US field tomato grower awards $13,500 in local college scholarships

Lipman, a locally invested and nationally recognized tomato grower, recently donated $13,500 in college scholarships to local graduating seniors at Immokalee High School. This year, nine students received scholarships ranging from $500-$2,000. 

Students were required to fill out an extensive application, as well as submit high school transcripts, financial information and an essay in order to be considered for the scholarships.

One of the recipients, Azaria Howard, graduated from Immokalee High School with a 4.63 GPA and will attend the University of Florida in the fall. The oldest of six siblings, Howard was the captain of her high school volleyball and basketball teams.

“Going to college has always been a dream of mine,” said Howard. “I am extremely thankful for Lipman’s generosity and am committed to making them proud of this investment in my future.”

Since 2012, Lipman has provided more than $260,000 in scholarships to local students. The scholarships provided this year have the potential to be worth $80,000 in total if all the students renew them every year. Lipman will also give a total of $25,000 - $30,000 in scholarship renewals this year.

“Our founder, Max Lipman, never received a formal education,” said Jaime Weisinger, Lipman’s Director of Community Relations. “But he made sure that every one of his six children had the opportunity to go to college. At Lipman, we understand that a good education is part of the foundation for success, and we are dedicated to helping the youth in our community reach their full potential."