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Marie Selby Botanical Gardens awards 2025 Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship

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Amelia Swiecki of Sarasota, a rising junior at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, was recently awarded the 2025 Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship by Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

The Toulmin scholarship is awarded in partnership with a local leader in the Sarasota community – Selby Gardens president and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki, who served as the scholarship’s inaugural mentor during the 2024 award cycle.

Swiecki, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies with minors in biology, film, and Spanish, will receive a $15,000 award.

“The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation envisions a world in which all individuals have an equal opportunity to realize their potential and thrive,” said William S. Villafranco, trustee of the Toulmin Foundation. “Through Virginia’s enduring legacy, we aim to inspire and support the dreams of today’s young scholars, helping them access the tools and guidance they need to succeed. … We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Amelia Swiecki on this well-deserved recognition.”

The scholarship provides mentorship, opportunities to observe leadership in action, and financial support to high-achieving juniors or seniors pursuing bachelor’s degrees and holding a minimum GPA of 3.5.

Swiecki emerged as the leading choice of four finalists selected from a pool of 30 applicants. The criteria was based on outstanding academic records, leadership, and commitment to positive community impact. Holding a 3.84 GPA, Swiecki also works at the Eckerd College Community Farm as the Community Supported Agriculture Manager and at Tampa Bay Watch as an environmental education and animal husbandry intern.

This summer, Swiecki has been conducting research in the Finger Lakes region of New York on environmental microplastics through The National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

“This scholarship is more than just financial support – it is encouragement to keep moving forward and pursuing my dreams,” Swiecki said. “It is an incredible honor to be recognized in this manner and to be afforded the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Virginia B. Toulmin and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki.”

Swiecki also will be appointed to Selby Gardens’ Advisory Committee to observe Rominiecki in action – participating with local community, scientific and business leaders.

Submitted by Nancy Seijas-Kipnis

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Selby Gardens awards 2025 Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship



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