For over 60 years, Edward Blacksheare has impacted countless lives through his employment with Seminole County Public Schools and his dedication to the local community of Sanford.  A staunch supporter of education,  Mr. Blacksheare careers include serving as principal of Crooms Academy; establishing an adjunct campus for Bethune-Cookman University in Sanford, and participating in the Seminole County chapter of NAACP.

Mr. Blacksheare's most notable legacy is his founding of the Young Men of Excellence program at Seminole High School. Among the 10 states with the largest enrollment of black male students, Florida has one of the lowest graduation rates. The Young Men of Excellence program provides mentoring, coaching and facilitating academic performance to enhance the social, emotional, academic and health outcomes for African-American males in Seminole County public schools.

A component of the program is the establishment of the Edward Blacksheare Young Men of Excellence Endowed Scholarship to provide financial assistance to students to help pay for tuition, fees and textbooks or any other items included in the cost of education.