Congratulations to our 2023 Scholarship Recipients

Our $650,000 investment in the lives of 187 Coast Guard children allows them to focus on their studies and professional development in college and trade/technical school.

by Jennifer Crowley Fyke

September 5, 2023

This year, we’ve made a $650,000 investment in the lives of 187 Coast Guard children, allowing them to focus on their studies and professional development. For children of fallen Coast Guard members, our scholarships cover all the expenses of higher education or technical school. This investment gives families relief and honors their heroism.

It’s noteworthy to share that this year is our largest single investment in scholarships. We achieved this new level of support by raising our scholarship awards to a minimum of $2,500, and increasing the number of awards to the children of commissioned officers, in recognition of the service and sacrifice of all Coast Guard families.

Total Scholarship Dollars Awarded Since 1990

$6.9 million

Aiden Adkins and family.

Aiden Adkins graduated first in his class from James Campbell High School in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, this year and is headed to Leeward Community College to study civil engineering. He is the child of Petty Officer First Class Thomas Adkins.

“Thank you so much to the Coast Guard Foundation for putting me through my first year of college debt-free, a dream I have had since my first year of middle school,” shared Aiden. “Thank you so much for your generosity, with this scholarship I will be able to fully commit myself to my studies and not have to stress about finances.”

Daniel Goldsmith and his father. | Mia Vargas-Apalit and her parents.

Daniel Goldsmith is a junior at Penn State where he is working towards his bachelor's degree in early childhood education with a plan to teach in Philadelphia upon graduation. Daniel is the child of retired Coast Guard veteran Brian Goldsmith, Jr.

“Thank you so much for this scholarship,” shared Daniel. “This will help me on my journey to accomplish my dreams of being a teacher. As a future educator, I want to help the youth in a big way, especially those in the city…I will keep working hard and make my dream a reality.”

Mia Vargas-Apalit is a senior at Sonoma State University, majoring in business administration. Mia is a 2023 Westbrook Coast Guard Foundation Scholar. She is the child of Petty Officer First Class Paul Apalit.

“By awarding me this scholarship, my family and I are relieved of a financial burden, which helps me dedicate more time and attention to pursuing my degree,” said Mia. “Thank you for your generosity and support.”

Haley Bruce and her parents.

Haley Bruce is a 2023 graduate of Dixie M. Hollins High School in St. Petersburg, Florida, and is the 2023 Eleanor Gilford Coast Guard Foundation Scholar, named in memory of WWII veteran and SPAR, Eleanor Gilford Buker. Haley began her college education at the University of South Florida this fall, where she plans to study environmental science. Haley is the child of retired Coast Guard veteran Brent M. Bruce.

“I was so very honored to learn that I am the recipient of the Eleanor Gilford Scholarship in memory of Mrs. Eleanor Buker,” said Haley. “Thank you for supporting the Coast Guard Foundation and for your generous, financial support towards my higher education.”

Kason Spurlock and family. | Alyssa Hernandez and family.

Kason Spurlock graduated from Antilles High School in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and is heading to the University of Central Florida to study mechanical engineering. He is the child of Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Spurlock.

“This scholarship will go a long way in aiding me and my family through my first year as a UCF Knight,” shared Kason. “We’ve gone through a lot as a family between moves across the country and natural disasters, but college is a whole other ball game… thank you for selecting me for this scholarship.”

Alyssa Hernandez is a freshman at William and Mary where she is studying biology and environmental science. She is the child of Chief Warrant Officer Juan Hernandez.

“Thank you so much for awarding this scholarship to me,” said Alyssa. “It will bring me some peace of mind as I dive into my studies and also allow me to fully focus on my education…with this financial relief, the Coast Guard Foundation has ensured that I can thrive in my new environment and the world beyond.”

In the cover photo, twins Langley Elg and Isabella Elg and family are shown at their high school graduation this spring. Langley was first in his class, Isabella was ranked third. Both Langley and Isabella received Coast Guard Foundation scholarships this year and are headed to Florida Gulf Coast University this fall. They are the children of retired Coast Guard veteran Christopher Elg.

FULL LIST of 2023 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Abbott Brown Scholarship
Christopher Albert | Novato, California

Captain Richard O. Buttrick Scholarship
Jessie Dlabaj | Goose Creek, South Carolina

Commander Ronald J. Cantin Scholarship
Aubrey Swain | Hancock, Michigan

William Cargill Scholarship
Eric Smith | Franklin, Tennessee

Commander Daniel J. Christovich Scholarship
Mia Hayes | Williamsburg, Viriginia

Clappin Family Scholarship
Emely Arredondo | Springfield, Massachusetts
Chloe Melendez | Ramona, California

CAPT Paul E. Deveau Scholarship
Benjamin Buckman | University Heights, Ohio

Eight Bells Scholarship
Garrett Reinhard | Meadow Vista, California

Fitzpatrick Family Scholarship
Skylar Felmy | Chesapeake, Virginia

CAPT Ernest W. Fox Scholarship
Tanner O'Neal | Camden, North Carolina

Admiral Ed Gilbert Honorary Scholarship
Peyton Jomp | Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Eleanor Gilford Scholarship
Haley Bruce | St. Petersburg, Florida

Lt. Anthony Grande Scholarship
Evan Hopper | Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation Scholarship
Liberty Paige | Sarasota, Florida

Admiral Robert E Kramek Scholarship
William Brennecke | Chesapeake, Virginia
Michael Casey | Chesapeake, Virginia
Jayla Reich | Chesapeake, Virginia

Navy Federal Credit Union Scholarship
Fabiola Leon Gallardo | Fort Pierce, Florida
Brealyn Spritka | Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Thomas Niles Scholarship
Emily Bradley | Poquoson, Virginia
Mason Pinti | East Hampstead, New Hampshire

Noel Foundation Scholarship
Emily Czarnecki | Camarillo, California

The CAPT James F Phair, USCG Memorial Scholarship
Johnnie Dodge | Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Kieran Stack | Fallbrook, California

Red Stripe Scholarship, generously supported by Fred Brodsky
Cassidy Segelken | League City, Texas

David M Rudy Scholarship
Gracen Spritka | Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Seaman First Class Peter J. Russo and Signalman First Class Walter E. Lafferty Scholarship
Audrey Clark | Powell, Tennessee
Emma Helfer | Cullowhee, North Carolina
Ayana Johnson | Leland, North Carolina
Jayden Justiniano | Palm Harbor, Florida
Adrian King | Silverdale, Washington

Slattery Family Scholarship
Andrew Koch | Kawkawlin, Michigan

Thomas Stitt, Sr. Family Scholarship
Michael Lanning | St. Petersburg, Florida

Thiele Family Scholarship
Kelsi Blatchley | Southington, Connecticut
Owen Dyer | Bristol, Maine

Westbrook Scholarship
Connor Stinson | St Augustine, Florida
Mia Vargas-Apalit | Walnut Creek, California