VERO BEACH — At what has annually become one of the most highly anticipated events for graduating high school seniors, 58 exemplary students were awarded scholarships at the Dollars for Scholars of Indian River County 47th Annual Awards Ceremony, held this year in the Waxlax Performing Arts Center at Saint Edward’s School.
Scholarship representatives, sponsors, board members and volunteers gathered at a pre-ceremony reception to mingle with excited students who would soon be heading on to 21 colleges and universities in nine states.
Board member and 1967 scholarship recipient Patti Gibbons enthusiastically promoted the new Dollars for Scholars Alumni Association she has formed.
“We need younger people to belong to Dollars for Scholars,” said Gibbons. “We want the Alumni Association to be a networking base, to have activities, raise funds and give back to the community. It’s free right now to belong, but we will be having events. It’s remarkable the number of people who are still around.”
“Emily was a recipient in 1997; 30 years after I was,” added Gibbons of daughter Emily Gibbons. “She was a Richardson Scholarship winner. She was smarter than I was; still is!”
“It’s a good organization; it really is,” said 2008 recipient Pat Colly, eagerly signing up for the new alumni group.
Last year, David Schuble former pastor of the Faith Apostolic Church of Vero Beach, donated monies raised by the sale of the church building and contents to be used for scholarships. As a result of their largess, five students would receive David M. Schuble Family Scholarships, and six would receive Faith Stewardship Scholarships.
“We never have enough money, but because of their generosity, we’ve been better able to meet the need,” said DFS board member Gaye Ludwig. “The need is a huge number just for one year. If you think of doing that for four years, the need is extraordinary. Florida schools are going up 15 percent a year, and Florida Bright Futures [funded through the Florida Lottery] is flat.”
Many of the scholarship recipients keep in touch with the people who enabled their educational advancement, during their active collage years and often many years later.
“My first kid from years ago texted me; he made me cry,” said Carol Fischman, showing the sweet thank-you note written by Darryl Lovett, a recipient of the Dr. and Mrs. Charles Fischman Family Scholarship. “He became like a member of the family. He now has his Masters.”
At the ceremony, after introductions by Camilla Wainright, DFS executive director, the awards program got off to a stirring start with a harmonic rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, sung by Saint Edward’s School students Nicki Puskar and Sean Barry.
DFS board president Vince Boyle introduced 2007 scholar Arthur Ausby who would give the Alumnus Address. A 2012 graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Ausby will leave soon for Indiana where he has accepted a position with Cummins Diesel.
Ausby advised the students to do as he did, by researching and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. He proudly spoke of working at the NASA Space Station, Northrup Grumman and Seaman’s Mechanical, where he was involved in building a tool for a turbine blade.
“They’re using that design right now, and it’s got my name attached to it,” said Ausby. “What I want to say to you is to take advantage of the scholarship you receive tonight. You will be amazed.”
The ceremony continued with parents and family members beaming with pride as the Class of 2012 Scholars made their way up to the stage to accept scholarships from donors who are helping to make their scholastic dreams come true.
Since 1965, Dollars for Scholars has awarded more than $8.1 million in scholarships, all privately funded by individuals, organizations and businesses, to 2,559 students in Indian River County.
