We Said Yes to a Record 255 Coast Guard Students in 2025

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our donors, the Coast Guard Foundation is proud to announce a record-breaking year in 2025. 

This year, we awarded 255 scholarships totaling $925,000 to children of Coast Guard families pursuing higher education at colleges and trade schools across the country. 

The 255 recipients represent 255 new beginnings, 255 dreams within reach, and 255 lives transformed by opportunity.

“Saying yes to Coast Guard children is more than a commitment. It is a promise to stand behind a generation driven by purpose and prepared to make a meaningful difference in the world,” said Susan Ludwig, president of the Coast Guard Foundation. “Building on this milestone, we are dedicated to increasing scholarship amounts and the number of recipients in the years ahead to meet the growing needs of Coast Guard families.”

In addition, seven Fallen Heroes Scholarships were awarded this year to children of Coast Guard members who died in operational, line-of-duty service. These scholarships pay 100% of tuition and related expenses, providing families with important support while honoring their Coast Guard member’s service and sacrifice.

Coast Guard Foundation scholarships provide important support that helps students pay for higher education and training and reduce student loan debt. Over time, this investment helps them grow into engaged members of their communities who make a positive impact for those around them.

“The Coast Guard Foundation scholarship allowed me to graduate with my bachelor's degree with no student loan debt,” shared recent college graduate Emma Pearson, a four-year scholarship recipient. “I could completely focus on my studies without the worry of having to pay off student loans.”

Emma earned her degree in earth and environmental systems from Idaho State and will start a master’s program there this fall after finishing summer fieldwork in the geography department. She hopes to use what she’s learned and experienced to make a real difference by helping communities around the world build a more sustainable future through positive environmental and conservation efforts.

Andrew Arjona 
Andrew Arjona is from Wilmington, North Carolina, and is a first-time Coast Guard Foundation scholarship recipient. He is the child of Master Chief Alexis Arjona, who works at the Special Missions Training Center at Camp Lejeune. Andrew graduated from Eugene Ashley High School in 2024 with a 4.0 GPA. He enrolled in a welding program at Cape Fear Community College last year and earned a 4.0 in his first year of college. His goal is to earn an international diver certification so he can work in underwater repair and construction. Outside of school, Andrew played high school and club soccer and worked at a soccer camp. Andrew was named the recipient of the CAPT Guy Goodwin, USCG (Ret.) Honorary Scholarship.

“Beyond my diving career, I hope to live near the water and embrace a lifestyle that will complement my profession. Between dives, I would like to maintain a small business, possibly relating to diving, marine services, or metal fabrication. This would create a second form of financial flow, while also providing a creative outlet to help balance work, skills, and interests. Ultimately, I hope for a future where I am both professionally and personally fulfilled, living a life that shows my love for the water and adventure that comes with it.”

Aidan Farmer
Aidan Farmer, from Staten Island, New York, is a two-year Coast Guard Foundation scholarship recipient. He is currently enrolled at the John H. Martinson Honors College at Rowan University, majoring in chemical engineering with minors in chemistry and mathematics. With a strong 3.98 GPA, Aidan entered Rowan with two years of college credits thanks to AP and dual enrollment classes from high school. His future goals include working in pharmaceutical manufacturing. While studying and looking for an internship in his field, Aidan actively participates in community beach cleanups on Staten Island. He is the son of Shawn Farmer, a retired U.S. Coast Guard veteran. Aiden was named the 2025 Coast Guard Foundation Crowley Scholar.

"Your scholarship helped me tremendously by allowing me to concentrate on my studies. Being able to concentrate on my studies and earn grades will assist me in applying for my master’s degree in engineering upon completion of my undergrad degree,” shared Aidan. “This scholarship will enable me to continue to focus on my studies without financial uncertainty.”

Ian Lindo
Ian is from Chesapeake, Virginia, and is a first-time recipient of a Coast Guard Foundation scholarship. Ian was named an Admiral Robert E. Kramek Scholar. The award is named after Admiral Kramek, a former Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard known for his commitment to education and mentoring future leaders. Ian graduated with an impressive 4.3 GPA and will attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University this fall as a civil engineering major. He is the son of retired Coast Guard veteran Michael Lindo.

This year, Ian was honored as the Coast Guard Military Child of the Year by Operation Homefront. 

“With the financial support from a scholarship, I will be able to focus on my studies without the burden of financial stress, which will have allowed me to excel academically and professionally. This foundation will also position me to pursue certifications and licensure, ensuring that I am equipped to take on leadership roles within the industry. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to building safer, more sustainable infrastructure, creating lasting impacts on communities, and achieving personal fulfillment through my career in civil engineering.”

Jeciana Rivera
Jeciana Rivera is studying neuroscience and cognitive science at the University of Arizona, where she’s on track to graduate in 2026. She is a two-time Coast Guard Foundation scholarship recipient.  Jeciana is the daughter of LCDR Hector Rivera, who is currently stationed at the Coast Guard C5I Service Center in Alexandria.  With a strong 4.0 GPA over three years and a challenging course load, Jeciana plans to apply to medical school after graduation. Ultimately, she hopes to join the Navy as a doctor.

“Thank you for making this generous contribution towards my academic journey. This money will help to cover the cost of my senior year,” shared Jeciana. “Not having to worry about financing my education will allow me to focus more of my time volunteering within the local Tucson community, something I am very passionate about.”

Emma West
Emma West graduated from Daphne High School in May 2025 and is enrolling in the University of South Alabama this fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in radiologic sciences. She is the child of retired Coast Guard veteran Jason West. She loves helping others and has spent many years volunteering with groups like Dance Without Limits, an organization that helps people with disabilities enjoy dancing in a safe and supportive environment, and Ben’s U-Pick, a community group that organization that grows, arranges and delivers flowers to local nursing homes for the joy of their residents. Through these experiences, she has found purpose in supporting people who need it most. With her degree, she hopes to become a radiation therapist who treats cancer and cares for patients during difficult times.

“Thank you for selecting for a 2025 Coast Guard Foundation scholarship,” shared Emma. “I am very grateful for your support. This scholarship will help ease the financial burden while I embark on the next four years at the University of South Alabama.”

Abbott L. Brown Scholarship
Arianna Guerrero | Port Hueneme, California

Captain Richard O. Buttrick Scholarship
Jessie Dlabaj | Hixson, Tennessee

Commander Ronald J. Cantin Scholarship
Sydney Helm | Oakley, California

William Cargill Scholarship
Eric Smith | Franklin, Tennessee

Commander Daniel J. Christovich Scholarship
Joseph Gary | Bourne, Massachusetts

Clappin Family Scholarship
Emely Arredondo | Springfield, Virginia
Abigail Hines | Lisbon, Connecticut
Chloe Melendez | Ramona, California
Lucille Short | Panama City, Florida

Crowley Scholarship
Aidan Farmer | Staten Island, New York

Captain Paul E. Deveau Scholarship
Hannah McLaughlin | Virginia Beach, Virginia

Eight Bells Scholarship
Garrett Reinhard | Meadow Vista, California

Fallen Heroes Secholarship
Harper Bruckenthal | Katrineholm, Sweden
Kade Horne | Milledgeville, Georgia
Bayleign Kozloski | Port St. Lucie, Floria
Madeline Kozloski | Port St. Lucie, Florida
Kerryann Krueger | Forestdale, Massachusetts
Aurora-Jean Nelson | Springfield, Virginia
Evan Taylor | Spanish Fort, Alabama

Fitzpatrick Family Scholarship
Micalee Wrightson | Shreveport, Louisiana

CAPT Ernest W. Fox Scholarship
Raymi Sharp | Duck, North Carolina

LCDR Ezekiel Fulcher and Mavis Wilde Fulcher Memorial Scholarship
Thomas Stott | Fort Shaw, Montana

Admiral Ed Gilbert Honorary Scholarship
Meredith Thompson | Woodbridge, Virginia

Allan and Elaine Gifford Living Trust Scholarship
Layla Ashmore | Vista, California

Eleanor Gilford Scholarship
Caroline Matthews | Saint George, Maine

Capt. Guy Goodwin, USCG Ret. Honorary Scholarship
Andrew Arjona | Wilmington, North Carolina

Lt. Anthony Grande Scholarship
Jacob Wood | Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey

Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation Scholarship
Esteban Figueroa | Plantation, Florida
Emma Pippin | Daphne, Alabama

Admiral Robert E Kramek Scholarship
Chloe Brann | Heathsville, Virginia
Clark Brennecke | Chesapeake, Virginia
Hailey Bruce | Saulda, Virginia
Ian Lindo | Portsmouth, Virginia
Hannah Stevens | Chesapeake, Virginia

Navy Federal Credit Union Scholarship
Brealyn Spritka | Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Lilly Walker | Chesapeake, Virginia

Thomas Niles Scholarship
Emily Bradley | Poquoson, Virginia
Elizabeth Drew | Bourne, Massachusetts
Mason Pinti | Hampstead, New Hampshire
Alyson Sojak | Barnegat, New Jersey

Noël Family Scholarship
Natalie Ramirez | Alexandria, Virginia

The CAPT James F Phair, USCG Memorial Scholarship
Alexis Baumgartner | Temecula, California
Jonathan Blatchley | Southington, Connecticut
Samuel Gardner | Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Morgyn Stack | Fallbrook, California

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

David M. Rudy Scholarship
Noah Warren | Camden, North Carolina

Seaman First Class Peter J. Russo and Signalman Third Class Walter E. Lafferty Scholarship
Audrey Clark | Powell, Tennessee
Ayana Johnson | Leland, North Carolina

Harold T.N. Smith Coast Guard Scholarship
John Perkins | Princeton, West Virginia
Abigail Scott | Steep Falls, Maine

Slattery Family Scholarship
Emma Brewer | Honolulu, Hawaii
Connor Frantzich | Edgewater, Maryland
Abigail Hays | Ocean City, New Jersey

Thiele Family Scholar
Owen Dyer | Bristol, Maine
Alyssa VonGunten | Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey

Thomas Stitt, Sr. Family Scholarship
Marissa Falcone | Cedar Point, North Carolina

Westbrook Scholarship 
Andrew Bassett | Key West, Florida
Caitlin Bawar | League City, Texas

Coast Guard Foundation Scholarships
Jack Albert | Novato, California
Allen Alfonso | Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Addison Allen | Rochester Hills, Michigan
Kendall Allen | Rochester Hills, Michigan
Dalton Armstrong | Petaluma, Virginia
Kendall Arneson | Kodiak, Alaska
Kylie Arneson | Kodiak, Alaska
Eylin Arredondo | Springfield, Virginia
William Avery | Mobile, Alabama
Avry Aviles | DeLand, Florida
Paul Backlas | Collierville, Michigan
Emma Barefield | Barco, North Carolina
Caylee Barnes | Madison, Alabama
Annabelle Barton | Panama City, Florida
Jason Barton | Panama City, Florida
Bridget Bassett | Key West, Florida
Noah Bencomo | Chesapeake, Virginia
Olivia Benson | Petoskey, Michigan
Emma Black | San Ramon, California
Autumn Blume | Moss Point, Mississippi
Riley Bonetto | Orchard Park, New York
Addison Boop | Charlevoix, Michigan
Aidan Boop | Charlevoix, Michigan
William Bosch | Glenolden, Pennsylvania
William Brennecke | Chesapeake, Virginia
Dylan Brown | Bristol, Connecticut
Isabella Brown | Westerly, Rhode Island
Joseph Brown | Westerly, Rhode Island
Madison Burke | Tampa, Florida
Emmalyn Buskirk | Newton, North Carolina
Vincent Butler | Suffolk, Virginia
Hailey Calhoun | Guyton, Georgia
Connor Campbell | Collierville, Tennessee
Jesse Campbell | Ellsworth, Maine
Joshua Campbell | Ellsworth, Maine
Lola Campbell | Hubert, North Carolina
Lilah Carlisle | Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Sensi Carter | Chesapeake, Virginia
Elle Case | Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Michael Casey | Chesapeake, Virginia
Molly Casey | Chesapeake, Virginia
Austin Connors | Rohnert Park, California
Tanya Cruz | Astoria, Oregon
Alexandria Currier | Acworth, Georgia
Meredith Dabney | San Antonio, Texas
Nyah Daniel | Elkridge, Maryland
Hailey Danner | Gallatin, Tennessee
Tyler Danner | Gallatin, Tennessee
Belladonna Darby | Juneau, Alaska
Samantha Davenport | Eureka, California
Molly Denley | Louisville, Kentucky
Sonja Desanno | Victoria, Texas
Austin DeShazo | North Ridgeville, Ohio
Sylvia Dougherty | Bedford, Massachusetts
Jasmine Dryburgh | Weston, Florida
Mason Dudley | Salem, New Hampshire
Mitchell Dudley | Salem, New Hampshire
Taylor Dunbar | Kiln, Mississippi
Mason Dupree | Grand Forks, North Dakota
Ronan Egal | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Isabella Elg | Jensen Beach, Florida
Langley Elg | Jensen Beach, Florida
Liberty Erickson | Buckeye, Arizona
Tyler Evans | Knoxville, Tennessee
Dakota Fanter | San Pedro, California
Liam Farmer | Staten Island, New York
Tyler Feeney | Warrenton, Oregon
Skylar Felmy | Chesapeake, Virginia
Sebastian Figueroa | Plantation, Florida
Isabella Forbes | Cumming, Georgia
Jessica Fortin | Virginia Beach, Virginia
Joseph Franz | Houma, Louisiana
Isabella Fratto | Mukilteo, Washington
Lilly Freeman | Boyne City, Michigan
Alexander Gallatin | Rockford, Michigan
Mason Gay | College Grove, Tennessee
Bree Geigel | Galloway, New Jersey
Hope Gelfand | Seattle, Washington
Sophia Glod | Manteo, North Carolina
Kaylee Godwin | Ventura, California
Connor Goodwin | Staten Island, New York
Oscar Guerrero | Port Hueneme, California
Ethan Hahn | Moneta, Virginia
Jessica Hammond | Lafayette, Colorado
Jace Hannum | Helena, Alabama
Angel Harris | Puyallup, Massachusetts
Jayde Hauck | Chesapeake, Virginia
Andrew Hawthorne | Chesapeake, Virginia
Corey Hazel | West Long Branch, New Jersey
Peyton Helfer | Custer, South Dakota
Avery Henderson | Vancouver, Washington
Paige Henry | Spanish Fort, Alabama
Addison Hoppe | Fairfax, Virginia
Connor Horacek | Conroe, Texas
Peyton Hoyt | Camden, North Carolina
Desirae Hutton | Sitka, Alaska
Austin Jackson | Madisonville, Louisiana
Ella Jaeger | Butte Des Morts, Wisconsin
Ava Janetka | Volo, Illinois
Jeremiah Jobe | Hillsboro, Oregon
Z'Kyra Johnson | Leland, North Carolina
Jayden Justiniano | Palm Harbor, Florida
Alexandria Kimsey | Elgin, Illinois
Ethan King | Fairfax Station, Virginia
Michelle Kirkpatrick | Merritt Island, Florida
Kylie Kittrell | Avon, Ohio
Kelsey Knapp | Scituate, Massachusetts
Landon Knauss | Moyock, North Carolina
Destiny Knesek | San Antonio, Texas
Spencer Knutsen | Burlington, Washington
Zella Knutsen | Burlington, Washington
Katie La Londe | Chesapeake, Virginia
Kaitlyn LaCroix | Palmetto, Florida
Jolie Langill | Fairfield, California
Emily Lee | Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Joel Lemos | Wilmington, Delaware
Raquel Leonard | Duchesne, Utah
Jude Limon | Sarasota, Florida
Allyson Link | Willimsburg, Virginia
Noah Link | Williamsburg, Virginia
Hudson Lisner | Lorain, Ohio
William Livingston | Forestdale, Massachusetts
Samuel Long | Gulf Shores, Alabama
Nikolai Lopatka | Rochester, New York
Hailey Luder | Pensacola, Florida
Alexis Lyford | Sebastian, Florida
Samantha Lyons | Missouri City, Texas
Talia Maccaferri | Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Mackenzie Malcolm | Novato, California
Margaret Malloy | Chesapeake, Virginia
Xavier Marion | Freeport, Maine
Isabella Martinez | Prosser, Washington
Margaret Mayer | Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Jacob Mays | Mobile, Alabama
Brayden Mazza | Moss Point, Mississippi
Connor McBride | Gambrills, Maryland
Cecilia McCormick | Groton, Connecticut
Natalie McDonnell | Snoqualmie, Washington
Taylor McGregor | Traverse City, Michigan
Emmie McGrew | Poulsbo, Montana
Jolie McTamney | Goshen, Connecticut
Samuel Medlin | Wilmington, North Carolina
Cali Medrano | Santee, California
Claire Minnich | Petaluma, California
Catherine Mochen | Vienna, Virginia
Isabella Montejano | Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Kylie Moskowitz | Panama City, Florida
August Murray | Owings, Maryland
Eleanora Murray | Owings, Maryland
Aezlynn Nichols | Sitka, Alaska
Jesse Nichols | Evergreen, Colorado
Casey Ornot | Palm Harbor, Florida
Katelynn Otero | Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Jade Pagan Abreu | Suffolk, Virginia
Hannah Pahl | D'Iberville, Mississippi
Addisyn Pendle | Friendswood, Texas
Mya Perciak | Coral Springs, Florida
Nathan Petrat | Highland, Michigan
Jadon Pierce | Grambling, Louisiana
Aidan Pierias | Forest Grove, Oregon
Ava Pomajzl | Forestdale, Massachusetts
Nolan Ramos | Washington DC
Sophia Randall | Norfolk, Virginia
Mickey Ray | Wasilla, Alaska
Memphis Rich | Richmond Hill, Georgia
Marisa Ricks | Cocoa Beach, Florida
Sophia Ricks | Cocoa Beach, Florida
Denivia Rivera | Bronx, New York
Jeciana Rivera | Lorton, Virginia
Julia Robinson | Juneau, Alaska
Kendall Robinson | Palmerton, Pennsylvania
Jazmine Rosa | San Diego, California
Katie Ross | Alexandria, Virginia
Sage Roys | Spokane Valley, Washington
Ryley Rudman | Chesapeake Beach, Maryland
Nolan Russell | Yorktown, Virginia
Kaya Rust | Honolulu, Hawaii
Madison Sanchez | Daphne, Alabama
William Schaadt | Burien, Washington
Austin Schandel | Cordova, Alaska
Jordan Segelken | League City, Texas
Charles Severance | Wasilla, Alaska
Skylar Smith | Morehead City, North Carolina
Wyatt Southard | Apex, North Carolina
Tanner Sprague | Davie, Florida
Connor Stinson | Hudson, Florida
Makenzie Stinson | Snohomish, Washington
Casey Swan | Cheektowaga, New York
Coral Swan | Cheektowaga, New York
Rylee Tenuta | Gorham, Maine
Molly Tremain | Astoria, Oregon
Riley Van Sickle | Green Bay, Wisconsin
Morgan Vogt | Mobile, Alabama
Kylie Walsh | Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nathan Watson | Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey
Emma West | Daphne, Alabama
Jacob West | Daphne, Alabama
Keegan Williams | Kalispell, Montana
Peytan Winkelmann | Parrish, Florida
Maya Wolfe | Severna Park, Maryland
Lindsay Wong | Prince Frederick, Maryland
Katherine Wright | Aiken, South Carolina
Cedric Zacherl | Liberty, Texas

Featured in the cover photo:   Z'Kyra Johnson, Mitchell Dudley, Raquel Leonard, Vincent Butler.