The Right Men’s Club of Collier County 2025 Scholarship Awards
Since 2017, The Right Men’s Club has awarded scholarships to Collier County high school students to recognize academic excellence and community commitment. Our program encourages students to engage with political issues and understand their rights and responsibilities under the Constitution. A unique requirement is an essay on a current issue affecting citizens’ constitutional rights.
2025 Scholarship Overview
This year, we received applications from 16 students across seven schools, more than double the number from two years ago. Applicants represented four traditional public schools (Aubrey Rogers, Lely, Barron Collier, Palmetto Ridge) and three public charter schools (Mason Classical Academy, Marco Island Academy, Village School).
We are awarding two $2,000 scholarships, renewable for up to four years. With these awards, the Club will support 11 students, the iTech program, and an FGCU student through our endowment, totaling approximately $24,000 in 2025 commitments.
Awards Presented at the June 6, 2025 Breakfast Meeting
Erick Carter, Collier County District 4 School Board Member presents Aaron Paquette (ITECH) $2,000 scholarship award for students
Immokalee Technical College (iTech)
iTech, a state-of-the-art technical training center, provides career and technical education for high school students and adults. The Right Men’s Club’s contribution will fund gap scholarships for financially needy students, covering essentials like uniforms, textbooks, and tool kits. Congratulations to Aaron Paquette, Director of iTech.
Michael Lyster presents Eli Acher his $2,000 scholarship award
Eli Acker
Eli, an AP Scholar with Distinction at Barron High School, has earned 73 college credits and excelled as a leader. As soccer team captain in his junior year, he organized a county science initiative, collaborating with Arthrex, Grace Place, and elementary school science projects. Despite working part-time, Eli maintained outstanding academic performance. His essay focused on the First Amendment and free speech. He plans to attend the University of Florida, likely pursuing pre-med or biomedical engineering. His guidance counselor praised him as “a great young man.” Congratulations, Eli.
Dr JB Holmes presents Kailyn Dekker her $2,000 scholarship award
Kailyn Dekker
Kailyn, also an AP Scholar with Distinction, graduated Summa Cum Laude all four years at Mason Classical Academy. She served on the Mason Classical Academy Honor Commission and volunteered at St. Matthew’s House, her church, and a local memory care facility. Kailyn won second place in the statewide VFW Department of Florida Voice of Democracy patriotic essay contest. She will attend Hillsdale College, a first for our scholarship recipients. Congratulations, Kailyn.
Acceptance Speeches
After receiving the student’s scholarships awards, they were asked to make a few comments. Also included was a brief talk from Collette Combs, one of last year’s recipient’s who continues to receive her annual $2,000 scholarship.
Eli Acker
2025 Scholarship Winner
Kailyn Dekker
2025 Scholarship Winner
Collette Combs
2024 Finalist
