loads, and reporting are met. Each semester
scholars must submit a personal letter stating
their goals and achievements, including extra-
curricular activities, along with a copy of their
offi cial grade transcript and proof of enrollment
of 12 or more hours for the upcoming semester.
Student retention has been one of the major
topics in higher education since the 2008
economic downturn. For instance, only 59
percent of students seeking a bachelor’s degree
at four-year institutions in the fall of 2009 completed
the degree in six years. Students who
participate in the BGWC scholarship program
complete their education in two or four years at
a rate well above the national norm. The scholarship
committee believes this success rate is
partially attributable to the committee’s close
monitoring of students’ progress and the development
of personal relationships.
Over the past 47 years, the Club has awarded
more than $2.5 million in fi nancial assistance to
more than 250 students. This investment by the
Club, made with dollars raised from the community,
has realized excellent results ... not only for
the students, but also as compared to national
outcomes for all students receiving fi nancial aid.
Boca Bargains
There are many tales to be told about the
legend that Boca Bargains has become, and here
is just one, taken directly from a Woman’s Club
member:
During these early years, the club president
served as the chair of the scholarship committee
that included two to three other members.
The scholarship program was formalized under
the leadership of Mrs. Donald “Greenie” Hooker,
who was elected president of the Club in 1982
and assumed the chairmanship of the committee.
The Club offi cially budgeted $2,500 for the
program and began working with the principal of
Lemon Bay High School and participating in the
school’s annual Awards Night. Greenie was dedicated
to working with the students and reviewing
the reports they submitted. Each year she gave an
in-depth report to the Club on the achievements
and progress of the students. During the fi rst
decade of the formal program, the Club awarded
$53,600 to 17 students.
There continued to be signifi cant growth in
the program during the 1990s with 32 students
receiving $208,000. Committee chairs during this
period included Zweck Bronner, Mary O’Bannon,
Carole Geoghagan, Barbara Murphy, Barbara
Williams, Patsy Burke and Linda Aley.
In 2010 the scholarship committee began
discussing new criteria in the application process
to refl ect the changing demographics of Boca
Grande, as well as the different avenues available
for students to seek an education. To accommodate
these changes the committee restructured
the application process and form. Press releases
were sent to local newspapers announcing
the application deadline and encouraging local
students to apply. Within two years, the number
of awards increased by 15-20 new students each
year.
The rise in numbers also refl ected a national
increase in college-bound students. During the
last eight years, over 111 students were awarded
more than $1 million in fi nancial support.
Committee chairmen during this period included
Ginny Bryant, Louise Head and Stephanie Vick.
Today’s Woman’s Club scholarship program
contains critical elements from the earliest days
to the most recent adaptations. Once a student
is accepted into the program, he or she is guaranteed
continued support until graduation as long
as the Club’s requirements for grades, course
An old cistern that became part of the new island
water system that the Boca Grande Woman’s Club
helped create and fund.