FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 24, 2025
(EON: Enhanced Online News)– Gain: PICTURES INCLUDED
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools Celebrates Standout Student As a 2025 Leaders for Life Fellow
Fort Myers, FL – The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools is proud to announce that Caroline Papa, an exceptional scholar in the Take Stock in Children program, has been selected as a 2025 Leaders for Life Fellow. This prestigious recognition, sponsored by the Asofsky Family Foundation, honors six exceptional high school seniors from across Florida who have demonstrated remarkable leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement.
Along with additional funding for housing, meal plans, computers, books, and all other college-related expenses, the fellowship also provides leadership training, internship opportunities, and professional development for fellows throughout their college career and beyond.
Caroline’s selection as a Fellow is a tremendous accomplishment, especially as she becomes the third student from Lee County to join this distinguished group since the program’s inception in 2011. Out of more than 100 applicants statewide, Caroline was chosen as one of just six students to receive this honor, a testament to her hard work and dedication.
“It is often said that our students are our future and Caroline is an excellent example of why the future looks bright,” said Marshall T. Bower, President & CEO of The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. “Her hard work, dedication and perseverance are helping to shape her into a true leader that we should all admire. We hope once she becomes a surgical oncologist that she returns to Lee County!”
Since 2011, only 63 high school seniors have been selected as Leaders for Life Fellows, and Caroline joins a distinguished group of students who will have the opportunity to further develop their leadership skills and prepare for success in higher education and beyond.
“Caroline is a high achieving student who has maintained a rigorous academic schedule while balancing extracurricular activities in National Honor Society, Health Occupations Leaders of America, and volunteering with her church,” said Edward Mathews, South Fort Myers High School Principal. “We are very proud and excited for Caroline as she represents South Fort Myers High School as a Leaders 4 Life Fellow.”
A crucial part of Caroline’s journey has been the guidance and support of her mentor, Rhonda Dahlin, and her College Success Coach, Chelsi Rivera-Mendez. Their dedication to Caroline’s success has been invaluable in helping her navigate the challenges of her academic career.
About The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools
The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Inc. is a private 501(C)3 organization established in 1986. Its mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of public education in Lee County for students and educators through programs, resources, and experiences made possible through corporate, individual, and educational partnerships. Find us online at www.leeschoolfoundation.org, on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
About Take Stock in Children
Since 1995, Take Stock in Children, a Florida 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, has helped to break the cycle of poverty for over 42,000 of Florida’s low-income, at-risk youth by providing scholarships, mentors, and hope. Consistently achieving high school graduation rates that exceed the state average, Take Stock in Children is Florida’s flagship and most successful mentoring and scholarship program. To donate, volunteer, or learn about Take Stock in Children, please visit www.takestockinchildren.org.
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Media Contact:
Marshall T. Bower, Esq.
President and CEO
Tel. (239) 337-0433
Marshall@LeeSchoolFoundation.org
