Who is Valentina Tomashosky?

Valentina was born in Sarasota, Florida on June 23, 2003. Valya, Val, or, simply, Kid, as she was fondly called by her family and friends, was an active member of the Central High School Navy Junior ROTC, achieving the rank of Cadet Lieutenant. She was the Commanding Officer of Company Bravo and a leader of the Unarmed Drill Team. The NJROTC was her passion. Valentina planned to continue her education at the University of South Florida majoring in Forensic Science.  Unfortunately, her life was cut short on April 11, 2021, at the young age of 17 in a tragic vehicular accident.

Valentina possessed the gift of profound and humble selflessness and generosity, spreading positivity and happiness with every person she encountered.  Love Val, Inc. - The Valentina Tomashosky Foundation was established in Valentina's name to continue her spirit of generosity and paying-it-forward.

Navy JROTC Cadet Lieutenant Valentina Tomashosky was a dedicated leader in the Central High School Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.  Valentina was extremely passionate about all aspects the JROTC program, but the Unarmed Drill Team held a special place in her heart.   

Navy JROTC Cadet Lieutenant Valentina Tomashosky was elected Queen of the 2021 Military Ball.  Valentina was nominated and ran for the Court of the Military Ball, along with Jacob Saults (pictured), each of her four years in the program.  She was honored to be elected Queen in her final and senior year!

Her friends called her "Val."  She had a habit of dropping everything and going great distances to help someone in need.  She advocated for underserved and underrepresented people.  Her mission was to be be all inclusive and make the world a better place.  Her life was abruptly ended on the way to doing what she loved best, helping someone who needed it.

Her family and friends in the Ukrainian community knew her as "Valya."  She believed in strong family ties and connections to her Ukrainian heritage.  She attended multiple Ukrainian summer camps learning about and celebrating her heritage.  She was most proud of, however, her eight first cousins whom she proudly called, "Crazy!" 

To her parents, Valentina was simply known as, "Kid.'  She was the only child, often called a miracle by her family, to a couple who was told they were unable to have children.  She is the center of their universe. From her parents, a deep sense of community and familial responsibly was instilled with a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.  Her sense of humor was dry and often wicked!  A common reminder in the household was, "Just don't be an a--hole!"  She had many clever responses including, "Why are you like this?", "You're supposed to be the adults!", or a simple eye-roll, among others.  But above all, her parents were most proud of her humility, honesty and selfless generosity, all while being very, very funny!