Lorraine Thomas Scholarship
Supporting the Next Generation of the Fort Lauderdale Fire Family
The Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety Museum is proud to announce the Lorraine Thomas Scholarship, an annual merit-based scholarship established to honor the life, generosity, and lasting legacy of Mrs. Lorraine Thomas.
This scholarship reflects Mrs. Thomas’s deep belief in education, personal character, and opportunity. Through this program, the Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety Museum continues its mission of preserving the history of the Fort Lauderdale Fire Department while investing in the future of the families who serve our community every day.
Lorraine Thomas was known for her compassion, generosity, and unwavering support of education and community service. As the wife of Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, she remained deeply committed to giving back and supporting causes that helped strengthen families and create opportunities for young people.
The Lorraine Thomas Scholarship stands as a tribute to those values. It recognizes students who have grown up within the Fort Lauderdale fire service family and who demonstrate academic achievement, integrity, and a commitment to building a meaningful future.
Scholarship Awards
For the 2026 academic year, the Lorraine Thomas Scholarship Fund will award:
- One $2,500 scholarship
- One $1,500 scholarship
- Two $500 scholarships
Scholarships are awarded based on merit, with academic achievement serving as the most important factor. The Selection Committee also considers personal character, leadership qualities, extracurricular activities, and community service when reviewing applications.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a dependent child or stepchild of an active, retired, or fallen sworn Fort Lauderdale firefighter who has completed probation
- Be a high school senior or college freshman
- Plan to enroll as a full-time student in an accredited college, university, or technical institute for the upcoming academic year
Application Deadline
All application materials must be received by: May 8, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Scholarship recipients will be notified by May 22, 2026.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit a completed application along with all required supporting documents, including transcripts and letters of recommendation. Detailed instructions and application forms are available through the Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety Museum using the download buttons above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Lorraine Thomas Scholarship?
Eligible applicants are dependent children or stepchildren of active, retired, or fallen sworn Fort Lauderdale firefighters who have completed probation. Applicants must be high school seniors or college freshmen and must intend to enroll full-time in an accredited college, university, or technical institute.
How much are the scholarship awards?
For the 2026 academic year, awards include one $2,500 scholarship, one $1,500 scholarship, and two $500 scholarships.
When is the application deadline?
All application materials must be received by May 8, 2026 at 4:30 PM.
When will recipients be notified?
Recipients will be notified by May 22, 2026.
What materials are required for the application?
Applicants must submit a completed application and all required supporting documents, including transcripts and letters of recommendation. Refer to the Scholarship Instructions PDF for a full checklist.
Is there an essay requirement?
Yes. Applicants must submit a typed essay responding to the prompt included in the application materials. The essay must be single-spaced and not exceed 500 words.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
Scholarships are merit-based, with academic achievement as the primary factor. The Selection Committee also considers character, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and community service.
Where do I get the application and instructions?
Use the download buttons at the top of this page to access the Scholarship Instructions and Application PDFs.
Honoring the Past. Supporting the Future.
The Lorraine Thomas Scholarship represents the Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety Museum’s ongoing commitment to honoring those who serve while supporting the next generation of leaders, scholars, and community members. Through this scholarship, we proudly invest in the future of the Fort Lauderdale fire service family.
