tcbusiness.com – Scholarship

Three IRSC students receive scholarships from Port St. Lucie Business Women

PSLBW Scholarship Committee Chair Carol Wyatt, President Jessica Parrish, Sherri Monds, Scholarship Development Coordinator/Student Success Services, IRSC

Since its inception in 1980, the Port St. Lucie Business Women has supported women in the advancement of their education at Indian River State College and in their careers. To date, the Business Women has donated more than $125,000 to the Indian River State College Foundation through its annual scholarship awards from money raised in the organization's Spring Fashion Show, assuring the future of more than 70 local women. Three outstanding students were chosen as this year's scholarship recipients.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women/Kay Schaeffer Memorial Scholarship is an annual award of $2,500 for tuition and books to a woman who plans to attend or is enrolled at Indian River State College. The Port St. Lucie Business Women's Scholarship also is an annual award of $2,500 for tuition and books to a female student who currently is pursuing a degree or certificate program at IRSC.

Jahiuka Lifhred is the recipient of the Port St. Lucie Business Women/Kay Schaeffer Memorial High School Scholarship. Lifhred plants to pursue an Associate of Arts degree, followed by a Bachelor of Arts. Her ultimate goal is to become a nurse practitioner or a surgeon. “I chose this career path because I’m passionate about helping others in need,” says Lifhred. She currently works at the performing arts company End It, a non-profit youth organization that provides education, inspiration, and positive alternatives utilizing the arts. While her goals are serious, Lifhred is quick to mention that she loves pizza, being goofy and the musical Hamilton.

Marline Destin-Chery has been awarded the Port St. Lucie Business Women/Kay Schaeffer Memorial Baccalaureate Scholarship. She is working towards completing her Bachelor of Arts to become a teacher in the St. Lucie County School District. “My biggest motivation is showing my 7-year-old son that anything is possible if you work hard at it,” says Destin-Chery. She works as a Pre-K paraprofessional assisting a teacher with a class of 4- and 5-year-old children. She loves to go camping and to the beach with her son, creating warm memories.

Peyton Santa has been awarded the Port St. Lucie Business Women/Kay Schaeffer Memorial Certificate or Degree Program Scholarship. She is working towards certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. Following attaining this goal, she plans to attend the IRSC Fire Academy and apply for a position in the St. Lucie County Fire District. Beyond this, Santa wants to receive firefighter paramedic training so that one day, she may rise to the position of Chief Fire Officer. “Serving in the United States Navy gave me both strength and confidence,” she says, traits that have served her well as a foundation for her lofty pursuits. Santa shares that she also is passionate about horses and hopes to run an equine rescue and rehabilitation facility. “I like to say at least three nice things to random strangers on a daily basis and brighten their day,” she adds.

Students may apply for scholarships starting November 1 through the IRSC online scholarship application portal. For more information contact Indian River State College at (772) 462-4786, or by e-mail at [email protected].

The Port St. Lucie Business Women is a 42-year-old, 501 (c) (6) non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting the interests of businesswomen and serving our community effectively. For more information, visit PSLBW.com. Follow their Facebook page for updates about events, programs and community involvement.

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email [email protected]

Oct. 10, 2022|

The impact of a scholarship award

Port St. Lucie Business Women member Pam Houghton, guest speaker Jessica Hooper, Esq., President Jessica Parrish, Scholarship Committee Chair Carol Wyatt

One of the Port St. Lucie Business Women’s champion causes has been to support women seeking to advance their education and ultimately, their careers at Indian River State College. Throughout the years, more than 70 women have benefitted from scholarship awards presented by the Port St. Lucie Business Women. One recipient, local lawyer Jessica Hooper of Michelle Goff Law Group (michellegofflaw.com), was one such winner who talked about what the scholarship meant to her at the Business Women’s August 18 meeting held at Tutto Fresco in St. Lucie West.

The Port St. Lucie Business Women’s scholarship, which Hooper received in 2009, along with other scholarships she was awarded, allowed her to graduate from college debt-free. This was a major feat, for attending law school often leaves one in debt of more than $100,000.

After graduating from Indian River State College with an Associate of Arts degree, where for the past four years she has been an adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice Department, Hooper received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Florida State University. In 2018, she graduated from Florida A&M University College of Law and was admitted to the bar in September 2019.

Hooper shared that she originally thought she would be a prosecutor. However, the loss of her father revealed the need for estate planning. “Not having your affairs in order can cause all sorts of problems,” said Hooper, “destroying families over squabbles about property distribution, or making tough medical decisions for a loved one.” Having an estate plan is necessary to avoid these pitfalls, and that is where she focuses her energy. “I know I can help people,” she says, guiding clients to have tough conversations. “It’s difficult to think about death, but having all your affairs in order is part of the legacy you leave.” She calls upon her skill as a college instructor when explaining issues to clients and answering their questions in a clear, detailed and compassionate manner.

Hooper’s legal practice areas include estate planning, probate and business law matters. She also is a licensed realtor within the State of Florida. She worked as an Attorney Advisor for the United States Business Administration and was a Supreme Court of Florida county court mediator. Contact her at [email protected] or by phone at 772-410-8683.

Every year the Port St. Lucie Business Women awards scholarships from money raised in the organization's spring Fashion Show. Plans are underway for the Business Women's next Fashion Show to be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club in Palm City. For 31 years, this event has been the organization's major fundraiser supporting its Community Action Grants & Awards to local non-profit agencies that work with women and children in our community and providing scholarships for women attending Indian River State College.

PSLBW Graphic

Aug. 22, 2022|

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Students were divided into four groups of two and were required […]

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First-year nursing students honored

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This story is distributed by Treasure Coast Business, tcbusiness.com, a […]

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Seven Martin Health associates awarded $1,000 scholarships

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IRSC student beneficiary of scholarship

PORT SAINT LUCIE — Dominion Investment Group recently awarded one $1,000 business scholarship to a local Indian River State College student. The award is intended to encourage area students to pursue college interests that might impact local business. Over the years Dominion has given away more than $50,000 in scholarship awards to local high […]

Jun. 30, 2015|