JACKSONVILLE, FL— VyStar Credit Union is excited to announce that a distinguished class of exceptional students from the VyStar Academy of Business High School Branch Program have been awarded a two-year Florida Prepaid College Plan scholarship thanks to our partnership with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation (FPCF). These scholarships represent more than just tuition assistance-they are an investment in the future of young leaders in the communities we serve.
FPCF matched VyStar’s contribution toward these scholarships’ dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact, covering up to 60 college credit hours at a Florida public college or equivalent funding at eligible institutions.
“These scholarships have the power to transform lives by providing students with the resources they need to pursue higher education,” said VyStar President/CEO Brian Wolfburg. “We are dedicated to making a tangible difference in our communities, and we believe in the potential of these young minds to shape a brighter future for all.”
A Story of Impact: Ivan McEskew’s Journey
Ivan McEskew, a graduating senior from Orange Park High School, is one of this year’s VyStar scholarship recipients—and a standout example of leadership, ambition and resilience. When a family emergency forced Ivan to grow up faster than most of his peers, he didn’t let adversity define him. Instead, he saw it as an opportunity to grow.
“The VyStar Academy of Business showed me that everything in life is an opportunity—it’s what you make of it,” Ivan shared. “Receiving this scholarship allows me to continue fulfilling my desire for more in life. I want to do more, work for more, and achieve more so I can ultimately create change.”
A third-year student intern with VyStar’s High School Branch Program, Ivan also earned a first of its kind summer internship with VyStar’s IT Application Development team in 2024. A recipient of the Student Leader Award he has been widely praised by his mentors for his determination, character, and professionalism – consistently demonstrating strong leadership bringing optimism and problem-solving skills to every challenge.
This fall, Ivan will attend Jacksonville University, where he plans to major in Finance. He credits the Academy for giving him a rare, hands-on experience that helped shape his future. “The Academy is a unique opportunity that a lot of people overlook. I don’t know many companies that give high school students the chance to shadow back-office operations, learn retail, and understand how a business really works. It’s a path builder.”
Since its inception in 2006, the VyStar Academy of Business High School Branch Program has delivered financial education to more than 155,000 students and provided over 2,200 paid internship opportunities. Students from the eight participating school districts are eligible to apply for the scholarship, which honors not only academic excellence but also leadership, community involvement and personal growth.
The 2025 VyStar Scholarship recipients were chosen based on GPA, written essay, work experience, extracurricular activities and community service. One recipient was selected from each school participating in the VyStar High School Branch Program.
Meet the VyStar High School Branch Scholarship Recipients
Bartram Trail High School – Leila Colletti
Bradford High School – Kaylah Vargas
Belleview High School – Kahleah Lancaster
Clay High School – Evelyn Gonzalez Lopez
Fernandina Beach High School – Samira Dean
First Coast High School – Mila Bostick
Fleming Island High School – Christian Cardona
Fletcher High School – Adia Thomas
Mandarin High School – Diva Mitchell
Matanzas High School – Reina Harper
Middleburg High School – Sophia Alvarado
Orange Park High School – Ivan W. McEskew
Pedro Menendez High School – Caleb Jarrard
West Nassau High School – Maddison Barnes
Wolfson High School – Luciano Mastrocinque
Yulee High School – Chole Roby
Learn more about the VyStar Academy of Business High School Branch Program.