The college dreams of nine young women took a step toward fulfillment Saturday in a fairy tale setting at the Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers.
Backdropped by Cinderella’s castle and the princess’ pumpkin coach, the young women had a chance to come out in style at the Nation’s Association Charities Quinceanera, its second annual scholarship gala.
The night was as much a celebration of the girls’ accomplishments as promise of a brighter future, said Chuck West, associate director of Nations Association.
Judged by grade-point average, community service and abilities to enunciate life goals, the nine finalists were winnowed from a field of 50 girls who applied for the program.
“Each of these girls worked hard and showed what they could achieve,†West said.
“They spent six months going to classes, learning life skills that will help them, learning that they have to work to achieve their dreams.â€
Amid tuxedo-clad escorts, the nine young women swept across the dance floor, resplendent in long gowns and tiaras.
Any resemblance between these Lee County teens and a fairy tale princess was intentional, said the Rev. Israel Suarez, executive director of Nations Association and the architect of Saturday’s gala.
“So many people worked so hard to make this happen. FGCU, Hodges University, Southwest Florida College, the sponsors who paid for the girls’ gowns and tiaras,†Suarez said. “But no one worked as hard as these girls. They’re young women now. They know they’re going to succeed.â€
For Gateway Charter High School freshman Aniesha Rivero, six months of hard work translated into a four-year scholarship to Florida Gulf Coast University, a goal she and her family had believed was beyond their reach.
Now she said her dreams of becoming a pediatrician have a chance of coming true.
Ashlee Fason, 16, a junior at Lehigh Senior High School, received a scholarship for an associate’s degree at Hodges University. She said she would like to pursue a degree in early childhood education.
Other finalists were: Kirstie Dewitt, 16, a junior at North Fort Myers High School; Stephanie Erausquin, 16, Pace Center for Girls; Rachel Gonzalez, 15, Ida Baker High School sophomore; Esmeralda J. Hernandez, 15, a freshman at Gateway Charter High School; Michelle Liendo, 16, a sophomore at Riverdale High School; Sujeillys E. Ramos, 16, a junior at Ida S. Baker High School; and Angelie Vasquez, 15, a junior at Fort Myers High School.
All finalists will be eligible to receive a 50 percent scholarship at Southwest Florida College, said Eric Whitehouse, college representative.
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By ED JOHNSON
ejohnson@news-press.com
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