Volunteerism is truly the backbone of America and education is one of the major keys to success. We are put on this earth to serve our fellow man. The Orlando Scholarship Organization exists to assist in making the educational dreams of young men and women come true. It began as the dream of two hardworking women, Jean Miller and Christine David. They wanted to help others who chose to participate in pageants to earn scholarships to better their lives. Throughout the years, they continued to support young women in their journeys.
In 1990, Jean and Christine were introduced to Ms. Gracia Livingston. Gracia was a wonderful woman with a huge heart who generously contributed to her local community through the arts and her church. Gracia understood how pageantry could forever change the lives of young women, so she generously gave.
In 2000, Gracia set up a Foundation to ensure scholarships would always be available. Christine was made Vice President and became the official liaison to pageants assisted by the Foundation.
In 2008,the Orlando Scholarship Organization partnered with the Miss High School America Organization and awarded the national winner a $10,000 scholarship. Since 2008, Christine has insured more young students have had the opportunities to continue their education. The Orlando Scholarship Organization has awarded over $400,000 in scholarships through the Miss High School America Organization.
The Orlando Scholarship Organization has a mission statement that inspires all of us to contribute and help others….
"Our organization exists to honor Mrs. Gracia B. Livingston’s wish to award scholarship opportunities to outstanding young men and women, and their pursuit in higher education"
Once again, the Orlando Scholarship Organization is honored to make $35,000 in scholarship monies available to the Miss High School America Organization in 2024.
The Miss High School America Organization is so grateful for the generosity and support from the Orlando Scholarship Organization and Mrs. Gracia Livingston's ongoing giving heart.
I am so grateful for the generosity of the Livingston Foundation! Their incredible contribution of a $10,000 scholarship has helped me continue my education! In 2017, I completed my Associates of Arts Degree from the College of Southern Nevada and in 2020, I will graduate from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with my Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies. From there, I plan to continue on in a Master’s program to receive my Master’s in Crisis Communications. Education has always been so important to me and there is no doubt that the Livingston Foundation Scholarship helps girls like me pursue their dreams by helping them get the education they desire!
-Amberly Nelson, Miss Collegiate America 2016
Going to the University of Florida has been my dream for a while. Studying Telecommunications and Political Science at one of the best public universities is such a huge accomplishment and it's all thanks to The Livingston Foundation for the help and support financially. I couldn't be more grateful for everything they have done for me!
-Anjelica Jones, Miss Junior High School America 2013
There aren't enough words to thank the Livingston Foundation for their generous scholarship and their commitment to promoting scholastic achievement. In May 2018, I graduated with Summa Cum Laude distinction from San Diego State University with a degree in International Security & Conflict Resolution and a minor in Political Science. Ultimately, I plan to work as an American diplomat and promote the realization of human rights around the world. This $10,000 scholarship helped lessen the financial burden of university and for that I'm forever indebted and grateful!
-Leona Koxha, Miss Collegiate America 2017
December 2016 I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree! The Livingston Foundation’s amazing scholarship award played a huge part in helping me achieve that goal. Thank you so much to everyone at the Miss High School America Organization and at the Livingston Foundation for helping to make my educational dreams come true!
-Megan Gordon, Miss Collegiate America 2014, RN BSN
The Livingston Foundation’s generosity is the reason I am able to attend the University of Alabama and pursue my dream of becoming a television news reporter. At the University of Alabama, I have been given real world experiences and opportunities as an on-air talent for Alabama Athletics and as an editor for WVUA 23 News. The financial support from the Livingston Foundation is and will always be greatly appreciated!
-Kennedy Chase, Miss High School America 2016
I am truly thankful for the Orlando Scholarship foundation and the Miss High School America organization!I was able to utilize the $10,000 scholarship to graduate with my Bachelors degree in Policial Science from the University of South Carolina. This scholarship has made a huge impact in my life and allowed me to pursue by degree without financial burden.
-Carina Romero, Miss High School America 2010
I am so thankful for the Livingston Foundation’s generous scholarship to help further my education at the University of Florida, a Top 6 Public University. I am pursuing a degree in Telecommunications in hopes of becoming a film producer. This financial contribution has largely helped me reach my education goals!
-Rylie Spicker, Miss Junior High School America 2013
Thanks to the Livingston Foundation’s generosity, I am able to attend my dream school, Ouachita Baptist University. I am studying English and Political Science, and I plan to attend Law School in the future! At OBU, I have been given to opportunity to learn from experts in these fields and lead the freshman class as a member of student senate. These experiences will prepare me immensely for my future. I am so thankful for the Livingston Foundation for helping me pursue my dreams!
-Emilee Webb, Miss Junior High School America 2015
With the support and generosity of the Miss High School America Organization and The Livingston Foundation, I was able to pursue a higher education. I am a 2016 Magna Cum Laude graduate from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising. I am currently the Director of Digital Media for MMG Model, Talent and Celebrity Management in New York City. Words will never be able to express my gratitude for the Miss High School America Organization and The Livingston Foundation, they both truly changed my life forever.
-Summer Priester, Miss High School America 2011
I am beyond blessed for The Livingston Foundation for helping me further my education at Coastal Carolina University. I am persuing a degree in Business Administration and Pre-Law. Without my scholarship from this generation foundation, this would not be possible. I am forever grateful!
-Annsley Vick, Miss Junior High School America 2018
I’m excited to further my academic career at the University of South Carolina this fall. Thanks to the generous scholarship from the Livingston Foundation I’m able to turn my dream into a reality. I plan on majoring in Business and Biology on a Pre Physician Assistant Pathway! Thank you so much to the Livingston Foundation for your financial support, your kindness is greatly appreciated!
-Lea Lynn, Miss High School America 2022