Scholarship Recipients 2026

"It is very rewarding. I don't think there is a day that I get up that I don't look forward to seeing the children. You can forget all of your problems in that classroom because you have twenty wonderful little faces there."

- Barbara J. Hughes

Aaliyah Martinez

Aaliyah is attending California State University, Fullerton majoring in Nursing.

Emma Laureano

Emma is attending UC Irvine, majoring in Molecular Biology

<3

Kaylie Schumann

Kaylie is attending University of California, San Diego majoring in Kinesiology

My academic goal is to complete four years to graduate with my degree in Kinesiology and then continue for another three years to accomplish a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT program. I would like to be a Physical Therapist.

Kellis Gillett

Kellis is attending UC Berkley majoring in Psychology, Pediatric Therapist

My career goal is to work as a Pediatric Therapist. She enjoys helping children.

Kristin Nakamura

Kristin is attending Harvey Mudd College majoring in Engineering

I will be studying engineering at Harvey Mudd College. As an aspiring engineer, I want to tackle problems that affect humanity, and I see engineering as the gateway to do so. Even though I don’t know exactly what industry I want to go into in the future, I do know that I want to utilize my passion for engineering to alleviate problems I see in my community. My passion was heavily influenced by my Girl Scout Gold Award, where I partnered with a carbon removal company called Captura to learn firsthand how engineers are confronting climate change. After hours of unearthing the complexities of this technology, I realized the power that engineering holds: it bridges curiosity with care, turning mere ideas into innovation that changes lives. Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing issues of our time, both on a community and global level, and I’m choosing to let that inspire me to innovate rather than frighten me. At college and in my future career path, I want to keep learning and working alongside those who believe that caring deeply is a strength, turning my passion into innovations that honor the world and the people we’re trying to protect.

Kyler Frial

Kyler is attending University of Washington majoring in Pre Architecture and Urban Planning

My academic/career goals are to go to UW for a degree in real estate, then get my MBA at the Foster School of Business, then depending on housing markets/job opportunities decide where I want to continue for a career. I plan on having internships throughout my college experience to set up future opportunities.

Meriem Kabir

Meriem is attending USC majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology

Ever since I was in 1st grade, I knew I wanted to be a heart surgeon. As I got older and learned more about the medical field, I found that working with kids is what I wanted to do and with that I now plan on studying to become a pediatric cardiovascular surgeon. I chose this career path because my years as a kid have been some of the best and most creative years of my life. I believe it is unfair for children to have that taken away from them by some sort of illness. I love being around children and talking to children as their creativity and expression inspires me every time. I believe I will always have my inner child in me that loves to play uno and accuse my brothers of cheating, the part of me that loves to color and draw about 30 different things on 30 different sheets of paper, and the part of me that dreams without limits. I want to be able to give other children the time and quality of life to be able to grow and blossom while holding onto their inner child as well.

Patrick Chifor

Patrick is attending Standford majoring in Engineering

My academic goal is to go to a four year university and get my Masters Degree in Engineering, or more specifically Aerospace Engineering. After getting my degree my dream is to work for NASA as an aerospace engineer who helps design and create rovers and other spacecraft that will explore outer space. Recently I toured the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is where all of NASA’s rovers and most of their spacecraft are built. Touring that facility was truly one of the most incredible experiences of my life and it just solidified my passion and dream for the future.

Sanai Stokes

Sanai is attending California State University Polytechnic, Pomona. Majoring in Business Administration

My academic goal is to graduate from Cal Poly Pomona with my Bachelors degree, and then go to New York University for graduate school.

Shyine Cornwall

Shyine is attending New York University

I would like to pursue the goal of becoming an onstage actor. Alongside this, I plans on double majoring in Political Science or taking a pre-law track in commitment to learning for community development and social justice. Being an activist is a very big part of my life, and I strive to learn both academic and alternative ways to make a difference and bring equality in my community.