Five high school seniors who are committing to teaching in Lee County will have two years of college tuition paid for through the Superintendent’s Florida Prepaid Tuition Scholarship. The scholarships are worth an estimated $8,000.
“I am beyond grateful for this opportunity presented by the School District of Lee County,” said Zoelis Vargas. She completed the Principles of Teaching Academy courses at Lehigh Senior High School in three years instead of the usual four. She’s interned in a kindergarten class at Tortuga Preserve Elementary and a finance class at Lehigh Senior.
“Being in two completely different classroom environments has helped me better understand how teachers incorporate their teaching styles to meet the needs of different age groups,” Zoelis said. “After I graduate high school, I plan on becoming a substitute teacher so I can further my experience in the classroom while attending FSW and completing their online early education program.”
Wren Palmer will become a fourth-generation teacher when she leads her own classroom in Lee County. The Fort Myers High School senior says she will use her two-year scholarship to attend Florida Gulf Coast University.
“My family members have all taught in Lee County at different schools, and their dedication has inspired me to follow the same path,” Wren said. “Growing up around education helped me develop a real love for teaching and helping students learn. I also love Lee County and hope to build my future here, including raising a family in the same community that has meant so much to my family.”
Through an agreement with Florida Prepaid, Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin is able to offer these $8,000 scholarships. Applications were made available to students in the Principles of Teaching Academies and Early Childhood Education Academies to help the School District develop future educators. District administrators reviewed and scored the applications to award as many as five students.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to accept this prestigious scholarship,” Riverdale’s Kaitlyn Goebel said. “Throughout my life, I have dreamed of becoming an educator worthy of the title. I have imagined my classroom from floor to ceiling with the hope that I could someday make it a reality. But more importantly, I have looked into the eyes of children that I was able to help. I saw the excitement and the joy on their faces as they figured out something new thanks to the guidance I passed onto them. I will never forget those looks, and I can only hope I get the privilege to see more.”
Daniela Olmos is focused on early childhood education and child development. She helps to lead activities at Fort Myers High School’s Little Wave program. She has earned her Child Development Associate Certificate through 120 clock hours of professional education and 480 hours of professional work experience in a center-based, approved setting.
“I am pursuing teaching because I enjoy helping children learn and grow, and I want to make a positive difference in their lives,” said Daniela Olmos. “I have always been passionate about working with kids and supporting their development academically and emotionally. I am committed to teaching in Lee County because it is my community, and I want to give back by helping students succeed and feel supported in school.”
Early elementary special education is scholarship recipient Jaylynn Lusk’s focus. She is finishing her second term as President of the Best Buddies Club at Riverdale High School and regularly reads to special education classes at River Hall Elementary.
“Lee County is my home and where I grew up going to school,” Jaylynn said. “I want to be a teacher so every student can feel like my classroom is home. I want to make inclusion the new normal and make sure my students always know I am proud of them and there for them every step of the way.”
The School District's Talent Acquisition team will track the five scholarship recipients through their college education. They will be offered teaching positions as soon as they receive their degree.