Talisse Patterson was killed in a shooting over the weekend. The 17-year-old was enrolled in the Annie Ruth Foundation’s internship program and hoped to become a neurosurgeon.
A Jacksonville nonprofit is creating a scholarship to honor Talisse Patterson, the 17-year-old who was fatally shot outside a Halloween party along Arlington Expressway over the weekend.
The Annie Ruth Foundation said it will launch the 2027 Talisse Patterson Scholarship Fund in the teenager’s memory. The fund will help another student pursue an education and career in line with Patterson’s ambitions.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Patterson was waiting in line outside the party when a dispute erupted among people trying to get inside. The confrontation turned violent when shots were fired, killing Patterson and wounding two others.
Patterson was among 125 high school students participating in the Annie Ruth Foundation’s 2027 internship program, which began in July.
Dee Wilcox, the foundation’s founder and CEO, said Patterson quickly distinguished herself through her enthusiasm, leadership and infectious smile.
“We noticed Talisse right away,” Wilcox said. “Every student is a leader in their own way, and they come to us for additional training and development. But Talisse was one of those students who truly stood out because of her bright smile and enthusiasm.”
Wilcox said Patterson maintained a 3.9 GPA and was working toward her goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.
The foundation’s board voted to create the scholarship as a lasting tribute to Patterson and as a way to encourage another student with similar medical aspirations.
The $1,000 award will be offered to a student from Patterson’s 2027 internship cohort who intends to pursue a career in medicine or another area of the medical field.
Scholarship applications will open Jan. 1, 2027.
Wilcox said the foundation hopes community donations will help grow the fund and allow it to support students for years to come.
“Through this scholarship, we hope to keep Talisse’s memory and spirit alive,” Wilcox said.