By Jill Fox
Ten deserving Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Seniors received scholarships for $20,000 for their college educations thanks to a Boca Raton couple.
Leah Goldberg, Leya Harris, Okayhvia Ferguson, Jada Fears, Teyenne Jonca, Justin Abonce, Alejandro Rodriguez, Juliette Hoffiz, Sanjiv Ramnanan, and Jacob Teston were this year’s recipients of The George Snow Scholarship Fund.
Each student will receive $5,000 for four years to help pay for tuition and fees. All thanks to Ann and John Wood, and their FairfaxWood Scholarship Foundation to honor their late son, Bruce.
“After the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, the Woods immediately stepped up and wanted to help students from the school,” said Tim Snow, President of The George Snow Scholarship Fund, with which the Woods partnered to administer the awards.
Anne and John Wood.
Snow said the Woods are just kind people who want to help these young adults and have donated $20,000 each year since the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
Preference for the awards is given to applicants who demonstrate financial need, are responsible, and work outside of school.
“They are not necessarily “A” students,” said Ann. “We prefer to give to children who wouldn’t get scholarships otherwise.”
The George Snow Scholarship Fund is known not just for the money, but a support system for the recipients throughout their college career.
“If they need a computer, we give them one,” said Snow, who explained they also have an emergency fund and have been providing for students affected by COVID-19.
Due to the pandemic, the Woods haven’t yet had the opportunity to meet the newest recipients face-to-face.
“I hope we will get to meet these ten soon,” said Ann, “The others are a superb group of youngsters.”
During COVID-19, previous winners have been calling, emailing, and offering to shop for the generous couple.
“And if the students ever have a problem,” Ann said, “We tell them we want to know about it, and we will help. We consider them our 35 additional grandchildren.”
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