Sarasota, Fla., June 3, 2011-Ten students from Sarasota County received scholarships from the University of Florida Alumni Association's Sarasota County Gator Club to attend or continue to attend the University of Florida. The club awarded $6,250 at a scholarship reception on June 1, 2011 at the Plaza at Five Points in Downtown Sarasota.

"We are thrilled to have this opportunity to give back to the students in our community who are attending the University of Florida," said Stacy Alexander, Sarasota County Gator Club President. "Raising money for local student scholarships is a primary mission and awards this year are the highest ever. It is a testament to the value our area alumni place on post-secondary education."

Scholarship winners include Giancarlo Alvarado: Sarasota; Brittany Burrows: Venice; Jose Castaneda: North Port; Oleg Desyatnikov: Venice; Danielle Drennan: Venice; Natasha Galati: Sarasota; Heidi Igerick: Nokomis; Sydney Linthicum: Sarasota; Alana Palau: Sarasota; Nicole Swanson: Venice. Sarasota County Gator Club board members selected the winners from 46 applicants, the largest pool of applicants in club history.

The Sarasota County Gator Club relies on fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for the scholarship fund. The next major fundraiser is the Sarasota County Gator Club Golf Tournament. This year's golf tournament will be held on Monday, June 20, 2011 at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club. For more information and to participate, please contact Kim Bendickson at 725-0121 or Bill Yaegers 993-9911.