provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary is proud to showcase Astin Rodallega as a recipient of a Sanibel-Captiva Rotary scholarship. Astin is a senior at Ida S. Baker High School. He has been actively involved in numerous sports, clubs, and extracurricular activities, including Cross Country, Track & Field, Weightlifting, Football, National Honor Society, and two outside fire cadet programs.
Since his sophomore year, Astin has been a dedicated student in the Ida S. Baker Fire Academy, working hard to advance to my senior year of firefighting. This opportunity has allowed him to work toward earning a Firefighter I certification earlier than most students his age.
After graduating from Firefighter I through the Southwest Florida Public Service Academy and high school, Astin plans to immediately enroll in the summer Firefighter II course to complete the remaining certifications required to work for a career fire department. He will then work towards earning an EMT certification while attending college courses at Florida SouthWestern State College, where he plans to earn a degree as a Physical Therapist Assistant. His long-term goal is to work as a Physical Therapist Assistant on his off days as a firefighter.
In his free time, Astin enjoys hunting and fishing. Growing up in Southwest Florida, surrounded by ponds and canals, he developed a love for fishing at a young age. Hunting is something he has more recently discovered, and this year he successfully harvested his first deer. He also enjoys spending time with his friends, family, and girlfriend, whether that’s attending a baseball game or traveling out of town for a concert.
Astin states, “receiving the Rotary Club of Sanibel scholarship feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, as it eases the financial burden of fire school and allows me to focus more fully on my training without needing to work as much during the schooling process. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to pursue my dreams while using this scholarship to its fullest. Thank you to the Rotary Club of Sanibel for your generosity and for investing in my future.”
The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club awarded 11 scholarships this year and is funded by our Arts & Crafts Festival held annually on Presidents’ weekend at The Community House.
To learn more about the Sanibel Captiva Rotary Club, join us for breakfast every Friday morning at 7:30 AM at the Sanibel Community House, or visit our website.
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