Marco Scholars Shine

The Marco Island Woman’s Club (MIWC) Annual Scholarship Luncheon is an event where everyone feels pride. A collection of some of Marco Island’s finest students gave their audience reason to be proud Wednesday, May 3, at the Island Country Club. The scholarship winners delivered three-minute speeches that were alternately heartrending, inspiring, and intimate. The audience was clearly interested in what the students had to say, whether it was at their individual tables or from the dais. There was joyful conversation being shared between generations.

A record $92,000 in scholarships were awarded to Marco Island students from three area high schools. Marco Island Academy (MIA), a public charter high school, led the way with 10 awardees, Lely had three, and First Baptist Academy one.

The MIWC’s top two scholarships are the $24,000 Evelyn McDowell Scholarship and the $20,000 Verne Cabooris Scholarship. Kathryn Barry was awarded the Evelyn McDowell scholarship and Anthony Grossi the Verne Cabooris scholarship. Both are students at MIA, though Grossi told the audience that many people at the school might not recognize him.

"I spent the majority of my high school career taking college courses,” Anthony Grossi said. "The funny thing is, out of the eight semesters I spent at Marco Island Academy, I only took classes for three semesters, so they didn't see me around very much, but they know my name.”

Grossi began dual enrollment during his sophomore year, which happened to be the COVID year. 

"My father wanted me to take virtual classes,” Grossi said. "I started taking Florida Southwestern classes online at home, and from that point, I solely focused on filling my college requirements early while still working towards my high school diploma. Many people ask how we do it. And I always say the same thing. I just find it interesting. Let's be completely honest. Whether it be physics, chemistry or biology, I found a deep love for my understanding of the universe and being appreciative of the fact that I live in such a complex system of natural processes that continue to unfold with each passing moment. I couldn't feel satisfied with just being good with my education, and instead, I pushed myself to explore more and more to make the most out of the potential I always knew I had. I believe it is my passion for knowledge that defines who I am.”

Grossi receives $20,000 over four years.  He plans to attend the University of Miami, where he will pursue a pre-med track to study neuroscience.

Kathryn Barry was awarded the inaugural Evelyn McDowell Scholarship. McDowell was a Marco Island Woman’s Club member since 1984. Her bequeathal to the MIWC Education Foundation supports the club’s effort to provide scholarships for deserving Marco Island youth.

Barry delivered a polished speech where she detailed a two-year battle with a life-threatening immunological illness. 

"I spent the better part of two years in and out of hospitals across the country,” Barry said. "My entire body became swollen and my protein levels plummeted, including the proteins needed for clotting. This caused brain bleeds and even a coma. As my condition deteriorated, my days became consumed by tests and doctors. Thankfully, though, in the second year, thanks to the relentless work of my mother, Kim, we had a breakthrough during my recovery.”

Barry went on to become one of Marco Island Academy’s top student-athletes. She finished her varsity basketball career as one of the school’s all-time best. And her “game” in the classroom is even stronger.

"I just want to perform medical research at the highest levels to impact this immunological suffering,” Barry said. "And to do this, I want to pursue a dual MD PhD. This education is going to take everything I have and then some over the next 12 years. Therefore, I am extremely grateful to be the first recipient of the Evelyn McDowell Scholarship.”

Barry will be attending Rice University.

Marco Island Woman’s Club Scholarship Awardees:

Kathryn Barry, MIA, $24,000, Rice University

McKenna Broxson, Lely, $4,000, UCF

Taylor Drott, MIA, $3,000, Flagler College

Anthony Grossi, MIA, 2023 Verne Cabooris Scholarship awardee, $20,000 over four years.

Benjamin Laird, Lely, $5,000, Florida State

Luis Jauregui, MIA, $2,000, Undecided on which college or university.

Cory Mendoza-Jauregui, MIA, $3,000, University of Florida

Charlize Noyes, MIA, $4,000, FAU

Easton Prodanov, FBA, $4,000, University of Florida

Caitlyn Raymond, Lely, $5,000, University of Miami

Caitlyn Sadofsky, MIA, $5,000, UCF

Shahzodbek Rahmonov, MIA, $2,000, FGCU

Lexi Smith, MIA, $2,000, University of Tampa

Zoie Swift, MIA, $2,000, Santa Fe College

Renewable Scholarship Awardees:

Grace Fields, $2,000, University of Hartford, CT.

Joey Puell, $3,000, University of Florida,

Jasmin Schauer, $2,000, University of Florida