Honoring Achievement: Scholarship Awards Presentation Today
Recognizing Excellence
Each year, scholarships are awarded annually in May and are based on academic excellence, community service, leadership skills, and financial need. Applicants must be accepted to a Florida college or university or pursuing a post-secondary program at Charlotte Technical College. For the 2024-2025 school year, through our members dedication and fundraising, Punta Gorda Woman’s Club is awarding these 6 outstanding females, graduating from our three local high schools, a total of $10,000 in scholarships.
Empowered Futures: Laurie Mischell introduces Our Six Inspiring Scholarship Recipients
"Dreams take flight when women uplift each other. Congratulations to our scholarship recipients! 💛 #EmpoweredThroughEducation"
Sandy Bruce, Florida Southwestern Collegiate
Our first scholarship recipient is a graduate of Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School, Sandy Bruce. Sandy is graduating with a 4.6 GPA, is ranked 9th of 70 in her class, and has earned the college Dean’s List every semester she has been enrolled at Florida Southwestern. Besides earning valuable work experience, Sandy has completed an astounding 587 hours of community service. Her career goal is to become a nurse practitioner, and she hopes to work with nonprofit organizations that support individuals with limited healthcare.
We would also like to thank Sandy's counselor, Kristina Platt, for her support of our scholarship program.
Sierra Johnson, Charlotte Technical College
Our next scholarship recipient is a graduate of Charlotte Technical College, Sierra Johnson. Sierra is graduating with a 4.314 GPA and is ranked in the top 10% in her graduating class. She has clocked 72 community service hours and currently juggles her demanding academic schedule while working as a receptionist. Sierra has been accepted as a Full-Time Adult student at Charlotte Technical College in the Baking and Pastry program where she will fulfill her dream of becoming a baker.
Dezorae Pryce, Charlotte Technical College
Our second scholarship recipient from Charlotte Technical College is Dezorae Pryce. Dezorae is graduating with a 3.863 GPA. She currently works two part-time jobs and enjoys helping to cater events with her culinary class. Dezorae has been accepted as a Full-Time Adult student at Charlotte Technical College in the Culinary Arts program. Her goal is to become a chef and start her own catering business or food truck.
We would also like to thank Sierra's and Dezorae's counselor, Mary Tabri, for her support of our scholarship program.
Ava Hall, Charlotte High School
Our first scholarship recipient from Charlotte High School is Ava Hall. Ava has earned a 4.648 GPA and is ranked 2nd in her class of 445 students. With over 400 hours of community service, she also is a multi-sport Varsity athlete, President of National Honor Society and a leader in Student Government. She has a strong passion for science, as evidenced by being named a Sunshine State S.T.E.M. Scholar and aspires to become a pediatric surgeon.
Jaiden Halvorsen, Charlotte High School
Our second scholarship recipient from Charlotte High School is Jaiden Halvorsen. Jaiden has earned a 4.351 GPA and is ranked in the top 5% of her graduating class. She serves as an officer in both National Honor Society and Student Government. Jaiden has a love for athletics, as a multi-sport Varsity athlete, and volunteers her time as a student athletic trainer at school sports events. Her plans include earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy and eventually working as a Physical Therapist.
Jacey Jozefiak, Charlotte High School
Our final scholarship recipient from Charlotte High School is Jacey Jozefiak. Jacey has earned a 4.4 GPA and is ranked 12th in her class of 445 students. She has been actively involved in a wide variety of school activities from leadership in Student Government to performing in theatre, music and playing on the Varsity golf team. Her love of children is evidenced by logging 400 hours volunteering as a teacher assistant at Sallie Jones Elementary and pursuing her career goal in pediatric cardiology.
We would also like to thank Ava's, Jaiden's, and Jacey's counselor, Summer Nicklas, for her support of our scholarship program.
A Celebration Followed by a Feast: Lunch IS Served!
CATERED BY THE CHARLOTTE TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Charlotte Technical College offers a Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality program designed to prepare students for careers in the food service and hospitality industry. The program covers a wide range of skills, including:
- Food preparation and presentation for various cuisines
- Safe and sanitary work practices in professional kitchens
- Menu planning and cost control techniques
- Front-of-the-house and back-of-the-house operations
- Baking, pastry, and buffet food preparation
- Nutrition principles applied to cooking and baking
- Industry certifications to enhance employability
If interested, you can explore more details on their official website!
Charlotte Technical Collage
Our heartfelt thanks to the talented chefs and students of Charlotte Technical College’s Culinary Institute for their incredible catering. Their dedication, skill, and passion for the culinary arts made our gathering even more special. 🍽️✨ #ServedWithSkill
Exploring with GFWC Punta Gorda Woman's Club: A Photographic Journey
Celebrating Achievement & Embracing the Future
As we conclude this special occasion, we celebrate the bright futures of these remarkable young women. Today’s scholarship awards are more than just financial support—they are an investment in dreams, potential, and the power of education. The GFWC Punta Gorda Woman’s Club is honored to recognize the dedication and achievements of our recipients. We are inspired by their passion, resilience, and commitment to learning, and we know they will go on to make a meaningful impact in their communities.A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this possible—our members, donors, and supporters—who continue to believe in the importance of lifting up the next generation. Congratulations to our scholarship recipients! May your journey be filled with success and endless opportunities.
