- November 12, 2024
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A nursing school textbook could cost $500 or more.
That’s why students like Sjondi George, a junior attending the University of South Florida who will be buying those textbooks soon, were feeling extra grateful on Aug. 3.
The Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key awarded $63,000 in scholarships this year. Students, their families and Kiwanis Club members gathered for the annual scholarship breakfast at the Harbourside Ballroom of the Longboat Key Club.
Although not all 33 recipients were in attendance, the ones that were took turns accepting their scholarship and thanking the Kiwanis Club. More than 100 students applied for the scholarships, Susan Phillips, chairwoman of the Scholarship Committee, said.
One of the hardest parts, Phillips said, is drawing that line when you have 100 applicants. She is astounded when she thinks about how smart and involved the applicants are, which came across in her speech.
"We’re not giving you anything,” she told the recipients. “You have earned this.”
For some students, like Emily Waikem, the scholarship means getting through dental school.
For others, like Caroline Jungels, it means going to graduate school. But overall, it takes away part of the financial burden many college students bear.
“It means less debt for us and knowing we had the support of the community behind us,” Ryan Jungels said.