Pinecrest Community to Support Palmetto High School

As we navigate today’s financial headwinds and inflation, it is easy to forget that charitable organizations are also in need. Case in point, the Palmetto Senior High Alumni Association is doubling their efforts this year to keep giving out scholarships to deserving graduating students and they need your support.

Started in 2014, the alumni association’s Scholarship Founders Fund gives out annual scholarship dollars, typically around $1500 per student. They do it with direct donations, and the help of groups such as Tutoring for Tomorrow, a student-led tutoring service, that gives back to the high school by donating to the Scholarship fund. Former student, Rachel Stubins Wexler ‘05, started the Harry Nerenberg Scholarship four years ago which offers $1000/year towards the overall Scholarship Founders Fund.

Even through the COVID years, when the Association could not do class reunions and fundraising was hard, they persevered. Last year, five students received scholarship funds, but now the coffers are nearly depleted.

[L-R] Paul Yan, Josie Blohm, Aiden Kong, Madison Morris and Janese Fayson with their scholarships

With a long tradition of educational excellence, Palmetto High School has a lot of pride. The strong alumni association has even created a student ‘Hall of Fame’ with members such as Jeff Bezos ’82, Cynthia Demos ’89, Grant Miller ’75 and animal-lover Ron Magill ’77.

Ron holding his “Ron Magill Day” Proclamation in 2015

In an effort to jumpstart fundraising efforts, Palmetto Senior High Alumni Association President Cindy Lerner (’70) asked internationally-known Ron Magill (’77), wildlife expert and photographer who serves as Communications Director for Zoo Miami, to perform one of his most beloved presentations: “Sex and the Animals.”

Ron Magill showing elephants doing their thing in 2015 presentation.

Ron’s uniquely entertaining ability to speak about animals is renowned. And he draws a huge crowd when he speaks publicly. He last performed “Sex and the Animals” for the Alumni Association in 2015 and it was highly successful.

This year’s “Sex and the Animals” fundraiser event will be at the Banyan Bowl in Pinecrest Gardens on October 8th at 7PM. It is preceded by a cocktail reception with cash bar starting at 6PM. The $50 tickets will benefit the scholarship fund and help dreams come true for several deserving students.

[l-R] Karyn Cunningham, Harry Nerenberg, Paul Yan, Josie Blohm, Aiden Kong, Janese Fayson, cindy lerner and Linda Dwyer in early 2022

Community often starts at our schools. Here is a wonderful opportunity to be entertained while helping out Palmetto Senior High School. You can take part by going to tinyurl.com/magillgeneral and buying your ticket to a fabulous night and cause. You can also join as a sponsor by emailing volunteerguy@yahoo.com.

Scan this QR code to purchase your ticket!

You can also join the alumni association at https://www.palmettohighalumni.org/memberships. They are always looking to connect classmates and strengthening the community.