The Wellington Garden Club awarded academic scholarships to four outstanding students at its spring luncheon on May 2 at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club.
Scholarship recipients were: Sandy Smith, an environmental science major at Palm Beach State College; Amy Polen, a Palm Beach Central High School senior entering the University of South Florida as an environmental science and policy major; Julie Morell, a Palm Beach Central High School senior entering the University of Central Florida as an environmental science and education major; and David Fisher, a Wellington High School senior entering the University of Florida as a botany major. These students were selected for their outstanding academic and civic records, vetted by the club’s scholarship committee, and recommended by their professors and educators.
Wellington Garden Club President Kathy Siena presided over the luncheon, recognizing Barbara Hadsell and Twig Morris, co-chairs of the club’s recent “Glorious Gardens” Garden Tour event, which provided funds for the scholarships and for youth garden clubs, as well as for environmental summer camp sponsorships, landscaping of Habitat for Humanity homes, and numerous community beautification projects, native plant installations and other programs. This array of projects garnered the club numerous state and regional garden club awards, which also were announced.
Wellington Garden Club-sponsored youth garden clubs claimed eight wins at the National Garden Club level. During the past year, the local club sponsored youth garden clubs at Binks Forest Elementary School, Girl Scout Troop 22222, Olympia Jr. Garden Club, Palm Beach Central High School, Pine Jog Elementary School, Wellington High School, Wellington Landings Middle School and Wynnebrook Elementary School.
The luncheon was the final event of the 2015-16 season. The club takes a break from June through August. The luncheon co-chairs were Bobbi Ziegler, Barbara Zenker and Judy Schweitzer. Guests also enjoyed a fashion show of “Hats Through the Ages” organized by member Dee Rolfe, showcasing many hats from her personal collection.
ABOVE: Karen Clawson, John Siena, Sandy Smith, Amy Polen, Julie Morell, David Fisher, Mary Kastner and Toni Riebe.
