Honoring the Memory of Gil Evans by supporting graduating seniors active at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon
We are excited to begin the new year by announcing the creation of the Gil Evans Memorial Scholarship Fund. Gil’s life was devoted to raising, mentoring, counseling, and influencing the lives of so many young people in his family, in our church family, and in his community. Through a gift that has been received by the church, First Presbyterian Brandon is now able to offer a $1000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior every year.
Beginning with the Class of 2025, graduating seniors who are active members of First Presbyterian Church Brandon will be able to apply for the scholarship.
Scholarship Award Criteria
The scholarship will be awarded based on the following criteria:
- 50% weight – Applicant’s goals and plan for the future, acceptance into an accredited college, technical school or military
- 50% weight – Applicant’s history of active membership/participation in FPCB church and youth activities
- In the event a tie-breaking criteria is needed, the selection committee may consider the financial need of the applicant and may at their discretion divide the award proportionately among qualified applicants
This is a gift to the church, set aside in a separate endowed invested bank account sufficient to exist in perpetuity as long as the walls of the church stand. No funds will be required from the church’s annual operating budget. All those who are interested may consider donating additional funding at any time which would allow us to increase the amount of the scholarship award or the number of possible recipients each year. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize a deserving graduating senior each year and honor the life and legacy of our amazing friend, Gil Evans. For more information, please contact Pastor Mike or the church office.
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to Emmanuel Nyeh and Anton Despain who were both chosen to receive a one-thousand-dollar award as recipients of the 2025 Gil Evans Memorial Scholarship. Emmanuel plans to attend Hillsborough Community College after graduation and pursue his goal of becoming a physician’s assistant; Anton will be attending USF in the fall pursuing a degree in engineering. We wish both of them every success.
The Gil Evans Scholarship is made possible through voluntary donations dedicated specifically for the scholarship fund. The goal is to create an endowed fund secure enough to offer annual scholarships in perpetuity. The fund is maintained in a separate account specifically for this purpose; no money from the church operating budget is utilized. Donations may be made by check indicating “Gil Evans Scholarship” on the memo line or electronically on Realm by selecting “Gil Evans Scholarship” in the dropdown box under Giving.
For more information, please contact Pastor Mike or the church office.