Scholarships

Current Scholarships

Our 2025-2026 Scholarship applications are opening on April 4th, 2025.

Application Instructions:

Complete all components of the application, including signing where required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Step 1: Application Form

  • Complete the online form via the QR code (coming soon) or print and complete the form from our website (coming soon).

Step 2: Gather Materials

  • Prepare your personal statement and any other supporting documents.

Step 3: Submit Materials

  • Place your personal statement, supporting documents, and (if applicable) the paper form in a manila envelope.
  • Address the envelope to Pineapple Willy’s Foundation, Inc.
  • Seal the envelope and deliver it to a manager at:
    Wicked Wheel Restaurant
    10025 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407

All materials must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. CT on June 5.

10025 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407

Application Deadline is Friday, May 9, 2025 at 6:00PM Central time zone.

Late applications will not be reviewed.

Objectives:

The Pineapple Willy’s Foundation, Inc. (the “Foundation”) was established in accordance with the wishes of the late William A. (“Bill”) Buskell, known by many as “Pineapple.”  Bill was a long-time resident and businessman in the hospitality industry in Bay County with an unwavering commitment to improving and supporting his community.  This scholarship is dedicated to recognizing, celebrating, and continuing his efforts to support and improve the Bay County community.  By providing financial support to deserving students pursuing professional growth, the William A. Buskell Memorial Scholarship aspires to leave a lasting and positive impact by continuing Bill’s legacy, and inspiring future generations to embrace a spirit of philanthropy and community service.

Selection Criteria:

Applicants must (i) work in Bay County, (ii) be a resident of Bay County, or (iii) be the dependent of someone who is a resident of or who works in Bay County.

Applicants must have specific plans to attend a college or trade school for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Foundation will consider and may give preference based upon a variety of additional factors when evaluating application forms and supporting documents (each an “Application”) and making award decisions, including, but not limited to:

  • Whether the applicant is employed in the hospitality industry or is a dependent of someone who is employed in the hospitality industry.
  • The location of the applicant’s education program.
  • The applicant’s educational and career goals.
  • Whether the applicant has served in the military in any capacity.
  • The applicant’s commitment to Bay County.
  • The applicant’s financial need.
  • The applicant’s academic merit, to the extent it reflects the level of dedication to the applicant’s specific educational goals.

Scholarship Details:

For a scholarship recipient, the Foundation may pay up to $10,000.00 for qualified educational expenses for the academic year from August 2025 through July 2026.  Education-related expenses might include tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, etc.

The Foundation will make scholarship award determinations at its sole discretion. Awards will be paid directly to the educational institution or other third-party payee. If a scholarship recipient, before receiving this award, has made a payment to a third party the Foundation determines should be covered by this scholarship, the Foundation may, in its sole discretion, reimburse such expense with acceptable proof of payment by the recipient. Recipients must permit the Foundation to communicate with any third-party payees regarding the recipient, and any refunds, if any, must be made directly to the Foundation.  undation may, in its sole discretion, reimburse such expense with acceptable proof of payment by the recipient. Recipients must permit the Foundation to communicate with any third-party payees regarding the recipient, and any refunds, if any, must be made directly to the Foundation.  

Previous Scholarships

If you have questions that are not answered on this scholarship page or our applications, please refer to our FAQ page.