Addition Financial Foundation Awards 2026 Scholarships to 10 Students, Marking 20th Anniversary of Program

LAKE MARY, Fla. (May 21, 2026) – The Addition Financial Foundation is celebrating 20 years of investing in student success by awarding scholarships to 10 outstanding students through its 2026 Joseph A. Melbourne Jr. Annual Scholarship Program -- its largest group of recipients to date.

Named in honor of Addition Financial Credit Union’s former President and CEO, the program provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education. This year, the Foundation expanded the program to reach more students than ever before, awarding eight scholarships to high school seniors and two to graduate-level students. Each recipient will receive $2,500 for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Recipients were selected based on short essays and letters of recommendation that highlighted their commitment to financial education, community service, and giving back.

“This scholarship program has been a cornerstone of our mission for two decades, and we are incredibly proud to continue investing in the future of our communities through education,” said Cristina Lehman, Executive Director of the Addition Financial Foundation. “By supporting students at critical points in their academic journeys, we are not only helping them achieve their goals but also empowering the next generation of leaders who will give back and make a meaningful impact.”

This year’s recipients include four students from Seminole County Public Schools, three from Orange County Public Schools, and one from Volusia County Schools, along with two graduate-level students.

“I really appreciate this scholarship from the Addition Financial Foundation,” said Charmeine Muth, a senior at Olympia High School. “With this award I will be able to pay for basic necessities as well as take the stress off paying for college, and it really means a lot.”

2026 JAM Scholarship Recipients:

· 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

About Addition Financial Foundation

The Addition Financial Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2021 whose mission is to foster empowerment in the Central Florida community through financial education and charitable giving. The Foundation partners with local school districts, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations that positively impact the community. To learn more about the Addition Financial Foundation, visit Foundation.additionfi.com.

About Addition Financial Credit Union

Addition Financial Credit Union is a trusted financial partner dedicated to helping members achieve their goals through better banking and financial education. Founded in 1937 and headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida, Addition Financial is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative with more than $3.8 billion in assets and over 256,000 members. With 37 full-service branches, 12 student-run high school branches, and a presence across 42 counties in Florida and Georgia, Addition Financial offers competitive rates, lower fees, and personalized service to meet the needs of its growing membership. Addition Financial is the Official Financial Institution of the UCF Knights and holds the naming rights to the Addition Financial Arena on the University of Central Florida campus. Recognized by both Newsweek and Forbes as one of the “Best Credit Unions” in 2025, Addition Financial continues to expand its impact in the communities it serves. Learn more at AdditionFi.com.