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“T
“Thehe BEST EVENTS are on the are on the WATER!””

Immokalee Foundation student The Class of 22's Eloy Anzualda III Immoklaee Foundation graduate
Stephanie Robert as the student represents The Immokalee Foundation Lizbeth Huapilla
speaker at The Immokalee in an interview with WINK News.
Foundation's inaugural CEO Summit.

For Immokalee Foundation students, high school graduation is just the beginning

by Noemi Y. Perez, President and CEO Lizbeth Huapilla is on her way to Florida SouthWestern State Beach Shelling, Afternoon & Sunset
s a society, we understandably place a lot College. Ten years from now she wants to run her own business while
s a society, we understandably place a lot College. Ten years from now she wants to run her own business while
of emphasis in the thrill of high
of emphasis in the thrill of high giving back to people in need. Sightseeing, Sunset Dinners, Hors D’oeuvres
giving back to people in need.
"Th e Immokalee Foundation has changed my life in many ways.
school graduation. I am happy for
A school graduation. I am happy for "Th e Immokalee Foundation has changed my life in many ways.
any student who can successfully Th ey taught me to get out of my comfort zone, be independent, and Private Charters, Specialty Cruises,
Th ey taught me to get out of my comfort zone, be independent, and
make it to the high school fi nish never give up. And I did, and I am, and I won't."
never give up. And I did, and I am, and I won't."
line, but in Immokalee, that Ketnise Pierre is off to Sante Fe College—the fi rst
step on her journey to become a nurse practitioner.
achievement can be a bit sweeter. step on her journey to become a nurse practitioner. Weddings & More also Available!
Many in Th e Immokalee "I would say the words that best describe me are outgoing
Foundation's Class of '22 are the fi rst in their family to and patient—and I am willing to take a risk."
Foundation's Class of '22 are the fi rst in their family to
and patient—and I am willing to take a risk."
graduate high school—and as we're on the cusp of another Stephanie Robert
graduate high school—and as we're on the cusp of another
Stephanie Robert is going to the University of Florida to
school year—they are often the fi rst family member to go to study nursing.
study nursing.
school year—they are often the fi rst family member to go to
"Th e Immokalee Foundation has changed my life in ways I could not
college. "Th e Immokalee Foundation has changed my life in ways I could not
Th e challenges in Immokalee are widely reported. Th e irony have imagined. Th e Foundation allowed me to become the young woman I
is that, as an agricultural community, Immokalee's working class am today—through their Career Pathways program, mentor meetings, class
essentially feeds millions of people, yet parents often struggle to trips, seminars, and so on. Th e Immokalee Foundation has helped me form
meet their family's basic needs. strong relationships that will continue to impact me for the rest of my life."
For over 30 years, Th e Immokalee Foundation has focused on Th ere's no limit to what all our graduates can achieve. And our
education, career-readiness, and professional development for an highly supportive Foundation team and community volunteers will be
extraordinary group of students ranging from kindergarten to alongside them as they pursue their dreams.
postsecondary education. For more information on Th e Immokalee Foundation's
At Immokalee High School, Foundation students represented transformational work and to stay connected with our student's stories,
12% of the 2022 graduating class. Out of our 39 high school visit: immokaleefoundation.org.
seniors, 18 graduated in the top 20% of their class and six of the
top 10 graduates are Immokalee Foundation students. About e Immokalee Foundation
As part of our celebration, here is a snapshot of our exceptional For more than 30 years, Th e Immokalee Foundation has been preparing
Class of 22—a blend of tenacity, commitment, kindness and the next generation of leaders through a 100% focus on education, career
passion. If you're looking to be inspired, look no further. readiness, and professional development for students in Immokalee--from
Eloy Anzualda III, one of our promising young scientists, is kindergarten to postsecondary education. Th e Immokalee Foundation
m
headed to the University of Florida with the goal of becoming a off ers new pathways to success and fi nancial independence through N NaapplleessPPrriinncceessssCCrruuiisseess..ccoomm  2 23399..664499..22227755  miissssNNaapplleessBBooaatt..ccoomm
shark biologist. robust programming that prepares students for well-paying, in-demand
Also available at:
"I hope to conduct leading research on various species of sharks to professional careers in Business Management & Entrepreneurship,
give better insight into their lives, how we can interact with them, and Education & Human Services, Engineering & Construction Management
how we can use their gifts to better our world." and Healthcare. For additional information call 239-430-9122 deck & tritoon Paddleboards Fishing Charters
Boat rentals Kayaks & gift shop!
or visit immokaleefoundation.org.
52 Life in Naples | August, September, October 2022 Life in Naples | August, September, October 2022 53