INK! awards more than $100K in scholarships

As members of the St. Johns County School District Class of 2026 move toward their next chapter, the St. Johns County Education Foundation Inc., has recognized this year’s Senior Scholarship recipients and the donors who have invested in their futures.

With support from local families, businesses and community partners, the foundation awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to 26 graduating seniors in the Class of 2026. The foundation, operating as Investing in Kids (INK!), is honored to steward these donor-funded scholarships, helping local students pursue college, vocational and technical education opportunities while reducing financial barriers to success. 

“One of the most rewarding things we get to do at INK! is connect donors with students who are ready to pursue their dreams,” said Cathy Newman, executive director of INK! “These scholarships do more than provide financial support; they send a powerful message to students that their community believes in them.”

INK! announced the following 2026 scholarship recipients:

• Dr. Wayne Hartley Memorial Scholarship for The Academies: Caleb van Bonschoten; Molly Farrow; Michalina Mihal; Peyton Kupka; Atia Pyle; Lily Simmer

• Jack Hamilton Wheeler Memorial Scholarships: Sarah Benoit; Jack Coghlan; Ethan Dawe; Nativity Teague; Charlie Itkoff: Julia Preston

• Tanner Gillespie Memorial Future Firefighter Scholarship: Addison Roberts; Tristan Larson; Haze Hancock; Zane Higginbotham

• Tucker McCarty Health Sciences Scholarship: Ava Nemecek

• Jodi S. Douglas, SJCSD Assistant Director Food & Nutrition Services, Memorial Scholarship: Michalina Mihal

• Kappa Alpha Psi St. Augustine Alumni Scholarship: Nativity Teague; Lucas Cruz

• David Toner Scholarship: Brian Crowley

• Marc Nathan DeBernardis Arts Scholarship: Mikayla Sailor

• MacDonald Family Education Scholarship: Danielle Gallant

• Lieutenant Colonel Sally MacDonald Memorial Scholarship: Annie Heiry

• Shelby Hodges Group Keys to the Future Scholarship: Gaby Ahrens; Ethan Dawe; Glamorous Spicer

• Rhonda H. Molk Memorial Fund of Raymond James Charitable Scholarship 2026: Jasmine Cai

• Rhonda H. Molk Memorial Fund of Raymond James Charitable Scholarship 2025 Year 2: Daniel Benton

• Rays of Hope Foundation Scholarship: Tristan Larson