The Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation will award up to 6 scholarships of up to $40,000 for graduating high school seniors or recent graduates pursuing higher education from Okaloosa and Walton counties. 

• The Destin-based foundation was created to honor Ellison Ingram, who passed away Oct. 19, 2021 from a bleeding brain tumor.

Ellison was the youngest of four brothers growing up in Destin. Oct. 19, 2021 started like any other day. After school, the nine-year-old walked his dog and visited with his friend, Mr. Jere, before returning home at his mother’s appointed time. But when he entered the house, he suddenly screamed and began crying from intense pain in his head. His mother immediately rushed him to the emergency room.

Doctors diagnosed Ellison with a bleeding brain tumor. He was airlifted to University of Florida Shands Children’s Hospital, where surgeons performed emergency surgery during the night. 

Despite their efforts, Ellison never regained consciousness.

Paul Barcus, Executive Director of the Foundation’s board, said his son was friends with Ellison. After the boy’s sudden death, a group of friends came together to create the foundation in his honor.

Ellison’s parents have a passion for working with and supporting children’s organizations in Destin. After his death, the group formed the Ellison McCraney Ingram Foundation to create a living legacy by funding organizations that serve children.

Working with the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, which supports 16 local charities, the scholarship program offers two categories of awards. Up to five scholarships are designated for students who have benefited from services provided by charities participating in the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. 

• These partner organizations include the Children’s Advocacy Center, Children in Crisis, Sacred Heart, Boys and Girls Club and Habitat for Humanity.

“For the first time this year we have an at-large scholarship as well which is open to any senior in high school and college freshman in the area,” Barcus said. 

The at-large category awards one additional scholarship up to $40,000 to other high school seniors in the region who have demonstrated outstanding scholastic achievement, leadership or financial need. Students who graduated from local schools and now attend Florida State or other institutions remain eligible to apply for the at-large scholarship.

Kaleb Hollins, a 2023 Choctawhatchee High School graduate, received one of the foundation’s scholarships. Now a junior at Flagler College majoring in sport management and competing in cross country at the national championship, Hollins said an unexpected phone call changed his life.

About a month or two after submitting his application, Hollins was in class when he received a phone call. Though he typically doesn’t answer his phone during class, he picked up this time. It was Barcus calling to tell him he had been selected for the scholarship. Hollins said he was shocked by the generous amount of money being offered.

• “I picked up my phone at the time when I usually don’t,” Hollins said. “It was the grace of God at that time.”

His high school cross country coach had sent him the link for the scholarship application. Hollins was a member of the Boys and Girls Club from kindergarten through fifth grade, where he was named Boy of the Year, making him eligible for the scholarship.

Flagler College was Hollins’ top choice, but he hadn’t committed when he received the scholarship news. The school was expensive, and while he had an athletic scholarship for cross country, it didn’t cover the full cost. The Ellison Foundation scholarship covered his remaining expenses and provided additional funding beyond tuition.

The additional funding has allowed Hollins to live off campus with roommates and cover travel expenses for his sport management major, which requires attending events and internships.

• “The scholarship helped me settle into college life a little quicker and without the stress of worrying whether I was wasting money on a major that demands significant travel and additional preparation work outside of class,” Hollins said. 

His advice to current seniors comes with a personal acknowledgment.

“It’s a really, really big thing. Even if you don’t think it’s enough money or you aren’t sure if you’re going to get it at all —- apply, apply, apply — there’s never a time where you’re applying for too much,” Hollins said. “And a big shout out to my mom because she told me that I was going to apply for all of the scholarships whether I liked it or not.” 

Hollins noted that when he applied, the foundation was new with only three recipients, and all four applicants received scholarships.

• “The process was pretty simple — the application process was straightforward and similar to any other scholarship,” Hollins said. “When I applied, the foundation was brand new with only three recipients that year, and all three applicants were awarded scholarships. I was very fortunate in that sense.”

The foundation has grown steadily since its establishment four years ago. During the first year, three scholarships were awarded. The program then expanded to five scholarships annually. Currently, 13 students are receiving the scholarship, with that number growing to 19 after this year’s awards.

Barcus, who has served as executive director since the foundation’s creation, said calling recipients to share the news during the first couple years was a humbling experience. He recalled hearing the emotional reactions from students and parents, including one mother who told him two years ago that her child would be the first in their family able to attend college because of the scholarship.

The foundation’s 13-member board has worked to raise awareness of the scholarship opportunity, meeting with superintendents in Walton and Okaloosa counties, as well as guidance counselors and principals.

• “Our goal is to bring awareness to the foundation, but we also want to get the word out there so students can apply for the scholarship,” Barcus said. “Since we are a younger foundation, it’s really important to get the word out.” 

The scholarship covers tuition, books, fees and room and board at accredited colleges, universities or vocational institutions, including four-year schools, trade schools and technical schools. Recipients must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and complete at least 12 semester hours each year to continue receiving funding. The selection process is based on financial need, academic achievement, leadership, personal character and community service.

The foundation’s goal is to help recipients graduate without debt. The first scholarship recipients are expected to graduate next year.

“We’ve got a lot of local support, especially from the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation, but also from a lot of individuals who donate too,” Barcus said. 

• The scholarship award ceremony will take place Feb. 12, 2026 at Marina Cafe in Destin. The foundation also sells tickets to the ceremony as a fundraiser.

Applications must be submitted by Dec. 1. Because the applicant pool is limited to Walton and Okaloosa counties rather than a national competition, local students have a strong opportunity to receive substantial financial support.

More information is available here.