Give Back...

A Message from Sandra Rennick, President of Dollars for Scholars...

Dollars for Scholars President Sandra Rennick joined by recipients and alumni at the 43rd Annual Awards Ceremony. From left, Sandra Rennick; Keynote Spreaker Lori Monroe, Class of 2006; David Polk, Class of 2006; and Josceyln Worrell, Class of 2001

Welcome! As a fellow recipient of a Dollars for Scholars award, I too benefited from the generosity of our community.

I now have the opportunity to assist current scholarship recipients as President of Dollars for Scholars. I joined the Board in 2001 with the intention of giving back to an organization that supported me in my first year at Davidson College in North Carolina. One of my goals when I joined the Board was to help DFS reconnect with our alumni.

I recall fondly, when I was in college, holiday gatherings at Dan Richardson's home where I had the opportunity to visit with former classmates. I enjoyed receiving a newsletter that highlighted the success of fellow recipients. We now look forward to the Dollars For Scholars website serving as a forum for recipients to share news and happenings.

We welcome recipients to reach out to Board Members with ideas and suggestions. How can Dollars for Scholars do a better job for the students of Indian River County? We need and ask for your input. Let us know if you would like to serve as a volunteer, on a committee, or our Board. You are the future of our organization, and we look forward to partnering with you as we continue the mission of Dollars For Scholars.

In the News...

Alyssa Ann-McKenzie, DFS Class of 2005, and a student at FAU, spent the summer registering working with Young Democrats registering Indian River County voters. She was featured in a Press Journal story on how young college students are becoming involved in politics. "I am working hard to bring in volunteers and young voters and raise awareness among first time voters," she writes. "This election year is making history, and it's important for all of us to be part of it!" Here she is pictured with a co-worker waiting to hear Presidential Candidate Barack Obama speak at a Titusville rally.

Kyle Johnson, 2008 Richardson Scholar, volunteered with DFS this summer to help us redesign and launch our new website. Kyle spent many hours laying the groundwork for this new site, taking time from his studies at University of Illinois to refine and polish. Many thanks to Kyle from the DFS Board and staff!

DFS Alumnus Michael Stutzke on Giving Back...

“Growing up in Indian River County has had its benefits. One that I value most is the scholarship afforded me through Dollars for Scholars. I would like to encourage each recipient of a DFS scholarship to embark on an annual program of giving back on an annual basis. Doing so has been very rewarding for me.

Outside of my office door is the following. Please give it some thought as it has serve me well.

     What I gave, I have;
     What I spent, I had;
     What I kept, I lost.

I hope that you will consider giving regularly to the organization that helped make your dream of a college education a reality."

E. Michael Stutzke
Athletic Director, SRHS
DFS Recipient, 1972
DFS Board, 2001-present