The Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County celebrated its 60th annual Awards Ceremony at the Sebastian River High School Performing Arts Center.

Even the tumultuous weather of the evening couldn’t dampen the spirits of the recipients and their families, whose collective pride beamed brightly enough to light the auditorium.

Founded in 1965, the Scholarship Foundation has impacted the lives of 3,187 Indian River County students pursuing higher education, awarding $16.3 million in college scholarships based on financial need, academic achievement and community involvement.

“These young people represent the very best of Indian River County. Hardworking, resilient and full of promise,” said Scott Schwartz, SFIRC board president.

He added that the Scholarship Foundation is able to make an incredible impact because of the dedication and generosity of donors, volunteers, board members and the community. And, as a local scholarship recipient himself, Schwartz said he understands the impact it has when a community invests in its young people.

He reminded the students that the evening celebrated not just their own achievements, but those of their families as well.

“Behind each scholar is a network of support. Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, guardians, teachers, mentors, and loved ones who have nurtured and guided them along the way.

Your hard work and sacrifices, and your belief in them, are reflected in everything that we honor this evening,” said Schwartz.

“This is a celebration of hope and opportunity and the enduring power of education to transform lives.”

Guest speaker Dr. Cameron Dawson, a 2013 Vero Beach High School graduate and a recipient of the SFIRC’s David M. Schuble Family Scholarship, earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Florida State University in 2017 and his graduate degree in Optometry at Nova Southeastern in 2022.

Dawson returned to Vero Beach after graduating from college and now works for Treasure Coast Community Health and True Eye Experts of Vero Beach.

“I was a first-generation college student. I did all the right things in high school,” said Dawson, sharing that he played lacrosse, was active in high school clubs, took AP classes, worked part-time and did well in school.

“I told myself the next four years would be a piece of cake,” recalled Dawson. “Little did I know it was going to be vastly different than what I expected.”

He said his initial excitement about his newfound independence and adventure led to the realization that there was also a lack of familiarity and stability in a new environment. Dawson said he soon learned that he had to push himself out of his comfort zone in order to thrive.

“These next four years are probably going to be some of the best in your life,” Dawson advised this latest group of scholars.

“Enjoy your time, have fun, stay focused and study. If you ever need help, whether it’s academic, social or mental health counseling, everything is available to you at the universities, so take advantage of it.”

This year, the Scholarship Foundation awarded a total of $798,800 through 104 scholarships to 47 students, including three recipients currently in college and 11 high school seniors who will receive their AA this year.

The recipients will attend 22 colleges and universities in six states.

For more information, visit SFIndianRiver.org.