LAKE MARY, Fla.– Eight standout students from across Central Florida are one step closer to achieving their academic dreams, thanks to the Addition Financial Foundation’s $65,000 in scholarship awards.
Named after the former Addition Financial Credit Union President and CEO, the Joseph A. Melbourne Jr. Annual Scholarship Program awards college scholarships to six high school seniors, worth $10,000 each, and two graduate level scholarships, worth $2,500 each.
“A significant part of the Foundation’s mission is to support education in a way that’s meaningful and lasting,” Cristina Lehman, executive director of the Addition Financial Foundation, said in a statement. “These students are not only exceptional scholars but also committed community members. It’s an honor to invest in their future and help shape the leaders of tomorrow.”
This year’s high school recipients included students from Orange County and Seminole County, while the graduate awardees are pursuing advanced degrees from the University of West Florida and the University of Pittsburgh.
The Winners
- Shaelagh Fox, Edgewater High School
- Malik Maxceant, Ocoee High School
- Meredith Wade, Windermere High School
- Zuri Bailey, Hagerty High School
- Jessica Nguyen, Lake Brantley High School
- Bianca Torres, Champion Preparatory Academy
- Melissa Guinta, University of West Florida
- Michelle Colon, University of Pittsburgh
Applicants were selected based on a pair of short essays and a letter of recommendation highlighting their financial education, community service, and commitment to giving back.
In addition to awarding scholarships, the Addition Financial Foundation supports a wide range of initiatives aimed at improving access to financial education, fostering academic success, and uplifting underserved communities.