Chamber scholarships: The Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce presented two scholarships last week to two area students. The two were Sean M. McDonald and Nicole Mcintosh. Shown here presenting a $1,000 scholarship to McDonald in the center is Joe Whalen, the CEO and executive director with the Chamber. Shown here during the presentation are from left to right, Tom Richard, chairman of the Scholarship Committee; Jere Carrick and Cindy Dodd, committee members; Whalen and McDonald; Patrick McDonald, Sean’s father; and Tahatha Hipp, a committee member.

One of the highlights of the year for Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce members is the presentation of college scholarships. A special committee is set up and those wishing to receive help for college are encouraged to apply.

After meeting and looking over applicants letters, the Chamber’s Education Committee makes a selection.

The scholarships are granted to students demonstrating leadership qualities and excellent moral character, Chamber officials said.

Academic grades are also considered but active participation in organized activities and the recommendations of teachers and others are given great weight.

A special ceremony was held at the Chamber’s Welcome Center on Lee Blvd. last week to present two $1,000 scholarships. One of the recipients showed up, along with his father, to get the $1,000 check.

Sean M. McDonald is graduating from Lehigh Senior High School and plans to major in dance at the University of South Florida. Locally, McDonald participates in theatre production, the school’s drama club and the Thespian Society. He has also helped his community through volunteering at the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce, the Community Council, Lehigh Community Services and the Alliance for the Arts.

McDonald, who is 18, says he became interested in dance about two years ago.

The other recipient was not able to be at the ceremony to pick her her $1,000 check. She is Nicole Mcintosh, who is graduating from Riverdale High School and is planning to further her education at Florida Gulf Coast University. She is active in the school’s match club, Students Against Drunk Drivers (SADD), the French Club and Debate Club. She also has tutored local elementary students and has worked with the Lee County Parks & Streets cleanup and she volunteers at Lehigh Regional Medical Center.

Chamber CEO Whalen said money for scholarships is raised from various Chamber events and from donations from members and the public.

This is the fifth year that the Chamber has been able to offer scholarships to deserving students.