April will enter Penn West University California Campus this fall to major in Social Work after completing four semesters at Westmoreland County Community College, where she achieved recognition on the Dean’s List and President’s Honor Roll. April’s passion for social work is deeply rooted in her personal experiences as a recovering addict. She is ”proud to be open about her journey, advocating to break the stigma surrounding addiction.” Her definition of success is rooted in resilience and after 4 years of sobriety, she states that her children are a constant source of inspiration driving her to create a better future for them. She is dedicated to utilizing her education and advocacy skills to “make a lasting impact on the lives of others facing similar struggles”, and to “witness the transformative power of compassion and support.” Chrislynn Energy Services, Inc., a 2024 Scholarship Champion and Gold Partner of PAHRA, is proud to underwrite April’s $3,000 scholarship award.
Lindsey has been employed in the nursing field for the past 9 years, and is currently attending Harrisburg Area Community College to advance her career through additional training with a goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. She is involved in several nursing organizations, the KEYS (Keystone Education Yields Success) Program, and volunteers for the Hope Rescue Mission, the Providing Hope food bank, and the Bryant Johnson Foundation, which feeds football, basketball, and cheerleading teams after games. Lindsey defines success as, “Finding balance – striking a harmonious equilibrium between professional accomplishments and the deeper, more profound satisfaction that comes from living authentically and with purpose…embracing all aspects of our lives – the highs and the lows, the triumphs and the challenges – and finding meaning and fulfillment in each and every moment.”
Latif has been attending Penn State University’s Behrend College since 2022 majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He is very involved in a well-rounded mix of extracurricular activities including: the prestigious Schreyer’s Honors College; the National Science Foundation “Stem Leaders” Program; Dean’s List; Delta Chi fraternity fundraisers; THON; and Robotics Club, as well as pickleball and soccer clubs. Latif is a first generational college student, whose family immigrated to the U.S. to provide more opportunities, such as education and employment. As a result, he is determined to make the most of his education and act as a mentor for others in similar situations. He states, “There are many challenges that communities and society as a whole face,” and he feels that gaining valuable technical knowledge through his studies will enable him to “approach problems and address issues with creativity and insight.”
Following graduation, Aaliyah will be entering Alvernia University this fall to major in Early Childhood Education with a Certification in Special Education. She wants to “motivate kids so that they can do anything they put their minds to” and be “the teacher that will make a difference for our next generation.” Aaliyah was raised by empowering women, and although her family was separated for quite some time, the rental assistance provided by Reading Housing Authority “gave my family a home and a new foundation to build on”, providing stability and the ability to be together. Aaliyah’s teachers note that she “holds herself to tough academic standards”, and Reading Mayor Eddie Moran states, “Aaliyah demonstrates sound character, compassion, discipline, honesty, resiliency, and a profound sense of ambition.” Infradapt LLC, a long-term PAHRA Bronze Partner, is pleased to be a 2024 Scholarship Champion and proud to underwrite Aaliyah’s $3,000 scholarship award.
Brian has been accepted and offered various scholarships by a number of eastern Pennsylvania universities including: the Presidential Scholarship at Alvernia University; a Board of Governors Scholarship at Kutztown University; and a Provost Scholar Merit Scholarship at Temple University. He plans to major in Finance when entering college this fall. Installation into the National Honor Society was a proud moment in recognition of Brian’s dedication to academics, but he did not leave behind his passion for sports when his family immigrated to the U.S. from Puerto Rico, remaining active in basketball, baseball, and volleyball. He also notes that JROTC was a significant part of his high school career, “instilling valuable lessons in respect and leadership.” Brian confidently states, “Whatever life throws my way, I’m ready to tackle it head-on, armed with the resilience, determination, and passion that have defined my journey so far.”
Maya will graduate from the Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Psychology (Pre-Med) with an ultimate goal of becoming an OB/GYN. She has been accepted at Gannon University; Penn State Behrend; and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Her academic achievements include Summa Cum Laude Deans List, and she is involved in a lengthy list of extra-curricular, civic, and community activities, including the Future Business Leaders of America where she has competed on local, regional, and state levels. Her teacher and FBLA advisor describes Maya as “a driven leader, showing strong leadership qualities and organizational skills” who has challenged herself academically by taking Honors and Advanced Placement courses. Maya says that the most significant event that has strongly influenced her life is her parents’ decision to come to the United States. She adds, “The airplane tickets also bought me tickets to a better education, life, and society.”
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