Scene Snaps: Dreams Coming True

October 2021

Completing a master’s degree is always momentous—and especially during challenging times. Four Children First employees made their education dreams come true in 2021. Bonnie Eskell (left) earned her M.S. in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development from Capella University. Sue Loncaric (bottom right), Maria Valenzuela, and Patty Balint  (bottom left) all earned an M.Ed. with a concentration in Early Childhood Education Leadership from the University of North Florida.

Jeffery Kin proposed on New Year’s Eve of 2015, but between immigration delays and COVID it took six full years to make their dream come true. “My husband, Marcos, was finally allowed into our country on May 23, 2021.” The couple celebrated with friends at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Ronnique Hawkins is thrilled to report that the Learn My History Foundation won a Community Impact grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and produced a YouTube series of multicultural youth empowerment and mentoring.

For Judy Haran, learning the technique and skills needed to produce striking photos has been a dream come true.  She says, “I have entered local competitions and have been published several times.  This photo is one of the best I have recently taken,  and involved much thought regarding composition, light, and editing.”

After Dominic Harris and Asa Thomas got engaged on Christmas Day, Asa dreamed of a special wedding. But COVID uncertainties made planning difficult. “Maria Brady said to me, why not elope? I said I didn’t want something not special… she told me to leave it up to her and she will make it out of this world!! Well, she did.. we got married on the Ringling tower with a violinist overlooking the water and then had the most magical private reception at Michael’s Wine Cellar with just us and West Coast Black Theater Troupe performing. It was so gorgeous! A million candles and floating chandeliers, Dom champagne flowing… we both just cried. We used a photographer and videographer to capture the day and later will send to our friends and family!” Planner: Maria Brady; Photographer: John Revisky; Flowers: Tailored Twig

Proud parents Ron and Laura Dietz of Sarasota were happy to help and support their daughter Desiree’s journey through Penn State despite the COVID speed bump. She missed out on internships that were cancelled, paid for an apartment she couldn’t live in, but continued to take the last of her classes by Zoom. Desiree graduated in August 2021 with a Bachelor of Science degree. 

Dreams came true for Briahna (top) and Autumn (bottom) when their families found them on the Heart Gallery of Sarasota. They were able to finalize their adoptions during COVID shutdowns with the first Zoom adoptions in Sarasota.

Community sewing classes at Second Chance Last Opportunity are one step along the path for women who dream of returning to work and need marketable skills. They meet weekly and bond with one another while sewing dolls and learning techniques for improving self-esteem, communication, and employment.

With 5 children grown and flown, Michelle Desveaux McLean looked for new purpose. She found it by training with the Literacy Council of Sarasota to be an adult literacy tutor. One thing led to the next, and Michelle went on to become Executive Director of the Manatee Literary Council. “I can honestly say that this position is everything that I prayed for in a job,” she says. “I get to work with amazing learners and volunteers to improve literacy skills in our community.  We’ve been able to make amazing gains, even throughout the pandemic.” Here Michelle shows the map where her organization tracks learners from over 32 countries.

Maureen Serrano and Brad Schalk met in 2009 on Siesta Key through mutual friends and went on to successfully raise a blended family of four teenagers. “During that time, we were so busy and never felt like having a paper that said we were married really meant that much to us,” said Maureen. “Once we had a chance to catch our breath and think about our future together, we decided it would be wonderful to get engaged and plan a beautiful beach wedding at our favorite place: The Longboat Key Club.” Unfortunately, COVID interfered, and the wedding date had to be changed three times. Finally on May 22, 2021, their dream came true. Everyone who attended agreed it was worth the wait! Photos: Alisa Sue Forbis.

Join us! Enter before October 11 for the theme:
Fashion and Fun

Share photos of yourself and others looking your best and having a blast. Class, sass, and creativity welcome! Email photos and description to wendy@scenesarasota.com by October 11.