If the last year was an exam on whether the pursuit of academic dreams could be accomplished in the face of the unimaginable, every student – and their families – passed with flying colors. Scholars of all ages have endured struggle after struggle and earned an A+ in discovering opportunities to advance their studies as well as their careers. There wasn’t a study guide for these future community leaders to refer to while the education landscape was redrawn in 2020. Personal innovation and community support are two of the most important tools area students are wielding to seize opportunities during a challenging time.

I think of student leaders like Amber Patrick, a single mother of two young boys with dreams of entering the medical field. After a Fall resurgence of COVID-19 led to an unexpected job furlough, Amber was reconsidering plans to continue her education through the spring semester at the State College of Florida, where she was pursuing a pre-med track. With an increasingly uncertain financial situation, she applied for an adult scholarship at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. With a single click on the submit button, Amber became eligible for more than 40 different scholarship opportunities.  

Ultimately Amber was awarded support from the Edward K. Roberts Scholarship Fund, which was created in 2009 as a resource to support single mothers wishing to pursue higher education or academic enrichment. Thanks to this vital assistance, she is able to enter her spring semester with the support of the community behind her.

In a thank you letter that touched our hearts, Amber shared her desire to “one day follow in this donor’s footsteps and give back to the community that has given so much to me.”

Amber’s is one of 173 lives touched by an Adult Scholarship awarded by our Community Foundation in 2020 alone, assistance totaling more than $350,000 to empower adults ages 24 and older to attend universities, community colleges, technical schools, or certification programs.

But by no means does her story stand alone. As our extraordinary volunteer committee members discovered, the painful hardships brought on by the global pandemic combined with the altered economy, education is the new path many adults are charting in 2021. Along with a sharp increase in adult scholarship applications of nearly 40%, we recognized more than half of this year’s awardees plan to study nursing, reflecting a growing national trend of increased demand for healthcare professionals.

Our community has long recognized that investing in a student’s journey can enrich our region in so many ways for generations to come. Over the years, donor by donor, 87 scholarship funds have been entrusted to the Community Foundation, each with its own unique vision for bringing about a brighter future for students of all ages. The next opportunity for high school and college students will open later this month with our Traditional Scholarship Program, which accepts applications for students under 24 years of age living in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte or DeSoto counties.

Let’s face it: No amount of test preparation could have prepared us for the last year, and the same could be said for the year ahead. Although we may have passed the midterm exam, class is still in session with plenty of learning to be amassed.  Despite the odds, our students are finding opportunities to continue innovating and creating the future, all to improve the lives of their families and of those around them. And that alone merits an A+ for effort.

Roxie Jerde is President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

January is a celebratory time of year--a time of happy holidays, season’s greetings, and joyful toasts to an auspicious new year.

We like new beginnings at the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. After all, our focus is on preparing future generations to step confidently into their college and career paths.

Now, at the threshold of 2021, we can look in the rear-view window and acknowledge that the past year of the coronavirus pandemic has been incredibly difficult, yet equally promising, in different ways for so many people. 

This is particularly the case for our teachers who have experienced more than their fair share of ups and downs. There is no better time than now to celebrate them.

In addition to the usual traditions marking the turning of the calendar page, this time of year traditionally marks our annual Teacher of the Year celebration.

The COVID-19 safety protocols may have disrupted our usual large celebrations but witnessing the recent reality has elevated our appreciation for and support of our teachers.

On that point, it gives me great pleasure to recognize the four finalists for Sarasota County Teacher of the Year:

• Kari Johnson, kindergarten teacher, Fruitville Elementary School;
• Samantha Miller, design teacher, Sarasota Military Academy Prep;
• Emily O’BrienSwope, fifth grade ELA teacher, Alta Vista Elementary School;
• Becky Satterly, math teacher and dropout prevention coordinator, Booker High School.

One of these professionals will be named district Teacher of the Year at a virtual celebration scheduled for Jan. 21, 2021. More information as to how to participate is available at EdFoundationSRQ.org/IgniteAwards

Leading up to their selection, it was my pleasure to participate in interviews with various teachers of the year from different district schools. The interviews served to increase my appreciation for what teachers provide each and every student.

Even in the midst of the most unexpected and tiring school year imaginable, our teachers demonstrated they are part of a common cause helping to build up our community.

One after the other told the interview team they felt lucky to be a teacher because they got to be part of a student’s success.

They didn’t bemoan the circumstances in which they are required to teach in this odd year. Instead, they told us why they still have the joy of teaching.

One fifth-grade teacher said, “When you’re living day to day and watching these children grow, it’s unlike anything else.”

A kindergarten teacher said, “I hope the community sees that teachers are putting all they have into doing the best they can for the students.”

From another teacher, we heard: “In this weird year we just go with the kids. No point in getting down because that would make them down too.”

Undoubtedly, teachers are important and what they do in the classroom is unique. We invite the community, businesses and individuals to join us on Jan. 21 for Ignite Education: An Awards Celebration Honoring Sarasota County Teachers by registering here: EdFoundationSRQ.org/IgniteAwards

Many creative ways exist to say to teachers “thank you” and “you are valuable” not just on Jan. 21 but throughout the year. We challenge our resourceful community to develop and share their favorite ways to recognize and celebrate our community’s dedicated, talented asset—our teachers.

Jennifer Vigne is President and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Photo: Becky Satterly, Booker High School, is honored as Sarasota County High School Teacher of the Year.

As Vice Chair of Selby Gardens’ Board of Trustees and a close neighbor, I am passionate about Selby Gardens. Mr. Bill Furst’s claim that there is no scientific or educational work happening at Selby Gardens is baffling, considering Selby Gardens is a Smithsonian Affiliate and is world-renowned for the study of air plants, while hosting hundreds of educational lectures and classes for all ages. As far as I know, he has refused to do his due diligence to truly learn about and understand the research and educational work that Selby Gardens does. Instead, he appears to have relied on hearsay from a few individuals who oppose Selby Gardens and their perception of how it operates.

At face value it may seem that Mr. Furst is simply doing his job; but if that were the case, he surely would be holding Selby Gardens to the same tax standards he has applied to similar nonprofits, such as Mote Marine Aquarium. If his desire to tax 100% of Selby Gardens’ property is allowed to stand, it will have significant implications for all nonprofits in Sarasota, nonprofits across the state, as well as worldwide plant science and conservation. I invite Mr. Furst and his attorneys to visit Selby Gardens to learn about the important scientific and educational work that happens there daily. Until he makes that visit and seeks to truly understand our mission, I can’t see how he can be impartial and fair, a key responsibility of his oath as a public official.

Marianne McComb is vice chairwoman of the Marie Selby Botanical Garden Board of Trustees. 

Photo: A scientist works in Selby Gardens' molecular lab.

Sue King, a retired schoolteacher, takes her talents out of the classroom and into the gardens. 

Click here to read the full article from SRQ's December 2020 edition.