Two NFMHS seniors awarded Golden Futures Scholarships
Two students from North Fort Myers High School received a Foundation for Lee County Public Schools’ Golden Futures Scholarship.
“Receiving the Golden Futures Scholarship means a great deal to me,” Cayli Johnson said. “I am thrilled to pursue my degree in elementary education, so I am able to give back to the same community that poured into me as a child and student.”
The other recipient, Olivia King, will be attending Florida SouthWestern State College. Both are graduating seniors, who demonstrated a strong commitment to education.
“Both Cayli and Olivia represent the next generation of outstanding educators,” said Marshall T. Bower, president & CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, in a prepared statement. “The Foundation’s Golden Futures Scholarship helps to promote and inspire our students to pursue the most important profession in any community, teaching.”
The Golden Futures Scholarship stemmed from the foundation’s 2013 Golden Apple recipients to support the next generation of Lee County educators. The scholarship provides four-year financial assistance toward a bachelor’s degree in education as well as a mentorship and ongoing support through the foundation’s Academy of Teachers.
To qualify, students must attend a School District of Lee County public school, maintain a minimum of a 2.5 unweighted GPA, commit to becoming a future educator in Lee County, pursue an education degree at Florida SouthWestern State College or Florida Gulf Coast University, and agree to teach in the district for a minimum of four years following graduation.
Johnson heard about the scholarship through her school’s College and Career Specialist Andrew Pierre. She filled out the online application and was later chosen for an interview with the foundation.
“The scholarship will cover my full tuition, which gives me the opportunity to focus on my education, as well as supporting my career goals,” Johnson said of attending FGCU in the fall. “The mentorship that comes along with it will allow me to gain more knowledge and experience of the education field, while giving me person insight on what kind of educator I hope to become.”
She said she had zero plans of becoming a teacher, as she wanted to pursue a career in criminology until her 5-year-old brother was nervous about starting at a new school.
“I offered to volunteer inside his kindergarten classroom to ease his nerves,” Johnson said. “The heartwarming and welcoming class created by his teacher, Mrs. Peeling, inspired my passion for wanting to create a safe place for students. Volunteering changed my perspective on the education system and teaching as a whole. I am forever grateful for Mrs. Peeling and her kindergarten class for showing me kindness and the true impacts of a loving environment.”
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