Gigantic Nautical Flea Market

LARGEST FLEA MARKET BRINGS

Fishing rods, apparel, crafts and other marine products await you as you begin to stroll through the Florida Keys’ largest shopping event of the year. And don’t forget about the boat show, the food truck rally and Rotary beverage booths.

The Upper Keys Rotary Club’s signature fundraiser — the Gigantic Nautical Flea Market — is back and better than ever with hundreds of vendors from Florida and other states descending on Founders Park on Saturday, Feb. 25 and Sunday, Feb. 26. Presented by Keys Deck and Dock Supply, the 28th running of this two-day event presents a little bit of everything for adults and kids to explore from outboards and ocean-themed crafts to fishing gear and fillet tables.

For the second-straight year, the gargantuan shopping event utilizes more of Founders Park’s spacious grounds to give attendees more room to walk from tent to tent. After all, more than 300 vendors have set up shop to show you some of their finest products.

This shopping event, boat show and food truck extravaganza is raising money for scholarships for local students who are preparing to take on the world. Since the event’s inception, millions of dollars have been raised to support the dreams of many students (flip through this program and you’ll see more than 25 testimonials on the impact the Upper Keys Rotary Club had and continues to have on these young men and women). In the past 28 months, the Upper Keys Rotary Club and Key Largo Club awarded more than $300,000 in direct benefits to more than 170 Coral Shores students.

“We are ecstatic to bring this major shopping experience back to Islamorada for the 28th year,” said Rotarian Frank Derfler. “And it’s not just shopping; we also call it ‘The Boat Show with a Beach’ and a food truck rally.”

“Our main 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. We’ve awarded more than $2.5 million in the nearly three decades of this event,” Derfler continued.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: Founders Park, Mile Marker 87, bayside, Islamorada.

PARKING: Park at Coral Shores High School, Mile Marker 89.9, oceanside. Take a shuttle that runs continuously on both days (It’s the best way to get to this event). Last bus from the flea market is 5:15 p.m. on Saturday and 3:15 p.m. on Sunday.

GATE: The gates are located at the southwest end of the park at the fire station and the main entrance to Founders Park. Suggested admission is $5 for ages 17 and up (cash only). All funds go to scholarships!

FOOD: Find 18 food trucks and various drink stations — like the Bloody Mary and Rum Punch tents — as you walk around the park.

A FOOD TRUCK RALLY & BOAT SHOW 50/50 Raffle

About this issue

PUBLISHER

Jason Koler jason@keysweekly.com

EDITOR

Jim McCarthy jim@keysweekly.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

DESIGN

Javier Reyes javier@keysweekly.com

DIRECTOR OF SALES

Manuela Carrillo Mobley

SALES & MARKETING

Jill Miranda Baker jill@keysweekly.com

Patti Childress patti@keysweekly.com

Stephanie Mitchell stephanie@keysweekly.com

AD DESIGN

Irene de Bruijn irene@keysweekly.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Kellie Butler Farrell

Jacqueline Hale

Melinda Van Fleet

Ian Wilson

EVENT MAP & VENDOR LIST

Find everything you’re seeking

ON THE COVER:

The Upper Keys Rotary Club’s 28th annual Gigantic Nautical Flea Market stretches over nearly 12 acres of Founders Park. More than 300 vendors sell all things nautical.

IAN WILSON/Keys Weekly

FLEA MARKET FACTS

THIS INSIDER INFORMATION WILL HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE SHOPPING EVENT

In its early beginnings, the Gigantic Nautical Flea Market had 35 vendors and a handful of Rotary club members volunteering to help operate it. In 2023, hundreds of vendors now pack the event and the Upper Keys Rotary Club will join forces with the Key Largo Rotary Club to utilize nearly 300 volunteer workers from the community.

In the decade from 2012 and 2022, the Gigantic Nautical Flea Market has raised about $750,000 in scholarship funding to benefit local students. In the last 28 months, direct benefits were paid to 21 colleges and universities to assist 182 local students. In addition to the direct benefits, the two Rotary clubs gave over $60,000 to Take Stock in Children in each of the last two years. That money, matched by the Florida Legislature, stays in Monroe County and guarantees middle and high school students a full college scholarship as long as they stay in school and out of trouble while maintain a C average.

The Rotary Gigantic Nautical Flea Market involves the community in a "Gigantic" investment in our local youth.

Students from Coral Shores High School’s Interact Club welcome flea market attendees. KEYS

Now for some insider tips to make your experience a little easier.

NEED CASH?

Three ATMs are located on the grounds: At the front gate, at the front of the great lawn and at the back of the great lawn.

DOGS ARE WELCOME, BUT BLACKTOP IS HOT! Leashed dogs are allowed. However, if the sun is shining on a hot day, the blacktop will be extremely hot on your furry friend’s paws.

WHERE’S THE BATHROOM?

Porta potties are scattered everywhere at the park. The lavatory by the beach is usually very busy. Secret bathrooms? There’s a facility across from the tennis courts and another at the front of the park, across from the Chamber of Commerce building.

HOW DO I FIND SPECIFIC VENDORS, FOOD TRUCKS & BOATS?

Page 16 of this guide should help. Download the interactive map at rotarymarket.info. Search by category or vendor name.

Vendor booths feature countless nautical products. KEYS WEEKLY FILE PHOTO

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WHAT IS ROTARY?

HERE’S THE ANSWER RIGHT FROM ROTARIANS

You may be wondering several things as you retrieve this Gigantic Nautical Flea Market program and gaze at the numerous tents on park grounds. You may be asking, “Where’s my favorite rod maker’s tent?” Or, “What about the food?” Those answers can be found in the middle of this program, where a detailed map and vendor list will guide flea market goers. But there may also be the question: What exactly is Rotary? And who is a Rotarian? We’ll let our fellow members who make up three Rotary clubs in the Upper Keys answer those questions.

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

“To me, Rotary is family. We get together to learn, grow and give back. We always have a good time together and I look forward to our meetings and our service projects!”

— Jennifer Miller, real estate agent, 17-year Rotarian and two-time Key Largo Rotary Club president.

“A Rotarian is one individual of a group of 1.2 million people putting service above self to their community and world through donations of time, talent and treasure to do good, help and give for the betterment of all.”

— Terry Abel, Islamorada fire chief, 11-year Rotarian and two-time Upper Keys Rotary Club president.

“A Rotarian is a person who puts service before self. Guided by the Four Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Does it build goodwill and better friendships? And will it be beneficial to all concerned? Being a member of Upper Keys Rotary has really given me a chance to take these points to heart, and the GNFM is such a wonderful place to forge friendships while giving back to our community (hitting every Rotary principle)!”

— Lindsay Fast, Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys executive director and two-year Rotarian.

“A Rotarian puts service above self. They not only WANT good things to happen in the common, they get out there and make it happen. Actions speak louder than words.”

—Laura Lietaert, Coral Shores High School principal, 9-year Rotarian and two-time Key Largo Rotary Club president.

“The motto ‘Service Above Self’ really defines Rotarians. Rotarians are people who have put the needs of their community, and the world, above their own needs. They have something to offer to make things better, and ask for nothing in return.”

— Rob Stober, attorney, 14-year Rotarian and first-time Upper Keys Rotary Club president.

“We provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through our fellowship of business, professional and community leaders. Our motto is ‘Service Above Self and One Profits Most Who Serves Best.’"

— Dennis Caltagirone, retired school teacher, 10-year Rotarian, Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club president and Rotary District 6990 Governor-Elect.

Jennifer Lindsay

Rob

Terry

Laura

Dennis

2017 CORAL SHORES GRADUATE FINDS PASSION AND PURPOSE IN NURSING

CARING FOR

Since her childhood, Carolyn Barrow, pictured top left, showed an aptitude for caregiving by taking care of her older sister, Valerie, who had cri-duchat syndrome. CONTRIBUTED

By Jacqueline Hale

With tuition, textbooks, food and housing, college expenses are hefty, especially for a nursing student who also bears the costs of printing, uniforms and program fees. But scholarships offered by the local Rotary clubs helped alleviate this financial burden for 2017 Coral Shores graduate Carolyn Barrow, launching her into a nursing career amid COVID-19.

Barrow was born a caregiver.

“Never in my mind was it not normal,” Barrow said. “My family always jokes, it's just something I always did.”

FOR LIFE

Besides swimming, playing soccer and lacrosse, serving on student council, going to youth group at Island Community Church and occasionally fishing with her dad, another normal part of Carolyn’s upbringing in the Florida Keys was looking after her older sister, Valerie. Two years older than Carolyn, Valerie was born with cridu-chat syndrome, a rare genetic disorder caused by a missing portion of chromosome 5 that leads to delays in developmental and intellectual growth.

Valerie exudes joy and loves hugs, according to her sister, but has the mental development of a 9-month-old in a 12-year-old’s body. Carolyn grew up being vigilant of anything that could harm her sister, while helping feed her and performing daily care tasks — whatever she could do to assist her parents and keep her sister safe.

In 2017, Barrow graduated from Coral Shores High School to attend Florida Gulf Coast University with the goal of pursuing another form of caregiving: nursing.

“I'd grown up just always knowing how to take care of people, not necessarily in the same way I'm taking care of people now in nursing, but I've always had a want and a responsibility to care for people,” Barrow said. “And having that responsibility and knowing what it takes definitely helped me not only get through nursing school, but also succeed in specific areas of nursing.”

At FGCU, Carolyn served as president of the Nursing Student Association and volunteered at a cancer center, a school daycare and the university’s Food Forest. After three-and-a-half years of intense study and clinical rotations, Carolyn received a bachelor in science in nursing.

In February 2021, she took a job in the medical/surgical cardiac unit at Northside Hospital Cherokee in Canton, Georgia. Not only was she caring for congestive heart failure, post-catheter, and pacemaker and atrial fibrillation patients, but also for COVID patients as her floor turned into a step-down ICU overflow.

With the intensity and influx of work, Barrow grew quickly in her profession and learned how to be efficient with her time. But realizing the loneliness her patients were experiencing, Carolyn made it her goal to spend 30 minutes with each patient, getting to know the person beyond their immediate health needs.

“With COVID, it was such an isolating and defeating time for everyone — the nurses, the respiratory therapists, the doctors, the patients, the patients’ families — that if you had time to really talk to someone and connect with someone, to allow them to reminisce on their story, it brought them so much joy and happiness in a time that was pretty dark,” Barrow said.

These skills and her understanding of at-home care prompted by her sister translated to her current position as a circulatory nurse in the operating room. She seeks to inform patients about the intricacies of their condition, but, most of all, walk with patients in a way only someone who understands the trials of a lifechanging diagnosis can. Her primary role is advocating for the patient during surgery, so getting to know the patient in the few minutes she has before surgery is crucial.

“I love interacting with my patients. I love hearing where they're from and what their stories are. We only have two to five minutes to connect with these people and get them to trust us,” she said. “I want to know where their thought process is so I can be the best advocate I can be for them.”

Carolyn just passed her Periop 101 test, a program designed for new operating-room nurses, and she’s training on moderate sedation. As for her future, the opportunities in nursing are boundless, so she is open to seeing where the career takes her.

“I'd grown up just always knowing how to take care of people, not necessarily in the same way I'm taking care of people now in nursing, but I've always felt a desire and a responsibility to care for people.”

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G I GA N T I C

N AU T I CA L F LE A M A R K ET

This year, in addition to great boat and nautical bargains, the Rotar y Gigantic Nautical Flea Market will have SIX TEEN food trucks! It

a boat show, nautical market, and food truck rally with a beach!

BATHROOMS are located at the entrance and next to the amphitheater.

*Also, Porta-Potties are scattered all over the park.

SEE THE INDEX on page 18, for a list of vendors and booth locations.

PARK at Coral Shores High School (MM 90, Oceanside) and ride constantly running shuttles.

Bus service runs from Coral Shores High School to Founders Park and vice versa until 5:15 p.m. on Saturday and 3:15 p.m. on Sunday.

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Custom made Parts & Accessories:

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WE COVER THE WATERFRONT

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Second Location: 30933 Avenue A, Big Pine Key Open Tues/Wed/Fri

By Melinda Van Fleet

AN EVOLVING ELEMENT

KEYS NATIVE & NEW ROTARIAN SHARES

THE JOURNEY WITHIN

Alifelong Keys kid, an opportunity to grow in a close-knit community shaped Claire Montang into the hardworking woman she is today. Raised by a single mother who owned a business, Montang learned the value of accountability and professionalism. She has worked in the service industry for 15 years — you’ve likely seen her dishing out drinks at Ziggie & Mad Dog’s — and recently started a new journey as a mortgage lender. Keys Weekly met up with Montang, a Rotarian with the Upper Keys Rotary Club, to learn more about her inspirations and aspirations.

My mom instilled my work ethic as she had her own business down here. It was a painting business, and when I was very young, my dad left, and my mom took over the business and ran it as a single mom. So I learned a lot about professionalism and what it's like to be self-employed.

It's amazing the relationships and connections my mom built through her business. She gained a lot of appreciation for the community. Young people down here don't appreciate how amazing this community is, and I didn't realize it again until recently when I got into the field as a self-employed mortgage professional.

In 2014 I graduated from Coral Shores and started working at Robbie's, The Hungry Tarpon, in high school. In 2018, I started my journey in the mortgage industry as I worked at Pierre's, where I met many great people. A friend of a friend was opening a mortgage company. They paid for me to do the schooling, and I understood it. I then took some time off, not taking the state exam right away. But then, when COVID-19 hit, it resurfaced for me to redo the course and take the state exam. Then, John Gallant, broker with Engel & Volkers, suggested I apply for a scholarship through the (Upper Keys) Rotary.

In addition to Element Home Loans, I work four nights a week at Ziggie & Mad Dogs. I am also busy networking with associations such as Business & Professional Women (BPW), Upper Keys Rotary, Your Professional Network (YPN), Key Largo Chamber, Islamorada Chamber, and I’m an affiliate for the Florida Keys Board of Realtors — working hard to build connections and gain people's trust.

I believe 100% that people can change — we are evolving. Honestly, all of this happened when I took a step back — looking at how I live my life now and what I could change that I wasn’t proud of. You are what you do. I didn’t like going out every night and spending my money on things I shouldn’t be spending it on. I realized I wanted to be a better person, so I started putting effort into doing little things every day. Living a life of organized time is extremely important to me.

I always knew I wanted to be a businesswoman and have a career or a job I could dress up for and feel good about. So, I would say take a step back and look at how you're spending your time now. Are you proud of that? And if you're not, you can and should change it.

Keys native Claire Montang at her Element Home Loans office in Tavernier. CONTRIBUTED

By Kellie Butler Farrell

SISTER ACT

FOR UPPER KEYS SIBLINGS, GIGANTIC NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET IS MORE THAN SCHOLARSHIPS

Coral Shores High School graduate Anna Langley is finishing up her last year at the University of Florida in Gainesville. She’ll graduate in May with a degree in environmental engineering.

Anna's sister, Madeline, who graduated from Coral Shores last year, is in her first year at UF and is studying finance.

Both sisters volunteered every year at the Gigantic Nautical Flea Market and both received scholarship money raised at the hugely popular Upper Keys Rotary Club event.

"My education is pretty much completely paid for with scholarships. I have Florida Prepaid for tuition, but on top of that, Bright Futures, and all of the local scholarships pretty much cover all of my other expenses," said 18-year-old Madeline.

"The Keys community is so generous in all the scholarships they give out every year, all the organizations, not just Rotary," added 22-year-old Anna.

The Langley sisters both excelled in academics at Coral Shores and were student athletes, having both pitched for the Coral Shores’ softball team all four years.

Dad Jeff Langley says his daughters never missed an

opportunity to volunteer at the Gigantic Nautical Flea Market. "They knew they gave college scholarships and were definitely looking for that," he said.

Madeline would collect tickets at the front gate and Anna would interact with customers on the shuttle bus to the event.

"Anna was riding on the bus from the school parking lot to the flea market and giving talks about it. I couldn't believe that was my daughter," Jeff said with a laugh, adding the experience was a confidence booster for both daughters.

Upon graduation in May, Anna Langley plans to work for KimleyHorn in its West Palm Beach office. She interned with the engineering company over the summer and was offered a full-time position.

Both sisters plan to drive down from Gainesville and volunteer again at this year's Gigantic Nautical Flea Market.

"My education is almost completely paid for with scholarships. I have Florida Prepaid for tuition, but on top of that, Bright Futures, and all of the local scholarships pretty much cover all of my other expenses."

Madeline Langley

Anna says the scholarships she received from the Upper Keys Rotary Club and several other community organizations made her college experience that much more rewarding.

"It means so much to me," explained Anna. "I have so much time to focus on my classes and extracurriculars because I don't need to spend all of my time at my job. I've had so much support from the community and Rotary."

Anna Langley holds her MVP award during a 2019 Coral Shores tournament. Her father, Jeff Langley, helped coach the team. Sister, Madeline, was also a pitcher on the team.

Anna Langley attends her sister Madeline’s graduation from Coral Shores High School. CONTRIBUTED

OH, THE PLACES YOU WILL GO

GRATEFUL ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS STRIVE FOR GREATNESS

Alarge group of Rotarians, hundreds of vendors and thousands of people flocking to the Upper Keys Rotary Club’s 28th annual Gigantic Nautical Flea Market are helping students achieve their academic and career dreams. Proceeds from the event will be doled out to graduates and students continuing their college careers through scholarships. Some 27 students currently studying at two-year and fouryear institutions checked in with the Upper Keys Rotary Club and the Keys Weekly to send an update on their triumphs while offering gratitude for the financial support.

Bernardo Burga

I'm a junior at Columbia University studying chemical engineering. This year, I have been mainly focusing on my coursework while still taking the time to venture out into the city. I have also accepted an internship offer to work at Bloomberg's New Energy Finance department this coming summer. These unique and privileged opportunities are in part possible through the Rotary Club's generosity, and I am very grateful for their continued financial support towards my education.

operations assistant. It is a super fun job where I get to learn about fitness while constantly working with and for people. I also serve for my church’s youth group every Wednesday night and lead a small group of middle school girls! I am so grateful for the help I received from the Upper Keys Rotary Club.

Javier Hernandez

Crystal HernandezCorrea

Hannah Prescher

I am currently living in Lynchburg, Virginia attending Liberty University. Here, I am majoring in communications and I am about to start my fourth semester! I also work at the university’s gym as an

I am studying towards a bachelor's degree in aviation business administration and an associates degree in aviation maintenance science at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. Within the next few semesters I will have my airframe and powerplant ratings which will allow me to start working as an aircraft maintenance technician. I am very grateful for Rotary's support throughout my college experience.

I graduated from Coral Shores High School in the spring of 2022. I am currently attending Florida Atlantic University, majoring in health science. I’m heading into my third semester at FAU, and the help I received from the Upper Keys Rotary Club is making it easier for me to succeed.

Adriana Ornelas

I’m working on my master of science in accounting and taxation at FGCU. I will be graduating in the summer of 2023. I’m also preparing for the certified public accountant examinations to earn my license. My plans after graduating are to begin working full time at a public accounting firm. The Upper Keys Rotary has helped me tremendously throughout my undergraduate years, as well as with my certification expenses. They have supported my academic journey, which has allowed me to always stay focused and determined.

Samantha Wright

I’m a recent graduate from Florida SouthWestern State College. I now attend FGCU pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health science. With my education, I hope to educate individuals on the power of nutrition. The scholarship from the Upper Keys Rotary Club has been a real help in making these steps.

Amy Leal

I am currently attending Florida International University as a firstyear student and majoring in political science in the hopes of becoming a lawyer. The generosity of the Upper Keys Rotary has been a massive help in pursuing my higher education.

Raul Sanchez

I’m currently attending Florida International University where I’m studying mechanical engineering. The work is hard, but I love it. I appreciate the help I have received from the Upper Keys Rotary Club.

Annika Needham

Over the past few months, I have been studying at Florida State University. Currently, I am on the management information systems track, which is essentially a combined business and computer science program. I have joined the Alpha Phi sorority, enabling me to meet many new people and find connections. Additionally, I am a part of the Association of Information Science, which is a club for MIS majors. I loved being a part of the Interact Club and I am grateful for the support of Rotary at FSU!

Brian Lesko

I am currently attending Florida State University and my current major is entrepreneurship. I’ve had so much fun and many great experiences just in my first semester. Even though I can’t go to the sandbar every weekend, I truly believe I made the right choice. I’m grateful, not only to be attending my dream school, but the best college in the nation. Thank you Upper Keys Rotary and the Gigantic Nautical Flea Market!

Katy

Borders

Hello Rotary! I’m a sophomore at Florida State University and currently majoring in civil-environmental engineering. I’m so grateful to the Rotary and the Gigantic Nautical Flea Market for helping finance my future and continue my education. I can’t wait to continue my volunteer work with them for years to come.

Eliza Schafstall

I am attending school at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. I’m majoring in the film bachelor’s degree program and will be graduating in 2024, and then move onto getting my foot in the industry. I enjoyed making promotional videos for the Gigantic Nautical Flea Market and supporting their scholarship work.

Andrea Lopez

I'm a freshman at Miami International University of Art and Design. I love all aspects of the creative industry, such as video production, photography, graphic design and advertising, so I'm currently studying for my bachelor’s in visual arts. I made the move from the Keys to Miami, and that was a huge change, however, I've been exposed to so many opportunities, and now I'm working as an assistant photographer in one of the biggest boutiques in Miami along with a social media manager, creating all of her photography content. Thanks to the Rotary, I'm able to pursue my career.

Jacob Craig

I am a Coral Shores High School Class of 2022 graduate and currently studying at Pace University in New York City, majoring in commercial

dance. I am so grateful for the Upper Keys Rotary to have been so generous to have awarded me with the Landau Scholarship, which allowed me to follow my dreams of moving to New York City and pursuing a career in dance. Thank you!

Rebecca Sheffield

I'm currently attending Santa Fe college, while being a transient student at the University of Florida! I'm studying biology as a major on a pre-med track, hoping to continue on to medical school and become an OB/GYN. At the University of Florida, I am a part of the Fightin’ Gator Marching Band and play all home games, and sometimes travel with the band to football games! It's been an adjustment going from the Florida Keys to Gainesville, but I couldn't be happier where I am, and I'm so grateful for the Upper Keys Rotary Club!

Gigantic Nautical Flea Market has given me to be able to reach my goals.

Kylie Deckard

I just finished my second semester at University of Central Florida. I am currently on track to get my bachelor’s in nursing. College life has been great so far; I have learned a lot. Thank you to the Rotary for my scholarship, along with Take Stock in Children, has given me tremendous support in my college journey. Hope to see you soon at the Gigantic Nautical Flea Market!

Lucia Rodriguez

Lacy Mann

I graduated with my bachelor's degree in May 2021. During my undergraduate years, I had the opportunity to design and carry out research that measured and proved a positive correlation of higher anxiety levels found in individualistic college students as opposed to lower levels found in collectivistic students. My research was accepted to be presented at the annual Association for Psychological Sciences conference. I am currently pursuing my master's in mental health counseling. I continue to enjoy my studies and have become progressively more aware of the need for this field. I look forward to beginning my internships next year and working towards receiving my license. This journey would not have been possible without the generosity poured out by our community and the Upper Keys Rotary Club. I am forever grateful!

Alexis Kumar

I currently attend University of Central Florida. I am studying health sciences and plan on getting a physician assistant degree after getting my bachelor of science degree from UCF. I am active on campus through my sorority, Kappa Delta.

Brooke Barrow

I have completed two semesters at the University of Central Florida. I am currently majoring in information technology with a focus on cybersecurity. I still enjoy coming back to the Keys over break and working part time. I am grateful for the opportunity the Upper Keys Rotary Club and the

I'm currently a sophomore at the University of Central Florida, majoring in health sciences. I plan on becoming a physical therapist after my four years at UCF.

Nicholas Wahba

I'm a senior at the University of Central Florida studying digital media — web and social platforms. One of my favorite moments while attending UCF is my passion for being an active member of the Orlando community. I'm thrilled to announce that I'm currently a secondyear member of Knight-Thon, a studentdriven based organization that raises money for the Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. I'm happy that the Upper Keys Rotary has continued to help me with my education and I can't thank them enough for making my dreams turn into a reality.

In the last 28 months, direct benefits were paid to 21 colleges and universities to benefit 182 local students. Typically, 15 to 20 of those students are in their second to fourth year of college. In other words, we helped them the first year and we continue to help. The Upper Keys Rotary Club has suppoted aircraft maintenance training, diesel engine maintenance, marine engine maintenance, law enforcement, EMT and other valuable technical training.

Nola

I have been at the University of Central Florida in Orlando for the last three years. Currently, I am projected to graduate in December of 2023, a semester early. I am a health science major on a pre-clinical track and I plan to attend physician assistant school somewhere in Florida. I am also still a member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority and I am Recruitment 365 Director, where I will be assisting in recruiting girls for the fall of 2023. I have made Dean’s List for the past five semesters and will be working as a registered behavior technician three days a week at an autism center to accumulate hours for physician assistant school.

Sadier Hernandez

I am studying at the University of Central Florida to get a bachelor’s in architecture and a minor in business. This year, I joined the American Institute of Architecture Students and I am loving college life. Thanks to my Rotary scholarship I was able to focus on my physics class and join AIAS.

Callie Bloom

I am currently a sophomore at the University of Florida. My major is public health with a minor in nonprofit organizational leadership. I am in a dance company at the University of Florida called Danza. I absolutely love my school and am so grateful to be able to continue my education here.

Madeline Langley

I am a first-year finance major at the University of Florida. This past semester, I joined the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, and next semester I will serve as their secretary. Thank you to the Upper Keys Rotary. Go Gators!

Jason Castillo

I am currently a junior at the University of Florida and majoring in mathematics. In college, I participate in intramural leagues, go to many sporting events and attend various campus clubs. When I graduate, I hope to pursue a career in sports statistics or data analysis. The scholarship from the Upper Keys Rotary Club has been very helpful!

Sophie Williams

I am a senior at the University of Florida graduating in May with a bachelor of science in chemical engineering and minor in biomolecular engineering. On campus, I serve as the president of the Chemical Engineering Peer Advisors and I am also involved in undergraduate research, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and Stomp the Swamp (UF's tap dancing team). Following graduation, I will join the Edison Engineering Development Program at GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, a two-year rotational program during which I will complete three to four engineering job rotations and get a master's degree in nuclear engineering. I am forever grateful for my four years of financial support I have received from the Upper Keys Rotary Club and appreciate the hard work of the volunteers in putting on the Gigantic Nautical Flea Market!

Frank

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