The 2025 Samsung American Legion scholars were recognized for their achievement during the Legion’s 66th Washington Conference in the nation’s capital.
The American Legion continued its tradition of recognizing the 10 national Samsung American Legion Scholarship recipients in the nation’s capital. The 2025 high school recipients of the $10,000 scholarship were honored for their achievement in conjunction with The American Legion’s 66th Washington Conference.
“I think the scholarship sets an example of leadership and legacy of service that comes with the military,” said Colby Nixon of Lake Zurich, Ill. “Having that legacy of service, starting with my great grandpa in the Korean War, my grandpa in Vietnam, and my family every day guiding me to have that gratitude and the opportunity to focus on my service day in and day out, has been meaningful and that’s why I’m here. I want to thank The American Legion and Samsung.”
During their stay in Washington, D.C., Feb. 28-March 4, the scholars attended a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Arlington National Cemetery alongside Sons of The American Legion leadership, visited the World War I Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, the National Mall and Smithsonian Museum, toured the U.S. Capitol and visited Capitol Hill with their respective department delegation to speak with members of Congress. They also enjoyed a recognition dinner with special guests National Commander Dan K. Wiley, Sons of The American Legion National Commander Bill Clancy III and American Legion Auxiliary National President Pam Ray.
“It’s been very inspiring to be here,” said Aubrey Moore of Renton, Wash., who was The American Legion’s 2024 National Oratorical Contest champion and attended Auxiliary Girls State in Washington state. “I love being around other students who really push themselves and want to make something out of themselves. And so I think it’s been really inspiring to be here and be among peers that push me forward.”
Each scholar was eligible for the Samsung American Legion Scholarship for their participation in American Legion Boys State or Auxiliary Girls State, being a direct descendant (or legally adopted) of a U.S. military veteran, and for their academic achievement and community service.
Micah Waguespack of Gramercy, La., said without the support of American Legion Post 171 that sponsored him to Louisiana Boys State, he wouldn’t be in Washington, D.C., for the recognition. He received an appointment to both the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Waguespack accepted the latter appointment to be on the Division 1 rifle team.
“I’m grateful for my family, my coaches, my teachers and veterans of The American Legion who exemplify service before self,” said Waguespack, who added that his older brother, who is serving in the Louisiana National Guard, also shaped his understanding of leadership and sacrifice. “The example set by those who have worn the uniform inspires me to pursue the same path of honor and responsibility.”
Cy Griffith of Springfield, Mo., wanted to attend Missouri Boys State because he heard about the unique experience it provides from his grandfather who attended the program in 1962. He then had the opportunity to attend American Legion Boys Nation.
“The greatest blessing I’ve gotten through this amazing process are my peers … 900 at Missouri Boys State, 99 at Boys Nation and then the eight other Samsung scholars here,” said Griffith, who will be attending Harvard University this fall. “Overall, I can’t thank the Legion enough.”
Lauren Tyree of Lincoln, Del., is familiar with the programs of the American Legion Family. She was named the Legion’s first female Eagle Scout of the Year in 2024, attended Auxiliary Delaware Girls State last summer, and was named a national Samsung American Legion Scholarship recipient.
“The American Legion has really been incredibly impactful in my life, and the youth programs have been so incredible,” said Tyree. “I’m so grateful for these experiences, being able to meet so many wonderful people who have served our country and also being able to experience what it’s like to be in government and learn about state government and really understand the ins and outs of the intricacies of that process. If it wasn’t for The American Legion, I don’t think I would have known that I wanted to study public policy and psychology to really understand what makes a community successful.”
The Samsung American Legion Scholarship was made possible thanks to the generosity of Samsung, which endowed a scholarship fund of $5 million in 1996 to be administered by The American Legion. It was to show appreciation for U.S. veterans who came to Korea’s aid during the Korean War. Since 1996, the Samsung American Legion Scholarship has awarded more than $7.6 million in college scholarships to 2,618 recipients.
“The generous donation that The American Legion and Samsung provided me isn’t just a number on a check, it’s a financial burden that they have released me from,” said Moore, who plans to become a lawyer, “and advocate for those who do not have voices of their own, and the scholarship will help me pursue that goal. Thank you to The American Legion for believing in me, and thank you for believing in the future of America.”
The 2026 Samsung American Legion Scholarship application is online for eligibile high school juniors who will be attending their respective American Legion Boys State or Auxiliary Girls State program this summer. Apply here.
- Scholarships