Pat Caracciolo of Pat The Dog recently presented the Ray Goodgame Outstanding Student Leader Scholarship, recognizing an exceptional South Lake County student for academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Caracciolo, a valued member of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, is a strong supporter of education, leadership development, and youth involvement throughout the South Lake community. His continued dedication helps celebrate and invest in the next generation of leaders.
The $1,000 scholarship for this month was awarded to Carolynn Cute, a senior at Lake Minneola High School. Carolynn has distinguished herself through outstanding academic performance, maintaining a 4.6 weighted GPA and a 3.5 unweighted GPA. She earned Honor Roll recognition during all four years of high school while also completing her Associate of Arts degree.
Carolynn’s commitment to excellence extends well beyond the classroom. A three-year member of Student Government, she served as Junior and Senior Class Secretary and later as Vice President during her senior year. In addition, she held the role of Banquet Chair during both her junior and senior years, where she successfully organized large-scale events, managed budgets, coordinated with community partners, and led fellow students through complex planning efforts.
Her dedication to service is equally evident in the broader community. Carolynn volunteered for two years with SWAT Round Up International, assisting and welcoming guests at a countywide event. She also volunteered at Pink Night, an event honoring individuals in the community who have battled or are currently battling breast cancer. Her responsibilities as Banquet Chair further extended into the community, requiring months of coordination, leadership, and service.
Balancing academics, leadership, and volunteerism, Carolynn has also demonstrated a strong work ethic in her professional life. She has worked at Chick-fil-A for three years, advancing from Team Member to Trainer, where she mentors and supports new employees.
Looking ahead, Carolynn plans to continue her education at Lake-Sumter State College, where she will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Inspired by her own personal health journey, she aspires to become a Pediatric Nurse, with the goal of ensuring children feel heard, supported, and genuinely cared for within the healthcare system.
The Ray Goodgame Outstanding Student Leader Scholarship honors students like Carolynn Cute, whose academic excellence, leadership, and service exemplify the values of the South Lake community.
