Our Scholars
The Bentley Foundation is proud to announce the 2025 “Bentley Wings” Competitive Scholarship awardees.
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NICOLAS PERDIGON
Nicolas (Nico), a server in our Lakeside Grille, is attending Florida SouthWestern State College, majoring in Business Management. He says, “I’m committed to building a strong academic foundation, taking advantage of opportunities for growth. I plan to use my education to build a business focused on importing specialty Colombian coffee—grown on my family’s farm—to the United States,” he explains. “I want to develop a brand that not only shares the quality of our coffee but also highlights the culture, tradition, and hard work behind it.”
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KEONA BANKHEAD
Keona is a cook at Bentley and is attending Rasmussen University, majoring in Nursing. Ultimately, she aspires to become a Certified Registered Nursing Anesthetist (CRNA). “Just becoming an RN is powerful on a personal level,” she explains. “After my mom passed away, my dad raised me as a single parent. I want to have the knowledge and skill needed to provide him with the care he deserves while he ages.” Keona is grateful for Bentley’s support and says,”This scholarship helps minimize the financial burden of school, allowing me to concentrate on my studies, hands-on practice, and the preparations needed to support my long-term goal of becoming a CRNA.”
JENNY DOR
Jenny is the daughter of Marie Basile, CNA, and is attending Florida International University. She is majoring in Psychology while completing classes for the pre-med route, with the goal of becoming a doctor. She explains, “Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be a doctor. I knew it would be a long, challenging process, but I am committed.” It’s no surprise that Jenny’s plans for the upcoming year are ambitious. She notes, “I want to maintain straight A’s and create close bonds with teachers, as they will be helping me with my entrance to Med school.” In addition to her studies, she expects to work as a LPN, shadow a doctor, and volunteer at a clinic.
MICHAEL BELTRAN
Michael is the son of pastry chef Michael Beltran. He plans to attend DePaul University, majoring in Actuarial Sciences. He says, “I’ll work toward being a leader in my community by using my skills in statistics to address challenges and inspire others to take action. I believe hard work and commitment will make a difference in building a stronger, connected community.” This scholarship makes possible Michael’s dream of being the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree. He notes, “With this opportunity, I can then pursue a masters degree to become a successful statistician in business or medicine. I cannot thank you enough for believing in students like me. Your support has truly made a difference in my life, and I promise to carry this inspiration with me every step of my journey.”
DAVID MARENCO
David’s mother is Wendy Flores de Morenco, Housekeeping. He is attending Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), majoring in Accounting, while working on earning his Enrolled Agent License and CPA credentials. In addition, he is currently working at Hill, Barth and King in their Naples office as a tax preparer. Born and raised in Nicaragua, David came to this country at age 12, with little knowledge of the language or culture, yet graduated at the top of his HS class. Determined to study accounting, he explains, “The American Dream was more than just a dream, it was the ambition, passion, and commitment I had for accounting and helping the community that had adopted me.”
SAMANTHA AUDIGE
Samantha, daughter of Gina Viaud, CNA, is a sophomore at Rasmussen University, working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She says, “My Mom worked tirelessly to provide a good life for us and is my biggest motivator. Coming from a family where medicine and care for others has always been a standard, I am proud to follow in that direction.” “I am very thankful for the opportunity the Bentley Wings scholarship has given me,” Samantha says. “I hope I can continue
to make my family proud and achieve my goals.” She adds, “Thank you again for your kindness and generosity. It means so much to know that my belief in my studies is being supported by others. I hope to give back one day and help future students as you have helped me.”
SARUTHNA FLEURY
Saruthna, the daughter of Evelyne Fleury, CNA, is majoring in Data Analytics at Florida Gulf Coast University, with a focus in Health Informatics. She explains, “I chose this path because I’ve always been passionate about healthcare and believe technology can shape a better future. Together, they will help me make a difference for both patients and providers.” Although she grew up in Naples, Saruthna was born in Haiti and came to the U.S. with her mom when she was three. She says, “My Mom has been my biggest inspiration. She expertly navigated through all the challenges she faced in the beginning and she is now an amazing caregiver.” She adds, “After graduation, I hope to make the same impact she has made in the Naples community.”
KENDALL KAUFMANN
Kendall is the daughter of Scott Kaufmann, Assistant Director of Dining Services, and Bonnie Kaufmann, concierge. She plans to attend Valencia College in Orlando after completing prerequisite classes for the Radiography program, with a focus on MRI. Kendall is currently working full time as a scheduler for an independent MRI facility. She says, “Thank you for awarding me this scholarship. Not only will I be pursuing the radiography program, including classes and clinicals, I’m going to continue to work full time. Having this financial burden lifted from my shoulders means more than I could ever put into words. I’m very grateful for your support.”
GARY VINCENT
Gary is the son of Guerline Vincent, CNA, and is attending Florida SouthWestern State College, working toward a bachelors degree in technology. His goals include seeking internship opportunities and developing personal projects. He explains, “These activities will help me develop experience, strengthen my resumé, and prepare me for success in the future.” A personal goal is one Gary shares with other Bentley scholars: “I’m determined to be the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree.” He adds, “I hope to lead by example in my community, perhaps supporting programs for teens interested in tech who lack resources.” He says, “I believe education can change lives, and I want to help others achieve their dreams as I work toward mine.”
BERLENE LORDEUS
Berlene is the daughter of housekeeper Maria Flores and attends Florida Southwestern State College, majoring in Nursing. She notes, “My parents came to America from Haiti with the hope of providing a better life for their future children. For over 20 years, they have struggled just to make sure we always had a home. Thanks to you, they don’t have to worry about having to add another financial burden.” Berlene says, “There are no words to express how grateful I am for your kindness. I promise to honor your generosity through my hard work, dedication, and commitment to making a positive impact on the world as a nurse and businesswoman.“
PAOLA BONHEUR
Paola is the daughter of Nadege Bonheur, Home Health Aide. She is attending Florida SouthWestern State College to acquire the prerequisites needed to get into the Nursing program. She says, “I’m committed to continuing my education in the medical field by acquiring my RN license along with a bachelors degree.”
“I am extremely grateful to be receiving this amazing scholarship,” Paola says. ”It will allow me to stay focused on my academic goals without being burdened by financial stress. Without your help, none of this would be possible. Thank you for supporting my vision.”
CHELSEA BAKER
The daughter of Michele Baker, concierge at Assisted Living, Chelsea attends Mars Hill University in North Carolina, where she is pursuing a Masters of Management program. She says, “When I was accepted into the Masters program, I was worried about how I would afford it. Your generosity has made it possible for me to pursue not only my undergraduate degree, but also my graduate education, something I never imagined would be within reach. Thank you for believing in students like me and for making such a meaningful investment in our futures.”