Dierra Cox of Island Coast High School receives a $1,000 scholarship from non-profit Cape Coral for the Children. Cox will attend Florida A&M University this fall. PROVIDED
A Cape Coral based non-profit that has been working for more than a decade to lend a hand to children who are in need recently awarded its annual scholarships.
“Cape Coral for the Children,” a 501(c)(3) organization, over this month and last, distributed seven, $1,000 scholarships to Cape Coral high school seniors pursuing the next step in their educational journeys.
Scholarship winners included: Loretta Fields and Lesli Chavez of North Nicholas High School, who will both attend Fort Myers Technical College; Olivia Allen of Ida Baker High School who will attend Florida SouthWestern State College; Abbie Taylor of Cape Coral High School who will attend Florida Atlantic University; Diarra Cox of Island Coast High School who will attend Florida A&M University; Camden Lucas of Mariner High School who will attend the University of Central Florida; and Krystina Zavalaga of Cape Coral High School, who will attend Lynn University.
“To see the look on these kids’ faces when they get these scholarships is so fulfilling,” said Cape Coral for the Children Board Member Jeannie Ritzius. “Some of them come from really underprivileged homes. Being able to help these children is really rewarding.”
Cape Coral for the Children sought hard-working students who would really benefit from the scholarship, not necessarily ones that boasted a high GPA (though academics were taken into account). Applicants needed a letter of recommendation, a resume of their scholastic and extracurricular activities, and a written essay on their plans for the future.
Loretta Fields of North Nicholas High School receives a $1,000 scholarship from non-profit Cape Coral for the Children. Fields will attend Fort Myers Technical College this fall. PROVIDED
Ritzius said the gratitude shown by the scholarship recipients is amazing to see.
Lucas, who will pursue a degree in business with a focus on finance, wrote in a letter to the non-profit: “Words cannot fully convey my appreciation for the support you have provided me on my educational journey. Receiving this scholarship is not just a financial aid, but a testament to your belief in my potential and dedication to my academic pursuits. Your generosity has relieved a significant burden and allowed me to focus more on my studies and personal growth.”
Cape Coral for the Children was started in 2012 and founded by Julie Lombardi after hearing a 17-year-old’s story at a Do the Right Thing recognition. The teen lived day-to-day with the help of a friend, and slept at various homes when possible. His father was incarcerated, and his mother deceased. Despite his hardships, he maintained a 4.0 GPA while holding a job and was accepted into college.
The non-profit started out giving $500 scholarships, then to $700, and over the last few years, have been able to distribute seven, $1,000 scholarships to Cape Coral high school students who qualify.
To date, the organization has awarded more than $70,000 in scholarships.
Ritzius said these students have a drive to succeed and uplift themselves and their families.
“For the kids that really have to work for it, you don’t see a sense of entitlement,” she said. “When you see a child coming from a (economically challenged) background, that has the drive to do better, it is so rewarding to see that, because they’re breaking that chain. These kids want to do better. They’re encouraged to do better. Hopefully they sustain that drive with the help of these scholarships.”
Ritzius added it’s worth it for those who can, to help shape the future for local youth.
“The youth are our future,” she said. “And in this day and age, the way the economy is, it’s harder to go to college. And we’re starting to see some of the college enrollment decreasing, but we’re also starting to see some of the trade school enrollment increasing. We’ve awarded scholarships to kids going to trade schools, as well. That’s our future. If we don’t have people that are well-educated and able to sustain themselves, we could be in a sad state. So giving back to the youth of today is very important.”
According to the most recent information from the School District of Lee County, there are a total of 2,419 students identified under “Project ACCESS,” with 493 active in West Zone schools, which encompasses Cape Coral, Pine Island and much of North Fort Myers.
Cape Coral for the Children’s main fundraiser takes place each fall, as they put on a fashion show where all proceeds go towards funding scholarships. The charity organization is fully run by non-paid volunteers. Cape Coral for the Children also hosts a luncheon the second Wednesday of each month where participating establishments provide gift cards for the charity to raffle off at the fashion show.
This year’s annual Charity Fashion Show and Luncheon will take place on Oct. 19 at Palmetto Pine Country Club. Fashions are provided by Anthony’s Ladies Apparel. Special raffle prizes, gift baskets, cash raffle, and more will be available to attendees.
Tickets for the fashion show can be purchased in advance. Those interested in taking part in the monthly luncheons can stay up-to-date by sending an email to ccfclunchbunch@comcast.net.
For more information on Cape Coral for the Children, visit CapeCoralfortheChildren.org.
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