The Price of Freedom Scholarship offers students a unique path to academic success while paying tribute to our nation's decorated military veterans. By researching and sharing their powerful stories, you'll not only honor their service but also invest in your own future. This scholarship is conducted in partnership with the Madison County Military Heritage Commission.
Top three winners will receive scholarships of $5,000, $3,000, or $2,000 to support their educational goals.
To preserve history and educate Madison County high school students by engaging them in rigorous research on local veteran heroes, fostering a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by veterans, their families, and communities to safeguard our liberties.
The Price of Freedom Scholarship was established in honor of Lt Col Bob Marshall, USMC, whose dedication to service extended well beyond his military career. After 21 years as a Marine pilot, Lt Col Marshall made significant contributions as an aeronautical engineer in Huntsville, AL. His commitment to community service led him to co-found the Semper Fi Community Task Force and serve as the Chair of the Madison County Military Heritage Commission.
This scholarship provides an opportunity for high school students to research, write, and speak about heroes who have made significant sacrifices in the name of freedom. The aim is to expose these young minds to the profound contributions of veterans, inspiring appreciation and understanding of their sacrifices.
The Price of Freedom Scholarship is open to the following:
The contest consists of two parts: Level One: Research and Write and Level Two: Oral Presentation.
Applicants are to research and write an essay on a Madison County veteran. Sources may include:
Submit your essay along with the official entry form by Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Contestants will be judged based on their essays alone for this first level.
Three submissions will be selected to move forward to this level. Each candidate that reaches this level is guaranteed to receive one of the three scholarships.
Candidates will be informed by Friday, March 13, 2026.
Each will be invited to give a 10-minute presentation summarizing their written essay to the 12-member MCMHC board on On or around April 6, 2026.
The Oral presentation will be the first full week of April 2026. The board will work out the time and day with the candidates after they are selected.