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(58) stories found containing 'scholarships'


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  • Costanzo Family Creates Scholarship Fund at Webber University

    Special to the News|Updated Sep 18, 2024

    Jessica Costanzo, an alumna and former Webber University volleyball player whose life was tragically cut short in a car accident in 2014, has been honored by the naming of the school's volleyball court in her honor, as well as the creation of the Jessica Costanzo Scholarship Fund. The new scholarship fund will provide scholarships for graduating seniors from Venice (FL) High School, where Costanza graduated. A volleyball match on September 11 was preceded by a small reception...

  • Annual "Ready to Soar" School Supply Backpack Giveaway Happens August 17

    Special to the News|Updated Jul 28, 2024

    Polk State College is hosting its annual school supply giveaway event to provide students and families with support and resources as the new school year begins, including up to 500 backpacks and 1,500 books. Students and families are invited to attend Polk State College's "Ready to Soar" event August 17 at the JD Alexander Center in Lake Wales. The Center is located at 152 East. Central Avenue in Lake Wales. The event is open to the public and intended for students from...

  • GiveWell Grant to Benefit Dual-Enrollment Students at Local Schools, Webber University

    Ryan J Reis and Robert Connors|Updated Jul 18, 2024

    Dual-enrollment of Lake Wales Charter School students in STEM courses at Webber International University will result from a a $10,000 Impact Polk grant from the George W. Jenkins Fund within GiveWell Community Foundation. The grant will provide greater access to students pursuing careers as registered nurses or occupational therapy assistants, according to Dr. Nelson Marquez, President/CEO of Webber. STEM refers to concentrations in the areas of science, technology, engineerin...

  • Leigh Ann Wynn Named Executive Director of AdventHealth Foundation West Florida

    Special to the News|Updated Jan 24, 2024

    AdventHealth Foundation West Florida is delighted to announce the appointment of Leigh Ann Wynn as the new Executive Director for the Polk County region. As a seventh-generation Floridian hailing from Lake Wales, Wynn brings a deep connection to the community and a wealth of experience to her new role. Wynn, born and raised on her family's cattle ranch, embodies the spirit of Central Florida's agricultural roots. Graduating with a bachelor's in public relations and a minor in...

  • Polk State College Lake Wales to Host Open House January 25

    Madison Fantozzi|Updated Jan 16, 2024

    Polk State College invites prospective students, their families, and community members to an open house at the Polk State JD Alexander Center on January 25 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 152 E. Central Ave. in Lake Wales. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the Center's new Director, Von McGriff, as well as faculty and staff. Tours of the campus, assistance with admission and registration, and information about programs, financial aid, and scholarships will be available....

  • Passion for Health Care Led Local Physician to Create Shield Medical Group Clinic

    News Staff Report|Updated Dec 19, 2023

    A passion for helping people overcome health challenges and a will to reach as many in need as possible has led Dr. Kulmeet Kundlas to fulfilling his dreams in Lake Wales, even as he provides funds to educate the next generation of doctors. His work has also led him to fall in love with the community. Dr. Kundlas, a board-certified physician, operates the Shield Medical Group, a general medical practice on US 27. He came to Lake Wales directly from his residency at Cornell...

  • Historic Woman's Club Auditorium to Receive CRA Help

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Nov 29, 2023

    A CRA grant will help a local not-for-profit save an aging historic building that serves as an important civic space in downtown Lake Wales. The Lake Wales Woman's Club was awarded a $50,000 grant that will help the 100-year-old organization pay for a new roof for their auditorium at 275 East Park Avenue. The funds will also help remediate mold, according to CRA staff. The grant meets three of the goals cited in the Lake Wales Connected plan recommendations, Assistant City...

  • Ellen Jones Named to Stamps Scholars at Mercer University

    Special to the News|Updated Nov 29, 2023

    the prestigious Stamps Scholars program at Georgia's Mercer University has welcomed a local resident to the program. Mercer's newest Stamps Scholar class includes Ellen Rose Jones from Lake Wales. "Stamps Scholars are among the highest-achieving students at Mercer," said Dr. David A. Davis, director of University Honors. "Recent graduates have gone on to prestigious graduate programs and high-profile careers. We are excited to imagine the future for this cohort of scholars."...

  • Babson Park Marks 100th Anniversary of Woman's Club

    Saundra Roach and Lisa Hernandez|Updated Nov 11, 2023

    An anniversary worth noting is happening this month, as a local institution marks its 100th birthday. The Babson Park Woman's Club (BPWC) is a designated national historic landmark standing just across the street from Webber University. Established in the fall of 1923, the Babson Park Woman's Club turns 100-years old on November 16, 2023, marking a full century of significant contributions to the community and nation, ranging from local social activities to WWII bandage...

  • Lake Wales Woman's Club Has Big Impact on Community

    Special to the News|Updated Jun 8, 2023

    The outsized impact of a relatively small number of Lake Wales women continues to shape and improve the lives of Lake Wales residents. With only two dozen members, the GFWC Woman's Club of Lake Wales continues to be a dynamic contributing force within the community. Part of the international Greater Federation of Women's Clubs, the local organization has served the community for more than 100 years. Operating from their historic clubhouse and auditorium at 275 East Park...

  • Woman's Club Members Create Free "Prom Store" for High School Students

    Teka Collier, Special to the News|Updated Mar 29, 2023

    Dozens of Lake Wales High School students will be able to dress up and attend the annual Junior-Senior prom this year thanks to the work of a dedicated group of volunteers from the GFWC Woman's Club of Lake Wales. Club members held a grand opening Monday morning of their special, free "Prom Store" on the school campus where those needing the clothing could "shop" to fulfill their dreams. The members gathered prom dresses, suits, dress coats, ties, high heel shoes, men's dress...

  • Fiery Crash on Scenic Highway Claims Life of Frostproof Woman

    Christa Jones, News Correspondent|Updated Mar 22, 2023
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    A Tuesday night crash has claimed the life of a Frostproof woman as she left her place of employment at the popular Coop in Babson Park. 53-year-old Patricia Robarts of Frostproof left the parking lot and turned onto Waverly Road at about 11:30 pm driving a silver 2018 Kia Stinger. According to reports from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, she stopped at the intersection of Waverly and Scenic Hwy North and then began a left turn onto Scenic Highway. For unknown reasons, her...

  • Scholarships Offered By Elections Chief Lori Edwards to Area Students

    Rachel Harris, Community Services Director|Updated Jan 21, 2023

    Four $1,200 scholarships will be offered to Florida students in 2023 by Polk County Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards. Edwards has offered the scholarships each year for a number of years, part of her effort to encourage higher and engagement with government by Polk students. The scholarship will go to those currently enrolled in a senior college of university in Florida. Those students are typically not eligible for scholarships, which often go to those entering college...

  • KT'S Sunshine Foundation Brings BBQ and Music to Lake Wailes Park

    Special to the News|Updated Jan 20, 2023

    KT's Sunshine Foundation will host the Southern Sunshine BBQ & Music Festival this weekend in Lake Wailes Park, drawing thousands of fans for the fun, and the purpose. The festival was created in memory of "KT," a nursing student who died in a tragic traffic accident, In its short existence, KT's Sunshine Foundation has awarded $22,000 in scholarships to high school seniors interested in pursuing a medical degree, helped 9 families with funeral expenses, and donated $1,000 to...

  • Dyer Difference Award Recognizes KT's Sunshine Foundation

    Wendy Dwyer, Special to the News|Updated Jan 17, 2023

    Sometimes even pain and disaster can lead to blessings for others. Such was the result of the tragic death of 22 year-old Kaitlyn Kinard. Just as the rest of the world was going into lockdown in March, 2020, Kinard's family was falling apart for a completely different unexpected disaster. Kinard was killed in a car-crash involving a wrong-way driver, a crash which also critically injured the love of her life, Landon. A nursing student who was just about to graduate and begin...

  • Dr. King Observances Offer Full Schedule of Events in Lake Wales

    Special to the News|Updated Jan 13, 2023

    A full five days of events and celebrations will mark the annual The Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday holiday in Lake Wales. The local MLK Commemorative Committee has announced the the full schedule of activities for the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. Thursday January 12th: 6:00 P.M. at James P Austin Community Center, 315 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. A pot luck dinner is being sponsored by Unity in the Community entitled "Dessert First". Please come out...

  • KT Sunshine Festival is This Weekend in Lake Wailes Park

    Robert Connors, Managing Editor|Updated Dec 26, 2022

    The inspiration of a shortened life is raining sunshine on many others as a result of the efforts of local resident Ginny Castle. Castle, who's daughter KT died after being struck by a wrong-way driver, has inspired hundreds of others who give their time, money and effort to the KT Sunshine Foundation. The organization will hold its annual fundraising event, the KT Sunshine BBQ and Music Festival, this weekend in Lake Wailes Park. "KT was a bright, bubbly 22 year old ray of su...

  • Painting Raffle to Benefit AAUW Scholarship Fund

    Special to the News|Updated Oct 19, 2022

    A chance to win "Mediterranean Elegance", an original acrylic, painted and framed by the late artist Jane Fronappel, is being made available for a limited time by the Lake Wales Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). The shady haven that inspired this award-winning painting is El Retiro, formerly known as the Pinewood Estate, located at Bok Tower Gardens. This bucolic spot has been visited by thousands, yet remains a lovely, peaceful retreat, ripe for...

  • State Parks Offer Scholarships Through Junior Ranger Program

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Feb 16, 2022

    If your kids enjoy the outdoors, here's a great way to let them have fun, and perhaps win a college scholarship at the same time. Florida State Parks and the Florida Prepaid College program are partnering to encourage families to get outside and explore Florida's award-winning state parks through the Junior Ranger Program as well as prepare for their little ranger's future with a risk-free college savings plan. As part of the promotion, ten Florida children will receive a...

  • Elections Supervisor Lori Edwards Offering Scholarships

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Jan 21, 2022

    Polk County Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards announced today that the Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSE) will award four $1,200 scholarships to Florida students in 2022. Applicants must be: - Registered to vote in the State of Florida - Be a Citizen of the United States - Enrolled as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida - Majoring in Political Science/Public or Business Administration or Journalism/Mass Communications Applicants must also...

  • Thomas "Tom" Small, 1950-2021

    Whidden-McLean Funeral Home|Updated Dec 21, 2021

    Thomas "Tom" Small, age 71, passed away Wednesday, December 15, 2021. He was born May 14, 1950 in Bloomington, IL to Dwain & Marilyn Small. Tom's father was an educator and traveled around a lot. When Tom was around 10 years old, they lived in Carbondale, IL. It was there he was known as the Pinball Wizard. He would steal nickels from his mother purse and skip school to go to the local arcade where he played and beat high school and college students. Tom went to high school...

  • Thousands Turn Out to Herald Holidays, Welcome Santa

    News Staff|Updated Dec 16, 2021

    A dazzling display of lights greeted local residents Saturday evening for a mile of Central Avenue as a column of colorful floats, bands, and more than a thousand participants marked the approach of Christmas holidays. Christmas music filled the air as scores of walkers passed out candy treats to the thousands of spectators who lined the length of the broad street between Lakeshore Boulevard and the City Administration building. The Lake Wales Marching Highlanders and the...

  • Legoland Florida Employees Eligible for Polk State Scholarships

    Tom Paulson, City Editor|Updated Oct 29, 2021

    Want to attend Polk State College but struggling to afford it since you don't have a good job? Go to work at Legoland Florida Resort and you can accomplish both goals at once. As part of their new Building Higher Prepaid Scholarship Program, Legoland Florida Resort is extending their partnership with Polk State College. The program allows employees the opportunity to achieve employment with the resort and prepaid scholarships to the College. Legoland Florida is counting on...

  • Seal of the House of Representatives

    Congressman Darren Soto Accepting Nominations to Service Academies

    News.Net Staff|Updated Sep 23, 2021

    Applications to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, The US Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, the US Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the US Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, are due October 1. Congressman Darren Soto (FL-9) representing the Lake Wales area is eager to receive and review applications and select his nominees for appointment to the coveted scholarships. Members of Congress may nominate candidates...

  • Reaching Young Leaders of Tomorrow

    Mary Walkup, Contributing Writer|Updated Nov 11, 2020

    The world's current youth population (people aged 15-20) is around 1.8 billion. Most of this population has the potential to be great leaders, while only a small percentage of this population is encouraged to or provided the resources to learn and practice leadership. This stage of being a youth is when young people are still uncertain about what they like and what they don't. Their opinions are not firmly in place, revisited and revised due to their peers' influence and...

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