Venice Area Historical Society

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Scholarships

Education is central to the mission of VAHS. The Society provides a variety

of educational opportunities for members and the general public.

In harmony with its emphasis on education and community outreach, VAHS and Dr. William Jervey, Jr. announced the 2026 recipients of The Venice Area Historical Society Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 and the Dr. William Jervey, Jr. Scholarship also in the amount of $2,500 to two deserving graduating seniors at Venice Area High School.

The Venice Area Historical Society Scholarship

2026 Recipient

Ryan Mallonee

Ryan Mallonee

VAHS is pleased to present the Venice Area Historical Society Scholarship, in the amount of $2,500, to Venice High School senior Ryan Mallonee.

Tom Bowers, VAHS Education Outreach Chair, addressed the audience by stating:

"As a former educator I am honored to help award the VAHS Scholarship in the amount of $2,500 to Venice High School senior Ryan Mallonee.
Ryan relates in his bio that from an early age he had an avid interest in anything with wheels, especially TRAINS. He states and I quote, "To this day I still wish to be at the throttle of a hot-shot freight traveling across the beauty this country has to offer." Family and military history, which includes his grandfather John Dee Mallonee who was a WWll fighter pilot and did most of his training on the P-47 Thunderbolt at the Venice Army Airbase, influenced Ryan as well.
At Venice High School, Ryan serves as President of Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. Last and certainly not least, Ryan is the first high school docent ever at our 1927 Historic Venice Train Depot and Circus Car Museum and to date has logged nearly 115 hours of service to our society.
Ole Ben Franklin stated, "An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." And speaking of paying interest Ryan, while I was at the Circus Car just last Saturday, unsolicited many guests stated, "That young man in the Depot was excellent." In fact, a man remarked, "I would hire that young man in a minute." Congratulations Ryan."

Frank Wright joined Tom in presenting the check to Ryan.

Dr. William Jervey, Jr. Scholarship

2026 Recipient

Hayden Heaney

Hayden Heaney

Beth Gehring, former Education Committee Chair, addressed the audience by stating:

"It is with great pleasure that I introduce Hayden Heaney, the 2026 recipient of the Dr. William Jervey, Jr. Scholarship in the amount of $2,500.
Let me share a little bit of information about this outstanding young man. Hayden was born in Phoenix and mostly grew up in Raleigh, NC. He moved with his family to Venice in 2021. He is currently the Student Body President at Venice High School. He is also the student representative to the City of Venice Citizens Advisory Board. He volunteers with Mothers Helping Mothers, a group that assists at-need families in the area.
Hayden will be attending Florida State, majoring in Political Science, with a dream of going to law school and serving one day as a Senator. I have no doubt he will achieve his dream."

Dr. Jervey joined Beth in presenting the check to Hayden.

Details

Applications to be submitted to and vetted by Rotary Futures. Candidates will be interviewed and the recipient selected by VAHS Education Committee members.

Criteria:

Venice High School Senior
Preferred course of post-secondary study - education, history, other social sciences
GPA - minimum 3.25 unweighted
Community Service - required (service with historical organizations preferred)
U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

Application Requirements:

Unofficial transcript
Resume
Letter of Recommendation from a teacher
Copy of post-secondary acceptance letter, if available
Essay discussing career goals and interest in history

Application deadline:

TBD 2026

The scholarship is awarded to a Venice High School graduating senior who exhibits strong academics, leadership, and community service.

Venice Area Historical Society

PO Box 995

Venice, FL 34284-0995

information@veniceareahistoricalsociety.org

VAHS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has registered with the State of Florida to solicit contributions. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN (800-435-7352) OR OUTSIDE (850-410-3800) FLORIDA. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” Ch 32089

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