Scholarships to help islanders’ education
Kiwanis Club and Bobby Holloway Foundation team up
The Kiwanis Club has been giving out college scholarships for years. To date, over $400,000 has been given to students for further education, according to Kiwanis Club Scholarship Committee Chairman Carlyn Herring.
The 2021 college scholarship recipients are Alaina Bollen, David Bollen, Kelby Bower, Jaylin Cammilleri, Noah Cicoria, Kaylee Dix, Michelle Hardy, Luna Harre, Hannah Holloway, Angela Kerr, Rilea Melvin, Sierra Nason, Taylor Newman, Lilly Overbaugh, Armando Perez, Briana Vander Brug and Brennan Williams.
Herring said, at one time, money was raised through the “Taste of Pine Island,” until a decision was made to team up with the Bobby Holloway Foundation.
“They said they would match whatever funds Kiwanis raised to maximize benefits to the student,” said Herring. “So we literally started soliciting community businesses and individuals to donate to the fund. After we collect the money, Bobby Holloway matches whatever we’ve got.”
Herring said this year approximately $14,500 was raised, which, of course, was then matched by Bobby Holloway, resulting in almost $30,000 in scholarship money. She wants to stress how much it means to the recipients that businesses and individuals have made donations, knowing the funds will be matched dollar for dollar. The number of donating Kiwanis members is very high, she added.
“It all adds up and it’s all very much appreciated,” said Herring.
Members of the Bobby Holloway board were introduced at the awards ceremony to explain the foundation’s goals, and Herring gave a presentation on the Kiwanis Club, inviting those who are interested to come to their regular meetings, 7:30 a.m. every Wednesday morning at Bert’s.
“We want the kids to know that the community and Kiwanis and Bobby Holloway are behind them in their endeavors. We try to base these funds on the needs of graduating seniors and students interested in continuing their education,” said Herring.
Personal interviews were omitted both in 2020 and 2021, due to the pandemic, a tradition Herring says she is eager to reinstate when possible, emphasizing the amazing experience in talking with the youth face to face regarding their future plans.
The 2021 college scholarship donors include Angles Hair Salon, Bert’s Bar, Centennial Bank, Chuck’s Auto Repair, Dynamic South, Fruitscapes, Greater Pine Island Water Association, Honc Industries, Cove Systems, Chris & Malte Sallstrom, Pine Island Plumbing, Pine Island Realty, Soaring Eagle, Susan McGuire & Jim Downer, White Boot Seafood Company, Disaster Medical Solutions, John Runner, as well as a large group of Kiwanis members.