ACADEMIC WINNERS: Beach Kids Foundation announces scholarship winners
The Beach Kids Foundation announced the winners of its inaugural College Scholarship Program recently.
While the original intent was to have an awards ceremony at the soon-to-be newly refurbished Town Hall, Beach Kids Foundation Chairman of the Board Fran Myers said the nonprofit organization needed to get the checks to the recipients’ schools prior to the early registration timeframe.
“We decided to do the announcement through the (FMB) Observer,” said Myers.
This is first year that the Beach Kids Foundation has allotted scholarships under its new name. The former FMB Chamber Foundation has doled out scholarships for many years.
This year’s seven recipients are (alphabetically by last name): Hannah Albion, Ashlyn DeMilia, Allysia Freeman, Jason Freeman, Scott Knobloch, Jasey Mayer and Kasey Mayer. The honorees received $500 apiece to go towards their education.
“We have seven great recipients all who have been very active on the Beach and all who have super applications,” said Myers. “They all are connected to the Beach.”
Beach Kids Foundation began in the fall of 2014 and is an organization that is totally devoted to the island’s children. The money for the scholarships comes from fundraising events such as Spirit of Holiday auctions, which also benefits the annual Easter Egg Hunt, functions at Beach Elementary like restoring the Golden Coconut Award (teacher of the year) and continued assistance to children in the form of clothing and other items throughout the year.
“The Beach Kids Foundation is doing very very well,” said Myers. “Businesses and residents have been very generous in providing gifts and donations.”
Eligibility requirements for a scholarship involve the applicants having a connection to the Beach community, either by living in the Fort Myers Beach Fire District, working at a Beach business or having a parent or guardian who works for a Beach business.
Albion is entering her junior year as a Psychology major at Bowling Green State University. She is a student-athlete who excels on the Falcons’ swim and dive team.
The former Magnum Cum Laude and swimming MVP in high school has plans to pursue law school after graduation. Her father is a former Beach Chamber president and her mother and brother work at Red Coconut RV Park.
DeMilia is entering her sophomore year as a Environmental Science major at Florida State University. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a Master’s degree in marine biology with hopes to study shark behavior.
The International Baccalaureate Program graduate was born and raised on Fort Myers Beach and interned under Lee County Land Steward Coordinator Terry Cain this past summer. She has also worked at Bay Oaks Recreational Campus and the Town Pool.
The Freemans are brother and sister who grew up on Fort Myers Beach.
Allysia is enrolled at the University of Central Florida and is pursuing Computer Science with elements of Information Technology. The Summa Cum Laude graduate has been involved in all facets of computer science, including computer algorithms, redundancy circuits and the improvement of language syntax for binary programs.
Jason is a sophomore at the University of Kentucky who hopes to receive an undergrad degree in Biology and a minor in Spanish in pursuit of becoming a doctor. The National Society of Collegiate Scholars member believes in membership and volunteering. He is a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, Christian Student Fellowship and Honors College. He has volunteered for Kiwanis, American Cancer Society, Turtle Time, Chapel by the Sea and Beach Elementary.
Knobloch is entering the University of Central Florida and plans to major in Social Sciences, while wishing to pursue Pre-law studies. He hopes to gain the skills and capabilities necessary to pursue a career in law.
The Beach Publix employee also believes in membership and volunteering and has raised money for MDA, Ronald McDonald House and the Soup Kitchen.
The Mayers are sisters from Fort Myers whose father works at Outer Island Mortgage. Jasey is enrolling at the University of Florida and plans to major in Marine Biology with a minor in Animal Sciences. A first-team all-area varsity softball player and player of the year in 2015, she seeks to preserve wildlife and has belonged to many clubs, including the Scuba Club, National Honor Society, Habitat for Humanity, Photography Club and Psychology Club.
Older sister Kasey is in her third year at the University of Florida and is majoring in Chemical Engineering. Also a softball star player, she led the UF club softball team to a 2014 national championship and was a NCSA second-team All American pitcher who also belongs to Phi Sigma Rho engineering sorority and the Society of Women Engineers.
Go to www.beachkidsfoundation.org to learn more about future scholarship opportunities and the foundation’s mission and goals.