- April 16, 2024
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The Palm Coast Elks Lodge 2709 recently presented a check of $2,000 to the Flagler County Free Clinic. The Elks hope to continue supporting the clinic in any way they can. The donation was made possible by a grant the lodge received from the Elks National Foundation.
DeMarco promoted to Master Chief
Raymond “Scott” DeMarco, son of Thomas De Marco, of Palm Coast, was promoted May 1 to Master Chief in the U.S. Navy. Having served over 26 years, and now eligible to complete 30 years of service, De Marco continues to serve his country. He is currently assigned to VFA 103, a squadron of F18 SuperHornets aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. His father being a Vietnam Veteran, and both his grandfathers Veterans of World War II shows the family’s continuous string of commitment to military service.
Pro surfer, open-heart surgery survivor graduates Columbia University
After becoming a pro surfer out of high school, Flagler Beach native Will Tant has spent most of his life hitting the waves. In 2011, Tant decided it was time to focus on his academic pursuits. Three years later, the 37-year-old surfer, model, philanthropist and open-heart surgery survivor graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Columbia University School of General Studies May 19 in New York City.
Tant, who was a Nautica model and spokesperson and a Fuel TV host, majored in religion and is also a member of the Columbia University School of General Studies Honor Society.
“Graduating from Columbia is a mountain-top type of experience,” Tant said. “This institution has allowed me to discover my intellectual strengths and has given me the confidence to pursue other careers that I would not have previously considered.”
While Tant excelled both on and off the board, his life was certainly not carefree. In 1998, not long after Tant was making waves on the professional surfing circuit, his brother Tommy passed away from Familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm — a life threatening disease that shows no symptoms. Ten years later, Tant, who now runs an annual surf classic in his brother’s name, found out that he too suffered from Familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms; a diagnosis ultimately causing him to leave professional surfing.
In the spring of 2013, during his junior year at Columbia, Tant underwent open-heart surgery to correct an aortic aneurysm, and thankfully made a full recovery. According to Columbia Dean Peter J. Awn, Tant only missed two weeks of classes after the surgery.
“It’s no surprise that Will would approach his recovery as he does everything, with perseverance, hard work and grace,” Awn said. “As a student, Will’s intellectual curiosity coupled with his passion and drive for learning make him a leader both inside and outside the classroom.”
After graduation, Tant plans to apply to graduate school.
Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority awards $8,000 in scholarships
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Chi Delta Omega Chapter continues to celebrate education by awarding eight college scholarships.
The sorority hosted a reception luncheon with friends and family of the scholarship recipients to celebrate their achievements. Each student exemplified high scholastic standards with GPA’s ranging 3.5 to 4.6 and dynamic community service.
The scholarship winners are as follows: Flagler Palm Coast High School: Yashauna Bosley, Yumalik Carey, Pedro Vega and Maria Zabala; and Matanzas High School: Rosie Basquin, Michelle Dominguez, Widline Guillaume, and Travis Thompson.
Since 2002, Chi Delta Omega Chapter has granted over $55,000 in scholarship funds to deserving students in Flagler and surrounding counties.
