Four thousand eight hundred scholarships and counting...
Lee County
Lee County Awards Banquet 2011
The Lee County Awards Ceremony brought Carson Scholars from all over the state of Florida to Sanibel Harbor Marriott Resort & Spa on Saturday, April 16, 2011. The VIP reception was in the Island Room, reminiscent of a ‘widow’s walk’ with mostly windows instead of walls affording a gorgeous panoramic view of the area. Dr. Carson spoke of the history and vision of the Carson Scholars Fund and entertained questions as well.
The program began in the Everglades Ballroom with President and CEO of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Marshall Bower, Esq., who warmly welcomed everyone and enthusiastically acknowledged the family members and educators of the scholars, who were instrumental in the academic success of the student awardees. His introduction of Mistress of Ceremonies, Kellie Burns, NBC-2 News anchor, was humorously acknowledged.
Prior to the program, the Edison Park Chamber Group, 4th and 5th grade violinists and cellists, led by Margaret Montalvo Trunk, serenaded the crowd of 400 with classical music. Garbed in royal blue bowties and cumber buns, with white shirts and black slacks, the group of 12 was sharp, not only in their execution of the music, but in their appearance as well!
As 5th grader Cody Vagle from the same school (Edison Park) presented his unique a capella rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, we were awed by his musical maturity and full-bodied voice. Closing your eyes, you would think you were at American Idol! This young man may be small in stature, but his voice is gigantic. Cody performs at a dinner theater regularly and has sung for Prince Albert of Monaco!
Long time community leader Attorney John Sheppard gave the invocation. Known not only for his generosity, but for his poetic manner of expressing himself, we were reverently focused and the food was blessed.
Three-time Carson Scholar, Christopher Brice, of Diplomat Middle School, capably performed "Ballade Pour Adeline" on keyboard in tribute to the 31 repeat scholars and 54 first-time winners. This beautiful rendition was followed by a film clip of “Gifted Hands” aired over the 12' screens to help introduce the main speaker.
Bill Frey, community leader and spark plug for the Lee County Chapter of Carson Scholars, spoke of the importance of education and how "children are the future". His vision of providing scholarships in each of the 48 elementary schools of Lee County, Florida was realized 3 years ago through his generous philanthropy and dedication in seeing the vision come to fruition. The Lee County Florida Chapter of Carson Scholars has been flourishing ever since.
Dr. Carson, in his address, then shared his metamorphosis from class dummy to salutatorian, and how many dedicated educators encouraged him along the way. The perspective he gave on the founders of our nation with their views on fiscal responsibility was timely, and stimulated thoughts on developing solutions to the current economic crisis.
As Kellie called out each scholar’s name, they approached the stage, Dr. Carson placed the medals on them, Mrs. Carson couldn’t resist hugging each one, and Bill and Lorraine Frey presented them with their certificates.
Many supporters of the program were present, including Joan and Phil Rosenberg, John and Ellen Sheppard, Brenda and Dewey Tate, Linda and Bob Taylor, and William and Patricia Lamothe.
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Lee County Awards Banquet 2010
Click here to read about the Second Annual Lee County Chapter Carson Scholars Fund Awards Banquet. This wildly successful event was held on March 6th, 2010. The event was hosted by local newscaster Kellie Burns and featured keynote speaker Dr. Benjamin Carson.
Saturday, March 21st is a day that will go down in Carson Scholars Fund history as forty-eight of Lee County, Florida's "best and brightest" students were honored at the 1st Annual Carson Scholars Fund Awards Banquet. It was a day of pride for philanthropist Dr. Bill Frey and other community members as they saw their dream to bring the scholarship program to Lee County come to fruition. Their tireless efforts allowed every elementary school in Lee County the opportunity to recognize and reward one of their top students for their academic excellence and humanitarian efforts. The celebration began with News Anchor Kellie Burns welcoming the students and their guests. Edwitch Merisier, a singer, violinist and 2009 Carson Scholar performed the National Anthem. Dr. Frey and Lee County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. James Browder congratulated the students and encouraged them to be strong leaders in their schools. The ceremony concluded with Dr. Carson sharing his "THINK BIG" philosophy with the scholars.
The journey to bring the scholarship program to Lee County began months ago after Dr. Frey heard Dr. Carson speak at a conference. Inspired by his life story, Dr. Frey and other community members worked diligently to bring the scholarship program to Lee County. As a result, their efforts raised over $500,000, the largest single donation in Carson Scholars Fund history! The funding allowed every Lee County elementary school to have a Carson Scholar in 2009 and created 15 endowments with two additional endowments provided by Mr. and Mrs. John Sheppard and The John Aliese Price Foundation. Dr. Frey's work is not complete. His goal is to have all Lee County elementary schools endowed by the end of 2010.
The program began in the Everglades Ballroom with President and CEO of the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Marshall Bower, Esq., who warmly welcomed everyone and enthusiastically acknowledged the family members and educators of the scholars, who were instrumental in the academic success of the student awardees. His introduction of Mistress of Ceremonies, Kellie Burns, NBC-2 News anchor, was humorously acknowledged.
Prior to the program, the Edison Park Chamber Group, 4th and 5th grade violinists and cellists, led by Margaret Montalvo Trunk, serenaded the crowd of 400 with classical music. Garbed in royal blue bowties and cumber buns, with white shirts and black slacks, the group of 12 was sharp, not only in their execution of the music, but in their appearance as well!
As 5th grader Cody Vagle from the same school (Edison Park) presented his unique a capella rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, we were awed by his musical maturity and full-bodied voice. Closing your eyes, you would think you were at American Idol! This young man may be small in stature, but his voice is gigantic. Cody performs at a dinner theater regularly and has sung for Prince Albert of Monaco!
Long time community leader Attorney John Sheppard gave the invocation. Known not only for his generosity, but for his poetic manner of expressing himself, we were reverently focused and the food was blessed.
Three-time Carson Scholar, Christopher Brice, of Diplomat Middle School, capably performed "Ballade Pour Adeline" on keyboard in tribute to the 31 repeat scholars and 54 first-time winners. This beautiful rendition was followed by a film clip of “Gifted Hands” aired over the 12' screens to help introduce the main speaker.
Bill Frey, community leader and spark plug for the Lee County Chapter of Carson Scholars, spoke of the importance of education and how "children are the future". His vision of providing scholarships in each of the 48 elementary schools of Lee County, Florida was realized 3 years ago through his generous philanthropy and dedication in seeing the vision come to fruition. The Lee County Florida Chapter of Carson Scholars has been flourishing ever since.
Dr. Carson, in his address, then shared his metamorphosis from class dummy to salutatorian, and how many dedicated educators encouraged him along the way. The perspective he gave on the founders of our nation with their views on fiscal responsibility was timely, and stimulated thoughts on developing solutions to the current economic crisis.
As Kellie called out each scholar’s name, they approached the stage, Dr. Carson placed the medals on them, Mrs. Carson couldn’t resist hugging each one, and Bill and Lorraine Frey presented them with their certificates.
Many supporters of the program were present, including Joan and Phil Rosenberg, John and Ellen Sheppard, Brenda and Dewey Tate, Linda and Bob Taylor, and William and Patricia Lamothe.
__________________________________________________________________
Lee County Awards Banquet 2010
Click here to read about the Second Annual Lee County Chapter Carson Scholars Fund Awards Banquet. This wildly successful event was held on March 6th, 2010. The event was hosted by local newscaster Kellie Burns and featured keynote speaker Dr. Benjamin Carson.
Saturday, March 21st is a day that will go down in Carson Scholars Fund history as forty-eight of Lee County, Florida's "best and brightest" students were honored at the 1st Annual Carson Scholars Fund Awards Banquet. It was a day of pride for philanthropist Dr. Bill Frey and other community members as they saw their dream to bring the scholarship program to Lee County come to fruition. Their tireless efforts allowed every elementary school in Lee County the opportunity to recognize and reward one of their top students for their academic excellence and humanitarian efforts. The celebration began with News Anchor Kellie Burns welcoming the students and their guests. Edwitch Merisier, a singer, violinist and 2009 Carson Scholar performed the National Anthem. Dr. Frey and Lee County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. James Browder congratulated the students and encouraged them to be strong leaders in their schools. The ceremony concluded with Dr. Carson sharing his "THINK BIG" philosophy with the scholars.
The journey to bring the scholarship program to Lee County began months ago after Dr. Frey heard Dr. Carson speak at a conference. Inspired by his life story, Dr. Frey and other community members worked diligently to bring the scholarship program to Lee County. As a result, their efforts raised over $500,000, the largest single donation in Carson Scholars Fund history! The funding allowed every Lee County elementary school to have a Carson Scholar in 2009 and created 15 endowments with two additional endowments provided by Mr. and Mrs. John Sheppard and The John Aliese Price Foundation. Dr. Frey's work is not complete. His goal is to have all Lee County elementary schools endowed by the end of 2010.
