GREEN COVE SPRINGS – At its meeting on June 14, the Magnolia Point Women’s Club announced the recipients of scholarships for young women graduating this spring from Clay High. The Magnolia Point Women’s Club Scholarship Fund is in memory of Gisela Ferrell, a founding member of the Club. The scholarship awards are funded by the annual luminary event held in December for residents of Magnolia Point. To date, more than $175,000 in scholarships has been awarded.

Cassandre Francois was awarded $6,000. She plans to attend the University of South Florida in the fall of 2023, and will pursue a career in Business Management.

While at Clay High, Cassandre was on the Academic Team that competed with other students from other county schools. Her team placed 4th overall in the community. She participated in Student-to-Student, raising money to support military children within her school, and planning events to accomplish this. Cassandre was also a member of the National Honors Society, a group that conducted fundraisers within the school to support the school and the community. She understands that the key to success is to push herself to exceed personal skills and abilities to accomplish her dreams. Cassandre contributed to her community by volunteering at the Clay County Agriculture Fair, distributing thrift items from Community Bins, and volunteering to assist those attending community events sponsored by the Lake Asbury Baptist Church.

Janiyah Stevens was awarded $4,000. She plans to attend the University of Florida in the fall of 2023, and will pursue a career in Health Sciences (Pre-Med track). While at Clay High, Janiyah was active with the Varsity Girls Weightlifting Team, winning many awards from 9th to 12th grades. Some of her awards included FHSAA State Champion in 11th grade and FHSAA third and fourth State Place, first Team All County Athlete, Clay All County Athlete of the Week and Clay High Athletic of the Week.

Janiyah was crowned Miss Clay High with a scholarship opportunity when she was in the 11th grade. Janiyah also participated in community service, volunteering for the Center of Astrophysics, Green Cove Springs’ Parade of Trees and NHS Tutoring underclassmen experiencing difficulty in academics. Her goal is to be a Pediatric Physician and contribute to helping children while growing within herself to become an inspiration to others.

Savannah Green was given $2,500. She plans to attend the University of North Florida majoring in Nursing with a minor in Nutrition.

While at Clay High, Savannah was active in team sports. She played Varsity Soccer from the 9th to the 12th grade and was Team Captain in the 12th grade. She also played Varsity Flag Football from the ninth to the 12th grade, receiving Clay County Honorable Mention and the second Team All-County Unsung Volunteer Award. She was also a member and speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes from the ninth to the 12th grade. Community involvement for Savannah included participation in the Orange Park First Baptist mission trip to Pawleys Island, South Carolina, helping the community in various ways, and a mission trip to Canada providing child care for local pastors and families so they could attend a conference. She also helped at the Green Cove Springs Junior High providing clerical services to students and staff, and helping with open house night.

Lydia Lovelady was awarded $2,500. She plans to attend St. Johns River State College majoring in Finance and pursuing a career as a Financial Analyst. While attending Clay High, Lydia was a Student Manager Intern for VyStar Credit Union at both the Clay High and Green Cove Springs branches.

Her community involvement included volunteering at Wilkinson Junior High School as an Assistant Volleyball Coach helping students with drill set up, equipment, and advice. Lydia values being accountable for herself as she faces challenges in her life. Lydia believes in discipline and developing good habits as the key to success. More important for her is that she is aware that most everyone faces difficulties in life. Lydia also believes in understanding any difficulty she faces, and then choosing to concentrate on how she deals with or resolves her problems.

Thanks to Joanne LaBeouf, the Club’s Scholarship Director, and to the committee members Pam Calloway, Marsha Fields, Marguerite Martin, Cheryle Newman, Janine O’Connor, Barb Phelps and Sharon Sprott, on another job well done.