Investing in the Future: Gear Up Surplus Awards "Cadet of Excellence" Scholarships to Local JROTC Students

Celebrating Service, Leadership, and the next geneartion at the 2025 Partners in Education Luncheon

Honoring Excellence in Our Youth

On May 14th, 2025, Gear Up Surplus proudly awarded its inaugural “Cadet of Excellence” Scholarships to two outstanding local JROTC cadets on the Space Coast in Florida:

• Isabella Adorno of Titusville High School
• Kayleigh Akins of Astronaut High School

Each student received a $1,000 scholarship during the Partners in Education Luncheon hosted by the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce. The luncheon celebrated educational partnerships and student achievement, and this new scholarship marked a significant addition to the Chamber’s efforts to uplift youth leaders with a heart for service.

Why We Created the "Cadet of Excellence" Scholarship

The idea for the scholarship was born from a desire to give back in a way that directly supports the next generation of leaders. The Titusville Chamber of Commerce has long emphasized education, including the well-established Rising Stars scholarship for students in financial need. Gear Up Surplus, with its deep ties to the military and first responder community, saw an opportunity to complement that effort.

“With our close ties to active duty members, veterans, first responders, and JROTC students who use us for gear, we wanted to do something that serves those who serve — or intend to serve — our great country,” said Amer Hatoum, owner of Gear Up Surplus and Chair of the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Why JROTC

Choosing JROTC students as the focus of the scholarship was an intentional decision aligned with Gear Up’s values. Many of these students have committed themselves to future military service — a commitment that demands discipline, selflessness, and leadership.

“We have a lot of love and respect for our military members and veterans. We would not enjoy the freedoms we do today if it weren’t for what our veterans have done and what our current military continues to do,” Hatoum said.

A Mission Rooted in Service

Gear Up Surplus exists not just as a retail business, but as a vital resource for those who protect, serve, and prepare. Its mission has always been service-first — supporting communities during natural disasters, public health emergencies, and even international crises.

“We’ve been a reliable source for medical and survival gear during COVID, helped supply organizations supporting allies overseas, and supported countless Floridians preparing for hurricanes,” Hatoum said. “We continue to be a store that provides gear you’d rather have and not need than need and not have — and if you do need it, we most likely have it. That’s how we serve like-minded, patriotic, America-first citizens.”

A Meaningful Moment at the Parters in Education Luncheon 

The Partners in Education Luncheon was hosted by the Titusville Area Chamber of Commerce and attended by key community and education leaders. Among the guests were:

• Dr. Mark Rendell, Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools
• Megan Wright, Brevard County School Board Member, District 1
• Andrew Connors, Mayor of Titusville

Several local businesses, including Gear Up Surplus, sponsored the event. During the ceremony, the two recipients were celebrated for their achievements, character, and commitment to serve. Both Isabella Adorno and Kayleigh Akins shared their plans to enter the military — either in active duty or reserves — and later pursue higher education.

The selection process required students to answer questions and write a personal essay detailing their goals, challenges, and community involvement — revealing their dedication not just to school and JROTC, but to volunteerism and overcoming adversity.

Local Partnership that Powers Progress

The scholarship was further strengthened by the involvement of Geico Local Insurance – Kyle Bradfield, a fellow community leader and past executive board member of the Chamber. Bradfield, who has also contributed to the Chamber’s Rising Stars scholarship, stepped up to support this new initiative as well.

His involvement is a reminder of what’s possible when small businesses and community advocates unite around shared values and a common goal: empowering youth.

Looking Ahead

This is just the beginning. The Cadet of Excellence Scholarship will now become an annual award, with goals to either increase the number of recipients or raise the scholarship amount in future years.

“We want this to grow. Whether we can help more students or make a bigger impact with each award, we’re committed to continuing this tradition,” Hatoum shared.

Supporting the Mission: One Purchase at a Time

Since 2009, Gear Up Surplus has served Brevard County and beyond with military surplus, tactical gear, police and security duty gear, and survival supplies. Under Amer Hatoum’s leadership since 2019, the business has expanded its inventory and impact — becoming a trusted partner to those who serve and a pillar of the Titusville community.

Learn more, shop, or support the mission at GearUpFL.com — because every purchase helps fuel efforts like this one.