By Jill Fox
More than $50,000 in scholarships were awarded in memory of Jaime Guttenberg, one of the 17 victims murdered in the Parkland School Shooting on February 14, 2018.
Fred and Jennifer Guttenberg formed “Orange Ribbons for Jaime” when their daughter’s life was senselessly taken from them to support causes important to their daughter in her short life — as well as those dedicated to pursuing common-sense gun safety reforms.
This year, in honor of their 14-year-old daughter, 14 students received scholarships from the organization.
“For our first year, we were overwhelmed with the response and extremely pleased with the diversity of the people that applied,” said Carol Chenkin, a representative from Orange Ribbons for Jaime, “We are hoping as we move forward that number will only grow.”
Each national scholarship recipient will receive $3,750, totaling more than $50,000 awarded. The money was raised during the First Annual Orange Ribbons for Jaime Dance-A-Thon in November 2019.
Dozens of students applied in three different categories; all are reflecting Jaime’s passions and interests. The Jaime Guttenberg Helping Hands Scholarship was open to those with a focus on helping others, and pursuing a career in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Psychology, or Special Education, among others.
The Jaime Guttenberg Dance Scholarship was open to students applying to a university or performing arts specialty program with a focus on a career in dance. The Jaime Guttenberg ALL Abilities Scholarship was intended for any individual diagnosed with a special need or disability.
A ceremony for the 14 recipients will be held in South Florida at the end of March.