FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For additional information contact:
Niki Smith LeVasseur
Wauchula, Fla., May 23, 2025 — Crews Bank & Trust is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, awarded to a select group of outstanding high school seniors who demonstrated academic excellence, leadership and a strong commitment to their communities.
The annual scholarship program reflects Crews Bank & Trust’s continued commitment to putting compassion into action by serving and giving back to the community.
“We are honored to support these outstanding young people as they take the next step in their educational journey,” said M.W. "Larry" McLaren IV, Chief Banking Officer. “These students represent the promise of tomorrow, and we are proud to play a small role in helping them reach their goals."
Recipients were selected based on academic performance, extracurricular and community involvement, leadership qualities and letters of recommendation. The scholarships may be used toward tuition, books and other educational expenses at an accredited college, university or technical school.
Among this year’s recipients is Sandy Bruce, a graduate of Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School, who received the Crews Bank & Trust endowed scholarship through the Kiwanis Foundation of Charlotte County.
“Many families struggle to make ends meet and without scholarships, many hardworking students would not be able to attend college,” said Craig DeYoung, Crews Bank & Trust Southwest Florida Area President. “In 2019, the Bank created an endowed scholarship through Kiwanis that provides an annual award for a student in need in Charlotte County.”
Other Crews Bank & Trust 2025 scholarship recipients are:
-Kayleigh Harris, Hardee High School
-Hy’Neciya Hightower, Lake Placid High School
-Marianna Salinas, Avon Park High
-Tera Lynn Price, Sebring High School
-Dylan Smith, Lemon Bay High School
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Eric DeYoung, Chief Credit Officer at Crews Bank & Trust, smiles with Sandy Bruce, a graduate of Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School, who received an endowed scholarship through the Kiwanis Foundation of Charlotte County. The scholarship may be used toward tuition, books and other educational expenses at an accredited college, university or technical school.