INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Lucy Gomez became the first recipient of the Dede Ashby scholarship awarded to a teen enrolled in Youth Guidance. She received a $1,200 college scholarship awarded at Parent Engagement Night on May 14, during an evening of celebration and recognition that includes children, parents, mentors and staff.
Dede Ashby and her family were there to present the scholarship, which was created by her daughter Laurie Connelly, and son Trey Higdon.
“We wanted a lasting way to recognize our mom, and all she has done for children over the years,” said Mrs. Connelly. “We’d like to get all of our family members involved and have the amount of the scholarship grow each year.”
Members of the Ashby, Connelly, and Higdon families were on hand to present the scholarship, as was Gomez’s family. She will be attending Indian River State College in the fall, and then complete her degree at one of Florida’s Universities.
As the past president of the Youth Guidance Excel Club (a youth Exchange Club) and a leader in organizing community service projects for her peers, Gomez is off to a great start, and able to choose a future that matches her unbridled potential.
