“MY HERITAGE” SCHOLARSHIP 2024 WINNERS: BSCFL Committee, along with co-sponsors (Mr. Malay Shah and Mrs. Rupal Shah) are proud to recognize and congratulate these graduating senior students who have had an extended length of participation with our Samaj, are connected with our culture/heritage and who have made active contributions to their school and community. As part of this encouragement for academic growth, they have decided to award two scholarships in the amounts of $1,000.00 and $500.00 for continuing education.
The essays submitted were judged by a diverse panel of judges who have a strong education background, are professionals working in the USA, have awareness of the school system in the USA, and have deep understanding of our heritage and culture so as to represent the “Bhartiya” spirit. All the distinguished judges listed below have provided their scores and we truly thank them for the community spirit and their time.
OUR 2024 JUDGES PANEL & BIOGRAPHIES:
Mr. Harish Shah, (Mechanical Engineer; Masters in Science, USF; Consultant)
Mr. Shah is a mechanical engineer (Master of Science, University of South Florida, 1978), with over 50 years of professional success in his consulting business. Mr. Shah formerly worked for Jacob Engineering from 1999 to 2013 and Breed Technologies Inc. between 1994 and 1999. Among other organizations, he garnered expertise as a senior mechanical engineer for Reynolds, Smith and Hills, Watson & Company, and Davy McKee Corporation. He was awarded the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. Mr. Shah has been active as a member of the Florida Engineering Society, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the National Fire Protection Association, and of course BSCFL. He is one of the first Gujaratis to reside in Lakeland.
Mr. Nilesh Patel, (Pharmacist and CEO of Ariana Pharmacy)Mr. Patel is a seasoned pharmacist and President of Ariana Pharmacy in Lakeland, with over 30 years of professional experience. As a former president of BSCFL, he has been actively involved with the community for the past two decades, contributing in various roles. Additionally, he participates in numerous charitable and business organizations in Lakeland, especially the Ekal Vidyalaya initiative. Well-known at local temples, he is always enthusiastic about supporting community events. He is an avid traveler and is passionate for promoting scholastic activities.
Dr. Liji George (Physician, BayCare Health System)Dedicated Primary Care Physician with a commendable track record of providing compassionate and effective patient care. Dr. George has been an integral part of BayCare Health System since 2018, consistently demonstrating a commitment to excellence in healthcare. She is an accomplished author contributing to peer-reviewed publications, including "Florida Family Physician" and other journals. She also has podcast on BayCare Health System - "BayCare Health Chat." She is passionate about rich cultural heritage of India and its dance forms. She also enjoys traveling to explore diverse cultures and is an avid reader with a love for books spanning various genres.
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Mr. Jaydeep Patel (COO, Kyra Solutions, Inc., Lakeland)Mr. Jaydeep Patel serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Secretary of the Board at Kyra Solutions, Inc, a reputable information technology (IT) company renowned for its innovative solutions and services. Jaydeep brings a combination of strategic vision, operational expertise, and leadership skills. Jaydeep has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Bangalore University and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School where he completed the Executive Management Programs. Beyond his professional endeavors, Jaydeep is deeply committed to keeping his Indian roots intact after coming to the United States nearly 3 decades ago. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, watching cricket, spending time with his family, and tending to a fruitful garden.
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