Four Cape youths recognized for role in their community
Four children from Cape Coral and two from Fort Myers are among 2,000 across the United States honored by the Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship Program.
Kohl’s has locations throughout Lee County and the state of Florida. Ninety-five children in Florida were given $50 gift cards and recognition certificates from the store.
Winners from the Cape include: Rachel Barnes, 10; Brittany Kawa, 12; Tristan Miller, 13; and Reno Williams, 11. Fort Myers residents Sammielynn Zipperer, 10, and Brittany Idlette, 18, also earned the recognition.
The scholarship is open to children ranging in age from 6-18 who strive to make a difference in their communities. Each child is nominated by a teacher, parent or other member of the community over the age of 21.
“Essentially, the program is looking for kids that give back to the community and provide interesting or helpful volunteer service,” said Jen Johnson, spokesperson for Kohl’s.
She said a nominated child simply needs to show his or her dedication to the community, and that levels of volunteerism are not compared among nominees.
“We don’t expect 6-year-olds to do what 18-year-olds are doing,” Johnson said.
Kohl’s created the scholarship program in 2001. A third party reviews all of the applicants in the nomination process, she said.
The 95 Florida winners are automatically entered into the regional scholarship program, where they have the chance to earn a $1,000 scholarship for post-secondary education.
A total of 10 national winners will be chosen from the list of 194 regional recipients and will receive a $5,000 scholarship for college. Also $1,000 will be donated to the nonprofit of the winner’s choice.
Johnson said regional winners will be announced in mid-July. The national winners will be unveiled at the end of next month.
Kohl’s operates 1,022 stores in 49 states. According to department store officials, it is doling out $350,000 worth of scholarships in the summer of 2009.
“We are proud to recognize so many young kids that are volunteering to help benefit their communities,” said Julie Gardner, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Kohl’s.
For more information on the program or for a list of winners, visit: www.kohlskids.com.