2024 Scholarship Winner: Hunter Barrettsmith

​The winner of this year’s PIE Island Kids scholarship is our very own Hunter Barrettsmith. You may know him as Amy and Mic McCully’s son. He’s been actively involved volunteering with both BICI and PIE Activities such as:

• Replacing the little library and removing old fencing in the gnome garden
• Setting up tables and chairs at numerous social events, such as Palm Palooza
• Built the monofilament recycling bins on both bridges to educate fishermen about the importance of throwing away used fishing line to avoid wildlife entanglement
• Helped numerous neighbors with tasks and always has a smile on his face

He plans on attending Tallahassee State College for an AA in Sports, Fitness and Recreation Management along with enrolling in the fire/emt academy at Florida Public Safety Institute and becoming a firefighter. 

Below is his goal statement he submitted:
Dear Scholarship Committee:
After high school I plan to attend a firefighter and EMT program. I have set this goal upon myself as I have dreamt of becoming a Fireman for as long as I could remember. I feel that this would be a good fit for myself as people tend to say that I keep others best interest in mind. I am a hard worker who sets goals with the full intent of completing them.

When it comes to being involved in extracurricular activities, I am more active than many. Attending almost every sporting event as a super fan leader, students and staff will always know where to find me. Whether I'm supporting others on the field or helping them around town. Volunteering is a big part of who I am and it has made me the person I am today. My dedication towards the future of our local youth wrestling
program brings me great joy. But as much as I am doing it for them, the feeling of instilling my passion onto others has made me realize how much I care about human growth.

As a first generation college applicant I know how fortunate I am to be in my position. Growing up with divorced parents is not easy on any child. However, the support they were both able to provide is unlike any other. My mother, an entrepreneur who has owned multiple businesses including hair salons in 4 locations. And my father, an independent contractor and the head of maintenance at one of the largest medical
supply distributors in the country. My role models, the people I aspire to be when I'm older. They have set high standards for me and always want what is best for their son.

I would like to thank you for taking your time to read this and invest in me like many others have. I believe that I am a worthy candidate as I am going to further my education and pursue my dreams of becoming a firefighter. This opportunity has given me the hope for a brighter future to come and to help me navigate the financial burden that comes alongside continuing my education.
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Respectfully,
Hunter Straten Barrettsmith