Suncoast Fab Lab student leader and Pine View School grad receives $10,000 STEM scholarship

Special to the Herald-Tribune
·4 min read

Suncoast Fab Lab student leader receives $10,000 scholarship

Duncan Marmash, a Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab volunteer and 2023 Pine View School graduate, was recently awarded a $10,000 Archimedes Award scholarship sponsored by the Andrew and Judith Economos family.

Duncan Marmash has received a $10,000 Archimedes Award scholarship sponsored by the Andrew and Judith Economos family.
Duncan Marmash has received a $10,000 Archimedes Award scholarship sponsored by the Andrew and Judith Economos family.

Marmash has been involved with the Fab Lab since 2019, contributing as a member of the Remote Control Car Competition student committee and Student Community Innovation Program (SCIP). "Volunteering at the Fab Lab has allowed me to give back to the community and teach about the subjects I love most," Marmash said.

The Archimedes Award honors graduating seniors from Pine View, Booker High School, and Manatee High School who have demonstrated exemplary academic and intellectual accomplishments and intend to pursue post-secondary studies in a STEM-related field. Marmash plans to study physics at Princeton.

"While Duncan's achievements are a result of his hard work and perseverance in numerous settings, I have no doubt the skills he developed at the lab played a tremendous role in his development as a leader," Andrew Economos said. The Fab Lab was founded to support tomorrow's innovators through experiential learning in science, technology, engineering, art and math. Visit suncoastscience.org.

Christ Episcopal in Bradenton providing free school supplies

Christ Episcopal Church of Bradenton will host its third annual backpack giveaway on July 15, featuring free school supplies for children and families who need community support.

The no-cost event will be held in Parish Hall at the church, 4030 Manatee Ave. W., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The first 500 children attending will be given backpacks filled with school supplies donated by members of the church and community. Casual, rubber-based footwear will also be available for children and adults. The church’s Food Pantry will offer food and a drink.

The church also is partnering with community-based organizations to provide children and parents with connections to family-oriented services. Among the nonprofit groups participating are Turning Points, Project Heart, Our Father’s House, the Early Learning Coalition, and Pace Center for Girls. For information, contact Pat Fraser at pfraser@CECB.Church or 941-747-3709 or 941-718-1493.

Gulf Coast grants to Forty Carrots prioritize education, mental health

Forty Carrots Family Center recently received three grants totaling $53,000 from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation to support its Partners In Play parenting education programs in Sarasota County and mental health services for families affected by Hurricane Ian.

“Forty Carrots stands strong as a pivotal resource for families in our region. Their work is inspirational and important,” said Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Director of Community Leadership Kameron Hodgens.

The funding was made possible through the Community Health Endowment Fund, Anna V. Pfister, Nellie Mae Koss and Helen K. Hadden Memorial Fund, and the Hurricane Ian Recovery Initiative at Gulf Coast. Forty Carrots serves families from all walks of life, with 94% receiving services free of charge. Visit fortycarrots.org.

Around and about ...

DreamLarge and the Rosemary Art & Design District (RADD) in Sarasota will host a free BBQ Bash & BLVD Bike Ride on July 13 in Rosemary Park, 1386 Blvd. of the Arts. The bike ride will be led by Bill Waddill, COO of the Bay Park Conservancy, and will begin at 6 p.m. Info and registration: eventbrite.com/e/blvd-bike-rides-tickets-602688998017.

· The Literacy Council of Sarasota is seeking volunteers to help adults improve their English communication and literacy skills. No experience is required. Volunteers will receive approximately 18 hours of ProLiteracy-certified instruction over four weekday sessions starting July 10 at the Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center, Bldg J, 1750 17th St., in Sarasota. Information and registration: LCS program director Susan Bergstrom at 941-955-0421 or sbergstrom@sarasotaliteracy.org.

· Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota, an LGBTQ+ chorus, will hold open rehearsals starting Aug. 29 for the 2023-24 season, including performances in December at the Living Nativity at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice and in January at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Venice. Visit diversitysarasota.org. The chorus also elected the executive committee for its 26th season: Bern Cattanach, president; John Marth, vice-president; Lorrie Holm, secretary; and Kathy Hanas, treasurer.

· Summer camp and school-year registration continues at the Susan Schwaid Early Learning Center at Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, in Sarasota. Summer camp themes in July include "The USA, Winter in July" and "Mini-Chefs Week." The school year at SSELC begins on Aug. 10. Information: 941-377-8074.

Submissions by Diana Dill, Jenn Sams Scott, Tom Tryon, Tonya Getzen Gowan, Asya Stuart, Donna Dore Fossum, Tom Melville, Elaine Rose Glickman,

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Pine View graduate, Fab Lab leader receives $10,000 Archimedes Award