WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (August 4, 2026) – Three local students will start their school year with a $1,500 college scholarship, thanks to generous donations from Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller employees.
This year’s winners are Georgeia Mareska of Wellington, a graduate of Wellington Community High School; Gabriella Thomas of Wellington, a graduate of Palm Beach Central High School; and Zachary Raab of Lake Worth, a graduate of Santaluces Community High School.
The Clerks for a Cause Scholarship Program is open to children of Clerk employees. The applications are reviewed by Clerk’s office employees who select winners based on the student’s community service, grade point average and 500-word essay.
“The students selected this year stood out for their dedication to academic excellence and their enthusiasm for learning,” said Clerk Mike Caruso. “I am proud to congratulate each of our scholarship recipients as they begin this next chapter in their education.”
Clerk Mike Caruso presented each student with their check during a ceremony at the Main Courthouse on Monday, August 3.
Georgeia Mareska will attend Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where she plans to study Motorsports Engineering. She is the daughter of Court Specialist Nikolitsa Mareska in County Civil.
Gabriella Thomas will attend University of West Florida in Pensacola, where she will study Nursing. She is the daughter of Court Specialist Nicole Thomas in County Civil.
Zachary Raab will attend Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania where he plans to study Psychology and Pre Law. He is the son of Court Specialist Jenna Raab in Unified Family Court.
The Clerk’s scholarship program is funded solely through donations from employees who voluntarily participate in the office’s Dress Down Program, which allows team members who donate $5 per pay period to wear jeans once a week. Since 2021, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller team members have raised more than $200,000 for local charities and have volunteered nearly 7,600 hours to community groups.
For more information about the Clerk’s office charitable giving programs, please visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/ClerksForACause. 
 
About the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County
The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is Palm Beach County’s protector of taxpayer money and public records including marriage licenses, court documents, financial reports and real estate records. Visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com and find us @ClerkPBC on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.