GA Scholarship Recipient Keeps Family First

Apr 1, 2026

By Griffin Fletcher

Operations Manager

Hudson Zaragoza

Underneath the Spanish-moss-covered oak trees of Savannah, Georgia, Hudson Zaragoza was raised in a very close-knit family. In fact, Hudson and his sister, Adeline, couldn't possibly be much closer without being twins - they were born just 11 months apart. Hudson's dad, PBA member Michael Zaragoza, reflected on having two children so close together, noting that Hudson and Adeline were always very competitive. "When Hudson played baseball, Adeline had to play. When Adeline started basketball, that meant that Hudson had to play basketball." The two didn't have much of a choice but to be close, though - they were even in the same grade in school - and Michael said that, despite the constant competition between his Irish twins, he wouldn't have had it any other way.

A few years after his sister was born, Hudson's youngest brother, Marlon, entered the picture, but the four-year age gap has never mattered much to them. "Growing up, we played all the same sports, played video games together, wiffleball in the yard. As he got older, he became my closest friend, and we would do everything together."

Hudson and his siblings consider themselves fortunate to have had each other growing up, but they are most thankful for the unwavering love and support of their parents. Hudson recalls that Michael and his wife, Andrea, kept their children's futures in mind with every decision they made as parents. "Hanging out with my mom after school" and "seeing my dad [acting like] a kid after he got off from work was the highlight of a lot of my days," said Hudson.

The Zaragoza family

At Islands High School in Savannah, Hudson was the epitome of a well-rounded student. He was an athlete, playing travel and varsity baseball and varsity football. He was a leader, founding the school's newspaper club, which gave his fellow students a place to voice their opinions and spread the word about organizations and events that they were interested in. He was a servant, both to his community and to communities abroad. In Savannah, Hudson volunteered his time as an official in football, soccer, and little league baseball games. He also traveled to Kenya on a mission trip, where he worked to improve schools and hospitals and spent time teaching and playing with the local children. Hudson also made time to work in high school, both as a lifeguard at a country club and a server at a local restaurant. Through it all, he maintained terrific grades despite taking on a total of eight Advanced Placement courses. (He had to, because Adeline was making good grades, too - Michael noted that the competition between the two extended into the classroom. They even motivated each other to perform better on standardized tests like SAT, largely because each wanted to out-do the other.)

Hudson didn't miss out on the social aspect of high school, either. He managed to have plenty of fun with a good group of friends that he has had since middle school. They worked out together, played golf, and watched football. "We all have a unique sense of humor and love to mess around and make fun of each other."

When asked about a high school memory that stands out, Hudson recounted a time when he felt his perseverance and determination come to fruition: earning a starting role on the varsity baseball team in his senior year. "The class a year above me had 13 players, and finding playing time behind a group of guys that had all been playing together for the coach longer was difficult. Being able to step into a starting role as a leader was a big accomplishment."

Hudson with his younger brother, Marlon

When graduation came, Hudson had earned admission to UGA and jumped at the chance to attend a school that offered everything he was looking for: strong academics, respected athletics programs, and plentiful social opportunities. Though he was able to take advantage of in-state tuition, college presented significant financial challenges for Hudson just as it does for so many of us. The PBF was pleased to present him with a well-earned scholarship to ease the burden.

Now that he is settling in as a freshman at Georgia, Hudson has chosen to study finance and real estate. "I have always been interested in the way that money moves," he said. He plans to pursue a career in investment banking or real estate. As he always has, Hudson is working hard in the classroom, staying active, and making sure to stay plugged-in socially, especially through his fraternity. Amid the stresses of college life, he has a unique way of unwinding: long walks at night. "I originally walked my dogs at night, and I realized how peaceful [nights] are compared to everything else that happens during the day. I like the silence and movement as it allows me to think by myself and be outside during the cooler part of the day."

PBA member Michael Zaragoza with his children, Adeline and Hudson, at their graduation

Though he's out of the house he grew up in for the first time, Hudson still values his family above all else. When asked about his personal interests and hobbies, he listed several: golf, the gym, going to the beach, walking his dogs - but he added: "I especially like to do all of these with my little brother." He said that the person who has had the greatest influence on his life is, of course, his younger sister. "She has always been my biggest supporter and biggest competitor," he said. "She also makes me want to become a better version of myself." (Unsurprisingly, college couldn't separate the Irish twins - Adeline is a freshman at UGA as well, so the competition continues in Athens.) And when he discusses his plans for the future, Hudson keeps one special priority in mind. "I wish to build a supportive and stable family, similar to the one I was raised in, and be able to teach my children the lessons I have learned."

Like so many SSPBA families, Michael and Andrea Zaragoza are raising children who grow up witnessing firsthand the importance of hard work, sacrifice, and service. These children become well-adjusted adults who value their families and communities and aim to make the world around them a better place. Hudson is a perfect example of this. The PBF is proud to support him and wishes him the best on his journey.