January 25, 2012
Westglades Middle School Student Wins Governor's Recognition Scholarship Essay Contest
And Four-Year Florida Prepaid College Foundation Scholarship
One Broward County Public Schools student's words will have an impact on her future. Kirthi Oleti of Westglades Middle School in Parkland, has been awarded one of three Governor's Recognition Scholarships. Kirthi received a four-year Florida Prepaid College Scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
Valued at approximately $16,000, the Florida Prepaid Scholarship covers four years of tuition and local fees at a Florida college or university of Kirthi's choosing. The Governor's Recognition Scholarship initiative began in 2006, using private donations, with the goal of providing a college scholarship to at least one child in each county in the state. It is granted annually to middle school students who compose outstanding essays on the legacy of a past Florida governor.
This year, seventh and eighth grade students in select counties were challenged with the prompt: "Choose one former governor of Florida and describe his most significant impact on the Sunshine State and your life today."
Kirthi writes about Governor Leroy Collins' legacy in establishing the state's first community colleges, stating that Governor Collins "accomplished many great things, but one of his greatest impacts on the entire [state]" was helping Floridians acquire a college education. She explains how community colleges offer a wonderful education but "are more affordable than regular universities." Kirthi concludes that because of Governor Collins' forward thinking the road to higher education "is not impossible" and she knows "college is the way to a better life."
"This scholarship contest encourages students to immerse themselves in our state's rich history," said Board Chairman Duane Ottenstroer. "It inspires them to learn about their past in preparation for their future."
The Foundation is a direct-support organization of the Florida Prepaid College Board, which operates Florida Prepaid College Plans, the largest and most successful prepaid college plan program in the nation. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than 30,350 scholarships, including Project STARS Scholarships supported by the State Legislature.
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