Winners Of Nicholas G. Sottile Memorial Scholarship Announced

The recipients of the first Nicholas G. Sottile Memorial Scholarship have been announced.

Cynthia Chandler, a student in South Florida Community College's (SFCC) law enforcement program, and Avon Park High School senior Cameron Velasquez will each receive a $500 scholarship, according to Elizabeth Sottile, the wife of the late Florida Highway Patrol sergeant.

Velasquez is also planning to attend SFCC's law enforcement academy upon graduation, according to Sottile.

She added that there were six applicants for the scholarship. Each had to send an application as well as write a 250-word essay on what law enforcement means to them. She then called them personally to get a feel for what they wanted to do with their futures.

"We got back together and picked the two applicants we thought were best for the scholarship," Sottile said.

She offered thanks to all those who helped make the scholarship possible: all the donors who sent money and held fundraisers; Highlands Independent Bank, which handled the scholarship account; Pamela Karlson, a Lake Placid attorney who assisted with all legal aspects; Colley Financial in Lake Placid, who handled the tax paperwork; and Sebring Police Cmdr. Steve Carr, who got all the necessary paperwork together.

"Without these people, I'd be completely lost," Sottile said.

Anyone who would like to donate to the scholarship fund can contact a local Highlands Independent Bank branch.