Taylor Haugen Scholarship

This year our judges had 17 applicants and the chance to read about all of the incredible accomplishments and talent that each of these student athletes in Northwest Florida have achieved. We introduced and celebrated these winners at Ribbon Cutting at our new office location. We offer one scholarship for Bay County, one scholarship for Santa Rosa County, one scholarship for Walton County and three scholarships for Okaloosa County with one being specifically for Niceville High School. Each scholarship is $1,500, and each is awarded to the students who best represent that characteristics we see in T: strong academics, passionate about athletics, strong leadership and firm foundation in Christ.

Jolee Sloan was recognized as our Okaloosa County Scholarship Winner. Jolee will graduate with a 4.3 GPA and 291 community service hours. She was on the softball and volleyball team and her motto has always been A.E.I – Attitude, Effort & Intensity in all aspects of her life. Jolee has been a teacher’s aide, math tutor, assisted children in sports and the youth program at Pilgrims Rest Church. She plans to study Elementary Education, Speech Pathology & Mathematics at Troy University or University of South Alabama.

Anna-Katherine Risalvato was awarded the Taylor Haugen Scholarship as our Bay County Scholarship Winner. Anna-Katherine will graduate with a 4.46 GPA and 270 community service hours. Anna-Katherine was on the Varsity Track & Field Team and is a competitive dancer. In 2015 she founded a dance program “Passion Praisers” at her church in which children can learn simple dance choreography once a week. She has also taught at Boys & Girls Club and Girls Inc. and created a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization “Dance 4 All, Inc.” to provide year long dance scholarships to local children. She plans to study Applied Physiology & Kinesiology and Dance at The University of Florida or University of South Florida.

Paige Klosterman was awarded the Taylor Haugen Scholarship dedicated to a Niceville High School student. Paige will graduate with a 4.2 GPA and 150 community service hours. Throughout Paige’s high school career, she has been a part of dance, track, competitive weightlifting, flag football and soccer. Paige went into these sports with no experience but with a positive and hopeful mindset she was able to succeed at them all. Paige said in all these sports she would have been afraid and missed out on them if she stayed in her old mindset but overcoming and choosing to defeat her negative mindset everyday has shown her the indestructible person she is today. Paige plans to study Psychology at Troy University.

Emerson Walters of Jay High School was awarded our Santa Rosa County Scholarship. Emerson will graduate with a 4.58 GPA and 589 community service hours. Emerson was on the Varsity Cheerleading Team, Competitive Cheerleading Squad, Varsity Tennis Team at Jay High School & UCA All American Cheerleader (2018, 2022). Emerson is also involved in many clubs such as National Honors Society Member, Senior Beta Member, Diamond Girls, Spanish Club Member, Jay High School Senior VP, Student Government Association & Future Farmers of America. She was Miss Jay High in 2020 & WEAR Scholar Athlete of the Week 2023. Emerson loves volunteering by coaching for Jay Junior League Cheerleading Squads, the University of Florida Experiment Station “Farm-to-City” Harvest and at the Jay Pro Rodeo. In 2015 Emerson Co-Founded “Project: Be the Light” a community service project benefitting local children in need at Christmas time. She plans to study Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Public Relations at Tallahassee Community College or the University of West Florida.

Jackson Mallick of Rocky Bayou Christian School was recognized as another one of our Okaloosa County Scholarships. Jackson will graduate with a 4.46 GPA and 111 community service hours. Jackson was on the Varsity Soccer team for 5 years – Captain Jr./Sr. Year 2021 – 2022 district champions, Offensive MVP (Sophomore Yr.), MVP (Junior Yr.), Varsity Football 4 years, Captain (Senior Yr.) and Mr. Rocky Football (Junior Yr.). Jackson was also involved in many clubs such as Rocky Bayou Student Government Association, Athletics Chair (Jr.), Okaloosa Youth Leadership Council (Jr./Sr.), Mu Alpha Theta Chaplain (Sr.), Junior Classical League – 4 years President (Sr.), Fellowship of Student Athletes, National Science Honors Society, Academic Team, and Leadership Trek. He has received Male Scholar Athlete Schoolwide his Junior Yr., Okaloosa Youth Leadership Council Nominee (Jr./Sr.), 1st Place in the 2021 Biology category for science fair, 4-year Presidential list, Honors Student and awarded the Renaissance Man for the last 3 years. Jackson plans to attend The University of Florida or Florida State University to study Engineering with a minor in Political Science.

This year was an especially exciting year for the Taylor Haugen Scholarship committee. With 27 applicants, our judges had their hands full reading about all of the incredible accomplishments our talented student athletes in Northwest Florida have achieved. We introduced and celebrated these winners at our summer Savor the Sound concert fundraiser. A little background on the Taylor Haugen Scholarship, we offer one scholarship for Bay County, one scholarship for Santa Rosa County, one scholarship for Walton County and three scholarships for Okaloosa County with one being specifically for Niceville High School. Each scholarship is $1,500, and each is awarded to the students who best represent that characteristics we see in T: strong academics, passionate about athletics, strong leadership and firm foundation in Christ.

Bryanna Bevil of Gulf Breeze High School was recognized as our Santa Rosa County winner. She will graduate with a 4.8 GPA and 444 hours of community service. She is currently a Spring Semester Extern at Navarre Animal Hospital, was on the Varsity Track and Volleyball teams, and worked with REVIVE 225 to help with disaster relief in Baton Rouge. She plans to study Biology and Animal Science at Texas State University.

Page Dolloff was awarded the Taylor Haugen Scholarship dedicated to a Niceville High School student. She will graduate with a 4.7 GPA and 137 volunteer hours. She is an excellent athlete in swim and tennis. She served as Key Club president, received the Triple A Award x2 in swimming and created her own business tutoring students in various math classes in her free time. She plans to attend the United States Air Force Academy and study Aerospace Engineering.

Reagan Wells of Seacoast Collegiate was recognized as our Walton County winner. She will graduate with a 4.6 GPA and 248 community service hours. She served on the Student Government Association board for four years, was a member of the Varsity Lacrosse team and was a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athlete Ambassador Board. She plans to study Communications on a pre-law track with her minor in Spanish at the University of Alabama.

Ruby Tilghman of North Bay Haven was recognized as our Bay County winner. She will graduate with a 4.3 GPA and 832 volunteer hours. She is the Social Media and Marketing intern at Emerald Coast Fellowship Church, was a finalist in Miss America’s Outstanding Teen-Teens in Action and has published her own children’s book “Ruby’s Recital,” which she has distributed to every county library in Florida. She plans to study Communicative Disorders on a pre-med track at the University of Alabama.

Stella Hurley of Baker School was recognized as our Okaloosa County winner. She will graduate with a 4.5 GPA and 299 community service hours. She was a Taylor Haugen Trophy nominee for her talent and passion for volleyball. She is the 2022 Valedictorian, the Student Government Association president and has completed several overseas mission trips with her inspiring heart for serving others. She plans to study Nursing at the University of North Florida.

William Armbruster of Choctawhatchee High School was recognized as our Okaloosa County winner under the Parisot funded scholarship. He will graduate with a 4.7 GPA and 120 volunteer hours. He was a two-year Varsity Captain for Cross Country and Track and Field, served as president for Key Club, and founded a nonprofit organization during COVID-19 that raised over $1,000 to help the local community. He plans to study Software Engineering at the University of South Florida.

Every year, graduating seniors of Northwest Florida apply for six prestigious scholarships across 4 counties, named to honor Taylor Haugen. The Taylor Haugen Foundation originally offered a scholarship to a Niceville High School senior after Taylor Haugen passed away from an abdominal injury sustained while playing football for Niceville High School in 2008. The Taylor Haugen Foundation has expanded the scholarships to be offered to one senior from each county of Santa Rosa, Walton, and Bay; with 3 scholarships awarded to Okaloosa County students with one being a Niceville High School recipient.

The Taylor Haugen Scholarship selection committee had a difficult time deciding the winners, as every applicant was well accomplished and told inspiring stories of perseverance. Applicants are asked to write an essay speaking of their perseverance and their “Don’t Quit… Never Give Up” story. The criteria is based on Haugen’s character traits of academics, athletics, leadership, community service and Christian faith as well as his motto of “Don’t Quit… Never Give Up.”

Caitlyn Stringfellow was awarded the Taylor Haugen Scholarship dedicated to a Niceville High school student. She will graduate with a 4.2 GPA and over 200 hours of community service. Stringfellow won the state championship with the track and field team while also participating with the band. She faithfully volunteers by serving meals to the community and mentoring younger girls. She will attend Florida State University after a study abroad.

Caroline Seeling of Rocky Bayou Christian School won one of the two Okaloosa County scholarships. She will graduate as the valedictorian with a 4.5 GPA and 299 community service hours. An accomplished athlete in swim and cross country, even while suffering through disorders that affect her connective tissues. Seeling also competed and placed first in numerous state level academic competitions. She is a natural leader and truly embodies Taylor Haugen’s motto of “Don’t Quit…Never Give Up.” Seeling plans to attend Covenant College in the Fall.

A Fort Walton Beach High School student, Colby Orcutt, received the third of the Okaloosa County scholarships, endowed by Roy and Clara Parisot. Graduating 3rd in her class with a 4.7 GPA and over 1,200 community service hours. Orcutt is an exceptional young woman with an endless resume of leadership positions, accomplishments, and awards. She was recently named the national high school Heisman winner. She lettered in soccer, swim, track and cross country while also competing with the national youth modern pentathlon Olympic team. After an impressive athletic career, including multiple state championships and all state teams, Orcutt will join the rowing team at Michigan State.

Emma Dawson of Milton High School is recognized as the Santa Rosa County Taylor Haugen Scholarship winner. She will graduate 3rd in her class with a 4.7 GPA and 582 hours of community service. She lettered in volleyball, weightlifting, lacrosse, and track. Dawson faithfully gives back to her school and community. Serving as the FCA and SGA president she was able to provide over 30,000 pounds of food and organized Christmas toy drives. She will attend Troy University.

Alexia Fisher is named as the Walton County Taylor Haugen Scholarship winner, endowed by the Dugas Family Foundation. She will graduate top 10 in her class with a 4.2 GPA and over 250 hours of community service. She captained the basketball team while also lettering in tennis and track. Fisher served as the FCA club president and was a part of numerous other clubs. She constantly serves the people and students around her. Her commitment to show her friends the love of Jesus stood out to the scholarship committee. Fisher plans to become a physician’s assistant after studying at Florida State University.

Charles Campbell Jr of Bay High School is awarded the Bay County Taylor Haugen Scholarship endowed by St Joe Community Foundation. He will graduate with a 4.2 GPA and 200 hours of community service. Campbell told an inspiring story of how he earned a spot on the FSU football team after being placed in foster care. He lives by Taylor Haugen’s motto of “Don’t Quit…Never Give Up” and strives to be the best at everything he does. He will play football at Florida State University in the Fall.

With an unusual spring semester for the class of 2020, one thing remains the norm, an opportunity to receive a prestigious scholarship named to honor Taylor Haugen’s legacy. Haugen, T as his friends and family called him, passed away from an abdominal injury sustained while playing football for Niceville High School in 2008. After some fundraising by Niceville High School students, a scholarship for a Niceville graduating senior was created to honor Haugen’s legacy. Known demonstrating a balance of academics, athleticism, leadership, community service and Christian faith, while living by hid motto of “Don’t Quit… Never Give Up.”

The Taylor Haugen Foundation has expanded the scholarships to offer six annual scholarships to seniors from four Northwest Florida counties. Each year the scholarship selection committee hear the stories of highly qualified Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Bay and Walton County seniors. Applicants write an essay speaking of their perseverance and “Don’t Quit… Never Give Up” story. Requirements come from Haugen’s character traits of academics, athletics, leadership, community service and Christian faith. This May, the foundation awarded scholarships to six very impressive students.

Brooke O’Keefe of Fort Walton Beach High School was named as one of the three Okaloosa County recipients. O’Keefe will graduate with a 4.5 GPA and nearly 400 community service hours. She was the captain of the cheerleading team while also lettering in flag football. O’Keefe was Miss Destin 2019 and named to the Viking Hall of Fame. Her leader and faith was very evident to the scholarship committee. O’Keefe has lived with a “Don’t Quit… Never Give Up” mindset after losing her father to cancer. She told of him teaching her to have an attitude of gratitude and thankfulness for what Jesus has done in life.

Another Fort Walton Beach High School student, Tori Orcutt, received one of the Okaloosa County scholarships endowed by Roy and Clara Parisot. Orcutt will graduate with a 4.75 GPA, 4th in her class and over 1,000 community service hours. She lettered in swim, cross country, track and soccer. She plans to swim at the University of Kentucky in the fall. An accomplished athlete, she has also competed with USA Pentathlon nation team. Other awards include National High School Heisman Winner, Girl Scouts Gold Award, All Sports Scholastic Winner and Viking Hall of Fame. Orcutt spoke of the hardships in her athletics and the struggles of moving around the country with the military. She credits all her perseverance to God being her strength and refuge.

The scholarship designated for a Niceville High School senior was awarded to Clara Beth LaFollette. She will graduate 5th out of a class of 500 and with a GPA of 4.75. She captained the cross country team and won a state championship, while also running track. At Niceville, LaFollette served as the Key Club president, Science National Honor Society president and NaGISA head extern. With NaGISA, she traveled to England to be a presenter at the Marine Biological Association.

Anna Marks of Gulf Breeze High School was named the Santa Rosa County Taylor Haugen Scholarship winner. Marks will graduate 1st in her class with a 4.9 GPA. She was captain of the volleyball team and received the Most Valuable Player award. Excelling academically, Marks scored a 35, out of 36, on the ACT. She competed with the Latin Club and the math team.
She has over 500 community service hours with the Ronald McDonald House, Miracle League and serving as a camp counselor. After watching her younger cousin fight leukemia, Marks has devoted much of her time to serve children dealing with illnesses.

The Dugas Family Foundation endowed Walton County Taylor Haugen Scholarship was awarded to Clay Lawrence of South Walton High School. Recently, Lawrence was nominated as a finalist for the Taylor Haugen Trophy and will graduate with a 4.47 GPA and top 10 in his class. His leadership and desire to serve the people around him stood out to the scholarship committee. He is heavily involved with his church, being a leader in their student ministry to help disciple the younger students. Lawrence’s “Don’t Quit… Never Give Up” story told of learning a new sport after multiple concussions from football, the sport he had always dreamed of playing.

Kaylan Gunning from Arnold High School received the Bay County Taylor Haugen Scholarship endowed by The St. Joe Community Foundation. Gunning will graduate with a 4.4 after serving as the captain of the volleyball team. She is a part of the Early Childhood Club and volunteers with the kid’s ministry at her church. Gunning expressed a motivating “Don’t Quit… Never Give Up” story. After a bad injury at the beginning of the playoffs, she was saddened and felt like her world collapsed. She wanted to quit volleyball to never risk feeling let down and pain. After realizing volleyball is what she loved to do, she worked back into shape with the goal of continuing to play. Due to Gunning’s perseverance, she will be playing volleyball for Gulf Coast State College.

On May 14, our new 2019 recipients of $1500 scholarships were welcomed by the Taylor Haugen Foundation Board of Directors. The scholarship selection committee chose the winners from a pool of highly qualified Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Bay and Walton county seniors. Each applicant was evaluated on the basis of their academics, athletics, leadership, community service and Christian faith.

This year was the first year we awarded a scholarship in Bay County. It is endowed by the St Joe Community Foundation. Two students from Niceville High and one from Baker won our Okaloosa county scholarships. One of the Okaloosa scholarships is endowed by the Parisot family. The foundation also awarded a scholarship for a Walton county student from Seacoast Collegiate.

Samantha Accola was our Walton County winner. She lives in Santa Rosa Beach and attends Seacoast Collegiate High School and her parents are Jim and Suzy Accola. As a student at Seacoast Collegiate, she was involved in volleyball, lacrosse, National Honor Society, FCA while being active in her church and maintaining high academic performance. She plans to attend Belmont University and Major in songwriting and global leadership.

Olivia Hurley was our Parisot scholarship winner from Okaloosa County. She lives in Baker and her parents are Victoria and Drew Hurley. As a student at Baker, she was involved on the volleyball team, Track, Basketball, Weightlifting, National Honor Society, Student Government and FCA while being a dual enrollment student maintaining a perfect GPA. She plans to attend University of North Florida and major in Pre Med.

Riley Kirby was our Santa Rosa County scholarship. She lives in Milton and her parents are Christal McNeal and Benjamin Kirby. As a student at Milton High School, she played on the volleyball, soccer and lacrosse teams as well as being involved in Student Government, National Honor Society and FCA. She plans to attend University of Alabama Huntsville College and major in Aerospace Engineering while playing for the lacrosse team.

Madalyn Kish was our Niceville scholarship winner. She lives in Santa Rosa Beach and her parents are Alex and Diana Kish. As a student at Niceville, she was on the track team while being active in Young Republicans, National Honor Society and FCA while being involved in her church and maintaining excellent academics. She is planning to attend Mississippi State University and major in Civil Engineering.

Thomas Risalvato was our first Bay county scholarship winner endowed by St Joe Foundation. He lives in Panama City Beach and his parents are Sarah and Thomas Risalvato. As a student at Arnold High School, he played football and baseball while being involved in National Honor Society, FCA and his church youth group. He plans to attend Florida Polytechnic University and major in engineering.

Wesley Shackelford was also an Okaloosa county scholarship winner. He lives in Destin and his parents are Fletcher and Gayle Shackelford. As a student at Niceville High School, he played tennis while being involved in Science National Honor Society, FCA and National Honor Society. He plans to attend University of Georgia and major in finance and management information systems.

On April 10, the Taylor Haugen Board of Directors officially welcomed our newest recipient of $1500 scholarships. The scholarship selection committee chose the winners from a pool of highly qualified Okaloosa and Walton county seniors. Each applicant was evaluated on the basis of their academics, athletics, leadership, community service and Christian faith.

One award was made to a Niceville High student and two to Okaloosa county students. One of the scholarships is endowed by the Parisot family. The foundation also awarded a scholarship for a Walton county student.

Blake Johnson was our Niceville scholarship winner. He lives in Niceville and his parents are Lisa and Bernard Johnson. As a student at Niceville High, he was involved in Track, National Honor Society, FCA, and Spanish Club. He plans to attend Liberty University and Major in chiropractor science.

Elizabeth Johnson was our scholarship winner from Walton county. She lives in Defuniak Springs and her parents are Justin and Gina Johnson. As a student at Walton, she was involved on the volleyball team, National Honor Society, Student Government, Key Club and Anchor Club. She plans to attend University of West Florida and major in Nursing.

Waylon Steele was an Okaloosa county scholarship winner and our Parisot scholar. He lives in Navarre and his parents are Laura and Russell Steele. As a student at Fort Walton Beach High School, he played on the Baseball team as well as being involved in the National Honor Society and FCA. He plans to attend Northwest Florida State College and major in Mechanical Engineering.

Ryan Von Brock was our Santa Rosa county scholarship winner. He lives in Gulf Breeze and his parents are David and Stefanie Von Brock. As a student at Gulf Breeze, he was on the cross country and track teams while being active on FCA and Student Government. He is planning to attend University of Florida and major in Engineering.

Layton Warren was an Okaloosa county scholarship winner. She lives in Freeport and his parents are Christopher and Suzanne Pounds. As a student at Rocky Bayou Christian School, she was a cheerleader, basketball and softball player while being involved in National Honor Society, Student Government, FCA and Leadership Trek. She plans to attend Mississippi College and major in Elementary Education.

Austin Garofalo was our Walton county scholarship winner. He lives in Santa Rosa Beach and his mother is Madalane Garofalo. As a student at South Walton High, he played baseball, worked as an umpire and was part of the School Leadership team. He plans to attend Marion Military Institute and Major in sports management and business.

Diana Lafollette was our scholarship winner from Niceville High School. She lives in Destin and her parents are Elizabeth and James Lafollette. As a student at Niceville, she was involved in cross county, track, National Honor Society, Key club and yearbook. She plans to attend University of Virginia and major in Chemical Engineering.

Maddie McCurdy was our Santa Rosa county scholarship winner from Gulf Breeze High School. She lives on Pensacola Beach and her parents are Karen and Todd McCurdy. As a student at Gulf Breeze, she played on the Volleyball and Basketball teams as well as being involved in the National Honor Society. She plans to attend Millsaps College and major in Biology.

Christopher Roller, Jr. was an Okaloosa county scholarship winner. He lives in Baker and his parents are April and Justin Byers. As a student at Baker, he played football, basketball, and track while being active on FCA, SGA, and Beta Club. He is planning to attend University of West Florida and major in Engineering.

Grason Shackelford was an Okaloosa county scholarship winner and our Parisot scholar. He lives in Destin and his parents are Charles and Gayle Shackelford. As a student at Fort Walton Beach High School, he was active in National Honor Society, Student Government, Link Crew and the tennis team. He plans to attend University of Georgia and major in Business/Marketing.

Keara Bogart was our Walton county scholarship winner. She lives in Defuniak Springs and her parents are Rodney and Teresa Bogart. As a student at Walton High, she was involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, cheerleading, softball, and Key Club. She was valedictorian at Walton High. She plans to attend Troy State and Major in athletic training and physical education.

Tyler Cohen was our scholarship winner from Ft Walton Beach High School. He lives in Destin and his parents are Cliff and Kim Cohen. As a student at FWBHS, he was involved in golf, National Honor Society and was a Wendy’s Heisman School winner. He plans to attend Rhodes College and major in Business Administration.

Sarah Pabst was an Okaloosa county scholarship winner from Collegiate High School. She lives in Niceville and her parents are Denise and Gary Pabst. As a student at Collegiate, she was active on the Niceville golf team and mentored young golfers. She plans to attend University of Alabama and major in International Business.

Elijah Schneidewind was our Niceville High School scholarship winner. He lives in Niceville and his parents are Misti and Charles Schneidewind. As a student at Niceville. He was active in the cross country, track, FCA, National Honor Society and Key Club. He is planning to attend University of West Florida and major in Exercise Science.

Madison Thompson was our Santa Rosa county scholarship winner from Gulf Breeze High School. She lives on Pensacola Beach and her parents are Jennifer and Mark Thompson. As a student at Gulf Breeze, she was active in National Honor Society, Student Government, Mock Trial, FCA, cross country and lacrosse. She plans to attend Yale or Harvard and major in Chemistry/Neuroscience.

On April 17, the Taylor Haugen Board of Directors officially welcomed our newest recipient of $1500 scholarships. The scholarship selection committee chose the winners from a pool of highly qualified Okaloosa and Walton county seniors. Each applicant was evaluated on the basis of their academics, athletics, leadership, community service and Christian faith.

One award was made to a Niceville High student and two to Okaloosa county students. One of the scholarships is endowed by the Parisot family. The foundation also awarded a scholarship for a Walton county student.

Kayla Jackson was our first Walton county scholarship winner. She lives in DeFuniak Springs and her parents are Mitchell and Cynthia Jackson. As a student at Walton High, she was involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, volleyball, basketball, softball, and Anchor Club. She plans to attend University of West Florida and Major in pre-pharmacy.

Trey LaNasa was our scholarship winner from Ft Walton Beach High School. He lives in Miramar Beach and his parents are Terry and Anthony LaNasa. He graduated Summa Cum Laude. As a student at FWBHS, he was involved in cross country, track, a Wendy’s Heisman National Finalist, tennis, FCA, Student Government, and is an Eagle Scout. He plans to attend University of Florida and major in Industrial Engineering.

Harley Meyer was our Niceville High School scholarship winner. He lives in Niceville and his parents are Grant and Amy Meyer. As a student at Niceville, he was active in football, wrestling, weightlifting, FCA, and the Youth Corps. He plans to attend Northwest Florida State College and major in Exercise Science.

Andrew Smith was our first Choctaw scholarship winner and recipient of the scholarship endowed by the Parisot family. He lives in Ft Walton Beach and his parents are Douglas and Martha Smith. He received an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma and graduated Summa Cum Laude. As a student at Choctaw we was active in the band, soccer, cross-country, FCA, Beta Club, National Honor society. He is planning to attend University of Florida and major in Mechanical Engineering.

On April 18, the Taylor Haugen Foundation Board of Directors officially recognized our newest recipients of our $1500 scholarships. The scholarship selection committee chose the winners from a pool of highly qualified Okaloosa county seniors. Each applicant was evaluated on the basis of their academics, athletics, leadership, community service and Christian faith. One award was made to a Niceville High student and two to Okaloosa county students. One of the scholarships is endowed by the Parisot family. The foundation also announced that in 2015 they will add a scholarship for a Walton county student.

The Niceville winner is Alayna Nixon and the two Okaloosa county-wide winners are Charles Foy, also from Niceville High, and Kerri Andre, from Ft Walton Beach High School.

Kerri Andre, valedictorian of Ft Walton Beach High, is the recipient of the county-wide scholarship endowed by the Parisot family. She plans to attend University of Georgia and study biochemistry. While at Ft Walton Beach High School, Kerri played on the Varsity Soccer team. She held many leadership roles in campus organizations including Beta Club, Student Government, Link Crew, National Honor Society and FCA. She was very active in her home parish youth group. Her parents are Kathy and Terence Andre of Destin.

Charles Foy, an honor student at Niceville High, is also a recipient of the county-wide scholarship. He plans to attend University of West Florida and study environmental science. He is an Eagle Scout and active in community service at his local parish, Holy Name of Jesus. He participated in football, swimming and the track team at the school. While at Niceville High School, he was active in Student government, Leadership, National Honor society, FCA and was a Yell Leader his senior year. His parents are David and Mary Foy of Niceville.

Alayna Nixon is the Niceville High School recipient. Alayna will be attending University of Florida and plans to major in Elementary Education. While at Niceville High School, Alayna played on the golf team. She was active in many school organizations serving in key leadership roles in many of them including FCA, Taylor Haugen Youth Corps, Key Club and Student Government. She is also very involved at her church in the children’s programs at Niceville United Methodist Church. Her parents are Chris and LaVina Nixon.

The Taylor Haugen Foundation is happy to announce the winners of the 2013 Scholarships. These scholarship winners were selected on their combined performance in athletics, community service, Christian faith and leadership. These scholarships are given each spring in memory of Taylor Haugen. One award is made to a Niceville High senior and another to an Okaloosa county student. A third scholarship was begun this year for an Okaloosa county student endowed by the Parisot family.

The Niceville High recipient is Jason O’Dowd. Jason will be attending the University of Florida and plans to study Sports Management. While at Niceville, he played both football and Basketball. He was active in many school, church and community organizations including the Taylor Haugen Youth Corps. His parents are Brendon and Joan O’Dowd.

The Okaloosa county winner is Christy Allen, a senior from Rocky Bsyou Christian School. Christy will be attending the Air Force Academy in the fall. While at RBCS, she played volleyball, tennis, cross country and soccer. She was active in many organizations through her school, church and community. Her parents are Mike and Gail Cooper.

The winner of the Parisot family scholarship is Rachel Mosley, a senior at Rocky Bayou Christian School. Rachel plans to attend Bryan College this fall. She played volleyball, softball, and basketball while St RBCS. Her activities included school, community and church organizations. Her parents are Michael and Juliana Mosley.

The Taylor Haugen Foundation is pleased to announce the 2012 Scholarship winners who were recognized at their Senior Awards Days. The Foundation awards two scholarships each year for $1500 – one to a Niceville High student and one to a student at any Okaloosa high school. The scholarship recipient must demonstrate a balance between academics, athleticism, leadership, community service and Christian faith.

From Ft Walton Beach High School, the county winner was Katherine Stone. Her mother is Cyndi Stone of Ft Walton Beach. She is attending Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a Materials Engineering student.

From Niceville High School, the winner was Christian Vardaman. His parents are David and Linda Vardaman of Niceville. He is attending Louisiana State University as a Business student.

The Taylor Haugen Foundation is proud to announce that the 2011 Taylor Haugen Scholarship recipients are Julia Denney from Rocky Bayou Christian School and Taylor Nixon, representing Niceville High School.

Julia is an honor student at Rocky Bayou Christian School where she excels in volleyball and academics. She plans to study prosthetics at St. Petersburg College. Her parents are Mark and Pam Denney.

Taylor Nixon, an honor student at Niceville High School, excels in leadership, academics and wrestling. He plans to study chemical engineering and pre-med at the University of Florida in the fall. His parents are Chris and Lavina Nixon.

“I am very proud of the scholarship winners and all of the applicants this year,” said Kathy Haugen, Taylor Haugen’s mom. “They all have bright futures ahead of them and it is always hard to just pick two, but I know that Julia and Taylor will continue in their successes and uphold the values of the foundation as they pursue their college careers. “T” would be proud of the quality and character of his graduating class of 2011.”

The Taylor Haugen scholarships are offered in the memory of Taylor Reid Haugen, Class of 2011. Taylor was a member of the Niceville Eagles Football and Wrestling Teams as well as being an honor student at Niceville High School. He was comfortably expressive about his faith in God and showed it through his commitment to volunteer work in his church and community.

Scholarship nominees must be graduating seniors at an Okaloosa county high school who participate in a high school sport while maintaining a 3.5 grade point average. They must also demonstrate active participation in community service and show dedication to their Christian faith.

“I salute all of the 22 applicants,” noted Brian Haugen. “Their values and testimonies were powerful and moving, it’s a shame we are only able to chose two. In reading Julia and Taylor’s essay’s, there was no dry eye. These kids have been through some serious trials in their young lives, yet they have come out of it with positive attitudes and strong faith. With kids like this, it makes me feel confident in our country’s future.”

Since 2009, the Taylor Haugen Foundation has awarded six scholarships. The scholarships are awarded to area athletes who best demonstrates a similar balance between academics, athleticism, leadership, community service and Christian faith. The Foundation recognizes those well-rounded individuals who demonstrate the perseverance to improve themselves in all aspects of their life while enjoying God’s gifts to the fullest.

The Taylor Haugen Foundation provides support and recognition to faith-based, athletic students and community organizations through awards, scholarships and funding. The Foundation serves to recognize the following attributes and character traits: Christian faith, athletics, community service, academics and leadership.

The Taylor Haugen Foundation presents The 2010 Taylor Scholarship winners Emily Bennett and Lindsay Foy. The scholarships recognize individuals who balance a high level of achievement in athletics, commitment to community service, demonstrated leadership and motivate others with their faith.

Emily Bennett is a Senior at Choctaw High School with a 4.68 GPA where she serves as class President and will receive an IB diploma. She is planning to attend Auburn University and major in Political Science. She has been a member of both the JV and Varsity volleyball team for 4 years, serving as team captain and receiving “Most Valuable Player” both her junior and senior years. She was an honorable mention for two years to the All-Area Volleyball team. She has also played varsity tennis and track.

She is very active in her church, Beachside Community Church, serving on several mission trips to West Virginia and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico as well as volunteering as a mentor to younger students here at home. She is the daughter of Robert and Anne Bennett of Ft Walton Beach.

Lindsay Foy is a Senior at Niceville High School with a 4.06 GPA where she serves as SGA President. She is planning to attend University of Central Florida and major in Exceptional Student Education. She has been a member of both the JV and Varsity soccer team for 4 years, and receiving “Golden Boot” (most goals) two of those years. She also plays on a competitive soccer team competing nationally.

Lindsay is very involved in school service organizations and served as a mentor at freshman orientation. She is very active in her church, Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church working with children in various roles. She is the daughter of David and Mary Foy of Niceville.

Three Okaloosa County high school seniors awarded $1500 college scholarships
Valparaiso, Fla. (June 3, 2009) –The winning students were selected based on a balance of five different criteria: academics, athletics, community service, leadership and Christian faith. Applicants were required to be graduating seniors with a weighted GPA of 3.5 or higher who were involved in high school athletics and community service.

The scholarship may only be applied towards an accredited four-year college. A committee of five members, two from the community and three from the Taylor Haugen Foundation made the selection..

“Jesse, Krista and David are all exceptional young people and we feel that they exemplify the same qualities that were so special in Taylor,” commented Heather Kilbey, scholarship committee chairman for the Taylor Haugen Foundation.
“They are all outstanding students—academically and through their involvement in sports and the community. We are honored to have all three of them represent the Taylor Haugen Foundation and are excited to watch their futures unfold.