Ringling College Library Association Town Hall Scholars Earn Scholarships

Fifteen high school seniors from Sarasota County public schools who took part in The Ringling College Library Association (RCLA) Town Hall Lecture Series were selected to receive a college scholarships from the Rosemary and Lou Oberndorf Town Hall Scholarship Fund in partnership with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County (CFSC) and the RCLA.

The students were among 80 public and private high school juniors and seniors sponsored by CFSC to attend one of the five RCLA 2012 evening lectures at the  as “RCLA Town Hall Scholars.”  

Their school principals based upon academics and community service selected participating students. Seniors were invited to submit a 900-word essay about their experience meeting Laura Bush, Roland Fryer, Steven Levitt, General Stanley McChrystal, and Bill O’Reilly from January to March 2012. 

The 15 top essayists, selected from 24 entrants, were each rewarded with a $2,000 college scholarship and were recognized at the School Board of Sarasota County meeting on Tuesday, May 15. Two students read excerpts from their essays.

Scholarships are awarded to:

• Kelli Ahles, Sarasota High;

• Jes Baldeweg-Rau, Riverview High;

• Christopher Colgan, Riverview High;

• Evelyn Doherty, Riverview High;

• Amy Gardi, Riverview High;

• Megan Hammerling, Sarasota High;

• Emma Lind, Pine View School;

• Cole Lyman, Riverview High;

• Thomas Marryott, Pine View School;

• Peter McClellan, Riverview High;

• Ryan McKinney, Pine View School;

• Gabriel Moskowitz, Venice High;

• Bailey Pecor, Riverview High;

• Thomas Richards, North Port High;

• Tanner Weigand, Sarasota High

“We’re so delighted to partner with our donors Rosemary and Lou Oberndorf, Ringling College Library Association and the school district on this wonderful scholarship program,” says Roxie Jerde, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

“Literacy, education and scholarships are a major part of our mission and this was a multi-dimensional way to engage these students and reward them for their efforts. Not only did they get the benefit of attending the outstanding lectures, they also get to carry that learning into their college experience. We are so happy to be on board to sponsor next year’s Town Hall Scholars as well.”

“Town Hall Scholars is a very special program,” said Town Hall 2012 Chair Kristine Nickel. “These high school students are selected for their interest and aptitude in current events and civics. They are ‘in training’ to be tomorrow’s leaders and RCLA is proud of the role we play in that process by exposing them to the thought leaders in our society and the world.”