We are pleased to announce that James Aagaard, a graduate of the Aagaard Academy (Homeschool) has become the sixteenth recipient of the Brooks, LeBoeuf, Bennett, Foster & Gwartney, P.A.’s, annual freedom scholarship essay contest. Each year, our essay contest has grown more popular with students throughout Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden and Jefferson counties. In an effort to promote education and awareness of American liberties, we invite high school juniors and seniors to submit essays on “The Bill of Rights: What they mean to me as an American.” The winning contestant, chosen by a celebrity panel of judges, is awarded $2,500 to assist with their future educational expenses. To date, we have awarded $40,000 to our Freedom Scholarship winners!
Our esteemed judges this year included Leon County Circuit Court Judge, James C. Hankinson; Circuit Court Judge, Frank Allman; and Leon County Judge, J. Layne Smith. These judges selected James Aagaard as the winner of the 2016 Freedom Scholarship from this year’s list of finalists. James is the son of Harold and Teresa Aagaard. Harold Aagaard is retired from the United States Marine Corp and now flies helicopters for Life Flight. Theresa stays busy homeschooling her three sons. James loves music and has been playing the piano for 11 years. Two years ago he played the organ for the first time and discovered his passion. James will be attending Stetson in the fall majoring in Organ Performance. James is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar. He also volunteers with the Bradfordville First Baptist Church Manna program, where he distributes food to those in need. After meeting James and his family, we have no doubt that he has a very bright future ahead of him.
Applications for our 2017 Freedom Scholarship essay will be distributed early next year. If you would like more information about the scholarship, please go to our website, TooMuchAtStake.com or contact our office at (850) 222-2000.