SCF applauds Freedom Village scholarships

MANATEE -- Lauren Martinez, a State College of Florida student and Freedom Village employee of six years, said she never expected to receive her first scholarship from the senior living community.

"I am following my mother's footsteps," Martinez said.

Martinez and her mother, Wilma Negron, are both recipients of Freedom Village scholarships.

Freedom Village residents have been raising money for employees to pursue higher education since 1995. The Freedom Village Scholarship Foundation has contributed more than $300,000 for more than 250 scholarships for State College of Florida students alone.

Glenn Vergason, scholarship fund chairman, said more funds have gone to support scholarship recipients at other schools.

"We are trying to assist

young people to get an education," Vergason said.

The State College of Florida held a thank-you reception Wednesday at Freedom Villages to show appreciation to the scholarship foundation for students who were able to attend the school through the scholarships.

Martinez was recently accepted into the honors society at the State College of Florida and is working toward a psychology degree with her scholarship. Negron, her mother, finished the school's LPN program and is working on a bachelor's degree in nursing.

Maria Sarver, assistant executive director at Freedom Village, said residents contribute in several ways to the scholarships. Residents can donate to the scholarship program through monthly service fees, remember the scholarship program in their wills or ask loved ones to give memorial donations in lieu of flowers at funeral services.

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SCF applauds Freedom Village scholarships