Lake Weir High Graduate Awarded $5,000 Leadership Scholarship by Spherion Ocala

OCALA, FL (352Today.com) – Katiana Delien, a 2026 Lake Weir High School graduate, has been named a recipient of the annual Sandy Mazur Excellence in Leadership Scholarship, a $5,000 award from Spherion Staffing and Recruiting of Ocala.

The scholarship, created to honor the legacy of former Spherion President Sandy Mazur, recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, determination and a commitment to serving others. Since its launch in 2019, the program has supported students pursuing college degrees while reinforcing Spherion’s focus on developing the next generation of leaders.

Delien stood out through her volunteer work at AdventHealth, where she supports hospital staff and helps care for patients. She balanced that service with athletics, extracurricular activities and a part-time job at Publix during high school. Inspired by her experiences at the hospital, she plans to pursue a degree in healthcare.

“Watching young leaders like Katiana step up and make a difference in Ocala is incredibly inspiring,” said David Miller, franchise owner of Spherion Ocala and a member of the scholarship committee, in a statement. “Through her work with AdventHealth, she has already shown a genuine passion for others and a willingness to serve wherever she’s needed. We’re proud to have played a role in her next chapter and can’t wait to celebrate all she has already accomplished right here in Ocala.”

The Spherion Scholarship Advisory Board, led by franchisees Beth DeLaney and Michael Chalmers, worked with the Ohio-based Richland County Foundation to review hundreds of applicants. Finalists were selected by a group of franchise community representatives that included DeLaney, Chalmers and Mazur. Applications were reviewed with names and locations removed before Delien was chosen as one of five scholarship recipients nationwide.

“Watching this scholarship continue to grow has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career,” Mazur said.

While every recipient brings a unique story, they all share a passion for leadership, serving others and creating positive change for their friends and neighbors.

Four other students in Spherion communities across the country also received $5,000 scholarships this year.

Details on the Sandy Mazur Excellence in Leadership Scholarship are available at spherion.com/scholarship.