GRIND TO FLY
Prepare
While specifically offered to graduating seniors of Cocoa Beach High School, the Grind to Fly $1000 Scholarship is highly competitive and often requires demonstration of consistent athletic and academic success.
Apply
Students: The application window for the 2024-2025 scholarship is closed. Please check back in the winter of 2025 for the 2026 Scholarship Application.
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the scholarship.
CBHS Faculty & Staff: Please share this scholarship opportunity with your student-athletes.
A competitive scholarship application is often rooted in our principles, "Commit. Grind. Fly." Reading The Grind to Fly System is a great way to understand what our committee looks for in its applicants. 100% of the profits generated from The Grind to Fly System benefit the scholarship.
2025 Winner: Maggie Shunnarah
Valedictorian, Varsity Track Captain, National Honor Society Co-President, and aspiring Chemical Engineer—Maggie Shunnarah exemplifies excellence in every sphere of her life at Cocoa Beach High School.
With a perfect 4.0 GPA, a 1390 SAT score, and leadership roles across athletics and academics, Maggie has demonstrated an elite ability to balance challenge and responsibility. She is a four-time regional qualifier in track, the reigning 400m District Champion, and was named Girls Runner of the Year for 2022–2023. Beyond the track, she co-founded the International Food Club, guided service initiatives through NHS, and independently organized a car wash fundraiser for Hope Filled Futures. Maggie’s grounded confidence, relentless work ethic, and quiet leadership have earned the respect of her teammates, teachers, and coaches alike. Whether she’s training solo in the off-season, mentoring classmates in physics and business, or volunteering on a Blackfeet reservation in Montana, Maggie embodies the heart of Commit. Grind. Fly. She’s headed to the University of Florida to study Chemical Engineering. Stay grinding, Maggie!
2024 Winner: Sydney Goodwin
Class Valedictorian, Varsity Volleyball & Lacrosse Team Captain, All State Orchestra First Chair, and Marine Biologist in the making are a few of the impressive accomplishments that highlight Sydney's time at Cocoa Beach High School.
In addition to maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA and balancing varsity athletics, she committed to mentoring struggling students in orchestra during her free time before school. On the weekends, she led monthly beach cleanups and turtle rescue missions. Sydney's time management skills, unique desire to help the environment, and positive outlook on life will serve her well at UCF, and ultimately as a Marine Biologist. Sydney sets the standard for what it means to commit, grind and fly academically and physically. Stay grinding!
2023 Winner: Alessandra Lane
Finishing amongst the top 10% of her class, Alessandra was a six-year Letterwinner for the girls' volleyball team, winner of the national JROTC Woman-Raider competition, a top scholar-athlete in the International Baccalaureate Program, and the only bilingual female student to receive a college scholarship to play NCAA Volleyball. Alessandra was regarded by teachers and teammates as one of the nicest and most competent students in her class. Alessandra will continue to build upon this great foundation as she attends Spring Hill College on an NCAA Volleyball Scholarship. Congratulations Alessandra, and we hope you enjoy your grind to becoming a physician! Stay grinding!
2022 Winner: Sebastian Widick
Sebastian was a six-year Letterman of the swim team, winner of the Presidential Fitness Challenge, and most notably received the Jr./Sr. Minuteman Award. Throughout his six years at CBHS, he was actively involved in several varsity level sports, raider/drill team, honor/color guard, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program while maintaining a 3.9 unweighted GPA. Sebastian was regarded by many of his teachers, coaches, and peers as the hardest working student in his class. Upon graduation, Sebastian will report to Doolittle Hall for Basic Cadet Training at the United States Air Force Academy. Congratulations on your achievements and stay grinding!
2021 Winner: Kai Widick
Kai was a six-year Letterman and Team Captain of the tennis team, President of the National Honor Society, AP/IB Scholar of Distinction, JROTC Command Sergeant Major and named class Valedictorian. Kai's integrity, academic prowess, and ability to lead was reflected in his involvement in multiple extracurricular activities while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. In the Summer, Kai will report to the United States Naval Academy for Plebe Summer. Congratulations on your outstanding High School achievements and keep grinding!
2020 Winner: Chase Bennett
Chase was a four-year Letterman on the tennis team and named class Valedictorian. His initiative and motivation to put the team first was demonstrated through his involvement and impact in multiple extracurricular activities. Chase served as Lead Researcher for the Satellite Beach City Manager, founded the Political Activist Club, and was Vice President of the National Honor Society. In the Fall, Chase will attend the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Congratulations and keep grinding, Chase!