A recent Creekside High School graduate will get two years of college paid for after winning the Florida Prepaid College Foundation Ottenstroer Legacy Scholarship Essay Contest, which is in its second year.
Hannah Shelton, who just graduated from Creekside High School in May, was chosen from among the students in St. Johns County who submitted essays on the value of public service for the chance to win two free years of college.
The Duane L. Ottenstroer Legacy Scholarship Essay Contest honors the many years of service by longtime Florida Prepaid College Board Chairman Duane L. Ottenstroer, who has also served on numerous corporate and community boards, continues to be active in higher education policy and resides in St. Johns County.
The essay contest was open from Feb. 12 to March 23, and provides two years of college tuition valued at approximately $7,700 to a St. Johns County high school student who shares Ottenstroer’s interest in public service.
“We are excited to once again award a deserving student with this scholarship opportunity,” said Board Chairman John Rood. “It is inspiring to see so many students committed to public service at this stage of their life. Ms. Shelton is committed to helping others, both in her local community and abroad, and is an inspiration to many.”
Each entrant submitted a 500-word essay on “The Value of Public Service: How Can Public Service Positively Affect an Individual and Their Community?” The students, all attending school in St. Johns County in grades 9-12, also had to submit a personal essay and one letter of recommendation from an educator or professional.
The Foundation collaborates with the St. Johns County School District and Volunteer Florida, the lead agency for volunteerism and national service in Florida, to bring this program to St. Johns County.
“We congratulate Ms. Shelton on her academic and community service efforts and winning the second Duane L. Ottenstroer Legacy Scholarship Essay Contest,” said Cynthia F. O’Connell, director of the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. “The Foundation is grateful for the partnerships that make the Legacy Scholarship possible. I feel confident that Ms. Shelton will put her two-year Florida College Plan scholarship to good use while pursuing her education in occupational and art therapy.”
For more information, visit www.myfloridaprepaid.com/legacyscholarship.
