Scholarship Awards Programs
Education is at the heart of the Uncommon Friends Foundation mission. Scholarships help people of all ages, all socioeconomic groups and with all varieties of career goals realize their full potential by finding the right dream and pursuing it. Each award has multiple effects because recipients have demonstrated a commitment to helping others and because, with education, recipients will contribute to the economy and society. Some awards recognize demonstrated leadership and academic excellence. Other awards are for people with extraordinary potential who have overcome great obstacles and, via education, will move into the mainstream of the economy and society. Most Uncommon Friends scholarships are intended to assist with costs prior to a time when the student might qualify for other financial aid. Over thirty social service agencies and schools were invited to nominate candidates. Panels of citizens then evaluated nominations and selected recipients.
The scholarship program began with a generous gift from Mrs. Berne Davis in memory of her late husband, civic leader Sidney Davis, and she has made subsequent annual major gifts. Other donors will be recognized from the podium during the program. Every donor of a small gift or a large gift is helping to improve individual lives and, consequently, the community.
Florida Prepaid College Foundation Scholarships are awarded to ninth grade students who agree to complete their high school program free of drugs and crime and fulfill other scholarship conditions. 2008 recipients: Crystal Desarme, East Lee HS, Emanuel Otero, Mariner HS, and Auriel Williams, Fort Myers HS.
Eagle Scout Scholarships:
2008 recipients: Bradley Sissons, Troop 761, home schooled, Sean Berry, Troop 30, Evangelical Christian School, and Blake Waldron, Troop 77, Venice HS.
Edison College Single Parent Program Scholarships: 2008 recipients: Elizabeth Harris, Ebony Simmons, and Summer Walker.
Special Recognition Scholarships: 2008 recipients: Rachel Clifton, PACE Center for Girls, Elisa Huapilla, Immokalee HS, Stephanie Johnson, Lifeline Family Center, Melissa McPhee, Dunbar HS, Mary Meador, Barry U., Trudi O'Grady, Barry U., and Christian Pineda, Ida S. Baker HS.
High Tech Center Scholarships: 2008 recipients: Ana Maria Checa, Cape Coral HS, Mary Coe, PACE Center for Girls, Bridgette Crowe, High Tech North, Josefina Gonzalas, High Tech Central, Curtis Horton, High Tech Central, and Bradley McFee, Riverdale HS.
Rose Marie France Champion Teacher Scholarship: 2008 recipient: Evelyn Rivera, teacher at Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School.
The Uncommon Friends Foundation is honored to recognize and encourage these
individuals by helping them to receive their education. A sincere thank
you to all donors who make this program possible every year.