Opinion: How to help open the doors of opportunity for others in Manatee County

Like most things that touch our deepest sense of humanity, opening doors to opportunity for others is powerful. It aligns with purpose beyond self.

Giving someone else a chance can inspire all kinds of good that may never fully be captured in a thank you note, a report or a feature story.

Humanity is one of our five values at the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. We were born from the legacy of Bill and Marie Selby, two people who wanted youth to be afforded every chance to be successful.

In addition to the large capital grants the foundation awards to nonprofits in our region — including Manatee County — the board of directors approved $887,000 for scholarships to graduating high school seniors and to institutional grants (provided to local colleges and universities for education) this year.

This spring 2023 cohort of Selby Scholars includes five students from Manatee.

Each will receive scholarship awards that are renewable for four years of college and support each student with the “last dollars” needed based on their personal circumstances.

These students spoke eloquently and sincerely to their achievements — true standouts among their peers.

Congratulations to these Manatee County students:

• Alanis Acevedo, a graduate of State College of Florida Collegiate School, attending University of South Florida to major in Biology
• Kayla Cinelli, a graduate of Sarasota Military Academy, attending University of South Florida to major in Business Analytics and Information Systems
• Layth Ghnaim, a graduate of Suncoast Polytechnical High School who will major in Computer Science at the University of Florida
• Leonel Marines, a graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School who will attend University of Central Florida and major in Computer Science
• James Williams, a graduate of Southeast High School who will major in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

As freshman during the start of COVID-19, these students were forced to adapt to new challenges. They innovated in ways that were very personal to them, and they succeeded.

Twenty-four students in our Selby Scholars cohort are the first in their families to go to college.

As you think about your own interest in helping others access opportunity, we have suggestions. Consider becoming a mentor at an organization like Take Stock in Children Manatee County.

Volunteer opportunities abound at organizations such as UnidosNow, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, United Community Centers, and others.

If you have dollars to contribute to an existing scholarship program or you want help visioning your own scholarship fund, talk to our friends at the Manatee Community Foundation (ManateeCF.org).

Sometimes, our greatest role is to be an encourager or a celebrator of accomplishment. As Ted Lasso said, “I think things come into our lives to help us get from one place to a better one.”

Any one of us can be that “thing” for a student.

Susie Bowie is the president and CEO of the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, a private foundation awarding scholarships and capital grants in a 4-county region. Visit SelbyFdn.org to learn more.