2026 FPMA Scholarship Winners Annoucement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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July 6, 2026
Florida Petroleum Marketers Association Foundation, Inc. proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 FPMA Scholarship Awards, recognizing outstanding students connected to Florida’s petroleum and energy community. These scholarships support academic achievement, personal character, and the next generation of leaders who will shape Florida’s future.
This year’s recipients represent a diverse range of career paths, family legacies, and inspiring personal stories. The FPMA Foundation is honored to support their educational journeys.
2026 FPMA Scholarship Recipients
Brayden Brown, Parents Jennifer Brown and Jonathan Brown
Representing: J.V. Gander Distributors Brayden Brown discovered his passion for culinary arts the first time he cooked a meal for his family. Since then, he has pursued culinary training, earned academic honors, and served his community through more than 100 volunteer hours. Brayden will attend Gulf Coast State College to study Business Management and Culinary Arts, with the goal of opening his own food business and using cuisine to uplift others. His blend of passion, discipline, and community impact made him a standout applicant.
Preston “Drew” Cothren, Parents Matt and Tifaney Cothren
Representing: Canopy Specialist LLC Drew Cothren embodies the values of hard work, leadership, and commitment. A captain of both his high school baseball and golf teams, Drew has balanced academics, athletics, and hands ‑ on work experience at Hy‑Tech Petroleum and his family’s business, Canopy Specialist. His goal is to earn a Construction Management degree from the University of Florida and continue growing his family’s company within the petroleum industry. Drew’s dedication to responsibility, integrity, and carrying forward his family’s legacy which made him an exceptional candidate.
Greg Rhoden, Parents Jason and Heather Rhoden
Representing: Quality Petroleum Corporation A tenth ‑ generation Floridian and fourth‑generation petroleum marketer, Gage Rhoden’s connection to the industry runs deep. His great‑grandfather founded Quality Petroleum Corporation in 1971, and Gage has grown up immersed in the values of leadership, service, and innovation. He will attend the University of Florida to study business, economics, and emerging energy developments, with the goal of contributing to the future of Florida’s petroleum industry. His appreciation for the industry’s impact and his commitment to its future set him apart.
Taylor Wagner, Grandparents Mark and Joi Taylor
Representing: Guardian Fueling Technologies Taylor Wagner is pursuing her dream of becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner — a calling shaped by her own experiences with compassionate healthcare. Her essay reflects resilience, empathy, and a deep desire to care for the most vulnerable patients. Taylor plans to obtain her nursing degree and advanced neonatal training, with the mission of providing comfort, support, and hope for families during their most difficult moments. Her heart for service and dedication to others exemplifies the spirit of this scholarship.
FPMA Scholarship Committee Leadership
Marc Gomes, Chair with Isellgasstations.com
Sue Banks, Chair Emeritus with Dion Banks Foundation
The FPMA Foundation extends its gratitude to Marc Gomes and Sue Banks for their leadership, dedication, and continued commitment to supporting Florida students and strengthening the future of the industry.
About the FPMA Scholarship Program
For more than 40 years and $750,000 awarded, the Florida Petroleum Marketers Association has supported the success of its members and their families by awarding academic scholarships exclusively to owners, employees, and their dependents. The 2026 Scholarship Awards will be presented during the Sunshine EXPO®, July 26–28 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. Hotel accommodation for recipients are provided by FPMA.
Media Contact
Pierce Schuessler Chief Executive Officer, FPMA Phone: 850‑509‑9977 Email: pierce@fpma.org
Need More Assistance?
Please contact: Shane Schaefer Director of Marketing & Membership, FPMA Email: shane@fpma.org
2027 FUEL YOUR FUTURE!
Florida Petroleum Marketers Association Foundation, Inc.
FPMA cares about the success of our members and their families. For over 40 years, we have granted academic scholarships exclusively to owners, employees and their children to attend college and become successors of the family business or entrepreneurs of their own.
If you fall into this close-knit community and can show achievement in the classroom with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, you are at a great advantage. While most public and private scholarship dollars are open to thousands of eligible high school and college students, our support stays within the Florida Petroleum Marketers Association family.
The 2026 FPMA Scholarship will be awarded during the 2026 Sunshine EXPO® July 26-28, Ocean Center Convention Center, Daytona Beach, FL. The Scholarship Award Recipients’ hotel accommodation for one night will be taken care of by FPMA.
If you have any questions regarding this application or the FPMA Scholarship Award please contact the FPMA office at 850.877.5178, email Joanna Wolff, Director of Operations & Events joanna@fpma.org or Tondra Matthews, CFO tondra@fpma.org.
Hear Her Story — Click here to Watch
Watch how this scholarship made an impact — straight from one of our past recipients.