Dream Builder Scholarship Fund (USS Indianapolis & Hunter Scott)

Dream Builder Scholarship Fund

Funder: Community Foundation of Northwest Florida

Award Amount: $1,000 per scholarship

Purpose and Background

The Dream Builder Scholarship Fund honors the USS Indianapolis and Hunter Scott. The fund was established with a $25,000 gift from the Goodall Family Charitable Foundation to honor the legacy of:

• Lt. Wilbur Charles "Chuck" Gwinn - Navy pilot who discovered survivors from the USS Indianapolis
• Hunter Scott - When he was in 6th grade in Pensacola, he heard about the USS Indianapolis in the movie JAWS and conducted a National History Day project on the event. His work led to a United States Congressional Investigation and the exoneration of Captain Charles Butler McVay, III in 2000.

Historical Context

The USS Indianapolis was sunk by the Japanese, killing an estimated 300 of 1,197 men aboard. Nearly 900 survivors floated in the Philippine Sea without lifeboats. Only 317 men survived after a rescue effort. The story encompasses themes of heroism, loyalty, brotherhood, service to country, and survival against all odds.

Current Status

• Presently offers one (1) $1,000 scholarship
• Part of the program at Pensacola High School in conjunction with the IB Program
• As the fund grows, CFNWF can offer more scholarships

Geographic Scope

Pensacola, Florida area

Contact Information

For donations to this fund:
• Email: Cathy Laird, claird@cfnwf.org
• Mail: CFNWF, 17 W. Cedar St. Ste. 2, Pensacola, FL 32502

Additional Resources

• In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Tale of its' Survivors by Doug Stanton
• Left for Dead: A Young Man's Search for Justice for the USS Indianapolis by Pete Nelson (with preface by Hunter Scott)