The INK! online scholarship portal is open and accepting applications from the Class of 2025.
INK! encourages seniors enrolled in a St. Johns County public school to apply for scholarships to support their future education and career goals. Students can complete a merit—and/or needs-based application through the online scholarship portal and apply for multiple scholarships at apply.ink-stjohns.org. The applications portal is now open and will close on March 25, 2025.
Memorial Scholarships Honor the Legacy of Lost Loved Ones
“We take great pride in stewarding these scholarship opportunities,” said Cathy Newman, INK!’s Executive Director. “Many of these awards come from a place of deep love and respect. They honor loved ones who left an indelible mark on the community. They also allow students to explore further education while alleviating some of the financial burden. We encourage all St. Johns County families to take advantage of these awards.”
Over $40,000 in Scholarships for the Class of 2025
INK! oversees twenty scholarships totaling over $40,000 in awards for post-secondary education, including college, vocational, and technical education. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $6,000. The scholarship portal offers two application types: merit-based and needs-based. Students who meet free or reduced-lunch income guidelines should complete both a merit- and needs-based application. Only a merit-based application is required if the family income exceeds those limits. Each scholarship may have its own submission criteria, including letters of recommendation, grade point average requirements, school attendance, and enrollment in a specific program or specialty.
Scholarships Available for Graduating Seniors
Merit Scholarships
- The Jack Hamilton Wheeler Memorial Scholarships – This scholarship was founded in 2019, when Jack, who was a senior at Creekside, lost his life in a tragic car crash three days before Christmas. To honor Jack‘s memory, life, and legacy at Creekside high school, the Wheeler family has established a scholarship fund to provide financial assistance to graduating St. Johns County high school seniors pursuing higher education. In 2025, three scholarships will be awarded in the amounts of $6,000, $5,000, and $4,000 for students pursuing college and/or vocational school enrollment in the fall semester of 2025.
- Tanner Gillespie Memorial Future Firefighter Scholarship – Launched in 2024, the Tanner Gillespie Scholarship honors St. Johns County graduate Tanner Gillespie, who passed away in 2023. His passion for the fire service inspired this scholarship, which will help others achieve their dreams by funding the primary cost of attending the First Coast Technical College Firefighter Program, including all tuition, required equipment, and book fees (approx. $3,800).
- The Marc Nathan DeBernardis Arts Scholarship – Recently launched, this scholarship of $3,000 will be awarded to a graduating Senior from Nease High School, who plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in the area of Fine Arts. This scholarship is funded in loving memory of Marc Nathan DeBernardis, a 1999 graduate of Nease High School and 2004 graduate of Alfred University. Marc was a talented artist with a passion for creativity and self expression. The goal of the DeBernardis family is to inspire and empower young artists to follow their dreams and continue to share their gifts with the world, as their son and brother, Marc Nathan DeBernardis, did.
- The Tucker McCarty Health Science Scholarship – The Tucker McCarty Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior enrolled in UF Flagler Academy of Medical and Health Careers at Pedro Menendez High School. One scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1000.
- The David Toner Scholarship – The David Toner Scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior enrolled in a St. Johns County public high school who will attend Florida State University in the Fall of 2025. One scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1000.
- Rays of Hope Foundation Scholarship – This $1000 scholarship is funded by Radiant Credit Union’s Rays of Hope Foundation. The scholarship is awarded to a St. Johns County Class of 2025 graduate who will be attending a vocational, technical, or trade school program.
- The MacDonald Family Education Scholarship – This $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior enrolled at Bartram Trail High School OR in the teaching academies at Creekside, Ponte Vedra, Tocoi Creek or St. Augustine High Schools. The applicant must be a 2025 graduate who plans to pursue a post-secondary degree in Education to become a teacher. The applicant must also demonstrate a passion for teaching as well as the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.
Needs-Based Scholarships
- Lieutenant Colonel Sally MacDonald Memorial Scholarship – This $1000 scholarship will be awarded to a Class of 2025 graduating senior who is an active member of a JROTC program in a St. Johns County public school and who plans to attend college to pursue a post-secondary degree. The applicant must have a minimum unweighted overall grade point average of 2.5. The recipient must plan to serve as an ROTC member while pursuing a post-secondary degree beginning the Fall semester of 2025, as well as demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.
- St. Johns County Jumpstart Scholarships – Sponsored by INK!, this scholarship will be awarded to graduating seniors enrolled in St. Johns County public schools who demonstrate financial need. The scholarship value is equal to one year of tuition (30 credit hours or approximately $3,300) at a Florida public state college (i.e. St. Johns River State College or equivalent). The applicant must be a 2025 graduate at a St. Johns County public high school. The applicant must have a minimum unweighted overall grade point average of 2.5. Recipients must enroll a minimum of two college courses or a career program in a post-secondary program beginning in Fall Term 2025.
Merit & Needs-based Scholarships
- Dr. Wayne Hartley Memorial Scholarship for The Academies – Each year, up to six scholarships in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded to graduating seniors pursuing post-secondary education in the fall term. Students must be enrolled in an Academy at one of the three eligible St. Johns County public high schools: A.D. Nease, St. Augustine, and Pedro Menendez. Each school will have one scholarship awarded based on academic excellence, and the other awarded based on financial need.
