Introducing Privateers’ 2026 scholars

Scholars and members of the Anna Maria Island Privateers gather for a photo June 6 following a scholarship awards ceremony at the Center of Anna Maria Island. Scholarship recipients include Tanner Evans, Ann Schultz, Aiden Gitt, Olivia Worley, Gabriella Gilbert, Cooper Richardson, Zachary Woodside, Fiona McCarthy, Eliza Lander, Reyna Matzke, Abigail Vreman, Ella Evans, Jack Love and Jacob Burdette. The Privateers awarded $9,500 in scholarships. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

Cindy Shealy-Swager congratulates Tanner Evans after presenting him with the Anna Maria Island Privateers $1,000 Big John Swagger Scholarship, named for a longtime privateer who raised thousands of dollars for the scholarship fund.

Alwana Boyd, left, presents the $1,000 Bobby Boyd Scholarship to junior Ella Evans. The scholarship honors Alwana’s late husband, a longtime Privateer remembered for his service to the organization and community.