News

Viera, FL– Viera High School Senior Brandi Ray is the first recipient of The Avenue Viera Scholarship, a grant totaling $500 to help fund her post-high school education. This unique program is funded by money collected from the fountain at The Avenue Viera. Brandi plans to attend Brevard Community College, for which she received a full scholarship, and will then transfer to the Florida Institute of Technology to study marine and environmental oceanography.

 

According to her chemistry/research teacher Joyce Miller, Brandi’s admirable “tenacity, work ethic, dedication to getting the job done and eagerness to lend a helping hand to other students” earned her The Avenue Viera Scholarship. However, things have not always been easy for Brandi.

 

Her mother died from a drug overdose in 2004, causing Brandi to suffer both personally and academically. Thanks to counseling and the support of friends and family, she overcame her depression and anxiety, discovering a passion for marine sciences. Today, Brandi volunteers for the Marine Resources Council by researching the water quality of the Indian River Lagoon. She works with other researchers at the Florida Institute of Technology to analyze the water samples with fluorescence spectroscopy, the results of which helped her earn first place at the Mainland Regional Science Fair. Brandi’s ultimate goal is to win a Nobel Prize for her research.

 

“Brandi Ray is an outstanding young woman who will continue to succeed in her endeavors, and we’re honored to help support her pursuit of higher education,” said Pam Marticke, marketing manager – The Avenue Viera. “She is an inspiration to students in her school and to future scholarship applicants.”

 

Juniors and seniors at Viera High School are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Applicants are required to have a minimum GPA of 2.5, a letter of reference from a teacher, coach or school counselor and a 1,000 word essay. Students interested in applying for The Avenue Viera Scholarship should speak to their guidance counselor. Change from the fountain at The Avenue Viera is collected to help fund scholarships for seniors, teachers and those with special needs.

 

The Avenue, introduced by Cousins Properties Incorporated in 1998, is an outdoor lifestyle center concept with eight locations throughout the Southeast. The Avenue offers a dynamic mix of premier national retailers, select local merchants and specialty restaurants reflective of local demand and fashion trends. The shopping destination features an open-air, pedestrian friendly setting convenient to major metropolitan areas. Shoppers can visit The Avenue at one of its five metro Atlanta locations, or in suburban Nashville, Tenn., suburban Memphis, Tenn. or Viera, Fla. For more information about The Avenue, please visit www.shoptheavenue.com.