Colby Singletary Scholarship awarded to seven Collier County students

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.– Last year, like most things in 2020, the Colby Singletary Scholarship Fund was Forced to hold its inaugural awards banquet virtually. 

Tuesday night at the Vineyards Country Club in Naples, however, was a different story. 

“I feel it’s more personal for the athletes and the parents,” said the scholarship fund’s president and Colby Singletary’s mother, Nicole Singletary. 

Colby, a dual sports star at Palmetto Ridge High School who tragically died in a 2019 car crash in Naples, was on the minds of dozens at the annual banquet tonight as his family awarded six high school graduates from Collier County. 

“That’s why it’s important to keep him here and keep him alive and pass that on to the kids that are athletes,” said Nicole Singletary. 

This, however, was the first year the scholarships were open to all Collier County seniors as the scholarship was reserved for two of Colby’s classmates at Palmetto Ridge last in 2020. 

In total, $7 thousand was awarded to those six graduates with two taking home the grand prize of $2,500 each. 

The women’s grand prize winner, Seacrest Country Day tri-athlete Aliya Ducham, says she grew up with Colby and was touched that Colby’s family selected her for the $2,500 prize. 

 “I’m just really honored that hte Singletary family has helped me continue my dreams. I’m really thankful for that,” Ducham said. 

The men’s $2,500 winner, Barron Collier swimmer Mason Laur, says he never met Colby but understands, now, how his legacy continues to live on.

“It’s kind of like the gift that keeps on giving,” said Laur.

“His legacy will always remain intact. It’s really just an honor to be here and experience this with (Colby’s family).”

To keep the scholarship going for years to come the Singletary’s are also getting set to host Captain Colby’s Memorial Fishing Tournament on July 9-10. 

All proceeds from that tournament go directly to the scholarship fund.  

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