by SC Features Writer Reanna Haase
In the wake of Hurricane Charley’s destruction 20 years ago, Sanibel residents approached City Manager Judith Zimomra with the goal of giving back to the city employees who had worked tirelessly to help their community through such devastation.
Zimomra decided the best way to honor the hard work of the city staff was to invest in the future of Sanibel and its workforce and to form a scholarship program for the dependents of city employees. This program would later bear Zimomra’s name following her retirement announcement in 2021 after 20 years of dedicated work with the city.
“She’s always been a good mentor for not only the staff but also students,” said John Henshaw, Sanibel city council member and liaison for the Judith Ann Zimomra Scholarship. “So, it falls right in line with how Judie is, in respect to giving back and mentoring those younger and who could benefit from her tutelage and her guidance.”
This year, Zimomra’s legacy continues through three recipients:
1. Analise Gingerich – daughter of Chad Gingerich, Computer Support Specialist, Information Technology, Police Department
2. Mackenzie Jackson – daughter of Eric Jackson, Public Information Officer & Grant Manager, City Manager’s Office
3. Rebecca Kelly – daughter of Scotty Lynn Kelly, City Clerk, Legislative Department
Mayor Mike Miller, back row left, Council Member Laura DeBruce, Council Member Richard Johnson, Chad Gingerich, Vice Mayor Holly D. Smith, Eric Jackson, Scotty Lynn Kelly, and Council Member John Henshaw; front row, Lisa Gingerich, Analise Gingerich, Melissa Jackson, Mackenzie Jackson, Rebecca Kelly, Eva Kelly
Each scholarship winner this year was awarded $3,000 for their hard work and dedication to continuing with higher education. Additionally, each winner was recognized at the city council meeting on June 3 while surrounded by their supportive family members and council members.
“It’s definitely uplifting to have something that shows that the city is willing to support our families as they are growing and moving on in the world,” said City Clerk Scotty Lynn Kelly. “The kids were excited to get to meet the council members and shake hands with them and see they’re there for support.”
Since 2005, 101 scholarships totaling $138,000 have been awarded through this scholarship fund, which is collected through the Charitable Foundation of the Islands and the Collaboratory.
“It’s an important tool to not only let city employees know that we really care about them, that we care about their family, and we want to do what we can to help and encourage their children and family members to pursue their desires,” Henshaw said.
Among this year’s recipients is a two-time winner, Analise Gingerich.
Chad Gingerich said last year, Analise used the money awarded toward her first year at Florida Gulf Coast University, where she is working toward her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. This year, Analise will use the scholarship to complete her Bachelor’s program and pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling.
“She’s just super excited. This has been a really big help for her – financially, relieving a lot of stress,” Chad said. “I’m appreciative that they’re doing it for the families of city employees; it’s a nice little extra benefit. It helps encourage the families and also the kids to keep on continuing their education.”
Chad shared that he worked alongside Zimomra on numerous occasions, and her care for the city was always present in her work. “It’s nice that they’ve named the scholarship after her. I think it is fitting because she was here so long and has such a big impact,” Chad said.
Scotty Lynn, mother of scholarship winner Rebecca Kelly, worked directly beside Zimomra often while she was deputy city clerk during Zimomra’s career as the city manager.
“She is absolutely a wealth of knowledge, and she wants to see people succeed,” Scotty Lynn said. “She was very encouraging, and she always pushed to make people better in their positions. She knew this city inside and out.”
Scotty Lynn shared that Rebecca will be using her scholarship to help cover the costs of beginning her Bachelor’s program in mathematics at the University of Central Florida in the summer. Like Rebecca, Mackenzie Jackson will also be using her scholarship to support her education at the University of Central Florida, where she will pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.
Those interested in supporting the Judith Ann Zimomra Scholarship can make donations through the Charitable Foundation of the Islands or the Collaboratory, ensuring that community support continues to thrive, just as Zimomra envisioned two decades ago.
“As it relates to higher education, we want to make sure that we help in some way,” Henshaw said. “And hopefully that will stimulate others in the community to support this program.”
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