29th Annual Gigantic Nautical Market

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WELCOME TO THE SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA GIGANTIC NAUTICAL MARKET ENTERS 29TH YEAR Billed as the largest shopping event in the Florida Keys, 400 vendors in the boating and fishing, apparel, arts and crafts and decor worlds will spread throughout Founders Park for the two-day Keys Deck and Dock Supply’s Gigantic Nautical Market.

Don’t forget about the boat show with a beach, a food truck rally featuring some of the best fare, the mobile drink stations with ice-cold beers and seltzers, and the infamous Bloody Mary booths.

This year’s Gigantic Nautical Market — the signature fundraising event for the Upper Keys Rotary Foundation — is back and better than ever, with vendors from the Sunshine State and other parts of the U.S. descending on Founders Park in Islamorada on Saturday, Feb. 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25.

The 29th running of this event has a little bit of everything for adults and kids to explore, from the boat row to the beach where smells of tasty food will fill the air.

Find some unique ocean-themed crafts, premier fishing gear and more as you stroll through the vendor tents on the great lawn and along the walkway paths. The vendor list and map in this guide and the searchable vendor list at RotaryMarket.info will help you get the most out of your visit.

Presented by The Pool Spa Billiard Store, this shopping event, boat show and food truck rally raises money for local students to continue their education careers at

colleges and technical schools. Dollars from the event also go to graduating Coral Shores seniors who prepare for the next step in their educational journeys.

Flip through the program and read more than 30 testimonials from students who’ve excelled thanks to the financial help offered by the Upper Keys Rotary Foundation.

“We are excited to organize the largest shopping event of the year to Islamorada for the 29th time,” said Frank Derfler, Upper Keys Rotary president. “Our job is to bring the community together with the vendors so the students benefit.”

Since the event’s inception, the Upper Keys Rotary Foundation has presented more than $2.5 million in scholarships over three decades to an average of 80 to 90 students a year. The foundation also provides substantial support for Take Stock in Children.

“Our goal of this event is raising money to support scholarships for local kids pursuing an education after high school, whether through college, trade school or certification,” Derfler said. “We are unique in that we provide a much larger percentage of our awards to students already in higher education or technical training. Pro tip: the application forms for returning students are already available by visiting KeysRotary.org.”

Scan to view an interactive map.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: Founders Park, MM 87, bayside, Islamorada.

PARK HERE: Coral Shores High School, MM 89.9, oceanside. Shuttle runs continuously on both days. It’s the best way to get to the event. Last bus run is 5:15 p.m. on Saturday and 3:15 p.m. on Sunday.

ENTER HERE: Southwest end of the park at the fire station or the main entrance to Founders Park. Suggested admission is $5 for ages 17 and up (cash & credit cards accepted). Funds support scholarships!

FOOD: 16 food trucks and various drink stations await you inside the park.

Find them by visiting the map on pages 16-17.

Published MMXXIV

www.keysweekly.com

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Gigantic Nautical Market 2024

The Weekly Newspapers

Upper Keys Office

Key West Office

9709 Overseas Hwy. Marathon, FL. 33050 P. 305.743.0844

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P. 305.363.2957

ABOUT THIS ISSUE PUBLISHER Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

CONTENTS

EDITOR Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com LAYOUT DESIGN Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com DIRECTOR OF SALES Manuela Carrillo Mobley SALES & MARKETING Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com Oliver Allison oliver@keysweekly.com Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com Kiara Bush kiara@overseasmediagroup.com

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USEFUL TIPS

Ways to enjoy the event

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16-19

Clubs & volunteers bring positive change to community

Find the booths & beverages

READ ABOUT ROTARY

EVENT MAP & VENDOR LIST

DIGITAL DIRECTOR Gwen Filosa gwen@keysweekly.com AD DESIGN Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com CONTRIBUTORS Tiffany Duong Kellie Butler Farrell Ian Wilson

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TOP TEACHER

Local graduate returns to the classroom

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Local graduate Cathy Guinovart excels

Local grads discuss their school journeys

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

SUPPORTING STUDENTS

ON THE COVER: The Upper Keys Rotary Club’s 29th annual Gigantic Nautical Market brings hundreds of vendors and a boat show.

IAN WILSON/Keys Weekly

keysrotary.com

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Students from Coral Shores High School’s Interact Club welcome market attendees. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

The Rotary’s signature event involves the community and a “gigantic” investment in area youth.

Seeking some tips to navigate the aisles of vendors or where to find the food trucks, the boats, the ATMs or the bathrooms? We have you covered.

INSIDER INFORMATION TIPS FOR NAVIGATING THE BIG EVENT Thousands of visitors will make their way to Founders Park in Islamorada for the two-day Gigantic Nautical Market. Awaiting their arrival are hundreds of vendors and an army of Rotarians volunteering their time at the bus stops, the front gates and inside the park grounds.

In the past decade, the Upper Keys Rotary Club’s Gigantic Nautical Market has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships for high school seniors and college students who graduated from Coral Shores. In the last 28 months, direct benefits were paid to more than 20 colleges and universities to assist more than 180 local students.

In addition to direct benefits, the Upper Keys and Key Largo Rotary clubs distributed more than $80,000 to those in the Take Stock in Children mentorship program the past two years. The money is matched by the Florida Legislature and stays in Monroe County, guaranteeing middle and high school students a full college scholarship, as long as they stay in school and out of trouble while maintaining a C average. Breaking the cycle of poverty through education is the mission for Take Stock in Children, a nonprofit organization with a 25year history of providing scholarships and mentorship to income-eligible and at-risk youth in Monroe County.

Vendor booths feature countless nautical products. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

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Gigantic Nautical Market 2024

CASH OR CARD? Three ATMs are available at the front gate, at the front of the great lawn and near booth 130. Credit card readers will be available for those wishing to make a donation to the Rotary Club at the front gates or for those purchasing drinks at beverage booths.

DOGS WELCOME, BUT BLACKTOP IS HOT! Leashed dogs are welcome, but if the sun is shining on a hot day, know that the blacktop will be extremely hot for your furry friend’s paws.

BATHROOM HELP Porta potties are located throughout the park. The lavatory by the beach is usually busy. Try visiting the facility across from the tennis courts and at the front of the park across from the Chamber of Commerce building.

REFILLING WATER BOTTLES Find water stations at the tennis courts, restrooms near the amphitheater, aquatic center, pickleball courts, basketball court/soccer fields, outdoor fitness park and beach restroom.

INTERACTIVE MAP Visit RotaryMarket.info or flip to page 16-17.

Show special PRICING

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WHAT EXACTLY IS ROTARY? ROTARIANS HAVE THE ANSWER You may have several questions about the Gigantic Nautical Market as you retrieve this program and wander through the hundreds of vendor tents sprawled throughout the park. You may be asking yourself, “Where are the beverage booths?” Or, “Where’s my favorite vendor this year?” Those answers can be found in the middle of this program, where a detailed map and vendor list will guide you through the event. But there may also be the question: “What is Rotary?” And, “What does this event mean to Rotarians?” We figured we’d let fellow members of Rotary clubs in the Upper Keys answer that question.

STOP BY A MEETING Upper Keys Rotary Club / Every Tuesday at noon Capt. Craig’s Restaurant, Tavernier Key Largo Rotary Club / Every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m.

Playa Largo Resort, Key Largo Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club / Every first and third Monday at 6 p.m. Denny’s Restaurant, Key Largo

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Gigantic Nautical Market 2024

“To me, being a Rotarian means being part of a family that wants more for our community.

We are a group of people who raise vital funds and step up in times of need. Being a Rotarian is believing in effecting positive change and following Rotary’s 4-Way Test. It is helping our local youth achieve the dream of a college education. We are problem-solvers who believe in the motto ‘Service above Self.’ And as the Rotary theme states, we want to ‘create hope in the world.’

— Ashley Arrabal, Key Largo Rotary Club president.

“The Nautical Market is like a homecoming for our entire community. The coming event will be my 28th market I’ve attended and the 25th as a Rotarian. It’s much more than a Rotary fundraiser, it’s an Upper Keys tradition.

We have raised well over a million dollars for scholarships, which is why we do what we do!”

— Don Horton, Key Largo Rotary Club member.

“Rotary brings together people across generations who wish to create lasting change in the world, in their communities and in themselves.”

— Maria Jones, Upper Keys Rotary Club member.

“To me, being part of the Rotary means that I am part of a local and worldwide organization with the common goals of serving our community needs, empowering and educating our youth and promoting the good in life by putting ourselves second to the service to our community and citizens. Rotary is not just an organization, it is a family.

— Lt. Chuck Kellenberger, Upper Keys Rotary Club member.

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Camp Out Inc. 239 Camp Out Inc. 240 Can-N-Rod, Inc. 75 Carycastrodesigns 254 Castaway Coffee 288 CCA Florida, Keys Chapter 157 Chris Van Atta Photography 258 Coastal Angler Media 142 Coastal Creations GA 107 Coconut Critters 357 Coral Shores High School Drama Club 158 Cotner Offshore 355 Creatively Yours, Ivonne 337 CRUSHABLE HATS INC 42 Cudas Customs 214 Cutco Cutlery 93 D Daisys Dog Collars 166 Dan Keegan 58 Dan Keegan 59 Daniel Lopez 39 de la Vega Designs 319 Deadfishhook 215 DECKS AND DOCKS 113 DECKS AND DOCKS 114 Designer Specialties 264 Designer Specialties 265 Docking Products 311 Docktail Bar 36 Docktail Bar 37 Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Rescue (DPMMR) 137 Down South Patriot.com, LLC. 276 Down South Patriot.com, LLC. 277 E E-Searider Marine Bean Bags 296 E-Searider Marine Bean Bags 297 E-Searider Marine Bean Bags 298 E-Searider Marine Bean Bags 299 E-Searider Marine Bean Bags 300 Earth To Ocean 330 Easy Marine Services 163 Easy Marine Services 164 Elks Lodge Ladies Dolphin Tournament 132 Elks Lodge Ladies Dolphin Tournament 133 ELLESART 181 Erics Outboard Key Largo, LLC. & Dolphin Boats 3 Everglades Equipment Group 104 Everglades Equipment Group 105 Express Dek 251 Express Dek 252 Extreme Offshore /Billet USA 210 Extreme Offshore /Billet USA 211

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By Kellie Butler Farrell Like many others, Betancourt is a local success story, made possible through hard work and a community determined to see its young people thrive.

"We are one of the very, very few organizations that follow students all the way through to the end of their bachelor's degree or their certification in whatever their technical trade may be," said Frank Derfler, Upper Keys Rotary president.

The Upper Keys Rotary is one of three Rotary clubs in the Upper Keys. The clubs raise hundreds of thousands of dollars every year for local scholarships.

Evelyn Betancourt, center, is pictured in her chemistry lab at Coral Shores High School with shool administrators. CONTRIBUTED

GRADUATE RETURNS HOME SHE WAS RECENTLY NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR Evelyn Betancourt graduated from Coral Shores High School in 2016 and vowed she would never return.

"I said when I graduated that I was never coming back," joked Betancourt, who is now in her fourth year of teaching chemistry at her alma mater.

"I'm more surprised at how much I love it. I didn't think I would like it this much," added Betancourt.

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After high school, Betancourt went on to attend Florida International University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2020. Shortly after earning her degree, she learned her former chemistry teacher from Coral Shores High School was retiring. She was offered the job. Transitioning from the role of student to colleague was a bit awkward at first.

"I think the weirdest part was at first when I started calling my teachers by their first names," recalled Betancourt with a laugh.

Gigantic Nautical Market 2024

"We probably have more Rotarians per capita here in the Upper Keys than you'll find anywhere else in the world," added Derfler, who has been a Rotarian for 15 years.

The largest fundraiser for the Upper Keys Rotary is its signature annual Gigantic Nautical Market. The market brings in more than 300 vendors, spread out across all corners of Founders Park in Islamorada. This two-day event allows the Upper Keys Rotary to contribute nearly $200,000 in scholarships to students in the Florida Keys, including roughly $40,000 that will go to Monroe County's Take Stock in Children Program.

Take Stock in Children provides mentoring and college/career guidance to qualified sixth- to 12th-grade Monroe County public school students residing in low-income households.

Then it provides Florida

Prepaid college scholarships upon high school graduation.

Betancourt is a Take Stock in Children scholar and received three additional community scholarships upon her high school graduation. The scholarships allowed her a freedom many college graduates can only dream of.

"I have no student loans at all," said Betancourt. "I have colleagues that are 20, 30 years older than I am and they are still paying their student loans off," she added.

It's an investment in the next generation that continues to yield high returns.

Betancourt was named the 2023-2024 Coral Shores High School Teacher of the Year.

"It's still a little bit unbelievable because I work with pretty amazing people. The fact that my colleagues and my principal and my vice principal think that I'm teacher of the year material, it meant a lot," said Betancourt.

Betancourt encourages her students to embrace community service by volunteering to help during events like the Gigantic Nautical Market. The beloved chemistry teacher says it's not a hard sell because her students want to make their community a better place.

"I have incredible students. I feel I'm a little spoiled because all of my kids are very good kids and they try so hard. They're just incredible, so the fact that I get to teach them is one of the most rewarding things ever."

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By Tiffany Duong

’CHANGED MY WHOLE LIFE’ KEYS UPBRINGING SHAPED CONCH CATHY GUINOVART’S LIFE FOCUS

This is deeply influenced by her life in the Keys.

“My dad is a commercial spearfisherman,” she explained. “He spearfishes to put food on the table. He’s always done that. … I grew up going out on the boat with him every weekend; it was my favorite thing to do, and it structured how I appreciate the ocean.” With a huge grin, she admitted it’s still her favorite thing to do.

Catherine “Cathy” Guinovart’s infectious joy and enthusiasm for life are betrayed by her ever-present smile. The 28-year-old was born and raised in Key Largo, where she still lives.

Guinovart recalls the moment her life changed.

“I was in the seventh grade, and they called me into the principal’s office. They told me, if I followed simple rules, I’d be able to go to college,” she said. “I never imagined that.”

For over 20 years, the Take Stock in Children scholarship program, in which Guinovart participated, has aligned mentorship and college/career readiness with a Florida Prepaid tuition scholarship for four years of college, university or technical schooling. Scholars meet weekly with a volunteer mentor during the school year, participate in college/career readiness workshops and receive regular educational/career coaching from a Take Stock college success coach. Families must meet income requirements in order for their students to apply.

“I got to go to Costa Rica with Experiment in International Living and to California for LEAP. They brought us to colleges, gave us SAT tutors and challenged us to strive and grow. Then, they paid for me to go FIU, which changed my whole life,” she said.

“And, here I am.”

In designing her program, she thought about how the knowledge that people like her dad, who work on the ocean every day, hold isn’t accounted for in marine science. “We need to learn from them, too, so that those two worlds — environmental science and the rest of the world — can connect.”

Guinovart also received scholarships from the Commercial Fishing Association and Rotary Club. From there, “a snowball of opportunities” came from the community, she said. “Students like me, growing up in Newport Village (government housing in Key Largo), don’t normally get chances like these. It led me to want to give back through the work I did with FIU and the work I now do in Mexico.” Guinovart is currently pursuing a doctorate at her alma mater to rethink how we teach and learn science: can we do it in a way that is culturally relevant? Her project focuses on Mayan communities in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

As far as what’s next, Guinovart said, “Honestly, I never want to leave the Keys, but I am getting ready to move to Hawaii.” Those islands, she noted, are similar to ours in how people care about the place and each other — in how they’re connected to their place.

“My goal is to study how learning biology that is aligned with the language you speak growing up affects your relationship with culture and science itself,” she said. She interviewed primary school kids, as well as their teachers, parents and grandparents, to ascertain what matters to their community when they learn about place. She incorporates these values into her curriculum in Yucatec Maya, the indigenous language still spoken on the Yucatán Peninsula. Her ultimate goal is

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to foster more complete, holistic understanding of places.

Gigantic Nautical Market 2024

From top: Cathy Guinovart goes diving with her dad.

Cathy Guinovart enjoys a field trip to the Chacchoben archaeological site with her research team.

Cathy Guinovart, her dad and family friend Lorena.

CONTRIBUTED

“I’m excited to see what I can do to support people there with the work I am doing in culturally relevant biology,” she said. “I’ll be there maybe three years, but I will be back.

This is home. It’s always going to be home.”

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SCHOLARSHIPS FUND THE FUTURE LOCAL STUDENTS SHARE SUCCESSES Thousands of dollars raised from the annual Gigantic Nautical Market help fund local students’ continued education and training through a scholarship from the Upper Keys Rotary Club. Proceeds from the shopping extravaganza go not only to local high school graduates, but also students who are currently enrolled in college or technical school. More than 30 students attending colleges from Florida to New York to California checked in to provide an update on their academic adventures and what’s in store for them in terms of employment.

I currently study chemical engineering at Columbia University.

I graduate in May and am currently recruiting for jobs in the renewable energy industry. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Upper Keys Rotary for supporting my education the past four years. — Bernardo Burga

I am currently a junior attending Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. I will soon have a bachelor’s degree in aviation management science along with a minor in avionics line maintenance. I am also currently working at a local aircraft maintenance company, utilizing my airframe and powerplant certification while in school to gain priceless experience within my industry.

I love working with my hands and have always had a fascination with aircraft, so

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Gigantic Nautical Market 2024

this career path was the perfect choice for me. The Upper Keys Rotary Scholarship program has been a big help in my university experience. — Javier Hernandez

I'm a freshman at Harvey Mudd College, which is a STEMcentric school known for its exceptional return on investment.

I’m living in a dorm on campus in Claremont, California, and in addition to being a student, I am a recruited athlete for the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps swim and dive team. I wouldn't be here without the support and generosity of the Upper Keys Rotary supporting my athletic and academic journey and I greatly appreciate Upper Keys Rotary’s investment in me. — Corley Smith

I’m studying diagnostic medical sonography at the Kendall campus.

I’ve been doing great in school; it’s definitely a challenge in some of my classes but I manage to always do

great. I’ve been balancing work and school and everything is going well. Thank you to Mariners Hospital and the Upper Keys Rotary Club for your help! — Elizabeth Sanchez

I am an honors college student at Florida Gulf Coast University.

My major is child and youth studies, and I am pursuing the career of a pediatric occupational therapist.

I am involved in numerous clubs, such as the Ignite College Ministry, and Circle K International. In my free time, I am either volunteering in my career field, hanging with friends or at the gym. I am excited to begin searching for internships now. I appreciate the support from Upper Keys Rotary. — Kaitlyn Dickerson I am highly passionate about the field of health and wellness and currently enrolled as a senior at FGCU, majoring in health sciences. My academic pursuits are directed towards obtaining a graduate degree in nutrition, as I aspire to Continued on page 32

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become a certified nutrition specialist. The Upper Keys Rotary Scholarship program has been a great help to me. — Samantha Wright

I am currently attending Florida International University while majoring in hospitality management. Thanks to the Upper Keys Rotary, I am able to focus on my studies and immerse myself in organizations and activities. — Amy Leal My major is public relations and advertising; this is a career that I find extremely fascinating and will allow me to express my creative abilities. I absolutely love Miami, it's so fun, the food is amazing but my favorite part is that I'm close to my home, the Keys.

— Andrea Lopez I am currently attending Florida International University, majoring in biology with a pre-dental track. I have been focusing on my schoolwork and finding ways to learn more about becoming a dentist and learning about what it takes to be a dentist.

I appreciate the support the Upper Keys Rotary has given me and other students, allowing us to accomplish our dreams.

Rotary has given me the possibility to become an amazing dentist so that in the future I can help others smile confidently.

— Arlenis Pardo Perez

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Gigantic Nautical Market 2024

When I graduated from Coral Shores High School, I received a scholarship from the Upper Keys Rotary Club to continue my education. I earned my bachelor’s degree in business management from Florida International University and my geomatic engineering certificate from the University of Florida.

In 2023, I met the state requirements and earned my State of Florida Professional Surveyor and Mapper license. I currently work alongside my grandfather, David Massey, and mother, Anna Richards, at Massey Richards Surveying and Mapping in Islamorada. Every year we give back to the Gigantic Nautical Market by donating our time to lay out the design and stake all the vendor booths on site for the GNM. I will be onsite again this year the week before the event. See you there! — Cody Richards (Graduated)

I am about to enter my fifth semester at Florida State University and have loved every second since starting. I will be applying for the school of entrepreneurship after this spring to further my knowledge in business. I have already learned so much and can’t wait to apply it. Even though there’s no sandbars in Tallahassee, I still drive up with a smile knowing that I attend the greatest college in the nation. GO NOLES! — Brian Lesko I am currently finishing up my last semester of digital media production at Florida State University and will graduate in May 2024, a whole year ahead of schedule. I’ve spent most of my school year working on films, both in classes

and personally, which will aid me in future endeavors. I’ve also been interning with University Communications, helping to run FSU’s official social media pages. Additionally, I’ve kept busy by contributing to 333 Swim, a small business created by my sisters and I (stop by our booth at the Nautical Market). All in all, I’m looking forward to enjoying my last semester at Florida State while planning my future after graduating college. — Julie Powers In January 2022, I began my recreation internship at TradeWinds Island Grand Resort on St. Pete Beach. Since then I have transitioned to my position as recreation supervisor and marketing coordinator. I am currently pivoting to a new role in hotel security to expand my skill sets and gain experience that will allow me to better serve the hospitality industry. I am grateful for the support and opportunities my island community has given me to pursue my passion. — Paris Gasser (Graduated) I'm currently at FSU studying chemical engineering. I am very grateful for the scholarship awarded to me which I have used to sustain myself financially while achieving dean's list this past semester. I am currently pursuing several internships in Pennsylvania and Florida in chemical and nuclear engineering. — Robert Ets-Hokin

Continued on page 34

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I am a senior at Rollins College. I can’t believe the years have flown by and I’ll be graduating with a business management degree with a concentration in finance. At Rollins College I am an active member of the sailing team, and I am a sister of Alpha Omicron Pi. After I graduate, I will be attending Wake Forest University’s master of science in accountancy program.

I'm very excited for my move to North Carolina. I want to take this time to thank the Upper Keys Rotary Club for their continued scholarship support which helped me reach my academic goals. I am so grateful for all of your generosity over the past four years. The Keys is an amazing community and I’m blessed to be a part of it. — Emme Santayana

I am an alum of New College of Florida and I’m currently pursuing a Ph.D. in social psychology at Syracuse University under the mentorship of Dr. Sara E. Burke. I am also a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow and broadly research prejudice against various social groups, attitudes toward groups with intersecting identities and health disparities among stigmatized and non-stigmatized people.

After receiving my Ph.D., I will apply for faculty positions to become a professor of psychology. Because of the generosity of the Upper Keys Rotary Club, I was able to achieve a bachelor’s in psychology and follow my dreams in pursuing a Ph.D. and advancing research in my field. — Ben Valen

I’m currently studying nursing at Santa Fe College in Gainesville.

I moved to Gainesville in the summer of 2022 and have loved every minute of my time here. The people and atmosphere are absolutely wonderful and I’m so grateful to study under all of my mentors and professors. I’m also a part of the University of Florida gator marching band, and will be traveling to France this June to commemorate our troops who fought in Normandy for D-Day. Thanks to the Upper Keys Rotary for their help. — Rebecca Sheffield

I am a part of Greek life on campus; my sorority is Kappa Delta. I am applying to nursing school at UCF this semester.

My plan is to graduate with a nursing degree and continue my studies at a nurse practitioner school after graduation. — Alexis Kumar

Gigantic Nautical Market 2024

I am currently studying information technology with a focus on cybersecurity. Over my breaks, I have been interning at the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative in the

IT department. I have been volunteering at the Gigantic Nautical Market for around six years. I am thankful for all the opportunities the Rotary has given me from the scholarship to my Rotarian mentors. If you'd like to know more about me, you can come visit me at the information booth. — Brooke Barrow `I am a sophomore at UCF. I am currently preparing to apply to the nursing program, with hopes of starting next fall. I am doing well in Orlando, volunteering at a hospital and playing basketball on the UCF club team in my free time. I plan on getting my bachelor’s degree in nursing in hopes of being a travel pediatric nurse, with hopes of settling in the Keys. — Kylie Deckard I’m currently a junior at the University of Central Florida, majoring in health sciences. After my four years at UCF I plan on applying to PT school to become a doctor of physical therapy. I am a member of Pi Beta Phi, the National Society of Leadership and Success, DPT club and multiple sports clubs. — Lucia Rodriguez In May, I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s in digital media, web and social platforms. In November, I was given an opportunity as a social media graphic designer at Balance Now, a nonprofit organization that oversees the importance of diversity. I am very grateful for the Upper Keys Rotary's support when I was a

Continued on page 36

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My major is public health and I volunteer in the NICU at Shands Hospital in Gainesville in my free time. With the help of the Upper Keys Rotary Club I am on track to graduate next year, May 2025!

student at UCF and I look forward to giving back to them soon. Upper Keys Rotary continues to be an inspiration to me to accomplish the dreams and goals that I have! — Nicholas Wahba (Graduated) I am studying at the University of Central Florida to get a bachelor’s in architecture and a minor in urban planning. I want to focus on sustainable design and delve into prefabrication in my future education.

Thanks to my Rotary scholarship, I am able to afford housing and focus more of my time on my architecture projects. — Sadier Hernandez

After graduating from the University of Florida with my bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering, I passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and accepted a full-time job with Kimley-Horn and Associates at its West Palm Beach office. I’ve been working on underground utility conversion, water treatment and wellfield rehabilitation. I love what I do and where I work, and I am so excited to see where my career goes.

I am so thankful for the continued and unwavering support I’ve received from Rotary, the Keys community and my family in accomplishing my goals and pursuing my professional engineering license.

— Anna Langley (Graduated)

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Gigantic Nautical Market 2024

— Callie Bloom I'm a freshman majoring in digital arts and sciences. Thanks to my scholarship from Take Stock in Children, I've been able to have a great experience meeting new people and learning new things. Special thanks to the Upper Keys Rotary and Key Largo Rotary; their support has enabled me in my college pursuits. — Joshua Dionne I am a second-year accounting major at the University of Florida. I’m interested in pursuing my master’s and becoming a CPA. I’m a member of the professional business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, where this semester I am serving as the AVP of OnCampus Community Service as well as the AVP of Data Management. I also work at UF Innovate handling material transfer agreements. Finally, I’d like to give a big “thank you” to the Upper Keys Rotary for all of their support. — Madeline Langley I am currently working as a chemistry technician at Mérieux NutriSciences, where I perform chemical analyses to confirm the quality and safety of food. My ultimate goal is to be a biological scientist. I am so incredibly grateful that I received the Rotary Scholarship. Without it, I'm not sure if I would have had the resources to follow

my dreams. Thank you to Upper Keys Rotary club, thank you to Frank Derfler and most importantly thank you to my mentor Tricia Hynes.

This scholarship and these people helped me excel and put me on a track to chase my goals. — Jady Lopez I am a second-year biology major on the pre-medical track at the University of Florida. Beyond academics, I volunteer at an orthopedic clinic and assist in UF’s Lung Transplant Research Lab. I am also involved in a handful of clubs at UF, including Friends for Life, which raises awareness for pediatric cancer, and a women’s pre-health club. I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at the Gigantic Nautical Market and am beyond thankful for the opportunities that the Mariners/Upper Keys Rotary scholarship has given me! — Makena Woolet-Stockton I graduated from the University of Florida last May with my bachelor of science in chemical engineering and was honored to have been named one of 13 Outstanding Scholars for the Class of 2023. Following graduation, I moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, where I am now working as an engineer at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy. While working at GE, I also plan to start taking classes for a master of science in chemical engineering in August.

Thank you to the Upper Keys Rotary Club for supporting me through all four years of my time at UF — I am forever grateful! — Sophie Williams (Graduated)

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