Long after the headlines fade and ribbon cuttings are forgotten, the real measure of a community is found in the young people it chooses to invest in and support.

The St. Joe Community Foundation announced the 2026 recipients of its “No Ordinary JOE” Scholarship, continuing a growing commitment to students across Bay and Walton counties. Now in its fifth year, the program has awarded a total of $379,000 to local students who lead with character, service, resilience and purpose.

Fourteen graduating seniors were selected this year, each receiving a $3,000 scholarship to support college tuition and academic expenses. Students also received new Lenovo laptop computers through donations from Global IT, GHA Associates, Lenovo, Reliable Copy, WOW and The St. Joe Company.
Two students were recognized with the program’s top honor. McKenzie Rimmer of Mosley High School and Myles Christenson of Seacoast Collegiate High School were each awarded an additional $10,000 scholarship after a final round of interviews held in April.

But what makes this scholarship program stand out is the message behind it.

The St. Joe Community Foundation continues to position itself as more than a corporate presence along the Emerald Coast. Through ongoing investments in education, health, the arts and community well being, the Foundation is helping shape the next generation of leaders who will one day serve the very communities that helped raise them.

“The students selected this year and every year since the scholarship’s inception have demonstrated not only incredible academic achievement, leadership and service, but also remarkable humility while overcoming challenges of their own,” said April Wilkes, Executive Director of the Foundation. “There are so many reasons these students are deserving of this scholarship, and we are proud to support them as they continue pursuing their goals.”

In a region experiencing rapid growth and change, programs like “No Ordinary JOE” serve as a reminder that strong communities are built by investing in people first.

2026 No Ordinary JOE Scholarship Winners
Bay County
Marc Letson, AMI Maritime Academy
Brenton Scofield, Arnold High School
Catherine Heaton, Bay High School
Grace Davis, Deane Bozeman School
McKenzie Rimmer, Mosley High School
Autumn Walker, North Bay Haven Charter Academy
Chloe Holmes, Palm Bay Preparatory Academy
Luke Johnson, Rutherford High School

Walton County
Davis Goodwin, Freeport High School
Grace Petty, Magnet Innovation Center
Grace Tyner, Paxton High School
Myles Christenson, Seacoast Collegiate High School
Sophia Mijatovic, South Walton High School
Jule Laviolette, Walton High School
Aaliyah McCollough, WISE Center