Six students receive ‘Hooked on Education’ scholarships
On Monday, May 10, the Matlacha Hookers awarded scholarships to six outstanding students who live in the Greater Matlacha/Pine Island area. These six $2,000 scholarships will be used to assist students in continuing their education after high school.
The Matlacha Hookers’ tradition of awarding educational scholarships began in 2003 and the Matlacha Hookers have now awarded over $203,000 through their “Hooked on Education” program.
Congratulations to the 2021 Matlacha “Hooked on Education” Scholarship recipients:
Kelby Bower
Kelby and her family live in Bokeelia and she is currently a freshman at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. Kelby is pursuing a career in nursing and health science and is currently a certified nurses assistant. In high school she was an active participant on the swimming and tennis teams, receiving the Sportsman’s Award in swimming and varsity letters in both sports. Kelby attended Mariner High School and received the Principal’s Award in 2018, the Superintendent’s Award in 2019 & 2020, as well as being in FGCU Honors College. Kelby received the Matlacha Hookers’ Woman in the Trades Scholarship on behalf of Commander Kathleen Foley, USN (Ret).
Michelle Hardy
Michelle and her family live in Matlacha Isles, she is a former Pine Island Elementary School student and, by doing dual enrollment in high school at Florida SouthWestern State College, graduated high school with an associate degree in general studies. She is currently attending Florida Gulf Coast University and in the fall, she will be entering as a senior. Michelle plans to pursue a career in elementary education and currently substitute teaches in Lee County, primarily at Pine Island Elementary. Michelle has been an active participant in FGCU’s Equestrian Team and Club, she served as a camp counselor at the Matlacha Community Center several years, completed an internship in the fourth grade class at Veterans Park Academy for the Arts in the spring of 2020 and started in the third grade class in the fall of 2020, which ended prematurely because of the pandemic. Michelle received her scholarship on behalf of the Island Crab Company (Jeff and Denise Haugland).
Angela Kerr
Angela is a Pine Island resident and the daughter of Mary and Neil Kerr. She will be a junior attending the University of Central Florida after attending Florida SouthWestern State College and the Lee Virtual School. Angela is working towards her degree in psychology. She was a member of the National Honor Society for three years, and belonged to the Public Speaking Club through Lee Virtual School. She was also a participant in Pine Island Leaders of Tomorrow (PILOT) for six years. Angela is active in the Pine Island Playhouse and played a role in 19 productions. She was the photographer for four productions and director of “Eat: it’s not about food.” She received the “Do the Right Thing” award from the Cape Coral Police Department for that role. Angela received her scholarship on behalf of ArtFest Ft. Myers.
Lilly Overbaugh
Lilly is a resident of Pine Island in Bokeelia and the daughter of Jennifer and Richard Overbaugh. Lilly is currently a senior at Mariner High School. She will be attending Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, and plans to pursue a career in elementary education. Lilly has been participating in Pine Island Leaders of Tomorrow (PILOT) since the sixth grade. In this program, participants are expected to create and organize events. Lilly’s project was one she called “All Fur Paws” in which she organized food drives for Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary, and was awarded $500 from the Disney Friends For Change Grant. She has been active in Pine Island Playhouse for nearly eight years, serving as an actress, stage crew, stage manager, director and operating lights and sound. She received awards as Best Female Lead and Up and Coming through Pine Island Playhouse, Superintendent’s award all four years of high school, certified Lay Leader through Florida United Methodist Church Conference, and most community hours through PILOT. Lilly received her scholarship on behalf of the Island Crab Company (Jeff and Denise Haugland).
Armando Perez
Armando lives in Bokeelia, attended Pine Island Elementary School and is currently a sophomore at Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers. He is continuing his studies toward a business degree. Armando is an active volunteer for the Beacon of Hope and other community organizations and has assisted his Spanish professor in helping students further their language skills. Armando was awarded his second scholarship on behalf of Holly & Rod Aldrich.
Adella Romeo
Adella and her family live in St James City, and she will graduate high school this month from Florida Virtual School, where she was on the A/B Honor Roll, and received certificates of achievement and 80/80 Club Certificate of Excellence. Adella is planning to attend Cape Coral Technical College with a goal of a career in nursing. Adella received the Matlacha Hookers’ Community Living Assistance Mission Scholarship in honor of Cathy Frahm, in memory of her daughter, Christy Frahm.