HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B2 B2
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY of MONROE Mayor James K.Scholl,District 3
The Florida Keys Mayor Pro Tern Michelle Lincoln,District 2
Craig Cates,District 1
David Rice,District 4
Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
July 16, 2025
Agenda Item Number: B2
2023-4266
BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: Commissioners Aid
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Kacey Hunt
9:20am
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Presentation of$2,500 FAC Presidential Scholarship to recipient
Elina Sweeting of Key West High School by Commissioner Michelle Lincoln.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
Each year, the incoming president of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) has the honor of
awarding the $2,500 Presidential Scholarship to an outstanding graduating high school senior from his
or her home county. This year, on June 26th, Monroe County Commissioner Michelle Lincoln was
inducted as the new FAC President during the 2025 FAC Annual Conference.
Members of the graduating class of 2025 who have a parent working for the Monroe County BOCC
were eligible to apply for the scholarship. In addition, the applicants should demonstrate academic
excellence, an interest in a career in public service, and have been accepted for enrollment at an
accredited institution of higher education in the State of Florida. A FAC Scholarship Committee was
established to review applications and chose one winner. On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the committee
chose Elina Sweeting of Key West High School as the recipient of the FAC Presidential Scholarship.
Elina Sweeting is a 2025 graduate of Key West High School, and the daughter of Monroe County Fire
Fighter, Oliver Hodek. Elina has been a dedicated member of her high school band for all four years,
including a memorable performance in London's New Year's Day Parade. She has also volunteered
regularly with the Bahama Village Music Program, helping with fundraisers,parades, and assisting
with summer camp activities. Elina is the proud two-time reigning champion of the Key West Conch
Blowing Contest. She graduated high school with a weighted GPA of 3.45,proving her ability to excel
in both academics and extracurricular activities.
Elina plans to attend Valencia College in Orlando, Florida this fall, to pursue a career as a
meteorologist. Elina has always been passionate about tracking the weather. Growing up in the Florida
Keys, she has experienced more than 20 hurricanes, which sparked her deep interest in meteorology.
Her family relies on her for accurate weather updates, as she regularly analyzes data from NOAA and
other professional sources. Elina's ultimate goal is to join a professional team dedicated to monitoring
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and communicating natural disaster threats to communities. She is committed to providing accurate,
accessible forecasts while educating others on how to reduce our impacts on climate change.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
INSURANCE REQUIRED:
No
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: none
DOCUMENTATION:
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
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