HOLMES BEACH – The Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Business Card Exchanges are always a great networking event, but the March 28 exchange at LaPensee Plumbing, Pools and Air was extra special for two area high school seniors who were each awarded $1,000 college scholarships by the chamber.
Bryanna Sparks and Jacob Burdette were on hand to accept their awards and meet Island business owners and managers.
According to AMI Chamber President Terri Kinder, money for the scholarships is raised through the organization’s annual Bayfest event, as well as the annual chamber golf tournament.
“Portions of the proceeds from those two major events is what funds our scholarships,” Kinder said. “We have a committee that does the scholarship awards. This year we had a record 26 applications for the scholarships. They all go to the committee, which scores the scholarships.”
Only two of three scholarships were given out at the event. One of the winners, Nathan Rupprecht, was away with his family for spring break, so his award will be given at the next April business card exchange with the Anna Maria Island Historical Society. Kinder said the historical society, which will be awarding its own scholarships at the upcoming exchange, was gracious enough to allow the chamber to award its final chamber scholarship then.
BRYANNA SPARKS
Sparks is graduating from Manatee High School after excelling in its Medical Academy and serving in leadership roles as president of both Future Health Professionals and the National Honor Society. She also serves as webmaster for Key Club. Sparks has been active in Girl Scouts since 2011, including receiving the Gold Award for her focus on maternal mental health. She also has over 300 hours of community service, including Downtown Ministries, Blake Hospital and work with the homeless population.
Sparks plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in biology and then work toward her goal of becoming a pediatrician in Bradenton, attending LECOM for her doctorate in osteopathic medicine.
JACOB BURDETTE
Burdette is graduating from Manatee High School in the top 1% of his class. His long list of honors includes AP Scholar Distinction, AP Capstone Diploma, White M, National Honor Society, Junior Manatee & Boys State Leadership and more. Burdette is also an Eagle Scout and has more than 225 hours of community service. Burdette has been accepted to the University of Florida to pursue a bachelor’s in business finance and a master’s in business administration with a minor in chemistry.
