Special to Lake Okeechobee News
OKEECHOBEE — We are proud to present the first recipients of the Shirlean Graham Scholarship Fund.
Shirlean Graham was a true pillar of our community and a guiding light at Martha’s House, where she dedicated over 27 years of her life to uplifting and supporting the youth in Okeechobee.
As the founder of the Chobee Steelers, she created opportunities, inspired confidence, and made a lasting impact on so many young lives.
It is only fitting that we honor her legacy by giving back to the next generation. These seniors represent the future—full of promise, determination, and hope as they take their next steps forward in life.
We wish each of them continued success and the very best as they begin this new chapter.
The recipients were Ilanith Valenzuela, Yarisely Rojo, Jaliyah Brifil, Elvis Hernandez Fuentes, Melanie Hernandez Perez.
![Name listed in the story. [Photo courtesy Martha's House]](https://eta.creativecirclecdn.com/scfl/large/20260513-152109-c5b-Shirlean%20Graham%206.jpg)
![Name listed in the story. [Photo courtesy Martha's House]](https://eta.creativecirclecdn.com/scfl/large/20260513-152105-197-Shirlean%20Graham%205.jpg)
![Name listed in the story. [Photo courtesy Martha's House]](https://eta.creativecirclecdn.com/scfl/large/20260513-152101-8ec-Shirlean%20Graham%204.jpg)
![Name listed in the story. [Photo courtesy Martha's House]](https://eta.creativecirclecdn.com/scfl/large/20260513-152059-f08-Shirlean%20Graham%203.jpg)