Pictured from the left are: Co-chairman Denise Chamberlain, Julie Nord, BWC President Michele Walter, Courtney Chananie, Giovanny Chery, Brianna Fahrer, Marvel Joseph and Co-chairman Donna Artes. Inset: Sebastien Edmond who was not at the luncheon.
by Barbara Erlichman
The Boynton Woman’s Club has again awarded scholarships to six high school seniors from local high schools. All residents of Boynton Beach, the recipients will attend a Florida college in the fall. There were far more applicants than available scholarships and, as usual, choosing the winners was extremely difficult. The students not only had to fulfill educational requirements, they also had to perform community service as well as participate in after-school activities. The final decision was based on grades, community service and other factors. This year the Boynton Woman’s Club Scholarship Committee has two new co-chairmen: Donna Artes and Denise Chamberlain. “We knew making choices would be tough, but it turned out to be even more difficult that we anticipated,” said Donna Artes. “We had almost 30 applicants, many of whom were outstanding. They had already decided on a career and were preparing for the future through their school work and community service. We were so impressed with them and are so pleased we can reward all their hard work with a scholarship.” Co-chairman Denise Chamberlain added, “As a former high school teacher, it’s a thrill to see what the kids are doing today.” This year’s scholarship winners are Courtney Chananie, Giovanny Chery, Brianna Fahrer, Marvel Joseph and Julie Nord.
Courtney Chananie attends Trinity Christian High School. She plans to attend Florida Gulf Coast University to study sports management and business. Always near the top of her class, she still managed to be captain of the Varsity Cheerleading team. She is also a key contributor to the school’s aftercare program, a leader in conducting spirit nights, athletic events and other fundraisers.
Giovanny Chery attends South Tech Academy but is also enrolled at Palm Beach State College where he is studying biochemistry. When he graduates in 18 months, he will attend the University of Central Florida. His goal is to become a trauma surgeon. Giovanny is in the Medical Sciences Academy at South Tech and does hands-on patient care at Humana in Wellington. He also works with disabled children at Royal Palm in a clinical rotation. Through his community service he continues to work with children with special needs.
Brianna Fahrer attends Park Vista High School. She plans to go to Florida Gulf Coast University and study biotechnology. Her goal is to do research and improve current products to make them safer. She is a student aide and has participated in a writer’s workshop. Brianna is on the school’s Honor Roll.
Marvel Joseph attends Boynton Beach High School. He will attend Florida State University. He plans to study electrical engineering and computer engineering as a double major and political science and business as a double minor. His future plans include attending a business school to obtain an MBA and eventually work as an investment banker. He is currently dual-enrolled at BBHS and at Palm Beach State College. He was a former varsity basketball co-captain and team player who helped take the varsity team to the regional tournament in the 2013-2014 season. In addition to his solid academic background, he is a devoted youth helper at his church where he not only tutors and coaches but also plays the piano.
Julie Nord also attends South Tech Academy. She has been accepted at University of Central Florida in Orlando where her major will be Early Childhood. She is a member of the National Honor Society as well as a member of the Student Government. In addition to maintaining her high grades, she also participates in planning school events. She has dedicated a lot of time to helping young children succeed and teaches students at Crosspointe Elementary School and Children’s Academy of Lake Worth.
Sebastien Edmond of Boynton Beach Community High School was selected to be this year’s sixth recipient. Sebastien has more than 1,000 community service hours, volunteering at such organizations as Five Thousand Role Models, Drug Free Youth In Town, Habitat for Humanity as well as being a lector for his church. In the top 10% of his graduating class, he has been accepted at both Florida Atlantic University and Florida A & M. His guidance counselor, Nadilia Charles, said, “He has challenged himself by enrolling in honors classes and has made the honor roll every marking period maintaing a 3.2 grade point average and a 3.4 honors point average. He always goes the extra mile. Carmen Rosas, a school counselor said of Sebastien, “He is a focused student who places high priority towards his academics. He is friendly, cheerful and takes initiative. No matter the task, he always follows through with a smile. He is sure to have a very successful future.” Sebastien is the son of Djemps and Sylvana Edmond. Boynton Woman’s Club members met all five of the six scholarship recipients at the club’s annual scholarship luncheon at the clubhouse.
More than 40 members and guests attended the member-provided pot luck lunch. In closing, BWC President Michele Walter, thanked everyone for coming and reminded members that the Boynton Woman’s Club’s Scholarship Program is funded in part through its scholarship raffle. “Our members were asked to offer 200 tickets to family and friends for a donation of $20 each in order to provide the scholarships and have the donors win something in the process. Our scholarship winners not only told us about their goals and achievements but also how much the scholarships mean to them. I’d like to thank everyone who bought a ticket and made these awards possible.”