24 receive Bobby Holloway Memorial Fund scholarships
The 17th annual Bobby Holloway Memorial Fishing Tournament was held last March to raise funds for the youth of Pine Island. Last Tuesday night, the group awarded scholarships to 24 island students.
“This year we’ve raised more than we have ever raised before,” Holloway Foundation treasurer Elsie Stearns said. “And this year we will partner with Sawyer Smith and once again with Edison Big Snook that brought so much to this year’s tournament.”
“This is the 12th year of our scholarship program, and our 17th tournament,” Ralph Herring, vice president, said. “We had lots of applicants and they all were very impressive. We always say the same thing, ‘The checks aren’t big enough,’ but we are building a stronger foundation and the checks will be bigger in the future.
“We support all continuing education, not just college,” Herring said. “Whether you’re going to college or a vocational-technical school, we are here to support you. So, don’t forget to apply next year if you’re going to a vocational school.”
“We do a lot of things besides scholarships,” Stearns said. “There isn’t a child on the island that hasn’t been touched by the Holloway. We would also like to have more children involved in Little League because even if the family can’t afford it, ‘Bobby’ will write the check. Every child on the island should have swimming lessons because ‘Bobby’ will write the check.”
On Bobby Holloway’s birthday, Oct. 16, the Holloway Foundation is planning an event entitled “F.A.N.S. of the Bobby” to raise money to fund academics and nurture sports activities.
“We’re also planning a Home Run Derby to get more parents and children involved in Little League,” director Derrick Stearns said.
The group praised all those who applied for scholarships.
“We are all very proud of all of those that entered,” Elsie Stearns said. “We have 16 of the 24 here tonight. Congratulations to all of you.”
Each of the 16 winners was presented with a check.
“This means a lot to me,” recipient Monica Ditch said. “This means I don’t have to work as hard while studying. My major is marine sciences at the University of Florida as a sophomore and some day I hope to work in fish management to help places like Pine Island.”
Garret Bryan, another scholarship recipient, is attending FGCU.
“This means so much because I’m working two jobs and this helps out a lot,” he said. “I thank the people of Pine island who support this and so many other programs.”
“I am really lucky to have this help,” fellow scholarships recipient Ryan Robertson said. “I couldn’t really go to college without the help I’ve received from Pine Island. I’m really thankful for all of the help.”
Those wishing to contribute to the Holloway scholarship fund can visit the website at: www.hollowaytourney.org, or mail donations to “Bobby Holloway Memorial Fund,” P.O. Box 712, St. James City, FL 33956.