b'Foundation NewsUF studentPBCFF Scholarships Making A Difference JessKellerT he Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation (PBCFF)dation and Punches continues to provide financial assistance to dozens offamily support we marine science students locally and across the state of Florida.could not run this Over the past several years dozens of travel scholarships have beeninternship program, awarded to student members of the University of Florida Fisher- said Leneita Fix, Ex-ies & Aquatic Sciences program (UF-FAS) and the Florida Chapter of the Americanecutive Director of The Reef Institute. Fisheries Society (FAFS).These scholar- Its important to remind all members of ships are presented in memory of Dennisthe West Palm Beach Fishing Club that 25% G. Punches.The annual contributions toof their membership dues goes to the PB-UF-FAS and FAFS are making it possible forCFF and ultimately supports locally based students, who often are on limited budgets, toUF student community initiatives like our scholarship travel to meetings and symposiums that areBaylorprogram, game fish research partnerships, an important part of their education.ThisLynch and habitat initiatives, said PBCFF Execu-scholarship is making it possible for studentstive Director Tom Twyford.The number of like me to have access to opportunities that Ischolarships the PBCFF awards to students might not otherwise have.This will open doorsstudying marine science and related fields at area and help advance my career commented one ofhigh schools, universities, and other institutions the recipients.Scholarships in Mr. Punches namehas expanded significantly in recent years. "We are also supporting interns at The Reef Institute,are truly grateful for your commitment to envi-a locally based non-profit conducting importantronmental education and your investment in the research that will help conserve and restore de- next generation of scientists and conservation-graded reef systems.Thanks to your support weists.Your support provides our students with have been able to bring on more interns.With ourextraordinary opportunities," said teacher Aaron recent facility expansion these students will playLichtig,of the Jupiter Environmental Research an instrumental role in our work moving forward.& Field Studies Academy.The PBCFF thanks Reef Institute interns have come from schools asall Fishing Club members and donors who share far away as Colorado University.We are givingAnnual PBCFF scholarship benefitsour vision of supporting students who will be the marine science students from across the countryJupiter High School Environmentalnext generation of marine researchers tasked with the opportunity to be involved in coral conserva- Academy students. the challenges of solving problems impacting our tion and give them valuable research experiences on their pathwayestuarine and marine ecosystems.To date, the PBCFFs scholar-to their future.Without the Palm Beach County Fishing Foun- ship donations have totaled more than $330,000. PBAU Scholarships AwardedJoshua Loe E arlier this year the Fishing Clubs board of directors selected Joel Garton and Joshua Loe as the 2025 recipients of the PBCFF\'sJoel annual Scholarships in Marine Biology in Memory ofGartonMr. Dennis G. Punches. Each student had $3,000 credited towards their tuition.Loe is a two-time schol-arship recipient who is majoring in Marine biology with a minor in film production.He intends on using the two disciplines to improve awareness on issues related to the marine environment.Garton is an experienced SCUBA diver and would like to conduct field research following graduation.To date, the PBCFF has presented $53,500 to aspiring marine biology students at PBAU.Special thanks to Dr. Angela Witmerin the university\'sBiology Department for helping advertise these scholarships to prospective recipients. The Fishing Clubs relationship with PBAU dates back more than three decades when the late Dr. Ray Waldner, an active WPBFC member, helped us launch and facilitate the scholarship program.50 W estP almB eachF ishingc luB'