Island students receive assistance to further education
In recent weeks, several island students seeking a higher education were awarded generous scholarships to assist in their endeavors. Two island groups recently presented awards to deserving students.
Each year, members of the Bobby Holloway Jr. Memorial Fund work tirelessly to raise money to benefit the island youth. In addition to providing funding for swimming lessons and sponsoring children for summer camp, the Bobby Board also selects students to receive scholarships. This year’s recipients are Jared Wentz, Francisco Castaneda, Joshua Cox, Kayla Baker, Brandi Schulte, Caleb Davis, Justin Uhl, Michael Marzella, Aaron Foster, Alexandra Honc, Samantha Mattson, James Maynard, Nick Maynard, Nichole Ingelido, and Tyler Marzella.
All told, 11 Pine Island students received assistance thanks to the Bobby Holloway Jr. Memorial Fund. The primary fund raiser sponsored by the Bobby Board is the annual Bobby Holloway Jr. Memorial Fishing Tournament which is held out of the Fisherman’s Co-op in St. James City each spring.
Earlier this month, the members of the Matlacha Hookers presented its Hooked on Education scholarships and after assessing funds, it was decided last week to present scholarships to an additional two students. Those students are Jared Wentz and Emily Varner.
Emily Varner, 17, is a Bokeelia residents and recently graduated from Mariner High School with a 4.16 grade point average. During her academic career, Emily has been bestowed with the Principal’s Award in 2010 as well as the Superintendent’s Award in 2011 and an honorable mention during Art Fest held in Fort Myers in 2011. She also served as a member in Key Club, the fencing club, astronomy club, the tennis club and is a member of the First Assembly West Youth Group. She is an accomplished piano player as well as an avid photographer. This fall, Emily will attend the University of South Florida and plans to double major in photography and communications.
“My dream is to work with the hurting and mentally ill,” Emily said. “I would like to work in Christian counselling. If it were not for my faith and art, I do not know where I would be today.”
Jared Wentz, 18, also resides in Bokeelia and is a graduate of Mariner High School with a 4.36 grade point average. Jared received academic awards from the Mariner High School Captain’s Table, received the Principal’s Award and the Superintendent’s Award. He also graduated with Summa Cum Laude Honors and was presented with the AP Scholar Award in 2010. While at Mariner, Jared was involved with the school’s Model United Nation’s Team and a member of the Academic Team, the A Team Challenge and the Mariner Astronomy Club. When not in school, Jared enjoys reading, fishing and hunting. Jared will be attending the University of Central Florida to major in engineering.
“I chose to attend UCF because it is arguably one of the best engineering schools in the state,” Jared said. “I chose the general field of engineering because it is something that has interested me me for years and seems to be an area of study that I will maintain my interests in so that I may make a lifetime career of it. I plan to minor, or perhaps double major in psychology. This is another field that I have an overwhelming fascination with.”
The two additional scholarships awarded by the Matlacha Hookers added to those presented last month total seven awards to deserving island students.