Of 47 students named by The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools as 2012 Carson Scholars, six are from North Fort Myers as are three returning or "Recognized Scholars."
Each year, the foundation recognizes a select group of high-achieving students in fifth grade who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and humanitarian qualities.
Students receive a $1,000 college scholarship award and the honor of being named a Carson Scholar. In addition to the scholarship award, the selected students were honored at a banquet at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort.
World-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Carson was scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the award banquet held Saturday, accoriding to Marshall T. Bower, Esq., head of the foundation.
First Time Scholars from North Fort Myers include, (with biographies provided by Bower):
* Avital Gurvits
J. Colin
English Elementary
Avital loves to read, and she enjoys spending time reading to younger students so that they will love to read as well. She has earned the respect of her peers, and is a natural leader in the classroom. Outside of school she enjoys reading, arts and crafts, and playing the piano.
* Alanna Hause
Hancock Creek Elementary
According to her teachers, Alanna is an extraordinary student with a praiseworthy attitude toward learning. She is an excellent role model for her peers, and is often overheard encouraging other students to work to the best of their ability.
* Anthony Michaelessi
Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary
Anthony is a key member of his school's newspaper team, serving as editor, photographer, and writer. He is always looking for ways to improve his leadership skills, and is skilled at working in group situations. In the future, he hopes to become an attorney.
* Dylan Stewart
Bayshore Elementary School
Dylan is a thoughtful, honest, and fair student. Thanks to these traits, he was chosen to be a Peer Mediator at his school, and can be counted on to be trustworthy, understand conflicts, and negotiate reasonable solutions.
* Truman Wagner
North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts
Truman's teachers describe him as a true scholar. He reads far more than is required and is very aware of the world around him, giving him a broad base of knowledge. He is an accomplished violinist as well, and enjoys archery, swimming, and running.
* Somer Wheeler
Tropic Isles Elementary School
Somer's attitude towards volunteering can be summed up in one phrase - "Why not me?" She knows that certain tasks need to get done, and is ready to step up and be the one to complete them. This intrinsic motivation extends to her school work as well.
Recognized Scholars include Hailey Countryman, Trendon Dunn and Shane LeMaster, all from North Fort Myers.
