Carson Scholars Fund Announces the 2026 Carson Scholars Representing Allegany County

CUMBERLAND, Md. — April 21, 2026 — The Carson Scholars Fund is pleased to announce the naming of 706 new scholars and 994 recognized scholars this year, making up the largest cohort in our 30-year history. From this group, 232 students from across Maryland received $1,000 college scholarships while 348 Maryland students renewed their status as multi-time Carson Scholars.

Within Allegany County, five students received a scholarship this year, including Adaline Carder, Fort Hill High School, Grade 11; Anna Hampton, Braddock Middle School, Grade 8; Corinna Hilderbrand, Allegany High School, Grade 11; Madelyn Moran, Northeast Elementary, Grade 4; and Abigail Shipley, Parkside Elementary School, Grade 5. 

Four students received the prestigious honor of renewing their status as Carson Scholars, including Cameron Breighner, Mountain Ridge High School, Grade 12; Kristina Kucher, Allegany High School, Grade 10; Connor Sheehe, Allegany High School, Grade 9; and Wil Turner, Fort Hill High School, Grade 10. 

What began in 1996 with 25 scholarships in Maryland has now grown to 4,365 scholars across the state celebrated for their academic achievements and humanitarian qualities.

Students selected as scholarship winners range from grades 4 through 11 who demonstrate commitment to academics, leadership and serving others, truly embodying the spirit of Carson Scholars. Students who previously received the scholarship have maintained these commitments and now hold the title of multi-time Carson Scholars. 

These young men and women are inspiring change through fundraising and creating nonprofit organizations aimed at bettering health outcomes, literacy and inclusivity, while also fueling innovation through the creation of apps, AI-tools, medical devices and educational curricula designed to reach new audiences. 

The 2026 cohort of Carson Scholars will be celebrated at a series of six awards banquets across the country this spring. The 30th annual Maryland Carson Scholars Awards Ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 17 at The Hall at LIVE! To view a complete list of the 2026 Carson Scholars, visit www.carsonscholars.org. 

The Carson Scholars Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that was founded in 1994 by now retired Johns Hopkins pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Benjamin Carson and his wife, Candy. The Carson Scholars Fund recognizes and rewards students in grades 4 -11 who strive for academic excellence (3.75 GPA or higher) and demonstrate a strong commitment to their community.