The Gulf Winds Foundation has awarded $25,000 in scholarships to five exceptional students who are about to embark on their higher education journeys.
A Record Year
This year brought something special—73 applications flooded in from students across our community. Each application told a unique story of determination, academic excellence, and dreams waiting to unfold. Gulf Winds employees reviewed every submission, considering not just grades, but the whole person: their community involvement, personal essays, recommendations, and financial circumstances.
Meet Our 2025 Scholarship Recipients
Jacob Akers – Foundation Scholarship ($5,000)
Heading to: Auburn University
Major: Physics
Jacob’s passion for physics and mathematics isn’t just academic—it’s infectious. This National Beta Club member and Honors Principal List regular has already shown his leadership chops as a yearbook editor and his heart for service through the Leo Club, where he organized donations for families in need. At Auburn, he plans to dive into Student Government, join the physics society, and continue tutoring fellow students. We can’t wait to see where his curiosity about the universe takes him.
Monessa McMillan – Foundation Scholarship ($5,000)
Heading to: University of South Alabama
Major: Biology (Pre-Veterinary)
From Brewton, Alabama, Monessa embodies adaptability and excellence. Picture this: transitioning from clarinet to oboe and nailing a solo performance in just two weeks! But her talents don’t stop at music—she’s also a state-level track competitor in the 800m event. With veterinary medicine in her sights, we’re confident she’ll bring the same dedication and quick-learning ability to caring for animals that she’s shown in everything else.
Breely Richardson – Foundation Scholarship ($5,000)
Heading to: University of Alabama
Major: Public Health
Breely has already identified a problem in her hometown of Brewton and is preparing to be the solution. Recognizing the limited medical services and inconvenient hours in her community, she’s determined to return home after graduation to establish a private practice with extended hours. Her academic excellence in multiple AP courses, combined with her service as student government secretary and three years as a peer helper, shows she’s already practicing the care and leadership she’ll bring to healthcare.
Lael Peterson – Rex Burt Trade Scholarship ($5,000)
Heading to: Locklin Tech
Program: Practical Nursing
Inspired by her great-grandmother’s compassionate work as a CNA, Lael is carrying forward a family tradition of caring. This drama club president from Jay High School managed several productions in her senior year while also serving as a student government reporter and engaging in community service. Her commitment to giving back continues this summer with a mission trip to Peru to help build homes. Talk about putting compassion into action!
Jessica Abraham – Micah Williams Memorial Scholarship ($5,000)
Heading to: Fortis Institute
Program: Associate Degree in Nursing
Jessica’s path to nursing was solidified through hands-on experience in a local doctor’s office, but her academic journey has been anything but ordinary. She’s coded robots for MIT, NASA, and the International Space Station through the Zero Robotics program and spent a summer at the University of Virginia working on Type 1 diabetes research with the biomedical engineering department. Her goal of becoming a family nurse practitioner combines her love of science with her passion for caring for people of all ages.
A Legacy of Investment in Education
Since 2007, Gulf Winds has been steadfast in its commitment to educational excellence, having now awarded an impressive $297,500 in scholarships to 75 students.
What makes these scholarships special isn’t just the financial assistance, though that $5,000 per student certainly helps with the rising costs of education. It’s the message it sends: “We believe in you. We see your potential. We’re investing in your future because we know you’ll make a difference.”
Gulf Winds Credit Union has been moving members forward since 1954. With 12 branch locations throughout North Florida, Southern Alabama, and Southern Georgia, Gulf Winds is committed to not just providing exceptional financial services, but also investing in the communities we serve. Learn more about membership and our community involvement at GoGulfWinds.com.
