Lehigh Acres Student Receives Scholarship

Lehigh Acres student Melany Cabreriza, enrolled at East Lee County High School, recently won a scholarship from law firm Farah & Farah. Melany won the scholarship by writing a compelling essay about her journey from Cuba to America alongside her mother, leaving behind her father and the life she once knew. Melany’s goal is to attend college and become a neurologist.

“It’s our privilege to champion different causes that make our communities stronger,” said Eddie Farah, Founding Partner of Farah & Farah. “The Empowering Greatness Scholarship Program creates strength within our future leaders, equipping them with the most important tool of all: education.”

The Lehigh Acres student and four other winners around the state were selected based on financial considerations, academic performance, dedicated community engagement, and their essays. The winners each received a scholarship worth more than $6,000. The money can be used to pay for tuition, registration fees, and local fees for 60 lower-division credit hours at any of Florida’s public colleges or universities.

To congratulate Melany, The Farah & Farah law firm will present the scholarship during an award ceremony May 9th, at 6:00 pm at East Lee County High School. 

This weekend might be dominated by celebrations for dear old mom. However, those aren't the only things happening. Here is the latest edition of Weekend Vibes. Check out these 5 things to do for Mother's Day weekend in Southwest Florida.

Brunch is a big deal for both Saturday and Sunday. If you don't have reservations, you might be stuck with a long wait. Some events, like Mother's Day High Tea at the Ritz Carlton in Naples can also sell out. If you run into these issues perhaps you can host your own Mother's Day activities and we have a couple of ideas.

In addition, if you are looking for some last minute, overnight gift ideas or some fun DIY gifts for mom, click here. You can even get the kids involved with a couple of them.

Things tend to slow down in Fort Myers, Naples, Port Charlotte and surrounding areas after Mother's Day. However, events do not grind to a halt. For example, NAMI Collier County hosts its annual Hope Shines Walk and concert.

In addition, the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels are in town. They play the Dunedin Blue Jays and have all kinds of baseball fun planned including fireworks and concerts after the games. Find all the details below.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for May 10th through the 12th. If you can, get out and support local events and business. And most importantly, celebrate the moms in your lives, whether they are yours or your friends. Happy Mother's Day.

*Please note, events are subject to change. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or a quick check of social media and event websites.

The Mighty Mussels are in town this weekend, squaring off against the Dunedin Blue Jays,. Friday is Lee County Schools Night. Students, teachers, administrators and the likes have special ticket offers. There are also fireworks following the game.

Saturday is Margaritaville Night with upgraded concession and a postgame concert. It's also FGCU night as well as a fund raiser for Blessings in a Backpack. Sunday afternoon, enjoy a Mother’s Day Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $15 each. Kids under 12 get free admission to the game and can play catch on the field prior to the game. After the game, they can run the bases.  More info here. 

This might be a great event for mom. The Award-winning performance of  “Flamencodanza” is a show featuring Flamenco dancing as well as jazz and Brazilian music. 7:30 Friday, Foulds Theatre- Alliance for the Arts Fort Myers. $20. More info here. 

This award winning farmer's market is at the courthouse on Taylor Street in Punta Gorda. Find all kinds of produce, food, art and vendors. The new summer hours have kicked in. The market is now open from 8am to Noon on Saturday. More info here.

This annual event is at Miromar Outlets on Saturday. How much do you look like the women in your family? Mothers, daughters, granddaughters all gather to compete for bragging rights and some great prizes too. Registration begins at 10am Saturday. Contest starts at 11 in the open space between Ford's Garage and Naples Flatbread at Miromar Outlets in Estero. More info here.