The Shine Bright Scholarship

Shine Bright Scholarship
Shine Bright Scholarship

Established by long-time Coral Gables Community Foundation Board Member and Scholarship Committee Chair, Matthew Meehan and Rod Hildebrant, the Shine Bright Scholarship is given annually to a student(s) who has demonstrated overall academic achievement and leadership within the school and in his/her community.

As a young adult, Matthew was a recipient of a college scholarship and knows firsthand the value of higher education. Born in Atlanta, Matthew settled in Coral Gables almost two decades ago and is the owner of over 30 companies spanning multiple industries across the U.S. including ShineWater – the inspiration for the Shine Bright Scholarship. In addition to promoting optimum health using natural ingredients, ShineWater impacts individuals beyond their distribution footprint and is devoted to partnering with communities in developing countries to bring permanent, sustainable healthcare to the chronically underserved.

ELIGIBLE STUDENTS

  • Attends Coral Gables Senior High School and has for at least two years

REQUIREMENTS

  • Overall minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Plans to enroll as a full-time undergraduate student in a public or private college or university.
  • Personal Statement of Financial Need, with FAFSA score.
  • Upload an SAT or ACT score report
  • Essay: Applicants should respond to one of the following prompts in 2000 words. This scholarship values thoughtful effort and clear communication.
    Prompt Option 1: Service, Mentorship, and Leadership (more detail on the application)
    Prompt Option 2: Seeing a Need and Creating a Solution (more detail on the application)

Note: We no longer request a “Letter of Recommendation” for this scholarship.

AWARD VALUE

The scholarship varies in value, and can be up to four years. For example, in 2022 there was a one-year, $2,000 award and a four-year, $10,000 award.

MAINTENANCE

  • The recipient must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout his/her college studies
  • To renew a multi-year award, the foundation will send a reminder, and the student must provide transcripts on the completion of each academic year.

Recent Award History

  • Daniel Wagner (2025)
  • Amalia Garrido (2024)
  • Nicole D. Bohlmann (2023)
  • Edgar Perez Vizcaino (2023)
  • Jana E. Faour (2022)
  • Penny B. Richards (2021)