Empowering Students Through Scholarships
Each year, Empowered of Central Florida proudly awards three meaningful scholarships to graduating high school seniors: the Toro Townley “Be The Light” Scholarship, the Jacob Casey Empowered Scholarship, and the Pando Memorial Music Scholarship. These awards honor the lasting legacies of extraordinary individuals by investing in the next generation of faith-filled servants, leaders, and creatives.
Toro Townley "Be The Light" Scholarship
The Toro Townley “Be The Light” scholarship honors the legacy of Toro Townley by recognizing young leaders who have actively shared God’s love and light with peers, family, and community—living out their faith through words, actions, and service. The ideal recipients encourage others to grow spiritually, demonstrate compassion and integrity, and reflect Christ-like character in everyday life- just as Toro Townley did. This scholarship celebrates those who boldly live their faith and inspire others to do the same.
Inspired by Matthew 5:16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Jacob Casey Empowered Scholarship
The Jacob Casey Empowered Scholarship was created in honor of Jacob Casey, who left lasting impressions on the on and off the field. Though he stood just 5’8″ and 150 pounds, Jacob was a giant in heart, character, and spirit. He had a remarkable ability to make everyone he met feel like they were his best friend. Jacob was a natural athlete, who had a passion for sports and was loved by people of all ages for his humility, his infectious smile, his positive attitude, and his incredible sense of humor. He loved his family deeply and was always happiest surrounded by those he cared about.
The only thing we carry into the next life is the influence we had on other people while we were here on earth. The way Jacob lived his life symbolizes the very essence of our human existence – to love, to connect, and to make a difference in the lives of others. Jacob loved helping people and would be deeply honored to know that scholarships are now given in his name to empower future generations.
Pando Memorial Music Scholarship
The Pando Memorial Music Scholarship is dedicated to honoring the memory and spirit of Greg Pando, Ocala musician and mentor extraordinaire.
Over the course of his career, Greg helped countless creatives get in tune with their musical talents and find strength, purpose, and healing through his music and teachings. This scholarship recognizes a student who has either experienced personal empowerment through their musical journey or has inspired and supported others in discovering their own musical passions. Whether through performance, teaching, advocacy, or simply sharing the joy of music, the recipient embodies the transformative power of music to uplift, connect, and empower.
Greg would be truly touched to learn that students are earning scholarships in his name to empower future musicians.
Pando Memorial Music Scholarship
The Pando Memorial Music Scholarship is dedicated to honoring the memory and spirit of Greg Pando, Ocala musician and mentor extraordinaire.
Over the course of his career, Greg helped countless creatives get in tune with their musical talents and find strength, purpose, and healing through his music and teachings. This scholarship recognizes a student who has either experienced personal empowerment through their musical journey or has inspired and supported others in discovering their own musical passions. Whether through performance, teaching, advocacy, or simply sharing the joy of music, the recipient embodies the transformative power of music to uplift, connect, and empower.
Greg would be truly touched to learn that students are earning scholarships in his name to empower future musicians.
Empowering Students Through athletic programs
Empowered of Central Florida also offers 2 athletic programs: Empowered Wrestling Club and Empowered Youth Football Lineman Academy.
Empowered Wrestling Club
Empowered Wrestling Club is designed to provide a wrestling knowledge base to young athletes ages 6 to 14.
Each wrestler competes according to his/her weight, age, and experience level. We do not have weight categories and wrestlers do not have to “make weight”.
Our focus, as a program, will be:
- To provide a safe environment for each wrestler.
- To provide the best instruction possible in an environment conducive to learning.
- To enhance the self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-discipline in each wrestler.
- To highlight the importance of nutrition and exercise in wrestling and in general health.
The club typically meets two times per week (Tuesday/Thursday) for practices.
We depend on volunteer assistance in the form of board members, coaches, and team parents. We appreciate parent assistance and make every effort to accommodate volunteering preferences when we need to ask for help.
Our main purpose is to share the love of wrestling with the next generation of athletes. We think that a program that builds a solid foundation of wrestling fundamentals will generate new interest and awareness for the sport among Marion County residents. We think the sport of wrestling is exciting, rewarding, and character-building. We trust that in time, you will love it too!
Empowered Wrestling Club
Empowered Wrestling Club is designed to provide a wrestling knowledge base to young athletes ages 6 to 14.
Each wrestler competes according to his/her weight, age, and experience level. We do not have weight categories and wrestlers do not have to “make weight”.
Our focus, as a program, will be:
- To provide a safe environment for each wrestler.
- To provide the best instruction possible in an environment conducive to learning.
- To enhance the self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-discipline in each wrestler.
- To highlight the importance of nutrition and exercise in wrestling and in general health.
The club typically meets two times per week (Tuesday/Thursday) for practices.
We depend on volunteer assistance in the form of board members, coaches, and team parents. We appreciate parent assistance and make every effort to accommodate volunteering preferences when we need to ask for help.
Our main purpose is to share the love of wrestling with the next generation of athletes. We think that a program that builds a solid foundation of wrestling fundamentals will generate new interest and awareness for the sport among Marion County residents. We think the sport of wrestling is exciting, rewarding, and character-building. We trust that in time, you will love it too!
Empowered Lineman Academy
The Empowered Lineman Academy is a specialized training program designed exclusively for offensive and defensive linemen looking to develop their skills, improve technique, and enhance their football IQ. Led by experienced coaches, former players, and trainers, this camp focuses on the fundamentals, footwork, strength, and strategy essential for dominating the line of scrimmage.
Academy Highlights:
- Position-Specific Training – Drills and coaching tailored for both offensive and defensive linemen, focusing on stance, hand placement, footwork, and leverage.
- Pass Rush & Blocking Techniques – Learn effective pass rush moves, run-stopping strategies, and blocking fundamentals to improve performance on the field.
- Strength & Conditioning – Engage in workouts that build explosive power, agility, and endurance specific to lineman play.
- Game Situations & Competition – Participate in live-action drills and one-on-one battles to apply skills in real-game scenarios.
- Leadership & Mental Toughness – Sessions on teamwork, discipline, and mindset to develop confidence and resilience.
- Guest Coaches & Former Athletes – Learn from experienced linemen who have played at the college and professional levels.
Who Should Attend?
This camp is ideal for youth football players from grades 6 to 9 who are committed to improving their performance as linemen, whether they are beginners looking to learn the basics or advanced players seeking to refine their technique.
Empowered Lineman Academy
The Empowered Lineman Academy is a specialized training program designed exclusively for offensive and defensive linemen looking to develop their skills, improve technique, and enhance their football IQ. Led by experienced coaches, former players, and trainers, this camp focuses on the fundamentals, footwork, strength, and strategy essential for dominating the line of scrimmage.
Academy Highlights:
- Position-Specific Training – Drills and coaching tailored for both offensive and defensive linemen, focusing on stance, hand placement, footwork, and leverage.
- Pass Rush & Blocking Techniques – Learn effective pass rush moves, run-stopping strategies, and blocking fundamentals to improve performance on the field.
- Strength & Conditioning – Engage in workouts that build explosive power, agility, and endurance specific to lineman play.
- Game Situations & Competition – Participate in live-action drills and one-on-one battles to apply skills in real-game scenarios.
- Leadership & Mental Toughness – Sessions on teamwork, discipline, and mindset to develop confidence and resilience.
- Guest Coaches & Former Athletes – Learn from experienced linemen who have played at the college and professional levels.
Who Should Attend?
This camp is ideal for youth football players from grades 6 to 9 who are committed to improving their performance as linemen, whether they are beginners looking to learn the basics or advanced players seeking to refine their technique.
