RALEIGH, N.C. — WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd), a business-supported nonprofit dedicated to advancing public education in Wake County, has awarded $350,000 in college scholarships to 28 student-athletes from Apex High School and Green Hope High School. Each recipient will receive a $12,500 scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year and, if eligible, continued support through WakeEd’s new four-year scholarship model.
The 4 new Pittard Scholars for 2026-2027 school year are:
- Sarah George (Green Hope High School)
- Brianna Stewart (Green Hope High School)
- Malak Makhlof (Apex High School)
- Stuart Piqueras (Apex High School)
Earlier this year, WakeEd Partnership expanded the Coach Bob Pittard Scholarship from a one-year award to a guaranteed four-year scholarship commitment for eligible recipients attending four-year colleges and universities. As a result, this year WakeEd is supporting 28 Pittard Scholars—including four newly named recipients and 24 current college students whose scholarships have transitioned into the new four-year model.
“Coach Bob Pittard believed in opening doors for young people who worked hard, led with character, and excelled both academically and athletically. This year’s scholars embody that spirit in remarkable ways,” said Keith Poston, President, WakeEd Partnership. “Thanks to the scholarship expansion we announced earlier this year, these students—and our current Pittard Scholars already in college—can now move forward with the confidence of knowing this support will be there throughout their four-year college journey. That’s a powerful investment in their future and a meaningful extension of Coach Pittard’s extraordinary legacy.”
The Coach Bob Pittard Scholarship Fund was created in 2018 following a $2.7 million bequest from the late Robert Ray Pittard, a beloved Apex High School teacher and coach. His vision was to create a lasting impact by supporting student-athletes from Apex and Green Hope high schools as they pursue higher education. Since its inception, the Pittard Scholarship Fund has awarded $1.67 million in scholarships to 93 students.
About WakeEd Partnership
WakeEd Partnership (WakeEd) is a business-backed nonprofit dedicated to supporting the teachers, students, and families of Wake County Public Schools. Founded in 1983, WakeEd works to mobilize the community, support classrooms, and champion strong public schools for all students. Learn more at www.wakeed.org