Scholar Athlete Program

Juggling academics and competitive sports in high school is no easy task, which is why we created the Meldon Law/WCJB – TV20 Scholar-Athlete Program to recognize students who accomplish such a feat. Established in 1997, the program has awarded over 800 scholarships to high school seniors across North Florida. Nominated by members of their community, these students demonstrate academic rigor and athletic excellence. All nominees must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, but most recipients have proven to be in higher academic standing.

The program has grown substantially since its inception 25 years ago. What started as a segment on the Larry Vettel radio show announcing two scholars per month has transitioned to a weekly production on WCJB – TV 20. Every Wednesday during the school year, a Meldon Law Scholar-Athlete is featured on the 6 o’clock and 11 o’clock news.

We can attest to the unwavering support system that exists behind every student athlete’s success, which is why we invite each student’s family, along with the coaches, to our annual Meldon Law/TV 20 Scholarship Awards Banquet. There the weekly student winners from throughout the year are recognized, and two Scholar-Athletes of the Year are selected from among the group. Consisting of one male and one female, they receive an additional $1,000 scholarship.

We are proud to report that the students in the Meldon Law Scholar-Athlete Program continue to grow into impressive alumni. Our scholars have gone on to play collegiate and professional sports, work in the communities they grew up in, and even serve our country in the US Armed Forces.

We continue to look for students who embody both academic and athletic excellence and would like to say “thank you” to everyone who has helped our law firm grow and give back to the community.

How to Nominate a Scholar-Athlete

To nominate someone for Scholar-Athlete of the week, make sure he or she has at least a 3.0-grade average, is a major contributor in his or her sport, and a high school senior. We’ll need the name of the Scholar-Athlete, his or her school, and as much contact information as you can give us on him or her and the coach.

Send your information to Jake Rongholt at jacob.rongholt@wcjb.com or Olivia Eisenhauer at olivia.eisenhauer@wcjb.com.

The more information you give about the Scholar-Athlete the better!

Meldon Law has sponsored the Scholar-Athlete Program since 1997. Every week of the school year, a high school senior in the North Central Florida area is chosen as the Scholar-Athlete of the Week. Starting in 2003 Meldon Law teamed up with WCJB TV20 to promote the event widely on TV20. At the end of each school year, we hold a banquet for all the winners and their families. Each Scholar-Athlete of the Week receives a $100 scholarship and a plaque. At the end of the event, one male and one female is chosen as The Scholar-Athletes of the Year. These winners receive a $1,000 scholarship plus a beautiful glass trophy commemorating their achievement.