ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL (January 19, 2005)- Florida Atlantic University and the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce are honoring the Spring 2006 recipients of the partial-tuition scholarships for St. Lucie County School District staff at the Chamber's Commerce Street Luncheon at the PGA Village Golf Club Wanamaker Room. The event begins at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25.

"This is the second time we have awarded this scholarship. To date, $3,911 has been contributed between the Chamber and FAU toward this important cause." said Chamber Director Linda Cox. "This new program embraces the 'growing our own workforce' philosophy."

The tuition assistance scholarships, created by the Chamber's Education and Business Partnerships Committee, support teachers and professional support staff seeking courses from FAU in preparation for initial state teacher certification. St. Lucie County School District employees Virginie Milfort, Tywannia Moorer, Vernesha Swoope, Rachel Ellsworth, Margaret Subock, Mary Kay Black, Heather Gray and Teresita Goodall are the Spring 2006 recipients.

"Florida Atlantic University is working to build a strong tradition of tuition assistance programs," said Annie Boehning, FAU Treasure Coast campus development director. "This scholarship offers far-reaching impact on many educators and paraprofessionals. For many, the goal of certification is out of reach without assistance from institutional scholarships funded through the generosity of alumni, corporations and other private donors."

-FAU-