SCHOLARSHIP NEWS
Gwendolyn Thomas Fort and Verlee Fort Scholarship Fund
The Gwendolyn Thomas Fort and Verlee Fort Scholarship Fund has been established to honor Gwen and her husband , Verlee Fort . This scholarship is designed for students residing in East Pasco , the community where Gwen developed her passion for literature and recognized the value of education .
Born in Lacoochee , Florida , Gwen was the oldest of four children . In addition , her mother , Ida Lee Thomas raised six others which included the children of her two sisters who had passed away . They lived closely and comfortably in house # 36 in the quarters of Lacoochee . As an early reader , Gwen looked forward to the Bookmobile , which occasionally traveled through town and played a pivotal role in her love for reading and learning .
After graduating as valedictorian , Gwen attended Florida A & M University and continued her education in California where she attended UC San Jose and UC Berkeley . Gwen taught high school English for 42 years , educating & inspiring over 6,300 students in St . Petersburg and Boca Raton , Florida , San Jose , California and Austin , Texas before retiring in Pasco County . Her husband Verlee ( born in Bradenton ) worked as a systems analyst at IBM for 28 years during their time in San Jose , Boca Raton , and Austin .
Gwendolyn Thomas Fort at her high school graduation .
Gwendolyn Thomas Fort
This scholarship embodies the legacy of Gwen and Verlee Fort , giving students the opportunity to pursue their educational goals and carry forward Gwen ’ s commitment to lifelong learning and higher education .
Gwendolyn Thomas Fort and Verlee Fort
FALL 2024 7