2024 Scholarship Recipient
We are happy to announce the 2024 recipient of the Michael Baird Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship has been awarded to Olivia Collins from Ocala, Florida. She graduated as valedictorian from her high school. Olivia is excited to be going to FSU and will be studying Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Psychology. She has sent a message to the funders of the scholarship.
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude as a recipient of the Michael Baird Memorial Scholarship. Your generosity is a tremendous help in easing the financial burden of my education, and I am truly honored to be chosen as a recipient. This scholarship will allow me to focus more intently on my studies and engage fully in my academic and extracurricular pursuits. Having a single mom, it is also important to me that I am not putting any extra financial pressure on her. Just recently, she had to purchase a new air conditioner for our house, so I am doing all that I can to help out when it comes to school.
As an honors student majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences with a minor in Psychology, I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and striving for excellence in all my endeavors. Your support not only helps me cover essential educational expenses but also motivates me to work harder and give back to the community. I am eager to apply the skills and knowledge I gain through my studies to make a positive impact in my field. After I get my bachelor’s degree I plan to attend PA school at FSU as well. I want to specialize in cardiology because I find it very intriguing that if that one organ fails to work properly, it could affect the whole body. I want to be a safe haven and helping hand for people who are struggling with cardiovascular issues. I want them to live an enjoyable life and take away as much of their pain and suffering as I can.
Thank you once again for your generosity and belief in my potential. I am deeply appreciative of your support, and I hope to make you proud through my academic achievements and future contributions.
Warm regards,
Olivia C. Collins
Valedictorian Olivia Collins speaks during the Forest High School graduation at World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL on Saturday, May 25, 2024
