2026-2027 Scholarship Recipients

Heath Arnett

Ohio University, Aviation Flight

Heath Arnett is the son of Chad and Laura Arnett of Savannah, GA. He will graduate from Savannah Arts Academy in May 2026 and plans to attend Ohio University where he will study aviation. Heath is currently working on his Private Pilot License. His career goal is to be a commercial pilot.

Mikhail Bhuiyan

Purdue University Fort Wayne, Civil Engineering

Mikhail Bhuiyan, son of Shahjahan Bhuiyan and Inessa Korovyakovskaya, is a Civil Engineering student at Purdue University. He is an avid enthusiast of military technology and weapon systems. He has dedicated significant time to independently researching military vehicle systems and armor designs, diving into the materials science and mechanics of kinetic penetrators and composite armor. In addition, he is an enthusiast for tactical flight simulations. Mikhail aims to tie his hobbies and civil engineering studies together, bringing the same technical rigor and passion to a career in the engineering industry.

Madalyn Cassidy

University of North Florida, Coastal and Marine Biology

My name is Madalyn Cassidy and I am a high school senior for the class of 2026. I am the oldest of 7 kids and my parents' names are Joseph and Rachel Cassidy. Upon graduation, I plan to attend my 4th Urban Plunge mission trip and I will then attend the University of North Florida in the fall of 2026. Urban Plunge is an organization which helps those who are less fortunate or disabled and cannot perform tasks to maintain their homes. Throughout my attendance of this trip I have learned how to build outdoor wooden staircases, repair wooden wheelchair ramps, successfully paint the exterior of houses, pressure wash, and other various odd jobs. I plan to major in Coastal & Marine Biology and work in conservation after I graduate college.

Sadie Cox

University of South Carolina, Biology

My name is Sadie Cox. I attend Thomas Sumter Academy with the goal of attending the University of South Carolina. My parents are Yanson and Jennifer Cox. I have participated in sports like, competitive cheer, basketball cheer, track, cross country, and sideline cheer. I have been a part of the National Honor Society and Anchor Club. I have interests in dog sports like agility and gardening.

Lucas DeBry

Catholic University of America, Computer Engineering

Lucas Debry, son of Benoit and Betsy Debry of Richmond Hill, GA, attends Benedictine Military School in Savannah, where he has participated in JROTC for four years, becoming a Squad Leader, Command Sergeant Major, and finally attaining the rank of Captain and acting as an S-1 Battalion Staff Officer. He has varsity lettered on the Esports team, is a member of the National Honor Society, achieved High Honor Roll all four years, and participated in various community and church activities. This includes Catholic Youth Ministry, Vacation Bible School, Flags for the Fallen, and as special escort in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. He has received additional awards for total service hours and perfect attendance, as well as being honored with a Veteran of Foreign Wars Award (District), and has been awarded the Charles S. Daily Scholarship for engineering students. Lucas plans to attend Catholic University of America in Washington DC, where he will study computer engineering, specializing in digital systems hardware. He is employed part-time at Publix. Lucas enjoys building computer systems for himself and others, playing video games, solving hand-held puzzles, and historical biographies.

Stephen Diamond

University of Glasgow, Civil Engineering with Architecture

Stephen Athony Diamond, a graduating senior from Benedictine Military School, a member of the National Honor Society, a Georgia Merit Scholar, and a major in the JROTC program there, who has been accepted to the University of Glasgow for a masters program in civil engineering and Architecture.

Stella Franz

University of Alabama, Civil Engineering

I am a senior at Charlotte Catholic High School and the proud daughter of architects Stacey Hopkins and Kevin Franz. I plan to attend the University of Alabama to pursue a degree in civil engineering and eventually complete a master's degree in structural engineering. During my time in high school, I have been actively involved in music, including wind ensemble, marching band, pit orchestra, and a program that teaches students with disabilities how to play musical instruments. These experiences have helped me develop strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. I am especially passionate about science and math, which have guided my decision to pursue a career in engineering, and I strive to make a positive impact in both my school and community. If selected for this award, I would be honored to represent my school and family while continuing to pursue excellence in academics and personal growth.

Nicholas Scarano

University of Georgia, Mechanical Engineering

I am a third year mechanical engineering student at The University of Georgia. My parents are Steven and Rosa Scarano. I am a manufacturing intern at EPL Georgia and am interested in pursuing a career in the manufacturing industry.

Oneillia Thomas

University of Georgia

Milena Bringman

Milena Bringman is a graduate and valedictorian of the Herschel V. Jenkins High School Class of 2024. She is the daughter of David and Kelly Bringman. During her time at Jenkins, she was the president of the FIRST Robotics Competition team and Co-President of the Georgia Association of Student Councils Executive Board. She is proud to be an International Diploma Seal and Civic Engagement Seal recipient as well as an active member of the National Honor Society. Beyond this, in her free time she enjoys live music, baking, and spending time with her friends. Melina is attending the Georgia Institute of Technology where she is pursuing a career in mechanical engineering.

Philopatir Azer

Philopatir Azer is currently a student at Georgia Southern University, where he is studying mechanical engineering. He is the son of Nadia and Essam Azer. Philopatir hopes to pursue a career in avionics and systems integration. At Georgia Southern, he is involved with the university’s tutoring services and serves as an Eagle Ambassador. Prior to college, he completed the Gulfstream Aerospace High School Apprentice, served as an officer for the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA, and volunteered at the Richmond Hill Public Library.

Jean Nasbin

Jean Absin is a 2024 graduate of Savannah Early College High School and currently attends Georgia Southern University. She is the daughter of Myra and Dexter Absin. Her mother, Myra, teaches mathematics at the college level and has also taught high school, while her father, Dexter, is a religious educator. Jean was actively involved in her high school community, participating in multiple clubs. Outside of school, she served as a bassist on the worship team at her church. In her free time, Jean enjoys playing tennis and continues to practice the clarinet.

Gage Gaskins

Gage Gaskins is a 2024 graduate of Lexington High School. He plans to attend Presbyterian College for three years before transferring to Clemson University to complete a degree in engineering. He is the son of Chris and Mary Gaskins, who have careers in engineering and education, respectively. During high school, Gage was an active member of the National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America, the Lexington High School Varsity Golf Team, and the St. Stephens Church Youth Group. An avid duck hunter, Gage also had a successful junior golf career and plans to play Division I college golf for Presbyterian.

Matthew Geller

Matthew Geller is a 2024 graduate of Alan C. Pope High School and is currently attending Auburn University, where he is pursuing a degree in engineering. He is the son of Brian and Nancy Geller. During high school, Matthew was involved in the National Leadership Forum for engineering, volunteered at his church, and was a three-year varsity soccer player. He also played club soccer for 15 years and was an active member of the Foreign Language Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at his school.

Michael McGalliard

Michael McGalliard is a 2023 graduate of Calvary Day School and is currently attending Mercer University, where he is studying biomedical engineering. He plans to transfer after his sophomore year to the Georgia Institute of Technology to continue his degree in biomedical engineering. He is the son of Rachel and Todd McGalliard. Michael enjoys playing nearly every sport and appreciates the problem-solving aspects that sports offer. At Mercer, he is involved with RUF, a Christian ministry on campus.

Radeen Dixon

This year I began the upperclassman portion of the Georgia Tech Chemical Engineering curriculum, including Unit Operations and Process Control Labs. In addition to my coursework I was also very active on campus and continued to work as a Teaching Assistant for Physics I and II, an Undergraduate Research Assistant, and an ambassador for both Georgia Tech and the school of Chemical Engineering. I also had the opportunity to advance my career, attending a number of national conferences to present my research and completing an internship at SpaceX on the Starlink Materials Engineering team. I was fortunate enough to secure a return offer and will be working at SpaceX again this summer as a Materials Engineer for the Starship program. Beyond professional involvements I also had a wonderful time on campus this year. Georgia Tech went undefeated at Bobby Doddy this year, which was an incredible sight to behold. I also had the pleasure to be on the Georgia Tech climbing team this year, which was a great outlet to stressful academics. In addition to this I picked up mountaineering as a hobby this year, summiting the tallest mountain in the continental United States with some of my Georgia Tech peers. In total I spent over 50 nights this year camping, backpacking, or climbing with my classmates. As I now enter my last year at Georgia Tech, I am beginning to seriously consider my lasting impact on campus and have opted to take a number of mentorship roles to help incoming students have access to the same resources that I have had.  With all of this being said, the opportunities I have been able to take advantage of as a result of the SAME Savannah post Scholarship have been limitless and have helped me pursue my interests to a degree I never would have imagined. Thank you again for your generosity, I strive to make the most of the investment that you have made in my life everyday.

Scarlet Giggleman

Scarlett Giggleman currently attends Bob Jones University, where she is studying Interior Architecture. During high school, she was dually enrolled at Trident Technical College and Bob Jones University, and she was homeschooled for most of her academic career. She is the daughter of Holly and Hugh Giggleman. Scarlett plans to pursue a master’s degree in architecture after completing her undergraduate studies. Her interests include music, the art of patisserie, and traveling to explore diverse styles of architecture.

Kendall Pittman

Kendall Pittman is from Clermont, Georgia, and is a student at the University of North Georgia. She is the daughter of Chris and Rhonda Pittman. Kendall is pursuing a degree in science with the goal of entering a career in medical research. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, walking, deep sea fishing, and hunting.

John Nelson

John Nelson is a sophomore at Troy University, where he is pursuing a degree in cybersecurity. His interest in technology began at a young age, exploring coding, digital photography, and computer science during high school. In addition to attending college, John has worked for The Kroger Company for four years. Outside of work and academics, he enjoys traveling, biking, and hiking. His father, David Nelson, is a member of SAME in Savannah.

Louis Magilton

Louis Magilton is a student at The Tome School in North East, Maryland. He is the son of Maria and Nick Magilton. At school, Louis is a member of the varsity lacrosse team and participates in various clubs, including the debate club and Spanish club. Outside of school, he enjoys fishing around his local area. Louis plans to attend West Virginia University to study aerospace engineering, inspired by his lifelong passion for space and space travel. His love for space can be traced back to his grandfather, a NASA astronaut during the 1980s space shuttle missions. Although Louis initially considered becoming a software engineer, receiving a telescope from his grandfather in middle school sparked a deep fascination with the stars. Combined with his enjoyment of mathematics, this passion ultimately led him to pursue a future in aerospace engineering.