INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Five graduating seniors were presented college scholarships by the Democratic Women’s Club of Indian River County during ceremonies featuring guest speaker State Rep. Larry Lee Jr.
Awarded for excellence in academics, involvement in school activities and dedication to community service, the $1,000 grants went to Caitlyn Taylor, Jordan Vann, Rachel Horowitz, Briana Giovannone and Jamie Cass.
The five are considered the best and the brightest among dozens of DWC scholarship applicants from Sebastian River, Vero Beach, and Indian River Charter high schools. They were honored at a luncheon at the Vero Beach Country Club attended by their parents, grandparents and siblings.
Lee, first elected to the Florida House in 2012, discussed educational programs, initiatives and opportunities. A former teacher and coach, his continuing interest in education propelled him to seek a seat in Tallahassee, where he is an outspoken advocate for Florida’s students.
The annual scholarships, which have been funded and presented by the local Democratic Women’s Club for more than a quarter of a century, include the Albert and Josephine Gallo Scholarship initiated by longtime DWC member Jo Gallo and continued in her memory by her family. The endowment is presented to a student planning to study Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM).
This year’s Gallo Scholarship went to Caitlyn Taylor, a member of the Math team and Key Club, the commanding executive of the Air Force Junior ROTC, an outstanding athlete and a volunteer with several community organizations. She plans to major in pre-med at Vanderbilt University.
Scholarship recipient Jordan Vann is a dual enrollment student, earning credits at Indian River State College while a high school student. She also works part-time, is a competitive equestrian and is involved in school, church and community activities. She hopes to be a veterinarian and will attend the University of Florida.
Rachel Horowitz is president of the 2,800-student body, a delegate to Girls State, a member of the Math Team, a director of the Debate Club and captain of the girls varsity golf team. She is a Writing Fellow and a classical pianist and has accumulated more than 400 hours of volunteer service. She will attend Northwestern University.
Briana Giovannone is an Advanced Placement scholar, a member of the Reading Mentors Club and an accomplished musician with the marching, concert and jazz bands. She also serves as band secretary, dance marathon activities coordinator, and her church youth group secretary. She will major in psychology at Florida State University.
Jamie Cass is an award winning writer, a standout athlete, an Advanced Placement scholar, a member of the Photography Club, and a hospital volunteer. In addition to her academic, sports and community commitments, she works more than 30 hours a week at her retail job. She plans to attend New York University.
The five 2016 winners are all members of the National Honor Society and attend Vero Beach High School, where they will again be recognized by the Democratic Women’s Club during the school’s senior awards ceremonies.
The continuing success of the DWC scholarship program is the result of the club’s dedication to assisting future leaders. Committees are appointed each year to evaluate local applicants, secure financing and celebrate the winners.
This year’s group includes Barb Spelman, Pat O’Hara, Nancy Hernandez, Rayma Kreider, Sharyn Seiler, Linda MacDonald, Laura Copeland and Elsie Visel.
The Democratic Women’s Club hosts meetings and activities designed to stimulate an active interest in governmental affairs and provide a public forum for discussion of political matters. Information on the organization is available by contacting the membership chair at kathie773@msn.com.
