submitted by Clermont Alumni (Kim Sams)

The Clermont High School (CHS) Scholarship Fund announces its first scholarship recipients have completed their degrees, and awards two new scholarships at the 2022 CHS All Class Reunion.

In the Spring of 2017, The CHS Alumni Scholarship Fund awarded its first $1,000 scholarships to CHS offspring Charles Duhart and Jason Richter. The CHS Scholarship Committee is proud to announce that Charles graduated from the University of Florida (UF) in the spring of 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry Resource Conservation. He will be continuing his education at the University of California, Irvine School of Law. The other recipient, Jared Richter, graduated in December 2021 from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. While at UF, Jared interned with American Systems and Lockheed Martin, where he is presently employed.

CHS also congratulates its 12th and 13th recipients. Following in their footsteps, this year’s students have demonstrated leadership, tenacity, compassion, and commitment. Both are bound to go on to great careers. At the CHS All Class Reunion on April 30, committee member Karen Newman awarded these two young women with $1,000 each to support their studies:

Amari is the daughter of Dexter and Kimberly Graham and a student at South Lake High School where she is graduating 17th out of 457 in her class. She hopes to become a neurophsychologist focused on delivering mental health support to minority and underserved communities. She has been involved in Future Business Leaders of America and Stuckey Community Development. O.U.R. Girls program, where she mentors teens. She also has a strong connection to her community as a faithful and active member of Jiles Memorial Church. Amari had acceptances from nine universities and selected the University of South Florida where she will be majoring in Psychology.

Kaley is the daughter of Linda Lewis. She attends Lake Minneola High School (MHS) and is a Lake Sumter dual-enrolled student. She has been the MHS Student Class President all four years at Lake Minneola. She has been involved in the National Honor Society and Student Government, and holds down two jobs outside of school, one as a pre-school assistant and the other at Publix. Athletics is also important to Kaley. She has excelled in swimming, cheering, basketball, softball, and volleyball. Kaley has a special love for the Special Olympics of Florida and is passionate about working with individuals who have special needs. She has learned how non- profit organizations fundraise and operate. At the Greater Macedonia church, she works with people who are in need, and she also serves by doing interpretive dancing. She is considering from among nine university acceptances (and counting).

The Clermont High School Scholarship Fund Committee established the scholarship program in 2017 through the Community Foundation of South Lake County to create a legacy to CHS graduates and benefit students who are related to those who attended historical Clermont High School, the very first local high school (established in 1881, repurposed in 1993). Through the generosity of alumni and local businesses, the CHS Reunion Committee has awarded $13,000 in scholarships to deserving high school seniors (through May 2022). The scholarship application process is managed by the Community Foundation of South Lake (cfslc.org – a charitable organization) which also provides investment oversight for the CHS endowment. To find out more about applying for a scholarship next year or making a tax deductible contribution to the CHS Scholarship Fund now or in your estate, visit the Community Foundation of South Lake County or scan here:

MARK YOUR CALENDARS.

The next CHS All Class Reunion is scheduled for Saturday, April 29, 2023. TO LEARN MORE VISIT CLERMONT ALUMNI.

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