ERLANGER, Ky. – DAV (Disabled American Veterans) has named Jacob Weber of Canton, Michigan, as the recipient of the 2023 DAV Scholarships’ top prize of $30,000. Weber will be recognized Aug. 5 during the 2023 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The DAV Scholarships honor 10 students each year for their volunteer support of veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Program and through DAV’s Local Veterans Assistance Program (LVAP).

Weber, 19, is a 2022 graduate of Salem High School in Canton and recently finished his freshman year at Michigan State University. Five years ago, he started Treats for Troops, distributing candy to veterans at the VA medical center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. That project led him to start, among other volunteer initiatives, Stockings for Soldiers and Cards That Care, distributing care packages and letters to veterans at the VA medical center. He recruited classmates to help and mentored others to continue the projects in his absence.

“Volunteering has opened my eyes to the world around me,” said Weber. “[It has] brought me joy, gave me a sense of accomplishment and helped me express my gratitude.”

He said the scholarship will help him continue pursuing his degree in supply chain management.

“Serving veterans is at the heart of what DAV does, and our scholarship winners are great examples of our organization’s values,” said DAV National Commander Joe Parsetich. “By giving of their time and energy, each of these students has made a significant impact in the lives of veterans in their communities. We are proud to recognize their efforts and are excited to watch the bright futures of these leaders unfold.”

Additional scholarship recipients include:
$20,000 – Suraj Vadapalli of Houston, Texas
$15,000 – Kyla Griffin of Concord, North Carolina
$10,000 – Destiny Klinkhammer of Racine, Wisconsin
$7,500 – Jalynn Justice of Sugar Land, Texas
$7,500 – Kaitlyn Horton of Sheridan, Arkansas
$5,000 – Adam Kelley of Cincinnati, Ohio
$5,000 – Jes Robison of Powderly, Kentucky
$5,000 – Seojin Kim of Irvine, California
$5,000 – Simran Kaur Singh of San Jose, California

DAV awards $110,000 in scholarships each year to inspire volunteerism in students. Photos and media may be made available upon request.

 

About DAV
DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: keeping our promise to America’s veterans. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them, fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill, providing employment resources to veterans and their families, and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a nonprofit organization with more than 1 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932.