- October 31, 2024
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Educators and community members came together this past week to celebrate the achievements of Flagler County's graduating seniors through the Flagler County Education Foundation’s 38th annual Senior Scholarship Program.
This year, the Ed Foundation’s Drive By and Surprise event was held on two nights: May 7 dedicated to Flagler Palm Coast High School seniors and May 8 for Matanzas High School seniors.
The first night began at FPC High School. “It was a symphony of anticipation and joy,” an Ed Foundation news release stated. “Caravans of cars adorned with balloons and pom poms wound their way through the streets. Educators and community members carefully placed yard signs at each stop and presented scholarship information to surprised (FPC) seniors and their families.”
The celebrations continued th next night with the second Drive By and Surprise event that began at Matanzas with educators and community members awarding Matanzas seniors.
“It was truly inspiring to witness the generosity of 57 organizations and individuals who, through their support, are shaping the futures of graduating seniors,” the press release stated.
A total of 186 scholarships were awarded for college-bound students and those pursuing trade school. Over 100 volunteers participated during the two nights, presenting scholarships, planting yard signs and congratulating the recipients and their families.
The Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis Club gave out 18 scholarships totaling $40,000, with the awards ranging from $500 to $8,000. Six were for technical study, two for education or media study, two for first responder study and eight were general scholarships. The education/media scholarships are new this year, honoring the late Dr. Richard Conkling, a long-time Kiwanian and educator.
The Brothers and Sisters of Flagler County, a group of retired educators, friends and family of former high school guidance counselor Carue Davis, created The Carue Kimberly Davis Scholarships this year. The initial winners of the award are FPC's Maxwell Lee and Matanzas’ Kymya Thompson and Phillip M. Congialos Jr.
The memorial scholarships recognize the dedication of Davis, who was a guidance counselor at both FPC and Matanzas high schools. “She will forever be known as a dedicated, loving and kind counselor who saw goodness in all the students she counseled,” organizers said.
“The Senior Scholarship Program is not just about the present,” the Ed Foundation release stated, “but about creating lasting memories and a legacy of support that will guide these seniors for years to come.”