Take Stock in Children Recognizes Zvonko Cindrich Varas as ‘Rookie of the Year’ Mentor

Take Stock in Children (TSIC) of Palm Beach County recognized Zvonko Cindrich Varas, Packaging Engineer at the Okeelanta Distribution Center, with the Rookie of the Year Award for his outstanding dedication as a first-year mentor. The award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to guiding and inspiring students in their academic and personal growth.

As a proud supporter TSIC for 20 years, we’ve been delighted to see the success of the hundreds of students from the Glades communities who we have helped provide mentoring and fully funding college scholarships to.

As part of the TSIC program, students are paired with mentors who they meet with three times a month. Mentors provide guidance, inspiration, and in some cases, life-changing support to students. Upon graduation, if the students have consistently met with their mentors and met conduct requirements, they are awarded college scholarships. We’re proud our employees, including Zvonko, have joined us over the years in supporting these students by volunteering as mentors.

Zvonko, who has a long history of community service, described mentorship as a natural extension of his values.

“Service has been one of my core values since I was young,” said Zvonko. “Growing up, my family always believed in a sense of responsibility to help others in our community, especially those in need.”

His volunteer work has spanned organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement and local food banks, as well as Take Stock in Children.

Through TSIC, Zvonko mentors Chris, a sophomore at Palm Beach Central High School, providing guidance, encouragement and support. His goal is to help Chris build confidence, set goals and prepare for future success.

“Through this program, I’ve made a positive impact in my local community by helping young students build confidence, guiding them through setting and accomplishing goals and modeling values and skills that will be beneficial as they discover the next steps in their educational and professional journeys,” said Zvonko. “I am grateful to my manager and the Florida Crystals management team for supporting me in this initiative, offering me the flexibility as needed to volunteer in person and build a stronger connection with my mentee. This shows Florida Crystals’ commitment to creating positive social and economic benefits for the communities where it conducts business.”

TSIC serves more than 8,500 students annually across Florida and provides underserved youth with mentorship, college readiness coaching and scholarship opportunities. Dedicated mentors like Zvonko ensure students receive the support they need to thrive academically and beyond.

Congratulations to Zvonko Cindrich Varas for this well-deserved recognition!