Calusa Garden Club Awards 2026 Scholarship

Calusa Garden Club of Marco Island is pleased to announce that Catherine Taddei, a 2026 graduate of Marco Island Academy, was chosen to receive a scholarship from the club for 2026. The criteria for the Calusa Garden Club scholarship includes living on or graduating from a high school on Marco Island, a demonstrated interest in the environment, horticulture or gardening, and plans to pursue a degree related to biological science, the environment, or conservation, including studies not only in the pure sciences but also in such areas as city planning, environmental law, marine biology and landscape design.

Taddei plans to attend the University of South Florida to pursue her bachelor’s degree. She will pursue her career goal of becoming a veterinarian in graduate school. Taddei’s goal of becoming a veterinarian, and therefore her interests in biological science, environmental protection, and conservation are evident in her career choice. Calusa Garden Club of Marco Island Scholarship Committee Chairperson Marianne Foley awarded Taddei the scholarship at Marco Island Academy Awards Night on May 19, 2026.

Summer Luncheons: On Monday, May 18, Calusa Garden Club members met at Café Marquise for the first of their informal summer luncheon get-togethers. Sixteen members enjoyed their time together and discussed their summer plans and ideas for activities during the club’s upcoming program year, which runs from October through April.

Calusa Garden Club of Marco Island is a Section 501(c)3 organization and is a member of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. Membership is open to persons interested in horticulture, floral design and environmental matters residing five months or more in Collier County.

Calusa Garden Club of Marco Island meets the second Monday of each month, October through April, at Rose Hall at the Marco Island Branch Library. If you are interested in membership, please contact the Garden Club at calusagardenclubcommunication@gmail.com.