SCHOLARSHIP SEASON BEGINS AT KEY WEST HIGH SCHOOL

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As he entered Key West High School, he focused his attention on football and lacrosse and was a standout athlete on both teams. His tenacity and fierce competitive spirit drove him to work hard on and off the field. He also became part of the Key West Fire Academy and upon graduation from high school in 2020, he considered it a possible career. His love of the water won out and he spent his days serving as a first mate and reveling in the daily catches and his ability to “never work a day in his life.”

He loved his Key West community and was so proud to grow up as a Conch, with all of the traditions and close family ties that make this island special. Giving back was important to him and he volunteered as a coach for Key West High School and Horace O’Bryant School football as well as the lacrosse youth leagues.

Though his time on this earth was short, he made an impact on all who met him and was a true friend to many. His family is grateful for the tremendous outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.

A funeral service took place on Feb. 18 at The Basilica Saint Mary Star of the Sea Church, with a celebration of Garrett’s life after the service at the Stock Island Yacht Club. Donations can be made to an account in the name of Garrett “Cheeto” Hughes at the Monroe County Teachers Federal Credit Union on Kennedy Drive. DeanLopez is handling the service arrangements.

Scholarship application season is underway at Key West High School for the Class of 2023 as they prepare for graduation in May. Last year, over 100 scholarships were offered to KWHS graduates by local organizations and private family foundations. These included awards based on academic merit, financial need, minority status and other criteria. Some scholarships require a specific study field such as nursing, engineering, law studies, firefighting and teaching. However, most scholarships apply to any college study program, and are awarded based on merit, need, essay writing, music, sports involvement, community service or for overcoming a hardship. KWHS graduates in 2022 were awarded almost $500,000 in local scholarships.

“We are very grateful for the many scholarships offered to our students as they embark on their college dreams,” said Larry Schmiegel, KWHS principal. “We would also welcome new awards, as our goal is for every student to have the chance to continue their education with some financial support and recognition.”

Students are looking to match their abilities and interests with a college degree or vocational training program that leads to gainful employment. With growing or emerging career fields such as cybersecurity, computer gaming, data analytics, pharmacology, chemical engineering, immigration law and climate studies, there’s a lot to choose from. There’s a sizable investment to consider: The average cost of attendance at Florida universities and colleges in 2019 was $19,123 for Florida residents. This includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, room & board (on-campus) and other living expenses.

At KWHS, 28% of graduates will attend a university while 33% will attend a state college. Additionally, about 9% enlist in the armed forces or vocational academies where they receive specific job training and educational benefits.

“Our students are weighing out a lot of things as they prepare for life after high school,” said Lydia Estenoz, college and career counselor at KWHS. “We compile information to build a big picture that is essentially their future. The more difficult pieces usually include cost of attendance, financial aid, test scores, admission and for some students, immigration and residency status. All of these pieces go into building a pathway to their dream career.”

Scholarship winners are announced at the annual Class Night ceremony, which will be held this year on Wednesday, May 24.

If your business, organization, foundation or private family would like to set up a scholarship, or make a donation to an existing scholarship fund in honor of a person or cause, please contact Estenoz at Lydia. estenoz@keysschools.com or 305-293-1549 ext. 54307.

— Contributed

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