The air was charged with nervous excitement as 53 students gathered for what is always one of the most highly anticipated events for students eager to further their education – the annual Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County Awards Ceremony. This year 53 deserving students were awarded 94 scholarships totaling an impressive $536,100; the largest amount to date.
The Indian River Charter High School hosted this year’s 49th annual ceremony, which was held nearby at the Richardson Center on the Indian River State College’s Vero campus.
“Next year we’re celebrating our 50th year serving Indian River County students,” said board President Katy Block Faires, adding that more than $9.1 million has been awarded to 2,718 students over the past 49 years. “I love it when I see the kids that I interviewed for the scholarships show up on awards night. It gives me goose bumps.”
As the room quickly filled up, extra chairs were brought in to accommodate the growing crowd of students and family members, scholarship representatives, sponsors, donors, board members and volunteers. Each was ready to cheer on the recipients, who would soon be heading off to exciting new learning and life experiences at 16 colleges and universities in six states.
“This is an exciting time for all of us; students, parents and scholarship foundation supporters as you embark on a new journey in your life,” said Faires. “Those of you present tonight are some of the brightest and the best, who have excelled in your academics and extracurricular activities along with serving the community through your volunteer activities. We commend all of you for a job well done thus far; but your job is far from over.”
The Alumnus Address was presented by Darryl Lovett, 2000 recipient of the Dr. and Mrs. Charles Fischman Family Scholarship. A Vero Beach High School graduate, Lovett received a B.S. and M.S. in Recreation Management from Florida State University, where he is currently employed as Assistant Director, Campus Recreation.
“Fourteen years ago, I was sitting out there in the same seats and I had a lot of emotions. I was nervous, I was anxious and I was excited. And I was wondering what was next,” said Lovett, adding that as he wondered what he would have told himself 14 years ago to help guide him along the way, three things came to mind.
First, Lovett told his enthusiastic audience to embrace the moment and to embrace their support system.
“My freshman year, it was troubled times for me; being away from home and being a first-generation college student,” said Lovett, crediting his scholarship donor, Carol Fishman, with keeping him in check by calling regularly to see how he was doing.
Nest he advised the students to continue to grow holistically, in body, spirit and mind.
“If there’s ever a time that you don’t feel like you’re growing, go try something new; step out of your comfort zone,” he advised.
His third piece of advice was to “be a lighthouse.”
“When you’re done – when you’ve reached that place in your life – give back,” said Lovett, noting that the method of service was up to each individual. “If you’re going to be that lighthouse, let the light shine.”
The ceremony continued with parents and family members beaming with pride as the Class of 2014 Scholars made their way up to the front to accept scholarships from the donors who are helping to make their scholastic dreams of educational advancement a reality.
The Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County is entirely funded by individuals, organizations and businesses. Two and four-year scholarships generally range from $6,000 to $10,000; $20,000 for the prestigious Richardson and Jaffe four-year scholarships.
