Project Scholars, the scholarship program powered by proceeds from the annual Pig on the Pond event, has announced its 2026 scholarship recipients. Four South Lake County seniors — Shireen Noelma, Abbigail Hightower, Adelaide Owusu, and Isabella Nunez — have each been selected to receive $10,000 over four years toward their undergraduate education.
Each year, Project Scholars awards scholarships to high school seniors living within the boundaries of South Lake County who demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and a commitment to serving their communities. This year’s recipients were selected from a competitive pool of applicants and represent schools across the South Lake area.
“These four young women embody everything the Project Scholars program was created to celebrate — heart, hustle, and an unwavering commitment to their communities,” said Nancy Srodes, Scholarship Committee Chair for Project Scholars. “We are incredibly proud to invest in their futures, and we are grateful to everyone who supports Pig on the Pond and makes these scholarships possible year after year.”
Shireen Noelma, a senior at Hope Preparatory Academy, is the recipient of the Orlando Health South Lake Hospital Scholarship, sponsored directly by Orlando Health South Lake Hospital. Shireen graduates as her school’s Class of 2026 Valedictorian with a 4.1 weighted GPA. A fluent speaker of both English and Haitian Creole, she has dedicated more than 171 hours to community service, including tutoring elementary students, volunteering with 2nd Harvest Food Distribution, and leading the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She plans to pursue a degree in Health Sciences at Valencia College on her way to becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.
Abbigail Hightower, a senior at Lake Minneola High School, is a first-generation college student who has overcome significant personal and financial hardship to build a 4.6 weighted GPA and earn acceptance to multiple universities. Raised by her father in a single-income household, Abbigail became an AVID Summer Institute Leader, training educators across Central Florida, and has spent four years volunteering with New Beginnings, a nonprofit serving individuals experiencing homelessness. She plans to study Biomedical Sciences and pursue a career as a Cardiovascular Sonographer.
Adelaide Owusu, a senior at Lake Minneola High School, ranks 35th in her class with a 5.0 weighted GPA and 48 dual enrollment credit hours. An AP Scholar with Distinction and Summa Cum Laude honoree, she serves as Vice President of the National Honor Society and heads the Fallen Hawks Memorial Committee — a student-led effort to maintain a campus tribute to students who have passed away. Shaped in part by her childhood years living in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Adelaide has logged 176 hours of community service and dreams of founding a nonprofit to support women and children in conflict-affected nations. She plans to study Finance.
Isabella Nunez, a senior at Real Life Christian Academy, is the recipient of the Cheryl Fishel Memorial Scholarship, awarded by Project Scholars in honor of Cheryl Fishel, the program’s cherished longtime event planner. Isabella has spent her high school years balancing work, family responsibilities, and 269 hours of community service. Beginning work at age 13 to help support her family, she also served as Co-Captain of the Varsity Cheer team, coached a youth cheerleading program, and volunteered with Give Kids the World Village and Unforsaken Treasures, among others. She plans to study Psychology and become a board-certified behavior analyst supporting parents of children with special needs.
The Pig on the Pond event is held annually in Clermont, Florida, and brings the South Lake community together to raise scholarship funds for local students. Sponsorships from community partners like Orlando Health South Lake Hospital allow Project Scholars to expand its reach and impact each year. For more information about Project Scholars or to learn how to support the program, contact Amanda Nethero at 407-433-6048 or info@pigonthepond.org.
About Project Scholars
Project Scholars is a South Lake community scholarship program that raises funds through its annual Pig on the Pond event. Scholarships of $10,000 over four years are awarded to deserving local seniors who demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, leadership, and community service. Additional scholarships are made possible through community sponsorships and memorial funds. For more information, visit pigonthepond.org or contact Amanda Nethero at 407-433-6048 or info@pigonthepond.org.
