Beach kids get big bucks
A.J. Bassett said she remembers time at the Beach Elementary in eras – there was the panther era and the otter era.
And for the general class of 2016, it was the bear era – she remembers in the early 1990s, the rumors and sightings of a bear in the Matazanas Preserve.
Eight area students received $4,000 scholarships from the Beach Kids Foundation this week, but Bassett made sure they wouldn’t forget where they came from as they go off to college: Bassett gave each student a copy of We Never Wore Shoes, a history of the island compiled by island resident Jean Matthew.
“I’d like to think as graduates, you will remember your time here on the beach,” Bassett said.
This year, the foundation was able to give hefty scholarships to the students because it raised more money at Spirit of the Holidays this year. The foundation has been granting scholarships to “beach kids” and children of people who work on the beach since 1988. This year’s scholarship party was held Monday, July 25 at Junkanoo’s.
“It’s important to give kids a good start in college,” said Fran Myers, chairwoman. “It’s part of our mission, to take care of our kids.”
Here is a little bit about this year’s recipients:
Kasey Mayer
Age: 20
Lives: Fort Myers
Education: Senior at University of Florida, studying chemical engineering
Favorite thing about Fort Myers Beach:
“We go to the dog beach and play with the dogs.”
Josey Mayer
Age: 19
Lives: Fort Myers
Education: Sophomore at University of Florida, studying environmental engineering
Favorite thing about Fort Myers Beach: “Being able to hang out with friends – it’s cheaper here. Times Square is cool, there are a lot of unique shops.”
Jordan Wallace
Age: 21
Lives: Fort Myers Beach
Education: First year pharmaceutical student at University of Florida
Favorite thing about Fort Myers Beach: “My favorite thing is the small town lifestyle.”
Holt Wallace
Age: 17
Lives: Fort Myers Beach
Education: Starting as a freshman at University of Florida this fall studying mechanical engineering
Favorite thing about Fort Myers Beach: “All my close friends live here. The people I’ve met are the best, everyone is friendly and welcoming.”
Sarah Bestrom
Age: 18
Lives: Fort Myers
Education: Attending Florida Southwestern College, then, Florida Gulf Coast University, studying hospitality management
Favorite thing about Fort Myers Beach: “I stay at the Red Coconut a lot. I like the Yellow Beach House.”
Lexi Hoerr
Age: 18
Lives: Fort Myers Beach
Education: Attending Warner University in the fall, studying exercise science
Favorite thing about Fort Myers Beach: “Growing up with all my friends from Beach School. It was a really small group and we got really close – lifelong friends.”
Ashlynn DeMilia
Age: 21
Lives: Fort Myers
Education: Senior at Florida State University, studying environmental science and geography
Favorite thing about Fort Myers Beach: “I like going out on the water, boating, and seeing the wildlife out there.”