Hi Everyone! Thank you to all the folks who’ve reached out and let me know you’re reading my blog. There’s been mixed feedback recently and I just want people to know I appreciate your candor and value your opinions even if we don’t ultimately agree at times. My goal in writing this blog is to provide information, as well as engage the community and create a platform to start conversations that matter.

I kicked off this week by visiting my favorite radio host at WAFC Classic Hits, Bianca Ross, to get the word out about the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Party the Hendry County Education Improvement Task Force is hosting on Monday, May 11 beginning at 5:30 pm in the Clewiston High School media center.  The Task Force has collaborated with financial aid experts from local colleges to provide Seniors who haven’t already completed their FAFSA with support to get it completed before they leave high school.

Having a completed FAFSA is an essential tool to increase opportunities for students to receive financial assistance to attend college or vocational school. Public colleges and universities won’t accept a student who hasn’t completed their FAFSA. As of April 10, nearly 70% of our graduating seniors across the county have NOT completed theirs. Knowing the realities associated with that statistic triggered “mom mode” in me so I took advantage of my position as a board member and spent Tuesday in the CHS cafeteria going table to table, asking seniors about their FAFSA status and inviting/begging those who indicated they haven’t completed theirs to please come to the FAFSA party on Monday.

I’d like to thank the Task Force for sponsoring this event and for providing meals for the students and families who will attend, as well as incentives for students to complete their applications. Not only will students who bring all their necessary paperwork receive a gift card to a local restaurant, but every senior who has completed their FAFSA will also be entered into a drawing for $500 cash.

Tuesday night was another amazing night for the Exceptional Equestrians. (Check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HendryCountyExceptionalEquestrians) Two of our riders have just had an unbelievable explosion of development and progress. It fans the flames inside my heart to see these children and their families conquering challenges. I’m so very, very proud of them.

Westside PTO Members

Thursday was another fun day. The awesome PTO officers at my children’s school organized the annual walk-a-thon and teacher appreciation luncheon and invited me to breeze in the day of the event and volunteer. I’m grateful for parents who prioritize time in their personal and professional schedules to support their children’s schools.

Clewiston FFA Members with 3.5+ grade point averages.

I attend the annual FFA awards banquet Thursday night. The John Boy Auditorium was packed with proud families, teachers, administrators and program supporters celebrating the accomplishments of the students in the program. As a board member, I was extremely proud of the incredible number of members who were recognized for 3.0+ grade point averages.

Friday began with the Hendry County Investor’s Breakfast hosted by the Hendry County Economic Development Council. Superintendent Puletti and I represented the school board at this breakfast. Governor Rick Scott’s Secretary of Commerce, Bill Johnson, was the guest speaker. He spoke about the importance of Enterprise Florida having the funding to offer incentives to out-of-state businesses to relocate to Florida.

I’m already gearing up for another rewarding and busy week as your school board member. Thank you again for the privilege to serve my county and the best students in the state.

~ Stephanie