Scholarships
At Pours With Patriots, we believe in honoring the legacy of those we've lost by supporting the future of those left behind. Our scholarship program is dedicated to children and family members affected by veteran suicide—individuals who carry their grief with quiet strength and who are working hard to build meaningful futures.
These grants aren’t just about financial support—they’re about recognizing resilience, passion, and the potential to lead with purpose. Whether it’s helping cover the cost of college tuition or flight training, we aim to reduce the weight of one more burden and give these young people the freedom to focus on becoming who they’re meant to be.
Each recipient carries a powerful story. We're proud to stand behind them.
Magdalena Myslenski – 2024 Scholarship Recipient
Magdalena Myslenski is a sophomore at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, pursuing a degree in Aeronautical Science with the goal of becoming a commercial pilot. She brings a remarkable level of focus, leadership, and resilience to everything she does—both in and out of the classroom.
In 2019, Magdalena’s life was forever changed when her father, who she described as her best friend, died by suicide. It was the first week of her freshman year at a new high school. In her words, “The numbness was overwhelming… I was engulfed with feelings of heartache and frustration when other individuals seemed to show judgment.” Despite these challenges, Magdalena found strength in empathy and perseverance. “The most important lesson I have learned is that one does not know the background of a stranger,” she wrote. “With that being said, I choose to remind myself of the resilience I possess.”
This year, Pours With Patriots awarded Magdalena a $1,500 grant to help cover the cost of her flight training. Her drive, humility, and commitment to personal growth make her a powerful example of how we can honor the memory of those we've lost by lifting up those who carry on.
Mia Walker - 2023 & 2024 Scholarship Recipient
We are excited to officially announce Mia A. Walker as the recipient of 2023 Pours with Patriots Scholarship.Mia will be starting her freshman year at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY where she will be majoring in Nursing. She will be receiving a $5000.00 scholarship for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year.
Mia is a survivor of veteran suicide and along with her family (mother-Cheryl and sister- Madeline) have been extremely open with the mental and emotional challenges they have faced over the past three years.Mia’s father, CPT Stephen C. Walker, took his life on May 25, 2020. Steve was born and raised in Barre, Vermont where he played hockey, baseball, soccer, golf and anything else that challenged him physically. Steve graduated from Norwich University in 1994 and was commissioned into the U.S. Army, where he proudly served four years as an artillery officer while completing Ranger School and Airborne School. He excelled as an outside salesman in the medical device field for 20 years earning President’s Club several times. He spent many years coaching high school hockey, which was a dream job to share his life’s passion with other young men. Additionally, he was an avid deer hunter and outdoorsman, loving the thrill of the hunt. Steve was a passionate father cheering on every dance competition, lacrosse tournament and academic celebration and believed that his girls epitomized their parents’ best attributes. He will forever be remembered for living his life out loud, with no regrets.
Mia’s is an impressive young woman that has overcome several obstacles despite losing her father at a young age. She has excelled academically, by graduating a semester early and has showcased her talents by recently placing 3rd in the Miss New York Teen USA pageant (out of 100 young woman). What is even more impressive, is Mia’s willingness and bravery to share her experience and talk about the mental health challenges that survivors of suicide face.
Mia is receiving another Scholarship in 2024 for $2,000 for her ongoing efforts