While it’s been another tough year for students everywhere, 31 deserving Indian River County students have been given a boost in their education through scholarships awarded by the Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County. The Class of 2021 includes four students who are dual enrollment, graduating with an AA degree from Indian River State College, and six who are already attending college.
“All of these students are truly amazing and have a high expectation for achieving their goals and what they will do in the future,” said Camilla Wainright, Scholarship Foundation executive director, during a virtual version of their 56th annual Awards Ceremony.
The award presentations were made by board members who, prior to each presentation, provided a brief narrative about the enduring generosity of the Legacy, Memorial, Honorary and Community Sponsored scholarships, established by individuals cognizant of the importance of a good education.
“I think it’s everybody on the board’s favorite night of the year,” said board president Susan Chenault.
She noted that the 31 students would be awarded 76 scholarships, for a total of $531,850. The cumulative total since the nonprofit’s founding in 1965 is now more than $13.4 million in scholarships to 3,025 local students.
Chenault introduced guest speaker Jennifer Asselin, who spoke via video, adding: “Her story is terrific, and we’re really thrilled to be able to share it with you.”
A 2016 Richardson Scholarship awardee, Asselin graduated as valedictorian from Indian River Charter High School before going on to graduate magna cum laude with a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from Clemson University in just 3 1/2 years. She is now an officer at the United States Naval Reactors in Washington, D.C., supporting all new, existing and future ships in the Nuclear Navy.
Asselin shared that while she had chosen Clemson University after thorough research and many college tours, she never would have been able to afford attending on her own.
“The Scholarship Foundation bridged the gap that I needed to make attending Clemson financially viable,” said Asselin. In addition to academics, she was active in numerous campus activities and, of course, cheered on the Clemson Tigers at football games.
“The Richardson Scholarship gave me the opportunity to collect all of these experiences and more to put on my resume. Without the help of the Scholarship Foundation, I truly don’t think I would have had the opportunities I’ve had so far. I’m truly thankful and I hope that my story shows how much of an impact this can make on the life of a student.”
“Wow, Jennifer is just an amazing young woman. As you can see from what she talked about, she’s very well accomplished, she’s giving back to her community and she is all about being very well rounded,” said Wainright.
Wainright explained that scholarship awards are based on the students’ need, how much scholarship money they’re getting from other sources, and how well they have prepared themselves to succeed in college, adding that many were receiving multiple awards.
“Over the past 56 years we are extremely fortunate to have had many generous individuals, businesses, local organizations and foundations who have supported our organization and helped us accomplish what we have in support of Indian River County students and families,” said Wainright.
“Among tonight’s award winners are those who competed for our most prestigious award, the Richardson Scholar Award,” said board member Gaye Ludwig. She noted that it was established by Dan and Marjorie Richardson in the 1960s to “inspire, ignite and support college-bound students who attain the highest levels of academic, leadership and service excellence.”
To be considered, she said, applicants must demonstrate financial need as well as excellence in academia, community service and leadership through supplemental essays and personal recommendations detailing their qualifications.
“Each year we have many, many applicants who compete for this award, and this year was no different,” said Ludwig, noting that six applicants had been chosen as finalists. “These six represent the brightest and the best students in our community and we congratulate them.”
She announced that three of the finalists, Alexander Charest from Vero Beach High School, and Saint Edward’s seniors Sophia Tripodi and Alejandro Wang, were receiving William S. Youngman Scholarship Awards.
“It makes my heart happy to be here with all of you to celebrate your accomplishments, hard work and future dreams. We are also blessed to live in this community, where people really care about each other and are so generous,” said Nancy Richardson Luther. She advised the recipients to “always be kind to one another. That simple act of kindness generates happiness in others but most of all it generates happiness in yourself. I wish you all well and enjoy your journey.”
She and her daughter, Kristin Luther Lockwood, presented the Richardson Scholar Awards to Saint Edward’s School senior Jack Kincus, Joshua Navarro from Indian River Charter High School, and Joseph Twomey from Sebastian River High School.
The Class of 2021 will attend 17 colleges and universities in six states.
Photos provided
