Country Club Living - Palm Beach North - March 2026

10 C O U N T R Y C L U B L I V I N G - PA L M B E A C H N O R T H | M A R C H 2 0 2 6 America250 at PalmBeach State College Celebrating the Past by Giving to the Future – By Dean Glorioso | Photos provided by Palm Beach State College - I ndependence comes in many forms: the developmental independence of walking our first steps, the personal independence of attaining a driver’s license, or financial independence by scratching six winning numbers on a lottery ticket. In 2026, the country celebrates the anniversary of its national independence, and what a perfect year to do so. In February, we celebrated Presidents’ Day and the Super Bowl, which is becoming more of an international spectacle each year. Soon, the World Cup comes to North America, a true global event showcasing more than soccer or football, named according to which country you call home. And then there’s February’s Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, the grandaddy of the international stage, reminding us of the ancient and modern games as the ultimate promoter for world peace since they began in July 776 BCE. Fast forward to July 1776 CE to Philadelphia and the aptly named Independence Hall, where another Greek influence is about to change the world, the concept of democracy. It’s a significant snapshot for world history as young America puts forth the Declaration of Independence, wins a war, and establishes a country from sea to shining sea. This year, the timeless impact of the signing and adoption of our Declaration of Independence reaches its 250th birthday, one that unites Americans through the spirit of freedom and historical importance. How do we celebrate such a significant milestone? For Palm Beach State College , the plan is brighter than a lantern hanging in a Boston church steeple. Through patriotic partnership, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Palm Beach County School District, and Palm Beach State are sending high school seniors to college. In honor of the America250 initiative, two-hundred and fifty (250) $1000 scholarships have been designated for 2026’s graduating seniors currently attending Palm Beach County high schools. Completing requirements to earn the Palm Beach State scholarship, a student applicant explores early American figures and industries that helped bring the development of the country. In addition, that exploration extends to modern careers that mirror our earliest industries and how they not only impact today but also move our country forward tomorrow. Serving and educating the community since 1933, Florida’s first public college is delivering a classroom-to-career pipeline of professionals to businesses and organizations across a myriad of fields. What does that mean for those who call Palm Beach County home? The nurses, healthcare technicians, and public safety workers who provide for our most urgent needs most likely came from Palm Beach State. Consider that approximately 85 of 100 first responders currently working in Palm Beach County received their training at the College. Without Palm Beach State, well, just do the math. Providing scholarships means more highly qualified professionals for our families and friends and entire neighborhoods. Make no mistake, America250 gives opportunities to those who may not otherwise know a path to a career, a better life, or economic mobility, in a word – independence. The America250 initiative has launched nationwide awareness of and engagement in this historic milestone with ongoing celebrations, service opportunities, education, and more, commemorating two and a half centuries of spacious skies, amber waves, and purple mountain majesties. America250 is an anniversary party to which everyone is invited. What can you do? Quite simply, celebrate the past by giving to the future . And doesn’t that reflect a bit of the American way, an ideal expressed 250 years ago in a document that inspired us from revolution to resolution and birthed a free and independent nation. Palm Beach State College has known a similar journey, striving to equip students with that same inspiration of hope while empowering them to a healthier future. It’s a mission that the College undertakes proudly, with the words of noted expert contributor