Addition Financial Foundation Celebrates 20 Years of Scholarships with Record Numbers

The Addition Financial Foundation marked a major milestone in its commitment to education, awarding scholarships to its largest class of recipients as the organization celebrates the 20th anniversary of its program.

This year, the foundation selected 10 students to receive financial assistance through the Joseph A. Melbourne Jr. Annual Scholarship Program, which supports students pursuing higher education. Each recipient will receive a $2,500 scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year.

The scholarship program, named after former Addition Financial Credit Union President and CEO Joseph A. Melbourne Jr., has spent two decades helping students overcome financial barriers while encouraging academic achievement, community involvement, and financial literacy.

To commemorate the program’s 20th year, the foundation expanded its reach, increasing the number of scholarships awarded. The 2026 recipient class includes eight graduating high school seniors and two graduate-level students, representing schools across Central Florida and beyond.

According to the foundation, applicants were evaluated based on essays and recommendation letters that demonstrated a strong commitment to education, community service, and giving back to others.

Cristina Lehman, executive director of the Addition Financial Foundation, said the scholarship program remains a key part of the organization’s mission to strengthen communities through educational opportunities.

For many recipients, the award provides more than just financial support. It also offers reassurance as they prepare for the next chapter of their academic careers.

One of this year’s recipients, Olympia High School senior Charmeine Muth, said the scholarship will help ease the financial burden of college expenses and allow her to focus more on her education.

The 2026 scholarship recipients come from a variety of educational backgrounds, including public, private, and graduate-level institutions. Four students attend schools in Seminole County, three are from Orange County, and one is from Volusia County. Two additional recipients are currently pursuing graduate studies.

The 2026 Joseph A. Melbourne Jr. Annual Scholarship recipients are:

• 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

As the scholarship program enters its third decade, foundation leaders say they remain focused on helping students achieve their educational goals while fostering the next generation of community leaders.

Ava McDonnell

Ava McDonnell is the Digital Content Creator/Editorial Manager for Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine while also earning her bachelor's degree in English at the University of Central Florida. Her work has been featured in UCF's The Charge and Her Campus UCF. She also has experience in editing using AP Style and SEO guidelines. Located in Clermont, Ava has always had a passion for learning about people's lives and sharing accurate stories with the world. She is dedicated to getting the job done right while making content interesting for readers. Aside from writing, you can find her indulging in the great outdoors with the people she loves. Whether it is hiking, taking photographs, or trying new activities, she is up for almost anything.

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