Community Foundation Closes Out Record Scholarship Season
OBCF’s First Flight High School scholarship recipients. Photo courtesy of Biff Jennings.
OBCF’s Manteo High School scholarship recipients. Photo courtesy of Biff Jennings.
OBCF’s Cape Hatteras Secondary School scholarship recipients. Photo courtesy of Biff Jennings.
As the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF) wraps up a record-breaking scholarship season, it has created promising opportunities by making a college education more affordable and accessible for many local students.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the Outer Banks Community Foundation awarded 129 scholarships totaling $306,750 to 102 students.
Students from First Flight High School, Manteo High School, Cape Hatteras Secondary School, Currituck High School, Dare Learning Academy, J.P. Knapp Early College, North Carolina School of Math and Science, Ocracoke School, Wanchese Christian Academy, and a homeschool student received Community Foundation scholarships from funds established by local donors and organizations.
OBCF Scholarship Committee Chair Ray Meiggs and Cape Hatteras Secondary School scholarship recipient Karina De La O Caldera. Photo courtesy of Biff Jennings.
“Each year, we receive more scholarship applications and simultaneously our fund establishers enable us to increase the awards, which is always incredibly inspiring,” said OBCF Board Director and Scholarship Committee Chair Ray Meiggs. “On behalf of our scholarship committee and Board of Directors, congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipients! We wish you all the best in your quest for a college education. And, thank you fund establishers for making these scholarships a reality for our local students.”
In addition to the seniors who just graduated, OBCF has granted financial support to one College of The Albemarle graduate who is pursuing a four-year degree, three community members who are starting their educational journeys at different institutions, and 53 current college students with multi-year scholarships.
Out of the 102 scholarship recipients, 38% of them identified as first generation college students, meaning they are the first member of their family to pursue a higher education.
“Receiving this scholarship is truly meaningful to me because it reminds me that there are people who believe in supporting students and investing in their futures,” said Anita Lin, who graduated from J.P Knapp Early College in 2023 and is currently attending Columbia University with support from the renewable Gayle Grinstead Memorial Scholarship. “This scholarship helps alleviate financial stress and allows me to focus more fully on my education, personal growth, and future goals. Over the past three years studying in New York as a first-generation Asian American student, I have gained an invaluable global perspective through the diverse communities, experiences, and opportunities surrounding me. Being at Columbia has challenged me to think beyond my own experiences, engage with people from many different backgrounds, and grow both academically and personally. I am deeply grateful for scholarships like this that help make these experiences possible and encourage me to continue working hard and striving to make a positive impact in my community and future career.”
L-R- OBCF Scholarship Committee and Board Member Claudia Neal, scholarship recipient Angela Flores, and OBCF Board Member and Hyde County Board of Commissioners Chair Randal Mathews. Photo courtesy of OBCF.
The Community Foundation introduced 11 new scholarship funds this academic year, each with diverse priorities and unique eligibility criteria.
The Ben Birindelli Memorial Scholarship, Hugh A. McCullen Scholarship, Celia Rollinson Meekins Scholarship, Denver Lindley Jr. Arts Scholarship, Outer Banks Forum for the Lively Arts Scholarship, First Flight Rotary Scholarship, W.R. Davis Scholarship, Outer Banks Orthodontics Scholarship Fund, Shear Genius Scholarship, Mark Ward Scholarship, and the Mr. Morris Scholarship Fund were all awarded for the first time this spring.
“With the 2026 scholarship season coming to a close, I am in awe of our community,” said OBCF Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Programs Nandy Stuart. “Everything about this year was amazing, from our fund establisher’s generosity, to all of the applicant’s interest, to our award recipient’s dedication to achieving their dreams, and to the tireless and dedicated volunteers that make this program a success.”
Each scholarship that was awarded this year was made possible by the 80+ scholarship funds that are managed by the Community Foundation for families, businesses, civic organizations, nonprofits, individuals, and groups across the region.
It has never been easier for you to make a real impact in our community. At the Outer Banks Community Foundation, there are countless ways to get involved in philanthropy, and one of the simplest and most effective is creating a fund. When you establish a scholarship fund with the Outer Banks Community Foundation, you can choose the name of the scholarship, the eligibility criteria, and the award amount. The Community Foundation administers and manages all fiscal aspects of the fund, and, if you wish, the application, selection, and award processes as well. Start your journey today and make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
For more information about creating or contributing to a charitable fund, please visit OBCF.org or call (252) 423-3003.
About the Outer Banks Community Foundation: The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to fostering philanthropy and supporting local causes. Through its charitable funds and grant programs, the Foundation strives to enrich the quality of life for residents of the Outer Banks.
