2026 Dept Scholarship Recipients Announced

The American Legion, Department of Florida is proud to recognize and congratulate the outstanding students selected as recipients of the 2026 Department Scholarships. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to their communities.

General Scholarship Winners

  • 1st Place ($2,500): Jasmine Gaines, Clermont
  • 2nd Place ($1,500): Matthew Ngo, Middleton
  • 3rd Place ($1,000): Isaac Smith, Anthony
  • 4th–7th Place ($500 each):
    • Karen Hoefler, Winter Park
    • Matthew McDonald, Casselberry
    • Alexis Cole, Niceville
    • Nolan Alford, Apalachicola

JROTC Cadet of the Year Scholarship

  • 1st Place ($2,500): Leah VanArsdale, Seminole
  • 2nd Place ($1,500): Misty Sandhosh, Ocala
  • 3rd Place ($1,000): Daniella Cobb, Cooper City
  • 4th Place ($500): Kaiya Peters, Parrish

Eagle Scout of the Year Scholarship

  • 1st Place ($2,500): William Churchill, Punta Gorda
  • 2nd Place ($1,500): Hannah Hewett, Riverview
  • 3rd Place ($1,000): Michael Carlin, Merritt Island
  • 4th Place ($500): Alexander Maloof, Winter Park

Medical School Scholarship

  • 1st Place ($2,750): Lillian McBee, Rockledge

Nursing School Scholarship

  • 1st Place ($2,750): Catherine Rowland, Boca Raton

The Department is especially pleased to invite Jasmine Gaines, Matthew Ngo, Leah VanArsdale, William Churchill, Lillian McBee, and Catherine Rowland to attend the Department Convention in June, where they will be formally recognized and presented with their scholarships. All other recipients will receive their awards by mail in the coming weeks.

Celebrating Excellence and Service

Each year, The American Legion, Department of Florida proudly invests in the future of our state by supporting students who exemplify the values of scholarship, leadership, and service. The 2026 recipients represent the very best of Florida’s youth, and we commend them for their hard work and dedication.

Congratulations to all of our scholarship winners—we look forward to seeing the continued impact you will make in your communities and beyond.

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