Peyton Heart Project Scholarship in Memory of Cary Patten

$2,000
1 winner$2,000
Open
Application Deadline
Apr 1, 2026
Winners Announced
Apr 30, 2026
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
Location:
Lake County, Sumter County, or Marion County, Florida

Cary was truly one of a kind, a best friend to his sister and a reliable support for his parents whenever they needed help. Deeply caring, he loved animals and excelled as an electrical engineer. However everything changed when his sister was murdered. Struggling to express his overwhelming feelings of pain and despair, Cary chose to keep it all inside, fearing that revealing his emotions would only add to his parents' suffering. Tragically, unable to cope with the burden, Cary took his own life.

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Cary Patten by raising awareness for mental health and the importance of seeking help.

Any high school senior in Lake County, Sumter County, or Marion County, Florida, may apply for this scholarship opportunity.

To apply, tell us about yourself, your school, and your goals, and respond to one of the three prompts below.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published August 13, 2025
Essay Topic

Write a short essay including an introduction about you (who you are, where you attended high school, where you plan to attend college, and your intended field of study) and answer ONE of the following questions:


1. What have you learned about mental health during your high school years and how will you apply it in the years to come? 


2. What can we do as a society to end the stigma surrounding mental health? 


3. What will you do in college to raise awareness for mental health?

400–600 words

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Apr 1, 2026. Winners will be announced on Apr 30, 2026.