The Ike Foundation® 2025 College Scholarship Winners
May 29, 2025, Pittsgrove, NJ. The Ike Foundation® is thrilled to announce the 2025 College Scholarship winners! 251 high school seniors from across the country with an earned GPA of at least 3.2 submitted applications for The Ike Foundation® College Scholarship. Students were required to submit letters of recommendation, a high school transcript, a college acceptance letter and an essay that answered the following question:
“How are technological advancements like Forward Facing Sonar and Chat GPT helping and hindering the advancement of competitive fishing and academics?”
The unique qualities of our applicant pool were very impressive! These remarkable students are leaders, volunteers and conservationists who demonstrate a passion for the outdoors shared by The Ike Foundation®.
Each winner will be receiving a $2,500 Ike Foundation® College Scholarship to the college of their choice. The four winners are listed below along with their intended majors:
- Adonia Matson-OR, Theology at Wheaton College
- Ethan Maggiot-MA, Earth and Environmental Science at Wesleyan University
- Skylar Magnarell-GA, Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries and Wildlife at University of Georgia
- Aidan Joneliet-NY, Bronco Wild Fund Scholarship Recipient, Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences at UC Berkeley
The Ike Foundation® is proud to partner with the Bronco Wild Fund in awarding one of this year’s scholarships. This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to inspiring the next generation of leaders in both education and conservation. The Bronco Wild Fund’s passion for environmental stewardship and outdoor exploration aligns seamlessly with the Ike Foundation®’s mission to introduce more kids to fishing and the outdoors. Learn more about Bronco Wild Fund.
Upcoming Ike Foundation® Fundraising and Kids Fishing Programs:
- Walk the Talk 5k Run & 1 Mile Walk-Saturday, May 31st
- RiverWinds Community Center, West Deptford NJ 08086
- Fundraising opportunity with the community, promoting connection and a healthy mindset
- Proceeds benefit The Ike Foundation®
- Ike’s Annual Pro-Am Bass Fishing Tournament- Saturday, June 21st
- Chesapeake Bay / Anchor Marina in North East, MD
- Entry fee is $325 per boat
- Top prize will be a BassCat boat
- Prizes will be awarded to the top five winners
- Details and Registration
- Ike’s Free Family Fun Fest-Saturday, June 21st
- North East Community Park
- Provide basic fishing skills to Cecil County children
- Rod, reel and tackle box provided
- Fishing skills games
- Youth/High School Tournament Trail-Saturday, June 28th and Saturday, Sept. 7th
- DoD Lake, Penns Grove, NJ and Stewart Lake, Woodbury, NJ
- Competitive fishing program for youth age groups, 8-13 and 14-18
- Anglers fish on a bass boat with a fully vetted boat captain volunteer
- Details and Registration
- Ike’s Hook’em Early Kids Fishing Event-Saturday, Oct. 4th
- Runnemede Lake, Runnemede, NJ
- 8-11am
- Free event provides opportunity for young anglers to fish
- Rod, reel, bait and tacklebox are provided
- Details and Registration
The Ike Foundation® appreciates the generous donations from individuals and sponsors, including Abu Garcia, Bass Cat Boats, Flambeau, AFTCO, Pro-Guide, Tackle Warehouse, and many more. A full list of sponsors can be found at https://theikefoundation.org/sponsors/.
Founded in 2014 by Michael and Becky Iaconelli, the mission of The Ike Foundation® is to connect underserved boys and girls with fishing, fostering a passion for nature and outdoor activities. Our hands-on experiences provide a positive outlet for personal growth and instill a lifelong commitment to conservation and protecting our natural environment. We support youth fishing clubs, civic groups and charitable organizations that promote the sport of fishing, the ecology of the outdoors and the responsibility each person has to maintain our planet’s natural resources. The Ike Foundation® is approved by the IRS as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. All proceeds from our programs go to The Ike Foundation®’s mission. Tax-deductible contributions are welcome and can be made on the website. Donate to The Ike Foundation®
