A Daphne High School graduate and a candidate for graduation in this year's senior class were named as recipients of scholarship gifts by the Lake Forest Garden Club. 

Ben Berry, 2002 DHS alumnus, and current senior, Chris DePalma were given $500 awards by the LFGC last week as part of the organization's commitment to assist students at the Eastern Shore high school.  "Were very pleased to be able to assist these deserving students in their educational endeavors," said club member Kay Lahti.  The presentation came during the club's luncheon at the Lake Forest Country Club.

Berry was not in attendance at the presentation.  Both young men took part in the school's agricultural program, which brought them into contact with the LFGC through annual events like the spring plant sale and operation of the greenhouses that have been supported by the community organization.

"I really appreciate this as I get ready to go to Faulkner State an then on to Auburn University", said Chris DePalma, a Spanish Fort resident, after receiving the gift.

"Right now, I'm going to continue to work with my father and learn as much as I can."

DePalma, who maintains a 3.5 grade point average and wants to be a landscape architect, has been working with his father's business, DePalma's Quality Landscaping, for a number of years and through the DHS cooperative education initiative that places students in real-world work situations.

In fact, the DePalmas have worked in this business for four generations, according to Michael DePalma. 

"We're very proud of Chris and wee appreciate the help provided by this group to further his education', Michael DePalma said.

"I've really enjoyed working with my father and seeing projects come along", Chris DePalma said.

Among the work undertaken by the DePalmas in their business is the restoration of landscaping around homes and foreclosure property to increase their aesthetic and monetary value.

DePalma has also been involved in classes at the North Baldwin Center for Technology to further his high school agricultural-technical-based studies.