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 info@irscfoundation.org.
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.