Kudos!

That’s what I’m talkin’about!
Charlotte County’s Winners: All sortsa’ Jazzed!

Congratulations!
James Navan, a 2008 graduate of Port Charlotte High School, and Jessica Hart, a 2008 graduate of Charlotte High School, are this year’s recipients of Charlotte County Jazz Society’s jazz scholarship. Navan plays the oboe and piano, having contributed his musical talent to both PCHS’s wind ensemble and jazz band. He also sang with the Enharmonics, the school’s honor chorus. Navan plans to attend University of Central Florida this fall, where he will major in jazz piano. Hart plays bass guitar, guitar, piano and cello. She was a member of the Charlotte High Marching Band as well as the school’s championship jazz band. Hart plans to attend Manatee Community College and then University of South Florida, where she will major in music and art.

Helping Children
Penny Deutsch, chair of the Florida Local Advocacy Council for Area 15, joined the Board of Directors for the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida. Deutsch possesses an extensive background in child neglect and abuse prevention and will be a great asset to all the children and families who receive help through the Children’s Network.

 

New Board Members for Scouts
The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. installed newly elected members of their Board of Directors and rededicated its current members at their annual meeting on April 19. The newly elected officers of the board include Linda Getzen, president; Susan Atherton, first vice president; Ann Carrasquillo, second vice president; Nancy Gorski, treasurer; Beverly Duff, secretary and Sandy Stewart, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. Among the 22 additional board members, six hail from Charlotte County: Mary Disher, Cecelia Hill, Patrice Weston, Vicki Wilkes, Linda Ezzell and Patricia Zuzolo.

Soccer Champs!
The girl’s soccer team at St. Charles Borromeo School won the Florida Gulf Coast Championship game on April 17. Congratulations to all the team members: Kate Mathis, Danielle Rioux, Melissa Monaco, Kirun Kadiwar, Adriana Riveria, Nicole Miller, Jacqueline Blanch, Kealey Keepers, Taylor Lindenberger, Stephanie Proux, Kristen Boyd, Jesse Hevia, Nicole Peet, Brooke Dooley and Katie Boyd.

 

Recognizing Good Deeds
Betsy Benac of Sarasota and Cecelia Hill of Punta Gorda were presented the President’s Merit Award of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. at the annual meeting of the council on April 19. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. is grateful for the dedication and passion demonstrated by these two women in serving girls on Florida’s Gulf coast.

 

 

Number One in the Country!
Lauren Schmeiske, 13, is the number one rider in the nation in the Marshall and Sterling Pony Medal Division, having placed first in nearly all her jumping competitions this year. This honor has earned her a spot in the National Finals this September, where Schmeiske and her pony, Valentine, hope to take home the grand prize. Schmeiske and her mother are looking for local sponsors to help cover the costs for entry fees, shipping expenses and lodging for this competition held in Saugerties, N.Y. “I promise to represent Charlotte County and every one of my sponsors with the best sportsmanship and horsemanship I am capable of,” Schmeiske said. Anyone wishing to contribute may call (941) 626-3622.