Marco Island Woman's Club Gives Record 88K in Scholarships

The Marco Island Woman’s Club set a record Wednesday, May 1, when they gave out a record $88,035 in scholarships to 26 deserving Marco Island students at the Island Country Club.

The annual scholarship luncheon is among the best events on Marco Island’s calendar each year as attendees get to hear some of the students’ back stories, which often stir emotions. This year was no exception.

The two biggest scholarships are the renewable $5,000 ($20,000 total) Evelyn McDowell and Verne Cabooris Scholarships. Elle Richardson was awarded the Evelyn McDowell Scholarship, and Joshua Dominguez won the Verne Cabooris Scholarship. Both seniors attend Marco Island Academy. Richardson will attend the University of Florida and Dominguez is headed to Florida Institute of Technology. 

"I faced a lot of challenges that have led me to draw this conclusion,” Richardson said. "I've always found the best way to face them is just with a smile. Optimism has always been a huge part of my personality. I've realized that the easiest way to go through hard times is believing that it gets better and working your butt off until it does. Something that has always stuck with me was a quote from my sailing instructor. He has said that in hard times and in storms, you can't change the wind, but you can adjust your sails. I plan to keep this mantra in mind as I attend the University of Florida for the summer semester. I'm planning on majoring in aerospace engineering, potentially double majoring in mechanical engineering. And if I really feel like it, maybe tacking on a business major, too. But we'll kind of figure that out as we cross that bridge." 

Dominguez stressed the importance of family in his heart-rending speech.

"MIA and the entire Marco Island community, for that matter, has been a real backbone for me in my high school career,” Dominguez said. "I have learned a great deal about overcoming adversity and just how important it is to embrace both the highs and the lows in life. I remember just how happy it makes me feel and accomplished when meeting new people at the community events I volunteer at. I also remember the tiring back-to-back 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM work shifts I'd have to take on school nights in order to save up money for college. Looking back at the positives, though, I have fostered relationships that will last me a lifetime. I've ingrained in myself a fierce work ethic. And I'm one step closer to being able to attend college. I made so many great memories and learned valuable lessons that will last me for the rest of my life. That being said, I'm now approaching the next chapter of my life, that being adulthood. Although I'm very passionate about my academic and career endeavors, I hope one thing above everything else is that being family. Ever since I can remember, I've always wanted a wife and a boatload of kids. Yeah, as I've always been very close with my mom, my dad, and my brother, I know just how important it is to have that strong family backbone. I have a lot I want to accomplish in life, like becoming an engineer, starting my own business, and changing the world for the better. But I know that I can't do this journey alone, nor do I want to. I dream of changing the world with my family by my side.”

Seven students are attending the University of Florida. UF was recently recognized as a New Ivy by Forbes. 

The Woman’s Club installed their new officers during the meeting: President Maureen Chodaba, Vice-President Karen Caster, Treasurer Sue Niebling, Assistant Treasurer Dawn Marceau, Recording Secretary Gwyn Steiner, Corresponding Secretary Anita Drake, and Advisor Sharyn Kampmeyer.

Marco Woman’s Club Scholarship Winners for 2024

Elle Richardson (MIA) – Evelyn McDowell Scholarship Recipient

$5,000 per year for four years **** (Year One) - University of Florida

Joshua Dominguez (MIA) – Verne Cabooris Scholarship Recipient (MIA) $5,000 per year for four years *** (Year One) - Florida Institute of Technology

Daniel Heekin (MIA) $4,000 for one year- University of Florida

Thomas Heekin (MIA) $4,000 for one year- University of Florida

Austin Hendrick (MIA) $4,000 for one year - University of Florida

Makayla Hendrick (MIA) $4,000 for one year - University of Florida

Celine Schauer (MIA) $4,000 for one year - University of Florida

Caelan Burt (Lely) $3,500 for one year - Texas Christian University

Gordon Davis (MIA) $3,500 for one year - Univ of Georgia in Athens

Michael Distel (Lely) $3,500 for one year - University of Central Florida

Colin Raymond (Lely) $3,500 for one year - Florida Atlantic University

Grant Tirrell (MIA) $2,735 for one year - University of Florida

Celina Alber (Lely) $2,000 for one year - Florida State University

Collette Combs (MIA) $2,000 for one year - Miami University

Laney Dunstan (Lely) $2,000 for one year - Florida State University

Isabella Kakaty (MIA) $2,000 for one year - Belmont University

Marlen Martinez-Hernandez (Lely) $2,000 for one year - Florida Gulf Coast University