NFMCA awarded scholarships to trio

Story by Chuck Ballaro

The North Fort Myers Civic Association has made going to college a little bit easier for three North Fort Myers teens

The organization awarded three $1,000 Mark Lipton Scholarships (named after the late director of the civic association who died in 2018) during its regular meeting in June, something the organization has done the past several years.

The recipients had to live in North Fort Myers to receive the award, but could attend a high school outside the area

This year ’s winners were Cosette Lipscomb, Madilyn Jacoby and Britton Deleacaes, for their excellence in the classroom and giving back to the community

Lipscomb, a graduate of Cape Coral High School, was very involved in school clubs, class treasurer and a member of the National Honor Society. She also scuba dives, volunteered more than 100 hours at the Harry Chapin Food Bank and is working toward a black belt in Taekwondo.

She will attend Florida International University where she will major in marine biology She was asked by Debra Ballard, who heads the scholarship committee to bring clean water back to Southwest Florida

“I’m very excited I think what the group does is great for the community and this scholarship will help me in my education,” said Lipscomb, who has received other scholarships as well.

Jacoby, a graduate of Mariner High School, took five AP classes such as calculus and engineering and design She also did an internship at Avalon Engineering and took every engineering course offered at the school She joined clubs like Mu Alpha Beta, Technology Student Association

Jacoby will attend Georgia Tech in the fall and major in civil engineering. She was very excited to earn the award because it would allow her to come home and bring the area into the future

“This is going to help me pay for college, learn and then come back and help my community,” said Jacoby, who has also received other scholarships. “Every little bit helps ”

Deleacaes, who did not attend the event, graduated from North Fort Myers High School, and would like to start a career as a marine mammal care specialist this summer She will attend the University of South Florida and major in marine biology and minor in psychology.

Deleacaes was a member of the color guard and her coach called her a role model and that she was a passionate and natural performer and driven to excellence

Ballard implored the recipients to return home after college, as their community needs them

“This is our future We have to nurture them, keep them and bring them back here to Lee County,” Ballard said. “We don’t want you to attend college and disappear.”