Last year’s scholarship winners- Noah Kaufman and Sawyer Garrity pictured with Dominic Andreano, SVP & General Counsel; David Clark former COO; Todd Foote, AVP, Finance; and Roger Medel, CEO.
By Jill Fox and Sharon Aron Baron
Due to school going fully online due to COVID-19, MEDNAX, one of the largest neonatology physician-led organizations in the country, is now offering another week for Marjory Stoneman Douglas seniors to apply for one of their two $20,000 scholarships.
Originally, the deadline was March 31.
The Sunrise-based company believes that with a little help, all children can overcome adversity and grow up to make a positive impact on the world.
With just under 16,000 employees, MEDNAX is a national medical group that comprises the nation’s leading providers of neonatal, anesthesia, maternal-fetal and pediatric medical and surgical subspecialty services in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
On February 14, 2018, the son of Todd Foote, associate vice president of finance for MEDNAX, lost five friends as well as his cross-country coach, Scott Beigel, in the massacre.
Foote struggled for weeks trying to figure out how he could get involved, and give back by doing something for the families or the students after their lives were shattered.
With the support of the CEO of the $4 billion-dollar company, he came up with the idea of something sustainable: As president of the MEDNAX Supporting Students Foundation, he has made the intent of the foundation broad, so they could eventually branch out and use the funds for scholarships, school safety, mental and physical recovery, and other student causes.
As part of the MEDNAX MSD Strong Scholarship, seniors can further their education and become an inspiration to others, while the funds provide financial assistance to them as undergraduates.
Foote explained that MEDNAX helps children survive difficult challenges in those first days of life, so they felt, what a great natural connection to the next stage in kids’ lives when they’re leaving high school and moving into their adult life.
The scholarship selection process focuses on academic performance, leadership potential, community service, volunteering, and financial need. Students will explain how they will make a difference in the world in an included essay as well.
The two $20,000 scholarships — with $5,000 going towards each of their four years of college, will be awarded in May.
With children at both Westglades Middle School and Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Foote understands there are many causes to support, but encourages the public to consider donating to his foundation.
“My focus is to build as much money as possible to make sure that Marjory Stoneman Douglas seniors are taken care of for years to come,” he said.
Coral Springs and Parkland seniors attending Marjory Stoneman Douglas may still contact college/career guidance counselor, Ana Farrand, at ana.farrand@browardschools.com with any questions as well as to receive the scholarship instructions and application directly. Please do not contact MEDNAX.
Applications, along with approved documentation, are now due by April 7, 2020, at 2 p.m.
To donate to the MEDNAX Supporting Students Foundation, visit MEDNAX Foundation.