2024
Randall D. Kelly/Kelli Randell Memorial Scholarship
When someone holds a special place in your heart, makes an impact in your life, and changes the community for the good, it is only fitting to honor their contributions. From countless benefits and fundraisers, to mentoring the lives of LGBTQIA++ youth, there is no one more deserving of this distinction:
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Space Coast Pride, it is with great honor to announce that the Space Coast Pride College Scholarship will now be named:
Space Coast Pride Randall D. Kelly/Kelli Randell Memorial Scholarship
Dedicated to the memory of Miss Kelli Randell, whose service, generosity and passion has changed the lives of many in the LGBTQIA++ community.
Scholarship Details
The Space Coast Pride Randall D. Kelly/Kelli Randell Memorial Scholarship is an achievement- based award that aims to support the members of our community with their educational development. This scholarship is for Senior high school students who will be in the graduating class of 2024. This year, Space Coast Pride will award two $1,500 scholarships to two applicants.
A Tribute to Kelli Randell
On June 28, 2020, our community suffered the tragic loss of a legend. What is a legend, and how do you adequately express the qualities of a life well-lived?
Randall David Kelly, better known to us as “Miss Kelli Randell”, exemplified a life of full of humanity, humor, generosity, grace and passion. A truly “one of a kind” person, who was a beacon of love and light, both on the stage and off. Every aspect of her amazing life carried the message of love and unity, and it showed.
For over 30 years, Kelli gave selflessly by entertaining countless fans-young and old-gay and straight-on the Space and Treasure Coasts, central Florida, and across the nation, bringing love and laughter wherever she went.
It is estimated that Kelli raised over 1.5 million dollars over the course of her career. It is well known that whenever someone needed support, Kelli was the person to call. She hosted, organized, performed in numerous benefits, pageants, and fundraisers in support of the LGBTQIA++ community-from HIV/AIDS events to memorial celebrations in the aftermath of the PULSE tragedy. She also helped to raise money for victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Irma, and for survivors of cancer.
Although her kindness for all was apparent, it is no secret that Kelli held a special place in her heart for children, and she gave her time and talent to raise money for children’s charities, including Toys for Tots. Kelli was most proud of her work in hosting an annual fashion show that featured and benefitted Transgender kids.
Space Coast Pride was honored to showcase Kelli’s work by awarding her our Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, for her dedication and support our LGBTQIA++ community. She also served as Grand Marshal at the 2018 Space Coast Pride Festival, and graced our stage again last year as a performer-coming out of retirement.
Our lives are richer and our world is better because of Kelli. She made us laugh. She made us cry. She was a genuine, beautiful soul, and we will feel this loss for many years to come. We grieve her passing with her husband Danny-and her family, both biological and chosen.
It is time to remember and celebrate the magic and love of Miss Kelli Randell…fly high amongst the rainbows, Love.
Congratulations to our Randall D. Kelly/Kelli Randell Memorial Scholarship winners!
Jacob Gelman
Attending Brown University majoring in Political Science and Economics, Jacob wishes to use their education to give back to the LGBT+ community by gaining a spot in the policy making institutions of government and using influence to shape America to be a more welcoming place.
Raiden Puna
Raiden is attending the University of Central Florida and majoring in Political Science. By becoming a human rights attorney, Raiden aims to contribute to the LGBTQIA++ community by taking cases that serve the LGBTQIA+ community and fight for equality.
Gabriel Salyer
Gabirel will attend University of Mary Washington Honors College majoring in Conservation Biology. Gabriel plans to further trans research and states, “Science brings understanding, and understanding brings acceptance, which is why I am so passionate about it.”
Zachariah Steele
Attending the University of Southern California, Zachariah aims to either become a force of legal representation for other LGBT people or, “serve as a means for proper representation on the screen, humanizing LGBT people to those still remiss in their stereotyping of us as deviants.”
Congratulations to our 2020 winner of the inaugural Space Coast Pride Scholarship:
Toby Bywater of Rockledge High School!
Besides excelling in academics, Toby is passionate about all he does. He is dedicated and eager to work along with us as the face of LGBTQIA++ youth in Brevard County.
Toby will be attending Eastern Florida State College and plans to major in Hospitality and Tourism.
With great pride,
The Board of Directors of Space Coast Pride
