Excellence in Education scholarship recipients named

Special to Long Beach Breeze

The Long Beach Excellence in Education Foundation (LBEEF) has funded five $1,000 scholarships to 2026 Long Beach High School (LBHS) graduating seniors. To be eligible for consideration, applicants had to possess strong leadership skills, academic achievement, strong work ethic and community involvement.

The LBEEF scholarship honoring Fred Walker was awarded to Sophia Nielson; the LBEEF Connie Tucker Memorial scholarship recipient was Luke Blackhurst; and Long Beach Excellence in Education Foundation scholarships were given to Svetlana Baleyev, Audrey Charman and Trinity Keen.

Sophia Nielsen

Nielson plans to continue her education at the University of Southern Mississippi and study speech and hearing sciences. While at LBHS, Nielson was active in Beta Club, LBHS Marching and Symphonic Band, Bearcat Buddies and the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Team. She was ranked near the top of her graduating class and has been recognized at the Superintendent’s Awards all four years of high school. She has also volunteered in her community with Camp Awesome, Camp Able and with Riding Buddies, all serving individuals with special needs. She earned membership into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society as a dual credit student at MGCCC. Nielson is an active member of Lifeteen at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and is a member of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi Spirit Movers.

Luke Blackhurst

Blackhurst plans to attend Southern Virginia University in the fall and study business, marketing and finance. During high school, he was involved in National Honor Society, Student Council, EPIC (recycling club), and was recognized all four years at the Superintendent’s Awards. Blackhurst was also involved in athletics as member of the track, cross country and soccer teams. He was on the soccer team when they won two state championships, and he served as Captain during his senior year. Blackhurst is also a certified soccer referee and enjoys playing piano. He was honored with multiple recognitions in the LBHS Who’s Who and has served his community as a volunteer with Camp Able, Buddy Ball and Food Drop.

Svetlana Baleyev

Svetlana Baleyev plans to attend the University of Mississippi and pursue a political science degree. While at LBHS, she was very active in band, serving as Band Council President and Head Drum Major. She was President of LBHS