Anne Roberts Scholarship Winners
At our regular lunch meeting on July 23rd, the Anne Roberts scholarships for the 2024-25 school year were awarded to two deserving students by our Scholarship chairman Bette Anne Starkey.
William Hernandez is attending Palm Beach State College to study aeronautical engineering. Joining us for the meeting, he shared with us his interests and goals, which also include computer engineering and game design.
Graduating this year from Park Vista Community High School in Lake Worth, he has been active in the community as a volunteer for Women Impacting the Nation, and the FIRST Robotics competition and as a judge for the First Lego League competition. In politics, he worked in his mother’s 2022 campaign for HD92 and went door to door for Governor DeSantis.
Nate Waldstein graduated this year from Jupiter High School with academic merit. A cello player, he is a member of the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County, and the National Society of High School Scholars. In the community he did an internship at an assisted living facility and performed on the cello there and other similar facilities. He has also authored several books on living through the pandemic as a teen.
Headed to the University of Central Florida in Lakeland to study business marketing, his interests include improving the lives of residents of senior care facilities and he would like to ultimately own and operate such businesses.
Nate was unable to join us for the meeting but sends his thanks. His grandparents Marla and Gary Werner represented him at the meeting.
The Anne Roberts Memorial Scholarship is available to any resident of Palm Beach County who is a full or part time undergraduate or graduate student seeking to further their education. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or above and plan to attend an accredited college. Applicants must be registered (or pre-registered under 18 yrs. of age) Republicans. Current members of our Club may refer applicants for this scholarship.
William Hernandez (third from left) with his parents and club leaders:
The club has been awarding these scholarships since 2009, with the following winners:
- 2024: William Hernandez, Palm Beach State, aeronautical engineering and Nate Waldstein, Univ of Central FL, Lakeland, business marketing
- 2023: Grace Templeton, Southeastern, Lakeland – sophomore
- 2022: no scholarships
- 2021: no scholarships
- 2020: Keelie Hanley, Embry Riddle Aeronautics, AZ, Soph and Rileigh Hanley got a full ride to USAF Academy, CO
- 2019: Jenna Calderaio-FSU-Senior, Jessica Blakley-Belmont University -Senior, Ben DeHaan-PBAU Junior, Rileigh Hanley-Embry Riddle Aeronautics -Freshman, and Keelie Hanley-Embry Riddle Aeronautics-Freshman
- 2018: Jenna Calderaio – FSU; Lauren Staff– UF and Jessica Blakley –Belmont University
- 2017: Jenna Calderaio – FSU, Lauren Staff – UF, Ryan Walker – Stetson Law, and Madison Andrews—PB State
- 2016: Dylan Brandenburg-FSU, Jenna Calderaio – FSU, Lauren Staff – UF and Ryan Walker-UF
- 2015: Dylan Brandenburg-FSU, Daniel Kozell-FSU, Hanna Matry-UF, Ryan Walker-UF, and Aaron Mejias-PBAU
- 2014: Dylan Brandenburg-FSU, John Clark-FSU, Jason Ferrara-Alabama, Daniel Kozell-FSU and Hanna Matry-UF
- 2013: Dylan Brandenburg-FSU, Elizabeth Cayson-Walden Univ., John Clark-FSU, Jason Ferrara-Alabama, Daniel Kozell-FSU, and Danielle Madsen-PBAU
- 2012: John Ryan Clark-FSU, Jason Ferrara-Alabama, Daniel Kozell-FSU, Shirley Schaff-Northwood Univ., and James Shackelford-FAU
- 2011: John Ryan Clark-FSU, Jason Ferrara-Alabama, Kimberly Twoey-PBAU, and Shirley Schaff-Northwood Univ.
- 2010: James Schackelford-FAU, and Cindy Morris-PBAU
- 2009: Nicole Vega-FAU
School Board Candidates on the Challenges and Opportunities of the 2024 Education Legislation
Challenges and Opportunities in the School System
SB1 candidate Matthew Lane
SB1 candidate Page Lewis
SB5 candidate Mike Letsky
SB5 candidate Suzanne Page
SB5 candidate Gloria Branch
At least until November, when ballot amendment one will decide if they remain that way, the School Board races are non-partisan. The candidates who are registered as Republicans tend to let you know that by advertising in the wire and appearing at clubs and the REC, and we have asked them to participate in our forum on July 23rd.
In district one, the far north part of the county and heavily Republican (R+17), Matthew Lane and Page Lewis are facing Democrat Francesca Wernisch.
In district five, which is the far south part of the county mostly south of Clint Moore Road and evenly divided (R+0), Gloria Branch, Suzanne Page and Mike Letsky will face off against Democrats Mindy Koch and Charman Postel.
In both districts, all the Republican candidates have agreed to join us.
If no candidate receives a majority of the votes in August, a run-off with the top 2 will appear on the November ballot.
Besides hearing the candidates present their value proposition – why they are the best choice, we have asked them to comment on some of the legislation passed this year that affects K-12 education. That includes for example, a focus on courses supporting the building trades (HB917), the introduction of chaplains (HB931) and presentations by patriotic organizations (HB1317) and the teaching of the history of Communism in the curriculum (SB1264). There were also enhancements to school choice (HB1403) and the school guardian program (HB1473), and the use of Artificial Intelligence to improve classroom effectiveness (HB1361). We would also like to hear their views on Amendment one which would make their races partisan.
We will also be awarding our 2024 Anne Roberts Scholarships at this meeting.
Please join us for what should be an interesting event!
Program Noon – 1PM, Buffet starts at 11:30AM
Cash Bar Available
Palm Beach Kennel Club – Paddock Restaurant
1111 N Congress Ave
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
MAP
$28/Members $35/Guests
Pay at the door.
Make sure you submit your RSVP in advance by clicking on our link below:
Republican Club of the Palm Beaches
213 29th Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
(561) 855-0749
President’s Council Red White and Blue BBQ
In lieu of holding a meeting in June, we are asking our members to attend the Republican Club President’s Council Barbeque on Saturday June 15th. Many of the federal, state and local candidates will speak in addition to Peter Ticktin’s anecdotes about former (and next) President Donald Trump. The club will have a tent at the event, so drop by and say hello!
County Chairman Kevin Neal at October Meeting
County GOP Chairman Kevin Neal
Program Noon – 1PM, Buffet starts at 11:30AM
Cash Bar Available
Palm Beach Kennel Club – Paddock Restaurant
1111 N Congress Ave
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
MAP
$28/Members $35/Guests
Pay at the door.
Make sure you submit your RSVP in advance by clicking on our link below:
Republican Club of the Palm Beaches
213 29th Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
(561) 855-0749
Kevin Neal is a populist, nationalist, America First Republican and currently serves as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Palm Beach County. Kevin’s primary goal is to get Republican candidates elected in Palm Beach County to municipal, county, state, and national offices. Kevin is also focused on recruiting new members for the Republican Executive Committee.
Kevin is the founder and CEO of Neal Development Company. He has almost 20 years of experience in design and real estate development and has developed projects totaling over 3,000 units and over one billion dollars. As a Real Estate Executive Kevin has led projects with teams made up of hundreds of people and budgets totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. Kevin is also a trained Architect and he has designed and developed some of the most successful multi-family apartment projects in Florida. Kevin earned a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Masters in Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Kevin and Laura live in Delray Beach with their twin sons.
2023 Anne Roberts Scholarship
The Republican Club of the Palm Beaches’ Scholarship was named after a long-standing and active member of our Club, Anne Roberts.
Anne Roberts
Anne Roberts, a petite but strong and dedicated Republican, was born in Virginia in 1920. She lived and worked in Maryland until 1954, and then moved to Palm Beach County. Interestingly, this was the year after our Club was chartered.
While working as an R.N. for 50 year, she and her husband served on the REC. She was presented the Jean Pipes award by Palm Beach County Republican Party as an acknowledgment of her dedication to Republican principles. She never sought the limelight herself, working behind the scenes, continually letting others take credit. She always admonished us to “do the right thing”, make sure there’s education involved, mentor the young to follow in the right path, have fun, be prepared, and by all means, don’t lose money doing it!!! That is who Anne Roberts was!
In the late 80’s she had worked her way to 2nd Vice President of the Florida Federated Women. She was tasked with the “Entertainment”/Program for the NFRW National Convention held in Orlando on the 50th anniversary of the organization. She had the entire PB delegation, consisting of 6 Federated clubs, involved –even doing a “can-can” dance for one evening’s entertainment. What a “hoot” Anne was!
Her many committees remember her, not only for her great character and good judgment, but as the epitome of organization –always ready with even the tape, paper clips and scissors. She chaired a Lincoln Day Dinner in the 90’s, and true to who she was, read up on protocol for seating. She knew the value of research for allowing her to be sure everything ran smoothly—and many of us remember she knew how to delegate that research..
In 2005, Anne chaired the FFRW State Convention held in West Palm Beach. Despite a recent hurricane which cancelled the keynote speaker, she found a better one; and the show went on! If there were glitches, no one knew.
Anne left us before our club chartered with Republican Party of Florida. But, being a renaissance woman who realized that times change, I am sure she is smiling as we carry our Club’s Legacy onward. She would be very proud of the young folks who have received a scholarship in her name.
The Anne Roberts Memorial Scholarship is available to any resident of Palm Beach County who is a full or part time undergraduate or graduate student seeking to further their education. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or above and plan to attend an accredited college. Applicants must be registered (or pre-registered under 18 yrs. of age) Republicans. Current members of our Club may refer applicants for this scholarship. The deadline for this application is May 31. The recipient will be eligible to receive up to $500 to be sent to the school they will attend. Award will be presented at the monthly luncheon June 28, 2022.
RCPB Scholarship application 2023
Obituary – Club Leadership Member Carol Hurst
Carol Hurst
April 26, 1935 – August 23, 2022
Born Carol Jane Cross on April 26, 1935 in Bronx, NY and moved to Boonton Township, NJ. Graduated from Boonton High School and attended St Joe’s Nursing School. Became a nurse and worked at Barnett Memorial Hospital as a surgical scrub nurse, also worked for Dr. Ferrero Paterson, Police Doctor. Then headed the medical department at Ingersoll Rand Corporate office in Woodcliff Lake, NJ. Worked as a visiting nurse for the American Cancer Society.
She moved to Florida in 1978 and resided there until passing, on Singer Island and in North Palm Beach. She was active in the Women’s Republican Party in Palm Beach County.
She is survived by Son, Marc Tiscia, two sisters (Jackie and Janet), has two granddaughters, six nieces and three nephews.
She met Jim Vizzi in 1995 whom she lived 27 joyful years together, until passing. She enjoyed the extended family from Jim’s five children and 14 grandchildren. Carol will be missed by all.
Service is on September 25, 2022 3pm – 5pm, All County Funeral Home, 131 South Lakeside Drive, Lake Worth, FL 33460.
Posted online on September 19, 2022
Published in The Palm Beach Post
Service Information
All County Funeral Home
131 South Lakeside Drive, Lake Worth, FL 33460
September 25, 2022 at 3:00 PM
Meet the Candidates – September 27
Meet the Candidates
With the primary over and the November Midterms looming, come and meet some of the Republican candidates for office – from Congress to County Commission and in between.
NOTE – Because of construction at our usual meeting place (The Paddock Restaurant) we will be meeting at the Terrace instead. The entrance is just south of the Paddock entrance.
Participants as of today: (Click on the picture for their website)
Senate District 24 Erik Ankner |
Senate District 26 Steve Byers |
House District 87 Mike Caruso |
House District 88 Ros Stevens |
|---|---|---|---|
House District 89 Daniel Zapata |
House District 92 Dorcas Hernandez |
House District 93 Saulis Banionis |
School District 6 Jen Showalter |
Port District 5 Roderick Clarke |
Program Noon – 1PM, Buffet starts at 11:30AM
Cash Bar Available
Palm Beach Kennel Club – Terrace Restaurant
1111 N Congress Ave
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
MAP
$28/Members $35/Guests
Pay at the door.
Make sure you submit your RSVP in advance by clicking on our link below:
Republican Club of the Palm Beaches
213 29th Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
(561) 855-0749
Republican Barbeque on June 25th
The Republican Club of the Palm Beaches is happy to support the President’s Council’s
We will be having no separate club meeting in June – come out and visit our booth at the BBQ!
Kennel Club President Pat Rooney at May Meeting
“Business and Government: Not Always on the Same Page”
with PBKC President Pat Rooney
Pat Rooney’s perspective as the President of the Palm Beach Kennel Club and also a 6 year Representative in the Florida House is unique. The PBKC in particular is (and was as a dog track) more regulated than many industries and he has some stories to tell. With the current business climate in the county (inflation, supply chain issues, workforce housing, etc.) and the impact to his business of the expected drawn out court fight over the Seminole Compact, how a business can navigate these challenges will be discussed.
Program Noon – 1PM, Buffet starts at 11:30AM
Cash Bar Available
Palm Beach Kennel Club – Paddock Restaurant
1111 N Congress Ave
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
MAP
$28/Members $35/Guests
Pay at the door.
Make sure you submit your RSVP in advance by clicking on our link below:
In his more than three decades here, Pat Rooney has become a successful businessman and respected community leader in Palm Beach County. He is currently the President of the Palm Beach Kennel Club. Pat was a Representative in the Florida House (District 85) from 2010 to 2016, which included Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, the Acreage, and a part of West Palm Beach. He has also served as Governing Board Member for South Florida Water Management District from 2007-2010. Pat was also a sports co-host on local ESPN 760 AM from 2003-2010.
Mr. Rooney also serves as a Director for the Autism Project of Palm Beach County and is a Founding Board Member for Potentia Academy in Greenacres. Pat also serves as a Director and Co-Chair for the not-for-profit Rooney’s Golf Foundation, Inc., which raises money for local charities through various events held every year. He is a Board Member of The Children’s Healthcare Charity, Inc. (The Honda Classic). He has served as the Vice President for Renaissance Learning Academy, Former Director and Board President of Home Safe of Palm Beach County, Director and Board President of the FAU Honors College, Trustee of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches and Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce. Pat served as a Board Member of Forum Club of the Palm Beaches and Biz PAC.
Mr. Rooney graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1986, went on to Villanova University School of Law for his Juris Doctor in 1989 and then earned his MBA from Lehigh University in 1992. Pat and his wife Patti have four children – Mary, Frannie,Patrick III and Anthony – and live in West Palm Beach. They are active members of St. Ignatius Loyola Cathedral in Palm Beach Gardens.
Republican Club of the Palm Beaches
213 29th Street
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
(561) 855-0749
2022 Ann Roberts Scholarships
The Republican Club of the Palm Beaches’ Scholarship was named after a long-standing and active member of our Club, Anne Roberts.
Anne Roberts
Anne Roberts, a petite but strong and dedicated Republican, was born in Virginia in 1920. She lived and worked in Maryland until 1954, and then moved to Palm Beach County. Interestingly, this was the year after our Club was chartered.
While working as an R.N. for 50 year, she and her husband served on the REC. She was presented the Jean Pipes award by Palm Beach County Republican Party as an acknowledgment of her dedication to Republican principles. She never sought the limelight herself, working behind the scenes, continually letting others take credit. She always admonished us to “do the right thing”, make sure there’s education involved, mentor the young to follow in the right path, have fun, be prepared, and by all means, don’t lose money doing it!!! That is who Anne Roberts was!
In the late 80’s she had worked her way to 2nd Vice President of the Florida Federated Women. She was tasked with the “Entertainment”/Program for the NFRW National Convention held in Orlando on the 50th anniversary of the organization. She had the entire PB delegation, consisting of 6 Federated clubs, involved –even doing a “can-can” dance for one evening’s entertainment. What a “hoot” Anne was!
Her many committees remember her, not only for her great character and good judgment, but as the epitome of organization –always ready with even the tape, paper clips and scissors. She chaired a Lincoln Day Dinner in the 90’s, and true to who she was, read up on protocol for seating. She knew the value of research for allowing her to be sure everything ran smoothly—and many of us remember she knew how to delegate that research..
In 2005, Anne chaired the FFRW State Convention held in West Palm Beach. Despite a recent hurricane which cancelled the keynote speaker, she found a better one; and the show went on! If there were glitches, no one knew.
Anne left us before our club chartered with Republican Party of Florida. But, being a renaissance woman who realized that times change, I am sure she is smiling as we carry our Club’s Legacy onward. She would be very proud of the young folks who have received a scholarship in her name.
The Anne Roberts Memorial Scholarship is available to any resident of Palm Beach County who is a full or part time undergraduate or graduate student seeking to further their education. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or above and plan to attend an accredited college. Applicants must be registered (or pre-registered under 18 yrs. of age) Republicans. Current members of our Club may refer applicants for this scholarship. The deadline for this application is May 31. The recipient will be eligible to receive up to $500 to be sent to the school they will attend. Award will be presented at the monthly luncheon June 28, 2022.
RCPB Scholarship application 2022
Previous Year Winners
Covid precluded our scholarship program in 2021, but in 2020, our winners were:
BEN DEHAAN was a senior at Palm Beach Atlantic University majoring in Business Management and Political Science. He is an honor student, serving with the Student Body, has volunteered with the Republican Executive Committee Offices, and spent working hours during high school and college working in small business in West Palm Beach and his home state of Michigan. He hopes to run for office one day.
KEELIE HANLEY, who graduated from SunCoast High school locally, began her college career at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with her twin sister, Rileigh, who has since been appointed to the US Air Force Academy. Keelie is continuing at Embry-Riddle with a focus on Computer Engineering. Many in our Club watched Keelie grow to adulthood as she attended our meetings with her family or volunteered for Congressman Brian Mast. She was honored to be an escort for a Korean War Veteran on one of our Palm Bach County Honor Flights to Washington DC.