Carson Scholars Fund
The Carson Scholars Fund was founded in 1994 by world-renowned Johns Hopkins pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin S. Carson and his wife, Candy. The vision for the Carson Scholars Fund came from the Carson’s observation that many school display cases were filled with large trophies paying tribute to their teams sports' achievements, while honor students traditionally received a pin or certificate. Then, after reading a research study stating that students in the United States ranked 21 out of 22 countries – next to the bottom of the list – in science and math, the Carson’s felt alarmed and compelled to take action.
The crisis needed to be addressed. The concept was simple, yet unique. Students in grades 4-11 who had at least a 3.75 grade point average and demonstrated strong humanitarian qualities would be recommended by school officials to apply for $1,000 scholarships. If a student won a scholarship, it would be invested for his or her college education until graduation from high school and they would be designated as a Carson Scholar. Winners could reapply annually as long as they maintained their GPA. The awards would be paid directly to the four-year accredited institution of higher learning, on their behalf.
Saturday, March 21st is a day that will go down in Carson Scholars Fund history as forty-eight of Lee County, Florida's "best and brightest" students were honored at the 1st Annual Carson Scholars Fund Awards Banquet. It was a day of pride for philanthropist Dr. Bill Frey and other community members as they saw their dream to bring the scholarship program to Lee County come to fruition. Their tireless efforts allowed every elementary school in Lee County the opportunity to recognize and reward one of their top students for their academic excellence and humanitarian efforts. The celebration began with News Anchor Kellie Burns welcoming the students and their guests. Edwitch Merisier, a singer, violinist and 2009 Carson Scholar performed the National Anthem. Dr. Frey and Lee County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. James Browder congratulated the students and encouraged them to be strong leaders in their schools. The ceremony concluded with Dr. Carson sharing his "THINK BIG" philosophy with the scholars.
The journey to bring the scholarship program to Lee County began months ago after Dr. Frey heard Dr. Carson speak at a conference. Inspired by his life story, Dr. Frey and other community members worked diligently to bring the scholarship program to Lee County. As a result, their efforts raised over $500,000, the largest single donation in Carson Scholars Fund history! The funding allowed every Lee County elementary school to have a Carson Scholar in 2009 and created 15 endowments with two additional endowments provided by Mr. and Mrs. John Sheppard and The John Aliese Price Foundation. Dr. Frey's work is not complete. His goal is to have all Lee County elementary schools endowed by the end of 2010