Foundation Awards $50K to 5 Military Kids for College

The children of painters, accountants, and program assistants working on military bases are heading to college this fall with $50,000 in scholarships that recognize their hard work and big dreams.

The Corvias Foundation announced its 2026 Family Scholarship winners this week, awarding five accomplished students $10,000 each to pursue their education. These aren't just any students. They're National Honor Society members, peer tutors, multi-sport athletes, and community volunteers who've already shown the world what dedication looks like.

Ashley Picazo, daughter of Fort Riley painter Sergio Picazo-Luperico, is trading her Kansas high school for the University of Kansas biology program. As class president and peer tutor, she's already built a reputation for lifting others while maintaining exceptional grades.

Braeden Williams, whose father is a senior vice president, balanced honors courses with wrestling, track, and football at his North Carolina high school. He's heading to the University of Kansas to study communications.

Evie Bordley turned her quiet strength into action as a cheer coach and camp counselor while planning her psychology and art studies at UNC Greensboro. Her mother Tabitha works as a program office assistant at Fort Bragg.

Future teacher Hayden Paolino played three sports while serving in the National Honor Society. Kansas native Karlie Villwok combined track, all-conference softball, and church youth group leadership with sophisticated classroom analysis.

The Ripple Effect

The Corvias Foundation has now supported more than 500 military-connected families since its founding two decades ago. That's $20 million in scholarship awards helping students whose parents serve military communities every day, often in behind-the-scenes roles that keep bases running smoothly.

Executive Director Julie Allen sees something special in this year's group. "Each student has demonstrated the drive and commitment needed to succeed in college," she said. "They have inspired us with exceptional maturity, future-focused thinking and perseverance."

The foundation is still accepting applications for its Trade and Technical Scholarship, which awards $5,000 to students pursuing vocational programs. That winner will be announced later this year.

These five students prove that investing in education creates waves that extend far beyond one family, touching entire communities ready to benefit from their future contributions.