news release

An extraordinary group of ten high school seniors received scholarships from the Kiwanis Club of Vero Beach during its weekly luncheon at the Vero Beach Yacht Club.  Al Sammartino, Chair of the Scholarship Committee, remarked: “This is the largest, most talented, and accomplished group of young people we have awarded in years.  The depth and breadth of their achievements are remarkable.”  

The award winners:

Anabelle Amato – Indian River Charter High School – President of Kiwanis Key Club – University of Central Florida, Environmental Engineering

Olivia Diaz – Vero Beach High School – President of the Student Government – University of Chicago, Political Science

Audry Dowdell – Indian River Charter High School – President of the National Honor Society, Kiwanis Key Club Treasurer – University of Central Florida, Actuarial Science

Nicholas Gaughran – Vero Beach High School – Volunteer at Crossover Mission – University of Florida– Engineering

Sophia Hiushchenko – Indian River Charter School – Escaped from the occupied Ukraine, Kiwanis Key Club member – Elmhurst University – Website Design

Xana-Claire Jasmin – Indian River Charter School- multiple theater roles – University of North Florida, Pre-Medical

Jayden Peterson – Vero Beach High School – Volunteer Grill Master – South Carolina State University – Agriculture

Simon Schwartz – Vero Beach High School – theater technician, Kiwanis Key Club member – Georgia Institute of Technology, Aerospace Engineer

Alexandra Straley – Vero Beach High School – Vice-President of the Student Government – Florida Institute of Technology, Design Engineering 

Maggie Zhao – Vero Beach High School – piano and theater – Georgetown University, International Political Economics

Kiwanis Club of Vero Treasure Coast is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to helping children achieve their full potential. Founded in 1973, the Vero-based Club has enrolled thousands of students in local high school Key Clubs, middle school Builders’ Clubs, and elementary-level K-Clubs throughout Indian River County.   Through work projects as diverse as pulling weeds at Shining Light Garden to building handicap ramps for those in our community with special needs, children develop a work ethic, assume leadership roles, and learn the value of teamwork in getting the job done.

For information on how you can be involved, see our website:  www.verokiwanis.com