What's Happening in Cape Coral, FL…

For 27 students living in Cape Coral, the cost of a college education just became $1,500 cheaper.

The students were recipients of the Mayor's Scholarship Fund Awards, presented during a banquet and ceremony at the Palmetto Pine Country Club at the end of April.

Since the scholarship fund was established in 1983, it has given more than $700,000 to hundreds of students. To qualify for the scholarship, a student needs to live in Cape Coral, but can attend school in another city or town.

This year, the fund set a record by giving the award to 27 students. Of these, 20 were women and just 3 attend school outside of Cape Coral.

Since it is a merit-based scholarship, students are rated on a number of factors. Their SAT or ACT scores and grade point averages are taken into account, as are the number of community service hours they have recorded. Candidates who meet the requirements for community service and academics are interviewed by the board, which then makes the final decision. The board can use printing services to announce the list of students ahead of the ceremony.

The banquet is a major highlight of the scholarship awards. Students arrive at the country club in limousines and walk down a red carpet to get to the ballroom. During the ceremony, each student is presented with their award by one of the sponsors, which include private citizens, companies, and county offices.