UWF welcomes its newest National Merit Finalists and top scholarship recipients to campus

The National Merit Finalists earn UWF's top scholarship with a total value of more than $50,000, including full tuition, room and board, a $800-per-semester book stipend, and a research or study abroad experience.

"We are proud to be a first-choice institution for top scholars and support them as they achieve their goals," said UWF President Martha D. Saunders. "UWF provides an unmatched educational experience with our world renowned faculty, wide range of high-impact practices and abundance of undergraduate research opportunities."

Ayla Bergeron, a biochemistry major from Abbeville, Louisiana, fell in love with UWF during her first visit to the campus. She realized all she could achieve from being named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist.

"Receiving the National Merit Scholarship has been a dream come true for me. I am so grateful to be able to get a high-quality education without stressing about finances," Bergeron said. "UWF offers everything I want in a University, from undergraduate research opportunities to beautiful nature trails to top-notch, student-centered faculty. From the very first tour, I fell in love with this school. I am ecstatic to become an Argo!"

Garrett Smith, a cybersecurity major from Gulf Breeze, was initially unaware of all this scholarship would allow him to do. He now looks forward to utilizing the research opportunities within the award, allowing him to grow as a student here at UWF.

"When I initially received the news that I was a National Merit Finalist, I was, of course, excited; however, I did not know the true significance of my accomplishment until I learned that UWF would cover my undergraduate tuition as a result," Smith said. "In addition, this achievement gives me the wonderful opportunity to participate in the FYRE program with a faculty member in my field of study, allowing me to conduct research in only my first year of college. I'm incredibly honored and grateful to be given these possibilities, and I am certain they will help me prosper throughout college and in the workforce."

The University also hosted its annual President's Scholarship Competition, which awards top Florida-resident incoming freshmen who show potential to serve as future leaders with the Institution's most prestigious scholarship, the Pace Presidential Scholarship. This scholarship is offered in conjunction with Florida Bright Futures and covers on-campus room and board, tuition, a $800 book stipend, and a research or study abroad experience, totaling more than $50,000.

Four students who were also awarded the Pace Presidential Scholarship in 2024 include:

• Atiye Buker, computer engineering major from Pace High School
• Cameron Killingsworth, biochemistry major from Pensacola High School
• Carly Goodman, biomedical sciences major from Milton High School
• Jordan Stull, exercise science major from Pace High School

In 2019, the University established the Argo Spirit Scholarship, a full-ride, competitive scholarship awarded to first-time-in-college freshmen who have shown strength of character, or "Argo Spirit." Argo Spirit involves overcoming obstacles, fighting for something important and making an impact while in high school.

The 2024 Argo Spirit Scholarship recipients are:

• Caylin Kitchner, criminal justice major from Saint Stephens Episcopal School in Bradenton
• Slinky Thompson, computer science major from Santa Rosa High School in Navarre
• Ikia Urap Cook, Pre-BSN from Tate High School
• Madison Caldwell, pre-BSN major from West Florida High School
• Marlo Handler, biomedical sciences major from Gulf Breeze High School

For more information about UWF's 2024 top scholars, visit uwf.edu/topscholars. For more information on undergraduate scholarship opportunities, visit uwf.edu/admissionsawards.

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