Eric Shellabarger, of Mexico, is one of 10 students nationwide to receive $10,000 from the 2026 Samsung American Legion Scholarship.

The scholarship was available to high school juniors and seniors who attended either the 2026 American Legion Boys State or Auxiliary Girls State session. Applicants must be direct descendants of wartime U.S. military veterans eligible for American Legion membership.

In his application, Shellabarger said he answered a number of questions pertaining to his academics, extracurricular activities and even community service. He was also asked to share a memory of a veteran in his life. Shellabarger chose his great grandfather, who served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

“His favorite memory was whenever he helped service the USS Missouri before it went back into combat during one of its repair times,” Shellabarger said.

In honor of the United States’ Semiquinquennial, Shellabarger’s application also included a question that asked which Founding Father he would like to speak with and why. He chose Benjamin Franklin.

“He was a big leader, but he wasn’t very forefront,” Shellabarger said. “He was very methodical and leads through example. That’s something that I experience at the academy, and I can use that to impact how I act and lead others.”

After graduation, Shellabarger plans to study either computer science or cybersecurity, a path he chose due to some of his experiences at MMA. As a cyber intern with MMA’s Cybersecurity Program, Shellabarger recently competed in a variety of cybersecurity disciplines during the 2026 National Cyber Cup.

He and his team, which was composed of cadets Sean Mumm, of Mexico, Missouri; William Larson, of Foristell, Missouri and John Shadonix, of Dallas, Texas, went on to earn a perfect score. 

Shellabarger still has yet to decide where he wants to go to college. He said he is currently considering both local and international schools, but is still narrowing down his choices to find the right fit. 

During his tenure at MMA, Shellabarger has held a number of leadership positions. He currently serves as battalion executive officer, the second-highest cadet leadership position in the MMA corps of cadets. 

Shellabarger was also captain of the varsity soccer team and an all-district honoree who helped his team reach the state championship in 2024. 

Shellabarger, who received his senior ring on Saturday, said his senior year is going by really quickly.

“I’m excited to experience senior year,” Shellabarger said. “It’s a very memorable time.” 

The Samsung American Legion Scholarship awarded $248,750 in scholarships to 99 high school students who attended either the 2026 American Legion Boys State or Auxiliary Girls State session. Recipients were selected by The American Legion’s Committee on Youth Education during the organization’s annual Fall Meetings in Indianapolis the week of Oct. 5.

Ten national scholars were awarded $10,000, 10 runners-up with $5,000, and 79 state finalists each received $1,250 for undergraduate study.