FORT MYERS, FL — The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the Golden Futures Scholarship: Olivia King and Cayli Johnson, both graduating seniors from North Fort Myers High School. Each student has demonstrated a strong commitment to the field of education and a passion for making a lasting impact in the classroom.
Olivia King will be attending Florida SouthWestern State College, while Cayli Johnson will attend Florida Gulf Coast University—with both students pursuing degrees in education. Both recipients agree to teaching at least four years in the School District of Lee County
“Both Cayli and Olivia represent the next generation of outstanding educators,” said Marshall T. Bower, President & CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “The Foundation’s Golden Futures Scholarship helps to promote and inspire our students to pursue the most important profession in any community, teaching!”
The Golden Futures Scholarship was inspired by the Foundation’s 2013 Golden Apple recipients to support and inspire the next generation of educators in Lee County. This unique scholarship not only provides financial assistance toward a bachelor’s degree in education, but also offers mentorship and ongoing support through the Foundation’s Academy of Teachers. Recipients benefit from guidance throughout their college experience and into their first years in the classroom.
Each year, two graduating seniors from the School District of Lee County are selected for this four-year scholarship opportunity. Applicants must demonstrate educational leadership, a passion for teaching, and a commitment to serving as a future educator within the district.
To qualify, students must:
· Attend a School District of Lee County public school
· Maintain a minimum 2.5 unweighted GPA
· Commit to becoming a future educator in Lee County
· Pursue an Education Degree at Florida SouthWestern State College or Florida Gulf Coast University
· Agree to teach in the School District of Lee County Public Schools for a minimum of four years following graduation
“The Golden Futures Scholarship was started in 2013. The idea was to find our students who had a desire to be educators and have them be educators right here in Lee County…Grown Our Own,” said Fernando Vasquez, Assistant Director of the Exceptional Student Education Department in Lee County and a 2013 Golden Apple Recipient.
Through programs like Golden Futures, the Foundation continues to strengthen the educator pipeline and ensure that Lee County students are taught by passionate, homegrown teachers who are committed to their community.
