The DANIEL D. GARZA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Our scholarship honors Daniel's legacy by empowering resilient young individuals as they work to create meaningful futures for themselves. If you are a high school senior who has experienced loss, or know someone who has, we invite you to apply. Together, we can build a future where determined students have the support they need to achieve their educational goals.
Mission
The Daniel D. Garza Foundation is honored to offer the Daniel D. Garza Memorial Scholarship to support high school seniors who have experienced the traumatic loss of a parent, sibling, or legal guardian. This scholarship was created in memory of my son Daniel, who died from a rare blood disorder at the age of two and a half. Our hope is to support students as they continue their education while honoring Daniel’s life and legacy.
Application Window
- Opens January 1, 2026
- Closes March 31, 2026
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a high school senior in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, or Escambia County
- Have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or legal guardian
- Be a current US citizen or legal resident
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Plan to attend an accredited US college, university, or vocational school full time or part time after graduation
Award Amount
$500
This scholarship may be used for textbooks, school supplies, technology, housing, transportation, or other educational expenses.
Application Process
Applicants must submit the following along with their scholarship application:
- A current transcript
- A current photo
- A personal essay responding to the prompt below
Essay Prompt
Share something you have learned about yourself as you have navigated life after your loss. How has this become a part of who you are today?
Review and Notification
Applications will be reviewed during April 2026. Recipients will be notified by May 5, 2026.
Scholarship Presentation
The scholarship will be formally presented at the Empowering Grief, Inspiring Hope Gala on May 14, 2026.
Questions?
Contact scholarship@danieldgarzafoundation.org
Scholarship Winners
2024-25 Scholarship Recipient
Meet Mateo Soto
Our first Daniel D. Garza Memorial Scholarship recipient
Mateo is a senior at Navarre High School whose story reflects quiet strength and compassion.
As the son of a military veteran living with PTSD, he’s grown up navigating the impact of trauma within his own family.
“I wonder what he was like before the war, before the trauma and guilt that lives in his heart.”
This line from Mateo’s application reflected the depth, insight, and care that this scholarship was meant to recognize. His words, actions, and presence speak to the kind of impact we hope to support through the Daniel D. Garza Memorial Scholarship.
