We are honored to showcase the students who have joined the Melissa Jane Nicandri Foundation family as scholarship recipients. Through Thrive in the Hive, we celebrate their achievements, follow their journeys, and remain connected as they continue to grow and make an impact.
Meet our 2026 Scholarship Recipients:
Catherine Ann Houston
“Stay focused on your goals, believe in yourself, and remember that persistence is just as important as talent.”
The Melissa Jane Nicandri Foundation is proud to recognize Catherine Ann Houston as one of its 2026 scholarship recipients.
This fall, Catherine will attend Florida State University, where she plans to major in biological science. She also hopes to pursue a second major in studio art, combining her interest in science with her passion for ceramics and creativity.
Catherine’s goal is to attend medical school and become a pediatric surgeon. Growing up with parents who work in service-oriented medical professions helped shape that ambition. Her father is a firefighter, and her mother is a pediatric nurse. Watching her mother care for children inspired Catherine to pursue a career in which she can make a meaningful difference for young patients and their families.
Throughout high school, Catherine demonstrated significant dedication and discipline. She graduated with a 4.7 GPA while balancing rigorous coursework, extracurricular activities, employment, and volunteer service with Foster Closet and Nemours Children’s Hospital. She also gained valuable experience shadowing a pediatric trauma surgeon.
Catherine credits her parents as her greatest influences, particularly their commitment to caring for others and leading lives grounded in compassion and service.
The Melissa Jane Nicandri Foundation Scholarship will help reduce the financial burden of college and allow Catherine to focus more fully on her education and long-term professional goals.
As she begins this next chapter, Catherine plans to continue developing both her scientific and artistic abilities. She hopes to use her education, creativity, and compassion to improve the lives of children and contribute positively to her community.
Ben Williams
“I’m happiest when I’m making something that might genuinely help someone.”
The Melissa Jane Nicandri Foundation is proud to recognize Ben Williams as one of its 2026 scholarship recipients.
Ben plans to study business, a field he believes can be used not only to create successful organizations, but also to improve lives and build a more equitable world. He is especially interested in the ways entrepreneurship can address meaningful social challenges and create lasting change.
His long-term goal is to become a social entrepreneur who applies the tools of business to solve real-world problems. Ben hopes to develop projects and organizations that are both sustainable and focused on helping others.
One of Ben’s proudest experiences was volunteering with the American Heart Association. Through his work, he helped raise awareness about heart health and supported fundraising efforts for the organization’s mission. The experience reinforced his belief that thoughtful action, service, and strong ideas can have a measurable impact.
Ben credits his parents with having the greatest influence on his life. They taught him the value of hard work, consistency, and maintaining perspective, as well as the importance of treating others with kindness.
Outside of academics, Ben enjoys building things, from mobile applications and individual projects to new ideas. He is most fulfilled when he is creating something that has the potential to genuinely help another person.
As Ben begins the next stage of his education, he plans to continue combining innovation, service, and entrepreneurship to make a positive difference in his community and beyond.