Twenty years is a pretty big deal—it’s how long it takes to raise a kid, how long Friends has been off the air (yes, really), and now, how long the Addition Financial Foundation has been helping students chase their dreams through the Joseph A. Melbourne Jr. Annual Scholarship Program.
This year marks a milestone worth celebrating: the Foundation just awarded scholarships to 10 students, the biggest group they’ve ever supported. That’s eight high school seniors about to embark on their college journey, plus two graduate students already deep in the academic trenches. Each winner receives $2,500 to put toward the 2026–2027 school year.
The scholarship program carries the name of Joseph A. Melbourne Jr., Addition Financial Credit Union‘s former President and CEO, and it’s all about giving students a financial leg up when they need it most. This year’s expansion means more students get help tackling tuition, textbooks, and all those expenses that come with higher education.
What Made These Students Stand Out
So how did these 10 land the award? It came down to their essays and recommendation letters, which showcased their dedication to three things: financial education, community service, and—here’s the kicker—giving back to others. Basically, the Foundation looks for students who understand that success isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about lifting others up along the way.
“This scholarship program has been a cornerstone of our mission for two decades, and we are incredibly proud to continue investing in the future of our communities through education,” said Cristina Lehman, Executive Director of the Addition Financial Foundation. “By supporting students at critical points in their academic journeys, we are not only helping them achieve their goals but also empowering the next generation of leaders who will give back and make a meaningful impact.”
Real Impact for Real Students
For students like Charmeine Muth, a senior at Olympia High School, the award means more than just padding a resume. “I really appreciate this scholarship from the Addition Financial Foundation,” she said. “With this award I will be able to pay for basic necessities as well as take the stress off paying for college, and it really means a lot.”
That’s the thing about scholarships—they’re not just numbers on a check. They’re late-night study sessions without the panic of how to pay rent. They’re textbooks you can actually afford. They’re one less reason to stress during what’s already a pretty intense time of life.
This year’s winners hail from schools across Central Florida, with four from Seminole County, three from Orange County, and one from Volusia County, plus those two graduate students pushing through advanced degrees.
Meet the 2026 Recipients
- Leo Merlano, Bishop Moore High School
- Adam Gandia, DeLand High School
- Maria Eduarda, Horizon High School
- Gabriela Velasco, Lake Howell High School
- Maykah Cowan, Lyman High School
- Charmeine Muth, Olympia High School
- Deegan Kellogg, Oviedo High School
- Aryelle Caraballo, Winter Springs High School
- Carolyn Bass, Harvard Extension School
- Daniel Garcia, Nova Southeastern University
Here’s to 20 years of investing in students, and here’s to these 10 who are about to go out and make their mark. Something tells us they’ll be the ones paying it forward next.
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