By: Becky Pazkowski

Mildred and Bernard Doyle (Mimi and Larry to their friends) lived at Plymouth Harbor from 1977 until they passed away in 1996 and 1997. Mrs. Doyle was a Sarasota native and one of four in the first graduating class of Sarasota High School. She was the sister of Verona Burns, who was married to Owen Burns (of Burns Court).

Mr. Doyle was from Baltimore and came to Sarasota to work on completing the “hard road” that we now know as U.S. 41, between Fruitville and Phillippi Creek. The two met during his time in Sarasota, but he left for the war and other jobs in Baltimore. When his friend mentioned that Mimi was being courted by another, Larry quickly returned to Sarasota on a Thursday, proposed on Friday, and they were married on Saturday! So began their life together.

Although bright and ambitious, neither of the Doyles was educated beyond high school, yet they valued education immensely. When they came to live at Plymouth Harbor, they had much adoration for the employees. The Rev. Dr. Jack Smith, former executive director of Plymouth Harbor, having known them both very well, knew of their passion for education and employees and suggested that a scholarship program be established with the gift they left Plymouth Harbor in their endowed trust. Known today as the Doyle Scholarships, nearly 30 individuals have directly benefited from this generous gift throughout the years.

The 2016 Doyle Scholarship recipients are:

 LaToya Jackson

LaToya Jackson has been a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for seven years, now working in our Home Care department. She is a student at Meridian College, studying Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Her goal is to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Pediatric Cardiac Sonography. She has chosen the healthcare field because she loves to help people and has a “hands-on” approach to care.

She has been described by her supervisors as a compassionate, attentive caregiver, with a deep desire to learn. Anyone who knows LaToya knows that she is a remarkably positive individual with high standards of care, and is a delight to be around. Congratulations, LaToya!

Elly Walton

 Elly Walton just graduated from Riverview High School’s International Baccalaureate Program. She plans to attend Florida State University in a pre-med program, which she has already begun in the IB Program at Riverview. Eventually, she plans to attend Emory University Medical School. Armed with her M.D., she will pursue her longtime goal of service to others somewhere in Africa, hopefully aboard the Africa Mercy (a hospital ship belonging to the humanitarian organization, Mercy Ships).

Elly has over 200 hours of community service, and is a cherished valet here at Plymouth Harbor. She includes her time here at Plymouth Harbor as part of her journey to learning that even one’s wildest dreams can be accomplished. Congratulations, Elly!