The Monika A. Templeman Memorial Community Service Scholarship

The Lakewwood Ranch Women’s Club Scholarship Co-chair, Cheryl Breining, announced the 2025 scholarship recipients at the Club’s general meeting on March 13, 2025. Cheryl said this will be the first time the LWRWC will award three individual scholarships for $1,0000 each.

Eileen Buzzard explained that the Scholarship Committee was formed in 2015 and offers an annual $1,000 merit-based scholarship to a female Lakewood Ranch High School senior who will pursue a degree in higher education and who has proven commitment to community service. Eileen mentioned that this scholarship was renamed to honor Monika Templeman, a former president and active member of the Club, whose significant contributions have left a lasting impact. Eileen emphasized that focusing on community service volunteering and leadership underscores the importance of giving back and actively taking part in one’s community.

As each scholarship recipient came to the stage, Cheryl highlighted their dedication to volunteering, mentoring peers, and taking part in community initiatives.

Samantha Bellaire is Vice President of the National Honor Society and President of Hope Ambassadors. She has also participated in Youth Soccer, Feeding Tampa Bay, is captain of the Academic Team,and has participated in Varsity Tennis and Peer Tutoring. She will be attending Notre Dame and is majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Astro Physics. She hopes to be an Epidemiologist.

Isabel Danyluk graduated in three years, is a member of the National Honor Society, Mustangs for Kids, Cancer Free Kids, and the Fellowship for Christian Athletes. She is Vice President of Lakewood Leaders and Secretary of Hope Ambassadors. She will be attending the University of South Florida amd majoring in Biomedical Sciences or the University of Florida online and majoring in Biology. She hopes to be a physician’s  assistant.

Amaia Guevera initiated a partnership between the local teen court and Lakewood Ranch Honor Society. She is a participant in the Manatee County’s Extended School Year Program. She is a Public Relations Official for History Unlocked, a Peer Tutor and Girl Up. She also helps care for her autistic brother on a daily basis , including his journey to and from school. She will be attending the University of Florida and she will be pursuing a dual major in history and education. She would like to be a lawyer or history educator.

All three winners  Samantha,  Isabel, and Amaia exemplify the legacy of active participation in community service and leadership that Monika Templeman was known for.  LWRWC wishes  them well in their future  careers.