Scholars Celebrate College Graduation and Share Plans for the Future

Adrian King graduated from the Eastman School of Music and is now enrolled in a master’s degree program in piano performance at Juilliard in New York City.   He is an acclaimed pianist who began his musical journey at age four, studying both piano and classical guitar. He has competed at piano and music festivals across the globe and has performed with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, among others. 

“This four year scholarship made my education possible,” he shared. “The Coast Guard Foundation support helped cover expenses and allowed me to focus fully on my education.”

Quentin Ramos II, a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, completed his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. He is now working in a government contracting position after gaining hands-on experience through an internship with the federal government while still in school. 

“The Coast Guard Foundation scholarship impacted me tremendously and it allowed me to complete my education completely debt- free,” he shared.

Daniel Goldsmith graduated from Penn State University and earned a degree in early childhood education.  He is presently pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership on a path to being a school principal. In addition to grad school, he is working as a substitute teacher in the same Philadelphia school where he completed his student teaching. 

“The Foundation has impacted me in a way that I will be forever grateful for. They helped me get rid of debt when I needed it the most. Most importantly, they helped me get the degree I worked so hard for.”

Stella Howell, who graduated from Clemson University with a degree in biology, is attending a graduate program to become an anesthesiologist assistant. 

“The Coast Guard Foundation scholarship relieved some of the financial burden that college brings,” she said. “It allowed me to focus on school, volunteer work, and applying to graduate school.”

Layne O’Connell, a William & Mary graduate with a double major in English and music, is attending law school to study international public interest law. 

The Foundation’s scholarship, she said, “enabled me to explore opportunities like study abroad that I otherwise would have had much more difficulty making happen.”

Emma Pearson, a graduate of Idaho State University with a degree in earth and environmental systems, is pursuing a master’s in geographic information science. Her graduate research uses drone technology to aid habitat restoration.

"The Coast Guard Foundation scholarship allowed me to graduate with my bachelor's degree with no student loan debt. I could completely focus on my studies without the worry of having to pay off student loans.”

Together, these graduates reflect the Coast Guard Foundation’s mission to strengthen our Coast Guard community by supporting education. Each scholar’s experience shows that access to education, backed by our amazing donors and community, can truly make an impact.