The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families, announced today that it has awarded 187 new scholarships in 2023, totaling $650,000 in support for the 2023-2024 academic year. Since the program’s inception in 1990, the Foundation has awarded more than $6.9 million in scholarships, ensuring Coast Guard children can build strong futures through a college education or technical school training.
Announcements were made for each scholarship recipient in their hometown news. These six Coast Guard Foundation scholars were selected to represent all of the award recipients.
Aiden Adkins graduated first in his class from James Campbell High School in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, this year and is at Leeward Community College studying civil engineering. He is the child of Petty Officer First Class Thomas Adkins.
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. Bruce began her college education at the University of South Florida this fall, where she plans to study environmental science. She is the child of retired Coast Guard veteran Brent M. Bruce.
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. Goldsmith is the child of retired Coast Guard veteran Brian Goldsmith, Jr.
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.
Kason Spurlock graduated from Antilles High School in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and is studying mechanical engineering at the University of Central Florida. He is the child of Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Spurlock.
Mia Vargas-Apalit is a senior at Sonoma State University, majoring in business administration. Vargas-Apalit is a 2023 Coast Guard Foundation Westbrook Scholar. She is the child of Petty Officer First Class Paul Apalit.
“We are, as always, absolutely committed to ensuring that Coast Guard service members and their families have everything they need to be successful,” said Susan Ludwig, president of the Coast Guard Foundation. “This includes, on an essential level, supporting their children’s goals in education. These are talented, high-achieving students who are already serving their communities the way their family members do. Our scholarships are made possible by generous donations from individuals, families, corporations and foundations across the country.”
