More than 3,400 students graduated as part of the Collier County Public Schools Class of 2026, collectively earning more than $40 million in scholarships as they prepare to continue their education and careers beyond high school.
District officials celebrated the graduates’ accomplishments during commencement ceremonies held across the county, recognizing both their academic achievements and contributions to their schools and communities.
“You solidified the standard of excellence and distinction for future classes to follow,” Superintendent Dr. Leslie Ricciardelli told graduates. “This world does not need more people with perfect resumes. It does, however, need people with good hearts, strong character, and the courage to leave things better than they found them.”
Members of the Class of 2026 will attend colleges and universities across Florida and the nation, including Harvard University, Yale University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Penn State University and the University of Florida.
Among the graduating seniors are 28 recipients of the Harold P. Bovenkerk Scholarship for Engineering and Natural Sciences, a program available exclusively to Collier County Public Schools students.
This year, Bovenkerk Scholars received a combined $1.2 million in awards, with scholarships ranging from $5,000 to full four-year rides. The scholarships support students pursuing degrees and careers in engineering, natural sciences and related fields.
The scholarship program is funded through a more than $25 million endowment established to benefit Collier County public school students. Since launching in 2023, the program has awarded more than $7 million to 153 students.
Named in honor of Harold P. Bovenkerk, one of the inventors of the synthetic diamond, the scholarship was created to help remove financial barriers for students pursuing careers in science and engineering.
District officials said the Class of 2026’s success reflects the support of educators, families and community partners who helped prepare graduates for their next chapter.
Kendall Little is the food & dining reporter for Naples Daily News. Questions, comments, or tips? Email Kendall.Little@NaplesNews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Collier County class of 2026 earns $40M in scholarships
Reporting by Kendall Little, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kendall Little, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News | USA TODAY Network
