge | 2001
John Green, II – Eastside H.S. | 2000
Alexis Amaye-Obu – Gainesville H.S. |2000
John McKnight, Jr. – Eastside H.S. | 1999
Christopher Polke – Gainesville H.S. | 1999
Melanie Moore – Eastside H.S. | 1998
Christopher Chestnut – Gainesville H.S. | 1998
Victoria Barr – Buchholz H.S. | 1997
Malcom Kiner – Buchholz H.S. | 1996
Tristin Hayes – Gainesville H.S. |1995
Vashiti Crowell – Eastside H.S. | 1995
Erin Shell – Eastside H. S. | 1995
Arnetta Haywood – Gainesville H.S. | 1994
Ebony Terrell – Gainesville H.S. | 1993
Kimberly Rushing – Gainesville H.S. | 1993
Erika Robinson – Gainesville H.S. | 1992
Natasha Graham – Gainesville H.S. | 1991
Corey Hines – Newberry H.S. | 1991
AnneMarie Mingo – Eastside H.S. | 1991
Cynthia White – Gainesville H.S. | 1990
Lynnette Harrison – Eastside H.S. | 1990
Karla Davis – P.K. Yonge | 1989