This year, we proudly awarded $43,500 in scholarships to nine outstanding and deserving students. In just five years, the Buddy McKeel Scholarship has awarded an incredible $193,500 to 43 graduates—all children of Carteret County first responders. What an incredible blessing and impact this program continues to make!
Congratulations to the 2026 class of recipients! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Gary McKeel (BMS Board Chair), Ryland Hoffman (left), Kaylee Forcier (center), Kaylie Awalt (right), and Courtney Wade (Morehead City Fire Chief)
Gracie Fulcher (left, presenter and 2022 BMS recipient), Joseph Mason (left), Skylar Ivester (right), and Franklin Fulcher (BMS Board Member)
Gary McKeel (BMS Board Chair), John Nyberg (Chief Deputy of Carteret County Sheriff’s Department), Charles Walker (center right), and Lieutenant Timmy Quillen
Garland Yopp (left), Emma Smith (center), and Riley-Grace Parker (right)
Buddy McKeel Scholarship for Children of First Responders 