LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- It’s sometimes hard for high school seniors to decide where they want to go to college, how they’re going to pay for it, and which major they want to pursue. But for two Lee County students, they don’t have to worry about that.
It’s all thanks to a Golden Futures scholarship.
There was a special surprise for South Fort Myers High senior Will Holderfield on Wednesday, as he was awarded the Golden Futures scholarship from the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “I feel honestly amazed,” said Holderfield.
“This young man just rose to the top as somebody who always knew what he wanted to do, which is teach,” said Marshall Bower, president & CEO of Foundation for Lee County Public Schools.
The scholarship is a full ride to Florida Southwestern State College for teaching. “So many are coming out of school with huge debt, almost like a mortgage right off the bat; he won’t have to worry about that,” said Bower.
Plus, there’s a guaranteed job at Lee County School District after graduation. “This is a win-win- win for everybody. There’s a real need for teachers here in Lee County,” says Bower.
Lee County is short hundreds of teachers. “Answers a specific problem the school district has. We hope to keep growing it, so we grow our own,” said Bower.
Ida S. Baker High senior Kacie Dunn was also awarded the scholarship. “She presented herself in a very professional manner when she was doing the interview,” said Bower.
Kacie hopes to be a life skills teacher for autistic students, and Will wishes to be a social studies teacher.
“Both my dad and uncle were history teachers,” said Holderfield.
The foundation says they will continue to grow this program, as it’s a great opportunity for both students and the district.
