There’s something about Super Bowl week that makes you think about sacrifice. The players sacrifice their bodies. Coaches sacrifice time with their families. But Drake Maye wants us to remember a different kind of sacrifice this week.
The New England Patriots quarterback, along with his corporate partner Betterment, just established seven Folds of Honor scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year. These aren’t your typical athlete charity donations. They’re life-changing educational opportunities for the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders.
A Personal Connection
Maye’s involvement isn’t just good PR. His grandfather, Ed Sockwell, served in the United States Navy. That personal connection to military service drove Maye to get involved with Folds of Honor Boston when the chapter formed in 2024.
“We’re grateful to our brand ambassador, Drake Maye, for introducing us to this incredible organization,” said Betterment Chief Marketing Officer Kim Rosenblum. “The cost of education should never stand in the way of pursuing a better future.”
This marks the second year of Maye’s partnership with Folds of Honor. Over the past two years, 14 educational scholarships have been awarded through his efforts. Two scholarships went to each New England state, plus two to his alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Meet the Recipients
The 2025-26 scholarship recipients represent the diversity of dreams that military families hold. Madelyn Coble is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, a Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Linguistics, and a minor in Chemistry at UNC Chapel Hill. Her father, United States Marine Corps Major Christopher Coble, served 22 years with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Madelyn balances advanced microscopy research with volunteering as a Spanish medical translator and marathon training. She plans to pursue a PhD in cell biology. In a video she created about receiving the scholarship, her gratitude is evident.
Other recipients include Caitlin Haggett studying Applied Psychology at Northern Vermont University, Colvin Hamm pursuing Business at Eastern Maine Community College, Ryan Bowe in Nursing at Rhode Island College, Jared Mitchell studying Aerospace at Middle Tennessee University, Hailey DeNucci in Nursing at Southern Connecticut State University and Adam Laber studying Accounting Technician and Bookkeeping at Salve Regina University.
The Golf Connection
Folds of Honor has deep roots in golf. The organization was founded in 2007 by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, who holds a unique distinction as the only person to serve as both an F-16 fighter pilot with three combat tours in Iraq and a PGA Professional. He currently serves as Commander of Recruiting for the Oklahoma Air Guard.
The organization hosts the Folds of Honor Collegiate and the Folds of Honor Greats of Golf at Insperity. Its partnership with the PGA Tour includes Folds of Honor Friday at 50 Tour-wide events last year and Patriot Golf Days with the PGA.
Credit: Folds of Honor Foundation
Making an Impact
Since its founding, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 73,000 educational scholarships totaling over $340 million across all 50 states. Among the students served, 43 percent are minorities and 57 percent are female. The organization maintains a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and Platinum status on Candid, with 91 percent of expenses funding scholarships.
The Boston Chapter, formed in 2024, plays a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s reach throughout New England. There are now 38 Folds of Honor chapters nationwide.
“Betterment’s commitment to promoting financial well-being perfectly aligns with our mission to provide life-changing scholarships to deserving families,” said Jeff Alpaugh, Co-President of the Boston Chapter and President of Aon North America. “We are honored to welcome them into our family. A special thank you to Drake Maye for lending his voice to raise awareness for Folds of Honor in New England and beyond.”
As the Super Bowl approaches, Maye’s work reminds us that the biggest wins happen off the field.