Riverview, Fla. (WFLA) – He faced defeat, led through service and never lost sight of his mission. News Channel 8 featured the Hillsboro County teen who supported first responders five years ago during the pandemic.
Gavin Floyd received a great honor on Thursday: $10,000 to help him graduate from high school and take the next big step.
Tampa Police Station holds a 2025 anniversary ceremony to honor collapsed police officers
Floyd, a senior at Riverview High School, travelled wasn’t easy. However, on Thursday, the teenager turned the tragedy into a goal received a surprising congratulations.
This was not your average scholarship ceremony. They usually become looting and looting, but on Thursday the pirates were giving back. In true Tampa Bay fashion, Pirates presented the award.
“There’s not much we can do individually, but there’s a lot we can do when we contribute to our collective efforts, and I’m happy to be back,” Floyd said.
News Channel 8 first met Gavin in 2020. He created 3D printed mask frames for military and first responders during the pandemic.
“From the 3D printed mask service project, a 3D printed ophthalmology range a while back, testing it, and distributing it through the World Health Organization, everything I did, everything I did, everything I did, to give back to the service before myself,” Floyd said.
He leads classmates in the pool and track while researching in his spare time. But it was not a title, but a tragedy that shaped his path. He lost his father and everything changed.
“My dad had an accident in my freshman high school year. He passed away. It changed my life for me. You know, you don’t think it’s going to happen to you until it happens,” Floyd said.
With a weighted GPA of 6.2, he is heading to the Air Force Academy on a $10,000 scholarship from the Ye Mystic Crew of Gasparilla to fund his research and education.
“The research we have to personally fund will help fund our research,” Floyd said. “I knew going to the Air Force Academy was where I belong.”
Floyd said he is going to become a pilot. He and one other student received a scholarship from the crew for their future.
